Winter in Tibet is a hidden gem for travelers, offering a serene and tranquil experience in Lhasa. With snow-dusted landmarks and a quiet, less crowded atmosphere, it's another great window to immerse yourself in the city's spiritual beauty.

Though the cold temperatures and thinner air may pose challenges, the right hotel can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable stay. Read on for essential tips on finding the perfect accommodation in Lhasa during winter, along with top hotel recommendations for all levels.

All Hotels in Lhasa are Open in Winter, Offering Big Discounts

Unlike before, most of the quality hotels in Lhasa are well-maintained and open all year-round, providing key facilities like heating and oxygen systems to ensure you a comfortable stay in winter. These features help you adjust to the high altitude, making your Tibet trip more comfortable and stress-free.

Moreover, winter is Tibet's off-season, which brings lower hotel prices. You can enjoy luxury stays at five-star hotels for the cost of a four-star in peak season, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious visitors to experience Lhasa’s hospitality at a reduced rate. Hotel prices are generally 30% to 40% lower than during the peak season.

Good news is that hotel quality improvements extend beyond Lhasa, making the whole Tibet more accessible. Even on a Everest Base Camp tour, where conditions can be harsh, winter accommodations are cozy and well-equipped, ensuring comfort across the region year-round.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Join the most popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour for your next journey in Tibet!

Best 5-Star Hotels in Lhasa for Your Winter Trip: Professional Recommendations

For those seeking luxury accommodations, Lhasa offers renowned international hotel brands in winter. The St. Regis, Shangri-La, and InterContinental are top choices. These hotels feature luxurious amenities, including oxygen supply systems, spacious rooms, and air conditioning. Conveniently located, they ensure a warm and comfortable stay during your winter tour in Lhasa.

These three hotels each offer unique advantages. For example, the St. Regis Lhasa, with its traditional Tibetan décor in both the lobby and rooms, is a favorite among tourists. The Shangri-La is ideal for families, offering a variety of dining options and a bar that serves international drinks. The InterContinental, with around 500 rooms, is perfect for large groups.

In terms of pricing, the St. Regis is the most expensive, costing around $150 per night. The Shangri-La follows at approximately $130 per night, while the InterContinental is the most affordable, at about $120 per night. These prices are significantly lower than during peak season, when a room at a 5-star hotel typically costs between $230 and $300 per night.
- Click here to view detailed information about these three five star hotels.

St. Regis Hotel in Lhasa.

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour: Explore the Heart of Tibet and Mingle with the Locals

Tour Route: Lhasa

Price from USD509 p.p

Encounter devoted Tibetan pilgrims and experience intriguing local Tibetan life at bustling Barkhor Street in Lhasa.

Highly Recommended 4-Star Hotels in Lhasa for A Winter Trip

In addition to luxury options, Lhasa also offers several 4-star hotels that cater to a range of tourist needs. For comfortable and affordable accommodations, consider the top three 4-star hotels listed below, all with great locations and best price in winter.

The Four Points by Sheraton is a top 4-star hotel in Lhasa, located on Bolinka Road, just south of the city. Rooms feature traditional Tibetan décor, and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a wellness spa, and excellent concierge services. The restaurant serves Tibetan, Nepalese, and Chinese cuisines. Winter prices start at just $95 per night.

Hilton Garden Inn, located at BLD1 Xianghe Yungu, offers 129 air-conditioned rooms with LCD TVs, memory foam beds, and rainfall showers. It's 10 minutes from Tibet Museum and about 4 miles from Norbulingka and Potala Palace. Amenities include free wired internet, luggage storage, and free self-parking. Price during winter ranges from around $90 per night.

Thangka Hotel, located around 50 meters from Jokhang Temple, offers a wellness spa, free Wi-Fi, and PC access. Rooms are spacious with en-suite showers, wooden bathtubs, and air-conditioning. The lobby features Tibetan décor, while rooms are modern. The restaurant serves various cuisines. Rates start at $168 per night for a suite in the winter.

You can see Barkhor street and Jokhang Temple on view platform of Thangka hotel.

5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Take a 360° Tour and Visit the Loneliest Temple in the World

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa

Price from USD689 p.p

Join our popular Lhasa Yamdrok small group tour to exlpore the holy lakes in Tibet!

Best 3-Star Hotels in Lhasa for Winter Tour: Consider 4-Star Options

For most tourists, a comfortable and affordable stay is the ideal choice. With that in mind, we've put together a list of the top three three-star hotels for your winter visit. Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel, Xinding Hotel, and The House of Shambhala are all excellent options. Each of these hotels is conveniently located near Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, featuring stylish Tibetan decor.

Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel, near Jokhang Temple, offers traditional Tibetan decor, free Wi-Fi, and a cozy coffee shop. Xinding Hotel features family-friendly rooms with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and services like free breakfast and parking. The House of Shambhala, steps from Barkhor Street, combines Tibetan style with family rooms, select Wi-Fi, and a café with diverse cuisine.

All three hotels are priced around $30 per night, making them an excellent choice for budget travelers looking to stay during the winter. However, please note that, given the price, these hotels do not provide supplemental oxygen. Since four-star hotels are still relatively affordable, we recommend upgrading if your budget permits, as it will significantly enhance your experience.

Xinding Hotel in Lhasa.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD989 p.p

Enjoy the Himalayan Range on the way to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp from Lhasa.

More Tips for Hotels in Lhasa for Winter Stay

1. Book in advance: although winter is considered the off-season, it's still recommended to book your hotel in advance. This way, you can secure a room with the best view, such as one with a direct sightline to the Potala Palace.

2. If budget allows, please choose a hotel that offers oxygen systems in rooms or at least has an oxygen bar in the lobby. This will help you acclimatize more easily and avoid altitude sickness in Tibet during your stay.

3. Check Heating Systems: Ensure your hotel provides sufficient heating. While most hotels in Lhasa offer this, confirm in advance. Electric or central heating will keep your room warm, even in freezing temperatures.

4. Ask for the humidifier: Since winter in Tibet is quite dry, you can request a humidifier from room service of your hotel in advance to enhance your stay and for a better sleep.

5. Although greatly improved, hotels in Tibet may not match the standards of major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu due to its remote location. Be patient and embrace Tibet's unique charm with open mid.

Conclusion

Winter is the perfect time for budget-conscious travelers to experience the beauty and serenity of Lhasa, with discounted hotel prices and comfortable accommodations available throughout the season. By planning ahead and choosing hotels with essential amenities like heating and oxygen support, you can enjoy a warm and stress-free stay.

Whether opting for a luxury five-star resort or a cozy budget-friendly option, winter offers a unique opportunity to explore Tibet's cultural wonders at a fraction of the usual cost. Contact us for more details about hotels in Lhasa during winter.