Discovering the perfect places to stay in Tibet can greatly enhance your Tibet tour experience. From modern city hotels to border town guesthouses, this guide will help you find the ideal accommodations for your journey through the Roof of the World.

Top 6 Tourist Places to Stay in Tibet with Various Types of Hotels

Tibet is a vast region with many cities and counties, but not all of them are suitable choices for an overnight stay during your visit to the plateau. Some places, such as Ngari and northern Tibet, have rather high elevations that are not suitable for overnight stays, especially for tourists who are not accustomed to the plateau environment.

In fact, most of the hotels in Tibet are located in low-altitude areas, around popular tourist attractions, or along classic trip itineraries. Here, we present the top 6 tourist destinations in Tibet with a variety of hotel options, including Lhasa city, Shigatse city, Nyingchi city, Tsedang city, Darchen, and Gyirong.

Lhasa city is undoubtedly the top choice for staying in Tibet, with a lower altitude of approximately 3650 meters. It boasts numerous world-famous attractions such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in the downtown area. For tourists planning to visit western Tibet, like Everest Base Camp, Shigatse city is also a popular place to stay, serving as the gateway and the second-largest city in Tibet.

Lhasa city is one of the top tourist destinations in Tibet with numerous hotel options.

For tourists intending to explore the eastern part of Tibet, Nyingchi city is an excellent option. It not only offers various types of hotels but also provides convenient transportation to remote smaller cities in eastern Tibet. Similarly, Tsedang, with an average altitude of 3100 meters, serves as the central point and base for exploring attractions in central Tibet, such as Yamdrok Lake.

While Mount Kailash may have a slightly higher elevation, the village at the foot of the mountain, Darchen, is a popular place for accommodations. Compared to the elevations of other places in Ngari, Darchen (4,575 meters) is relatively average and serves as an important base camp for numerous tourists and pilgrims visiting Mt. Kailash.

Darchen village is a popular place for accommodations for tourists visiting Mount Kailash.

Along the classic overland route between Lhasa and Kathmandu, Gyirong is also a favored place for an overnight stay. It is situated at an altitude of 2700 meters, making it especially suitable for acclimatization before traveling to higher altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau.

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Lhasa: The Provincial Capital of Tibet, with Most Types of Hotels Available to Stay

Accommodation in Lhasa offers a wide range of options catering to almost every budget. From luxurious five-star hotels that provide a lavish experience to more budget-friendly local guesthouses for those with minimal funds, Lhasa has something to offer every visitor to this provincial capital city.

Among the upscale hotels, the St. Regis Resort stands out as a five-star gem in Lhasa. It is conveniently located near the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, nestled on the bustling Jiangsu Road. Established in 2010 by this renowned hotel chain, it proudly holds the title of the most luxurious garden hotel in all of Tibet.

Lhasa St. Regis Resort is a 5-star hotel in Lhasa.

If you're seeking a four-star hotel, the Xinding Hotel surpasses expectations. Situated on Jinzhu Road, it's in close proximity to the majestic Potala Palace while still within easy walking distance of the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. With 131 elegantly appointed rooms and a choice of Chinese and Western dining options, it ensures a comfortable stay.

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, the Tashitakge Hotel awaits. This small 25-room hotel is situated in the Chengguan District, just around 200 meters from Lhasa's city center. Both the Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace are easily reachable on foot, making it a longtime favorite among both businessmen and tourists. The hotel boasts a charming Nepali design, and its windows provide breathtaking views of the Potala Palace during the evenings.

It's essential to note, however, that expectations should be tempered when staying in a five-star hotel in Lhasa compared to international metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. Tibet's remote location and limited accessibility mean that hotels in Lhasa may not match the same modernity and upkeep found in major Chinese cities.

Shigatse: The Second Largest City of Tibet, Also with Most Types of Hotels Available to Stay

While Shigatse may not offer the stylish five-star hotels found in Lhasa, it does provide some amazing accommodation options, ranging from 4-star hotels to guesthouses.

One such four-star establishment is the Tashi Choten Hotel, located just a 20-minute walk from the renowned Tashilhunpo Monastery. This hotel features a typical Tibetan design and offers 109 delightful rooms, along with three full-service restaurants serving a variety of Chinese, Tibetan, and Western cuisine.

Tashi Choten Hotel is a four-star hotel located near Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

The Manasarovar Hotel, situated on Qingdao Dong Road, lives up to its name by blending Tibetan and modern architectural styles and cultural elements. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, equipped with all the essentials you might need, just in case you forgot your hair dryer. While there may be only one restaurant, the stylish Tibetan teahouse compensates with its delightful Tibetan sweet tea and local snacks.

Due to its proximity to the famous Everest Base Camp, hotels in Shigatse are often fully booked by tourists traveling to EBC during the summer season. Therefore, it's advisable to make early reservations to avoid any disappointment.

Everest Base Camp: the Tent Camp is Clean and Better Than Ever

Although Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side is situated at an altitude of 5200 meters, it offers convenient accommodation options. Visitors have two choices for lodging: tents and guesthouses at Rongbuk Monastery.

Tents are the preferred option for most tourists and are set up by local Tibetans. Today, these tents have improved significantly, offering clean, warm, and comfortable overnight stays. Each tent is equipped with a stove burning yak dung for heating, traditional Tibetan-style beds with plenty of quilts and blankets, and even basic food services. Additionally, oxygen is readily available to address potential altitude sickness.

The Everest Base Camp tent camp is clean and warm for overnight stay.

Alternatively, tourists can opt for overnight stays at the Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse. Accommodations here are basic, similar to the tents. Nevertheless, following the ongoing renovation, the guesthouse will be upgraded to include improved amenities, including the addition of private bathrooms.

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Mount Kailash: Better Hotels Available at Darchen, and Basic Monasteries to Stay along the Kora

If you are traveling to Ngari to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, you'll find fewer options for higher-end accommodation. The area around these two sacred sites is remote and desolate.

Darchen, the town at the foot of Mount Kailash and the starting point for the Kailash Kora, is small but offers numerous good guesthouses to accommodate the many tourists and pilgrims who visit throughout the year.

Tourists are ready to start the Mount Kailash kora from Darchen village.

The Gangdise Hotel, an older establishment, is the first place you'll encounter when entering the main street of Darchen. It offers a choice of standard or dormitory rooms, as well as a camping area, and provides hot water for showers. The Lhasa Restaurant, located to the east of the Gangdise Hotel, also offers decent and clean accommodation and is considered the best place to eat in this small town.

Along the Mount Kailash Kora route, there are several places to stay, with the most commonly used options being the two monasteries, Drirapuk and Dzultripuk. These serve as the usual stopping points for trekkers on the kora route and offer a variety of room styles.

Both have older wooden rooms with 2-4 beds in each, as well as newer concrete accommodations that are more comfortable, featuring twin and triple rooms with a shared toilet inside the building. However, it's recommended that you bring a sleeping bag as there is no heating in the rooms.

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Nyingchi: the Lowest City of Tibet, with A Variety of Hotels to Stay

As the lowest region in Tibet, Nyingchi boasts a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Whether you arrive in Tibet via a flight to Nyingchi or take a trip to Nyingchi from Lhasa, you'll always find suitable lodging for your overnight stay.

One of the most opulent resort hotels in Nyingchi is the Hilton Linzhi Resort, situated in Milin County, Nyingchi, Tibet. It's conveniently located just 7 kilometers from Nyingchi Airport, a quick 10-minute drive away. This luxurious tourist resort exudes Tibetan charm and is notable as the first hotel in Tibet to feature a golf course and a private cinema. If you're flying into Tibet via Nyingchi, the Hilton Linzhi Resort is an excellent choice for your first night's stay.

The luxury Hilton Linzhi Resort offers high-end hotel services for tourists.

For those seeking more budget-friendly accommodation options, there are plenty available as well. The Grand Canyon Hotel is a great choice, offering convenient transportation. It's situated on Ziqiang Road, Bayi Town, Nyingchi, close to the Regional Tourism Bureau and Yak Square. The hotel boasts a tasteful Tibetan-style decor and spacious, well-appointed rooms with amenities like air conditioning, 24-hour hot water, and WiFi.

Tsedang: the Fourth Largest City of Tibet, with both Star Hotels and Budget Guesthouses

Tsedang, serving as the main town and seat of Shannan Prefecture, offers some delightful places to stay. The Tibet Yulong Hotel is one of the best options for those on a budget. Located in the town center, it provides all the necessary amenities and is conveniently situated within easy traveling distance of major attractions such as Samye Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, and Yumbulagang Palace.

Tsetang Hotel is a good choice for a more upmarket experience in this region.

For those seeking a more upmarket experience, the four-star Tsetang Hotel is an ideal choice. Located on Nedong Road in Tsedang Town, it boasts its own beautifully landscaped grounds. The hotel offers a range of suites, from standard to 'presidential' style suites. Its multiple restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, including Cantonese, Sichuan, Western, and Tibetan, and the hotel grounds are the perfect place for a relaxing evening stroll.

Gyirong: the Border between Tibet and Nepal, with Many Middle-range Hotels

Gyirong, positioned as a crucial border town between Tibet and Nepal at the foothills of the Himalayas, plays an important role for tourists traveling overland between Kathmandu and Lhasa.

You can enjoy a comfortable night at Gyirong Shengtai Hotel.

For tourists taking the route from Kathmandu to Lhasa, it is highly advisable to spend a night in Gyirong after the border crossing, to acclimate to the rising altitude that awaits you on the Tibetan plateau. Conversely, if you are heading from Lhasa to Kathmandu, Gyirong offers a good rest to prepare for the 6-hour winding road drive to the Nepal capital.

Gyirong offers a range of accommodations, primarily 3-star middle-range hotels equipped with modern amenities such as hot water, comfortable beds, and clean bedding. You can enjoy a comfortable night's stay at establishments like Gyirong Shengtai Hotel, Shigatse Silver Star Hotel, Mount Everest Backyard Garden Business Hotel, and more.

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Conclusion

Throughout the Tibetan plateau, you'll find a diverse array of accommodations to stay. However, the places listed above are the most recommended options, guaranteeing a smoother and more satisfying hotel stay experience. If you have any questions or require further guidance regarding where to stay during your Tibet tour, please don't hesitate to contact us.