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Ngari Food and Restaurants: what and where to eat in Ngari

October,13 2023 BY Master Kungga Dundruk 0 COMMENTS

In the far-western Tibet lies Ngari, often called 'the roof of the world,' with Mount Kailash as a major attraction. While the journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash covers 1,250 kilometers, there's a concern about food availability, options, and prices in Ngari.

Despite its remote location, recent tourism growth has led to well-developed hotels and restaurants along the route. Whether you're looking for meals on the road or accommodations for your Kailash trek, this article offers a detailed guide from Lhasa to Mount Kailash, addressing your dining and lodging needs.

1. Dining Options for Mount Kailash Tour: Choose from Tibetan Food, Sichuan Food, Xinjaing Food, and More

Discover the diverse flavors of Ngari, including Tibetan, Sichuan, Xinjiang, and Hunan cuisines. From hearty Tibetan dishes to fiery Sichuan and Hunan delights, and the rich offerings of Xinjiang, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Expect to spend approximately 50 to 70 yuan per person for lunch or dinner and around 20 yuan for breakfast during your Tibet food and dining adventure in Ngari. Whether you love spice or prefer milder flavors, Ngari's vibrant food scene will enhance your journey.

2. Recommended Restaurants along the Trip to Mount Kailash

These dining options promise a diverse culinary experience in Ngari, Tibet, adding flavor to your journey around Mount Kailash.

(1) Restaurants in Prang County

Chongqing Home-Style Restaurant: A family-owned eatery offering Sichuan specialties like lamb hotpot and homemade tofu. Don't miss their chili, scallion, and cilantro dipping sauce.

Mao's Hunan Cuisine Restaurant: Enjoy Hunan dishes like braised pork and vegetarian soup with cucumbers, tomatoes, and ginger.

(2) Restaurants in Zanda County

Plateau Ecological Hot Pot: Known for lamb hot pot and noodles without the intense spice of Sichuan and Hunan cuisine.

Chongqing Restaurant: A popular spot for sour and spicy fish hot pot and grilled fish.

(3) Restaurants in Shiquanhe Town

Prairie Style Restaurant: Offers authentic Xinjiang cuisine, including "big plate chicken" and grilled lamb skewers.

No. 1 Big Plate Chicken Theme Restaurant: Xinjiang specialties like big plate chicken and grilled lamb skewers await you here.

(4) Restaurants in Darchen Town

Chongqing Restaurant: Known for Sichuan flavors, serving hotpot, Kung Pao chicken, and shredded pork. They provide ginger soup and altitude sickness remedies if needed.

Sichuan Flavor Garden: Sources ingredients directly from Sichuan, offering signature dishes like noodles, dumplings, and sautéed spicy beef. They also sell hotpot base materials.

Qinghai Salar Noodle House: A Muslim restaurant with Qinghai-style noodles, baked flatbreads, cold dishes, stewed beef, and salads, offering a break from Tibetan and Sichuan cuisine.

3. Dining Tips for Mount Kailash Tour from Lhasa

The Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour spans 1250 kilometers, roughly in two parts:

Lhasa to Lhatse: This section, part of the Lhasa-Shigatse-Mount Everest tourist route, is well-equipped with star-rated hotels and diverse restaurants offering Tibetan, Nepalese, and Chinese cuisine. Accommodation options are available in towns like Gyantse, Shigatse, and Lhatse.

Lhatse to Mount Kailash: This stretch on the new G318 road offers fewer dining and lodging choices compared to the Sino-Nepal Highway. Only Saga and Drongpa have hotels. Spending the night in Saga is advisable due to better options.

As you enter Ngari plateau, dining options become scarcer. Plan meals in advance. Dining places can be found in Ngari County, Sangsang Township, Saga County, Zhongba County, and Payang Town, offering Sichuan, Tibetan, and noodle cuisine.

Gangdise Restaurant in GegyaiThe Tibetan noodles in Gangdise Restaurant

For example, the 460-kilometer drive from Shigatse to Saga County (8 hours) can include lunch in Sangsang Township and dinner in Saga County. From Saga to Darchen Town, close to Mount Kailash (500 kilometers, 8 hours by car), consider lunch in Payang Town and dinner in Darchen.

4. Dining in Darchen: Many Choices, but Costs More

Darchen, nestled in Ngari, Tibet, marks both the start and finish of the sacred Mount Kailash Kora. With over a dozen guesthouses and hotels, it caters to pilgrims and tourists.

Dining in Darchen offers diverse choices, from Sichuan to Tibetan, Hui, vegetarian, and hotpot cuisine, though prices are slightly higher than in Lhasa, typically ranging from 30 to 50 yuan per person.

 Sichuan Home-Style Restaurant in Hor Qu Sichuan Home-Style Restaurant is a top-rated restaurant on the way

Accommodation in Darchen ranges from 200 to 680 yuan per room, with the four-star Kailash Himalaya Hotel as a top-tier option.

The best time to visit Mount Kailash is from May to October when the weather is favorable. Winter months (November to April) bring harsh conditions, leading to the closure of dining and lodging options, making the peak season the ideal time for a fulfilling and comfortable experience.

5. Dining on Mount Kailash Kora: Simple Restaurants and Limited Options

Once you enter the Mount Kailash area, you'll embark on a challenging three-day trek covering 52 kilometers, with elevations ranging from 4200 to 5600 meters. Outdoor camping is necessary for two nights, demanding determination and physical endurance.

During the kora, basic open-air tent restaurants run by locals provide sustenance. They offer simple options like hot water, sweet tea, instant noodles, stir-fried noodles, egg-fried rice, and shredded beef with green pepper rice.

At supply points, you can buy essentials such as biscuits, sausages, beverages, beer, mineral water, and instant milk tea from convenience stores. Trekking poles and sun hats are also available.

Zhaqu Monastery and Dirapuk Monastery serve as overnight stops and offer indoor dining facilities with meal options like bread, egg noodles, vegetables, sausages, and instant noodles. While basic, these dining options meet your energy needs.

Food in Dirapuk monasteryEgg-fried rice in Dirapuk monastery

Mount Kailash Kora Dining and Accommodation Details

When beginning the Mount Kailash Kora, you have two itinerary options: completing it in two days or three days. The two-day option covers a total of 52 kilometers and requires a high level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for tourists lacking hiking experience or strong physical endurance. The three-day option is relatively easier and suitable for regular tourists.

Option 1: 2-Day Mount Kailash Kora
Day 1: Start from Darchen and take a sightseeing vehicle to Xiongse Mani Dui. Begin the trek and head towards Qugu Monastery, where you can rest and have additional meals. Continue to Zhire Temple for lunch and a visit. Afterward, trek to Luan Shipo Supply Point, where you'll have dinner and accommodation.
Day 2: Depart early from Luan Shipo Supply Point. Hike to the highest point of the trek, Zhoma La Pass (5630 meters), and descend to Budongdi Ding Supply Point for lunch. Continue the 20-kilometer trek to Zongdui Teahouse Supply Point. Then, take a scenic area sightseeing vehicle back to Darchen.

Dining in Mount Kailash tent restaurantsDining in Mount Kailash tent restaurants.

Option 2: 3-Day Mount Kailash Kora
Day 1: Start from Darchen and take a sightseeing vehicle to Xiongse Mani Dui. Begin the trek and head to Qugu Monastery. Rest and have lunch at Qugu Monastery, then proceed to Zhire Temple. Explore and have dinner and accommodation at Zhire Temple.
Day 2: Early morning departure from Zhire Temple. Hike uphill, reaching Budongdi Ding Supply Point for breakfast. Continue over Zhoma La Pass and descend to Budongdi Ding Supply Point for lunch. Then, follow the valley and arrive at Zuchu Monastery for dinner and accommodation.
Day 3: Rest and visit Zuchu Monastery in the morning. After breakfast, return to Darchen. You can either take a sightseeing vehicle from the last supply point or continue trekking.

Important Note:
In the remote Western Tibet region, all food is transported from Lhasa, and the food available along the pilgrimage route may not always be fresh. When purchasing food, be sure to carefully check the expiration dates to avoid buying stale or expired items.

6. Bring High-Calorie Food for the Mount Kailash Kora is Essential

When planning what to pack for a Mount Kailash tour, it's crucial to travel light, given the demanding 52-kilometer trek. Consider bringing snacks like biscuits for quick energy boosts. Packing lighter protein and energy sources such as dried beef, chocolate, or energy bars is advisable. Additionally, make sure to carry at least 500 milliliters of water and refill at supply stations when available.

Mount Kailash Kora tourBring High-Calorie Food for the Mount Kailash Kora.

Conclusion

Dining in the Ngari region may not match the convenience of cities like Lhasa due to its high altitude and limited infrastructure. However, it offers a diverse range of culinary options, including Tibetan, Sichuan, Xinjiang, and Hunan cuisines, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.

During the Mount Kailash tour, dining conditions are basic, given the challenging trek, high altitudes, and low atmospheric pressure. We recommend relying on the simple hot meals provided by tea houses and guesthouses along the route, complemented by dining at restaurants for breakfast and carrying dry rations for lunch. This ensures you have the energy needed for the demanding 52-kilometer circumambulation.

For a more tailored experience in the Ngari region, especially during the Mount Kailash Kora, feel free to contact us. We can create a customized Tibet travel plan, providing dedicated Tibetan guides and drivers to make your journey comfortable and stress-free. Our professionals will enhance the overall enjoyment of your trip.

Master Kungga Dundruk

About the Author - Master Kungga Dundruk

The Lhasa-born prodigy used to study business overseas, and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997.

Responsible, considerate, and humorous, he devoted his entire life to guiding and serving international tourists traveling in Tibet. As a legendary Tibetan travel guru with 20-year pro guide experience. Currently, he is working in Tibet Vista as the Tour Operating Director. Whenever our clients run into trouble, he is your first call and will offer prompt support.

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