Accommodations in Tibet

As a newly developing tourism region, the facilities, conditions and services of hotels in Lhasa and other places in Tibet may not be as good as you could expect from a hotel with this rating in other cities of China, especially in some remote places of Tibet.

However, accommodation conditions in Tibet have been greatly improved due to rapidly developing tourism in Tibet. In most cities and counties in Tibet, there are hotels and guest houses for lodging, but the equipment and service may be inferior to those of the other places of China. Even some famous international chain hotels in Lhasa, like Sheraton and Jardin secret, the service standard and facilities of most 3, 4 even 5 star hotels are not what you would expect from the same rating hotels in Beijing or Shanghai.

Most of the standard rooms of the starred hotels in Lhasa have private washrooms with water heaters. The guest houses there have own public bathrooms with fixed time service. Usually internet service is available in the business center or the separate internet bar in the hotels, and private internet service may be offered in the luxury rooms of a hotel. However, in some remote areas, the internet is not accessible due to the limited condition. Coffee is uncommon in the rooms, but many hotels have a separate cafe.

In Lhasa and Shigatse, starred hotels are more than other cities of Tibet. In Lhasa, accommodation ranges from guest houses to five star hotels. Except for the golden weeks of May Day Holiday, National Holiday and Shoton Festival, the hotels are not difficult to book. In Shigatse, Gyangtse, Tsedang and Nyingchi, the highest standard is three stars. In Tingri, Zhangmu and Nakchu, the highest are two stars while in other smaller or remote areas, accommodation is mainly in guest houses, usually having a public bathroom with squat toilet. Therefore, when travelling to remote areas where only guest houses are available, you should bring a sleeping bag to keep warm and clean. You can bring a tent if you would like to camp for the night, such as at Namtso Lake.

In the off-season, most hotels go out of business due to fewer travellers. But in the high season, the prices are about 30% higher than those during the low season, sometimes up to twice as much.

Besides, if you want to get more close to local life and learn about local customs, Tibetans welcome you to their houses. Nowadays, Tibetans have opened their own hostels themselves, which are very popular with travelers. In Lhasa, there are many hostels of this kind in the old district, especially around Barkhor Street.

Tips:
1. The prices of star-rated hotels in Tibet are relatively expensive, especially during the peak tourism season, generally from June to September.
2. Rooms in high floors are not wise choice for the higher the ground is the thinner air becomes.
3. Bring your own sleeping bag and toilet paper if you plan to visit remote areas outside of major cities in Tibet. Or you can buy these supplies in Lhasa.
4. For your safety, we advise you to avoid staying in local homes or camping outside on your own.

Warm Notice: Hotel Services in winter

Due to the poor business in winter, a lot of hotels close from December to next April. Few hotels like New Mandala Hotel, Yak Hotel etc are available in winter. The poor business and low room usage rate sometimes make these hotels reduce the service quality on hot water supply, breakfast, heater or heating to cut down running cost. If you travel in Winter and choose guesthouse, 3 star, 4 star hotel, you may encounter such kind of problem.

Hotels and hostels in small cities and towns outside Lhasa only have very basic facilities, some even without a heating system and hot water in the winter.