Where to Stay in Lhasa: Find the Best Hotels in Lhasa

As the largest city in Tibet, Lhasa warmly welcomes travelers from around the world with a wide range of accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious 5-star resort, a cozy Tibetan-style guesthouse, or a simple and affordable hostel, Lhasa has something for everyone in this iconic high-altitude city.

In this article, you'll find details on different types of hotels in Lhasa, along with insider tips to help you choose the best option for your stay. Get ready for a smooth and worry-free journey to Tibet!

Luxury Hotels in Lhasa (5-Star): High-end Comfort and Premium Services

Even in one of the most remote regions of the world, you don’t have to sacrifice luxury. Lhasa’s luxury hotels offer top-tier amenities with amazing views that can cater to even the most discerning travelers.

St. Regis Lhasa Resort sets the standard for luxury in the city. Located in the old town about 1km from Jokhang Temple, it blends modern facilities with traditional Tibetan decor. The hotel features an oxygen lounge to help travelers with altitude discomfort and offers stunning views of Potala Palace.

The Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa is another top-tier option. With spacious rooms and modern comforts, it artfully embraces contemporary Tibetan design. It is located a five-minute walk from Norbulinka Palace, the summer palace of Dalai Lamas, and features several restaurants, a lounge with mountain views, a spa, and fitness facilities.

InterContinental Lhasa Paradise is a little further from the city center but wows guests with its sheer size and amenities. The hotel boasts an enormous glass-roofed atrium, banquet halls, and spacious rooms. Outside the heavy bustle of Lhasa, it’s a great choice for stunning Himalayan views.

Lhasa offers luxury five-star hotels like Shangri-La Hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels in Lhasa (3-4 Stars): Comfortable Stays at a Reasonable Price

Comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices can be found in the heart of the city, conveniently located near major attractions. Lhasa’s 3 and 4-star hotels will provide great service with modern amenities without overtaxing your budget.

Lhasa Thangka Hotel is a top 4-star hotel with an amazing location. It is located next to Jokhang Temple Square, only 100 meters from Jokhang Temple, and a 20-minute walk from Potala Palace. It has modern rooms decorated in Tibetan style and serves both Chinese and Western cuisine.

Lhasa Gang Gyan Hotel is another popular 4-star choice in the center of the city. It’s near Ramoche Temple with easy access to Barkhor Street. You can choose rooms with stunning views of Potala Palace and dine in the hotel restaurant that features a wide range of cuisines.

Dekang Hotel is a family-run, 3-star hotel in a quiet area of Lhasa’s Old Town. Within a few minute's walking distance, you can find attractions like Jokhang Temple, Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, and Canggu Temple, as well as great local dining options.

Budget Hotels and Hostels in Lhasa: Basic, Clean, and Budget-Friendly

If all you need is clean and basic facilities, then choose from Lhasa’s wide range of budget hotels and hostels for a budget-friendly stay. You’ll have a comfortable place to rest and can find social hubs for backpackers and solo travelers.

Lhasa Fengma Feiyang Hostel is an economic choice that is a five-minute walk from Jokhang Temple. It has clean and simple rooms with private bathrooms and simple amenities such as wifi. The hostel is well-regarded for its traditional ambiance and modern comforts, and travelers enjoy the warm hospitality of the staff.

Phuntsok Kasang International Youth Hostel is one of the most well-known hostels in Lhasa and a social hub for backpackers. It is located within walking distance of Jokhang Temple and offers both dorms and private rooms. The hostel has a popular communal lounge where you can meet other travelers and share stories of your trip.

Dong Cuo International Youth Hostel is also near the hotspots of Jokhang Temple, Borkhor Street, and Romoche Monastery. It has a variety of rooms, from dormitory beds to private twin rooms. There is free wifi, a communal kitchen, and laundry facilities for the comfort of guests.

Guesthouses in Lhasa are also an alternative.

Tibetan-Style Hotels in Lhasa: Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Tibetan-style hotels give travelers a chance to immerse themselves more deeply in the local culture. These hotels are often family-run, offering a rich, personal experience. There can sometimes be a trade-off in luxury, but they make up for it with warmth and character.

Kyichu Hotel is a favorite among cultural travelers. Name after the Kyichu River, which means river of happiness in Tibetan. It is a cozy, family-run establishment with spacious rooms decorated in traditional decor and features a restaurant serving continental, North Indian Tandoori, Nepalese, and Tibetan dishes.

House of Shambhala Lhasa is located in a quiet ally of the famous Barkhor Street in the heart of Lhasa. It is a traditional Tibetan courtyard-style home of a high-ranking Tibetan Lama that was restored into a modern hotel. Rooms feature natural wood decor, and Chinese-style beds. The hotel restaurant serves a wide range of cuisine, and you’ll find enough modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Lingtsang Boutique Hotel was formerly the residence of Ling Rinpoche, one of the teachers of the 14th Dalai Lama. The historic courtyard structure dates back over 300 years and has been renovated to upgrade to modern standards. Its rock floors and ceiling, combined with traditional decor, create a rich, authentic atmosphere. Located just south of the Barkhor circuit, the hotel is central to many top attractions and has a restaurant serving Tibetan and Western dishes.

Traditional Tibetan hotels are full of charm.

Insider Tips for A Comfortable Stay in Lhasa

Tibetan hotels offer guests high-quality accommodations but keep a few things in mind to ensure you have a great stay.

1. Book in advance, especially during peak travel months. Hotel rooms can fill up quickly during summer and Chinese national holidays, so it’s best to start making arrangements at least a month in advance.

2. Check for oxygen supply services. Traveling to Lhasa (3650 meters) means having to adjust to the high elevation. Hotels with rooms featuring oxygen supplies can help ease your acclimatization.

3. Stay close to the Old Town of Lhasa, which is the area around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Not only is the Old Town close to many major attractions, but it’s also the best spot for exploring Lhasa on foot to find markets, pubs, and local restaurants.

4. Don’t limit yourself to Western Chains. Lhasa has many boutique and family-run hotels offering excellent facilities and authentic experiences.

5. Check for basic facilities at budget hotels. In some budget hotels and hostels, WiFi and hot water may not be standard, or only limited to certain hours. Don’t assume everything will be available, and check to make sure you will get the facilities you need.

Conclusion

Choosing where to stay in Lhasa is more than just picking a bed for the night - it’s about deciding how you want to experience Tibet. Whether you’re seeking world-class luxury or an authentic cultural experience, there are great options to choose from in Lhasa.

If you’re still not sure where to stay, our personalized tour packages will let you set the standard of accommodation and then help to book the right hotels to meet your expectations. With years of experience bringing visitors to Tibet, we’re the best choice for a perfect tour of Lhasa.