Tag: Hostel

Zhilam Hostel

Zhilam Hostel is perched on a hillside above the city of Kangding, offering amazing views of Kangding town and the local mountains. After a short and invigorating climb (or taxi ride) up the narrow, winding road to the guesthouse, you will find this haven of coziness and hospitality a welcome reprieve from the bustling town below.
Zhilam Hostel

Zhilam means “the path of peace” in Tibetan. The hostel is a place of peace and rest where travellers soon begin to feel like family. The owners, an American family, fell in love with Tibet and Tibetan people when they first traveled to Tibet. Kris and Stephanie dreamed of having a home in Tibet where they could welcome visitors into the mysterious and beautiful world of Tibet. Through passion and years of hard work, their dream has become a reality. For 12 years now, thousands of travelers from around the world have found themselves adopted by this generous family, many of which have extended their stay in Kangding just to enjoy an extra day or two of peace and rest in this hidden sanctuary. In Sep, 2019 Kris and Stephanie sold their business to a local Tibetan guy- Gongbu as local government enforced a law that foreigners are not allowed to run business within 300 meters of a government building. Zhilam Hostel is within 300 meters of a government building. Now, the owner of Zhilam Hostel is different but the staff and services are as same as usual.

The Yard of Zhilam Hostel

The helpful and friendly staff are all locals, and they are happy to share their immense knowledge about the town and surrounding areas. All of them speak good Tibetan, Chinese and English. Their eagerness to offer advice and suggestions makes it easy for guests to find great hiking, beautiful scenery, and delicious local Tibetan food! They go out of their way to help arrange transportation for a good price as well.

You’ll find a diverse menu that includes delicious western and local Tibetan foods, great desserts, special drinks, and even imported beer. For dinner, potato and yak meat momos, yak meat pizza, and moroccan lentil soup are all some of our favorite options. They serve breakfast starting at 8:00am. The yak yogurt with homemade granola and western-style eggs and toast are among the most popular items first thing in the morning.

Kris and Stephanie are also passionate about supporting and promoting other local businesses, as well as featuring locally made handicraft products in their hostel. If you are interested in Tibetan handicrafts, simply ask the staff for an introduction to the various items on display. In addition, Zhilam Hostel has an extensive library of books that you can borrow to read, or you can watch a movie in their cozy movie room downstairs.

Inside Zhilam Hostel

Rooms are very clean, comfortable and nice. You have the option of staying in a private room with a big bed and ensuite bathroom/shower, or staying in a clean and quaint dorm with shared bathroom facilities. Each room is designed with local Tibetan characteristics, and the beds are very comfortable.

Zhilam hostel is the perfect place if you are looking for Tibetan decor, comfortable and clean rooms for a reasonable price, fresh coffee, and delicious food.

Contact info:

Address: Bai Tuo Kan area, Kangding County 626000, China

Phone: 0836-2831100

Website: http://zhilamhostel.com

地址：白土坎村藏族自治州宗教事务局附近

电话：0836-2831100

January 16, 2017
Desti Youth Park Hostel

Kelsang Phuntsok is a young Tibetan entrepreneur who is the owner of Desti Youth Park hostel. He was raised and very much influenced by his great-grandfather Richan Pizu, who in his younger days worked on the tea road as a horseman. Kelsang grew up listening to Richan’s endless and marvelous stories about the tea road, its folk tales, and ancient songs. Stories that had such a strong impact on young Kelsang, that he was aware of the richness of his Tibetan cultural heritage even as a young child. Kelsang has always embraced the Tibetan ideals of benefiting other sentient beings as a core principle of his behavior: he dreamed of becoming a Buddhist monk when he was a young child.
Dormitory room at Desti Youth Park Hostel

When Kelsang graduated from school, his parents passed down his family’s old house to him. Most of his relatives and friends suggested that Kelsang should tear down the old house and build a new house, as all the other households in the village have built new houses. He was reluctant to demolish his family’s old house, because his great-grandpa built the house and he had spent his childhood growing up in the old house. Not only was the house the place where he spent his childhood, but it also shows an important part of his family history. When looking at the house, one can see the house shows the aptitude and hard-work that went into building it. Kelsang thinks that young Tibetan generations have to remember the spirit of their ancestors. As a result, Keslang decided to use the house as a hostel where he can receive people from all over the world and show them local Tibetan culture, architecture, and lifestyle.

Beautiful night at Desti Youth Park Hostel

In a peaceful Tibetan village in Shangri-La, visitors will find a breathtaking hostel. The Desti Youth Park hostel is situated in Chengni Village, near Shangri-La International Airport. It is enclosed by bright flowers and seemingly endless grassland. Visitors who go to Chengni will find themselves temporarily transported away from the real world, into the colorful fairy tale kingdom that is the village. In this mysterious fantasyland and spectacular landscape, you can choose from amongst an assortment of activities that should appeal to a variety of interests. Watch a movie, barbeque a meal, join a campfire party with local Tibetan dancing, cycle around the village, or take a Thangka painting class.

Room with single bed at Desti Youth Park Hostel

When staying at the hostel, you also have the option of choosing a room according to your travel budget. The hostel has family or single rooms with private hot showers and internet, or dormitory rooms with public showers. All the staff speaks English well, and the food is delicious. They also provide a van if you want to visit Shangri-La Old Town or some of the other local places.

We would highly recommend Desti Youth Park Hostel if you are looking for a peaceful and authentic place to stay in Shangri-La.

Contact Info: No.54 Chengni, Shini Village, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La County 674400, China

Phone: 0887-8065355. 13038608855

地址：香格里拉市建塘镇尼史村妄尼组54号

电话： 0887-8065355. 13038608855

November 29, 2016
Zhuan Jing Bridge Hostel

“Xisuo Local Residence” is a small Rgyal rong Tibetan village located in a Zhuokeji in Maerkang. The village was built in the middle of the Qing dynasty, and even today maintains the architecture of these early settlers. On the outside the village houses are made of stone, making it look like an ancient castle town set on the hill. There are approximately 72 local Tibetan families, and they rely primarily on farming. The village is one of several villages that was ruled by the Zhuokeji Chieftain, and the village is only a five-minute walk to the Zhuokeji Tsui Official Manor. This is a gorgeous place to explore and learn local history, culture, and architecture. Located in this village, travelers can find a welcoming and cozy local hostel called ” Zhuan Jing Bridge Hostel “.
While almost every family in the village receives visitors today, Luyekang (a local farmer), was the first person to open a hostel in the village. Together, Luyekang and his wife have been running the Zhuan Jing Bridge Hostel since 2002. Both of them are about 70 years old, and they are very friendly, kind, and they treat their guests as their family members. While neither of them speak English, they use their sign language to communicate with their guests, which means there is always a warm smile to be had. Their hostel was the first place in the village that had permission to receive foreign guests. Most of their foreign guests are introduced by the local tourism bureau because they provide such good services. If you stay here, you will quickly understand why the government favors them with business.

Entrance to Zhuan Jing Bridge Hostel

Zhuan Jing Bridge Hostel is very easy to find. The hostel is the first house across the prayer wheel bridge, on the right corner of the alley. A Tibetan grandpa and grandma will welcome you and be ready to take you to your room.

The hostel has three floors. The first floor is the kitchen, the second floor is for both family and guests, and the third floor is more guestrooms. There are about 24 rooms in total, and the hostel is very clean and nicely decorated. Most of the house is made of wooden walls and furniture, and the mural in the second floor lounge definitely deserves a second look! The hostel has two shower rooms on the third floor, and hot water and internet are available. While they don’t offer food in the hostel, you can easily find a place to eat in the village. (However, if you visit the hostel in the fall, you can buy fresh walnuts from your hosts!)

Inside of the Zhuan Jing Bridge Hostel

The local Buddhist temple is next to Zhuan Jing Hostel, so if you want to visit the temple or walk a kora, this is very convenient. It is also fascinating to walk around the village to take photos and enjoy Rgyal rong architecture.

If you are exploring the area, we highly recommend you stay with this lovely older couple at the hostel just across the prayer wheel bridge.

Contact Info:

Address: Right side of the Prayer Bridge, Xisuo Tibetan village, Zhuokeji Township.

Phone: 0837-2829162

地址：马尔康卓克基乡西索居民转经桥右边第一家。

电话：0837-2829162

September 1, 2016
Sonam International Youth Hostel

Sonam International Youth Hostel was founded by a capable Tibetan lady, Nizhen, in 2008. As a result of the train to Lhasa opening in 2006, the tourism in the area developed greatly. As Nizhen had a few years of experience in running a hostel in mainland, China, she decided to open a Tibetan style hostel in Lhasa. The hostel was one of the first three in Lhasa. The name “Sonam” means “eternal blessing” in Tibetan. Nizhen came up with the name because she hopes people will be blessed by practicing kindness and compassion whilst they visit.
The hostel has been doing really well, and in 2013 it was chosen, as “the trusted hostel” from among 300 hotels by the local tourism bureau. There are 12 employees at the Sonam, and they are very kind and helpful to their guests.

Entrance to Sonam Hostel

The hostel is a real home away from home for weary travelers. Entering off the busy main street through a small alley, you pass through a gateway into a traditional courtyard that blocks out the sounds of the city. The courtyard is an oasis of green life with grass, trees and a wooden deck that gives everything a slight cottage feel. There are a couple picnic tables to sit at while enjoying a cold drink, complete with umbrellas to shield from the sun during the middle of the day.

The Sonam Hostel has a wonderful courtyard for guests to enjoy.

The courtyard is surrounded by guest rooms and the café. The café sits on the first floor and offers decent western-friendly food and drinks. The breakfast at Sonum is particularly worthy of a mention. The décor of the café will be appreciated by those who like the slightly traditional and rustic feel that wood brings.

Sonam offers both dorm style rooms with shared bathing facilities, and private rooms with ensuite baths. All rooms are exceptionally clean and the staff reflects the warmth of Tibetan hospitality. There are washing machines available as well for travelers who have reached that point in their travels!

A single bed at Sonam

Sonam hostel is located away from the madness of Lhasa’s tourist core, but close enough to walk to the Potala Palace within 15 minutes. Also, within a few minute walk of the hostel you can reach the quiet banks of the Kyichu River for a walk through the manicured gardens along its banks. It is approximately a five to seven minute taxi ride to the Barkhor area.

If you have a chance to visit Lhasa, you will find your Tibetan home if you stay at Sonam Hostel.

Contact info:

地址：西藏拉萨市德吉南路11号

电话： +86 (0) 891-6927969

Address: 11 South De Ji Road, Lhasa, Tibet

Phone: +86 (0) 891-6927969

June 23, 2016