Tibetpedia

Category: Tibetan Business Highlights

Tibetan Business Highlights

Tibetan Business Highlights is part of the heartbeat of this site. It is a platform to promote small businesses of excellence throughout Tibet who are continually seeking to improve their services. As this feature of Tibetpedia develops, we hope to have a broad range of services represented: guesthouses, homestays, restaurants, guiding services, drivers, horse trekking operators, etc. We aim to not only help raise awareness of these businesses, but also to lend credibility to the businesses profiled here so that foreign travellers will experience the best of Tibetan service and hospitality.

Large portions of tourism resources across Tibet fail to benefit businesses run by the local people. Instead, businesses owned and operated from outside these areas often receive the majority of benefit. This feature of Tibetpedia aims to help ensure locally operated businesses benefit from the tourism resources in their locale. Not every business found here is necessarily locally owned. We also value promoting businesses that hire local employees, purchase from locally run businesses, and generally promote the best possible interest of Tibetans as they do business in this region.

We believe the businesses profiled below will enable travelers to have insider access to the best service and most authentic experience of Tibetan service and hospitality.

Find Tibetan Businesses by Region


Most Recent Business Highlights

  • Tibetan Craft Beer – The King of Yaks

    Tibetan Craft Beer – The King of Yaks

    The King of Yaks is a Tibetan Craft beer brand founded by the young herdsman Norbu and his team in 2016. The brewery is located at the junction of the G318 National Road and S215 Provincial Road at Golothong Village, Xinduqiao.

    The King of Yaks Tibetan Craft Beer

    Brewed on the roof of the world, their creation is a Tibetan Highland craft beer made with a combination of pure, filtered mountain water, refined natural ingredients, and traditional European techniques. It is a delicious and refreshing local craft beer, brewed on the roof of world.

    Norbu and his team started the world’s highest craft beer brewery as a dream of a new generation of Tibetan entrepreneurs from Garze Prefecture. Many said they were crazy to brew craft beer at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. But after more than two years of research, study, and hard work, they successfully brewed ten different types of craft beer, all under the King of Yaks brand name.

    Food and Beer The King of Yaks brewery


    From their initial experiments with ten different flavors, they’ve chosen five to present to the public, all of which are beloved by local people and international connoisseurs alike.  

    They didn’t just stop at making excellent craft beer. The King of Yaks brewery is not only a brewery; It is also a community space open for people to visit, study, and experience both local culture and international-quality craft beer.

    Developing and marketing the perfect product is not the sole mission of King of Yaks. They also strive to create a brand that is open to all people, without distinguishing between nationality, race, wealth, or background. Additionally, we hope to create a new appreciation of high-quality craft beer while promoting traditional Tibetan culture and values.  

    They also opened Café Namsa on the second floor of the brewery on 20th April 2019. They call the new space a “retro café,” as it embodies a combination of traditional and modern styles that create an atmosphere where people can relax, enjoy craft beer and delicious Tibetan cuisine, as well as improve one self through reading and discussion of different ideas.

    The King of Yaks brewery

    For years, they have distributed their draught beer to local restaurants and hotels in the surrounding area, but now after building a successful brand, they are excited to introduce their beer to a wider audience this month through the release of King of Yaks canned beer. Soon you will be able to enjoy the delicious and refreshing taste of the་Tibetan highlands at home!

    The King of Yaks. A Poem by Norbu, the Founder.

    We brewed our past memories

    We brewed our best wishes for the world 

    We brewed our love of the highlands

    We brewed our dreams for the future

    King of Yaks, born of snowy mountains 

    With seeds in clouds of pure white

    And sunlight woven through its body

    King of Yaks, elixir of the Tibetan highlands

    A craft beer sprung from unpolluted waters

    A craft beer with the essence of natural Tibetan ingredients

    King of yaks, a delicious drink for all humankind 

    The best companion for young people

    The greatest happiness for the connoisseur

    All friends! Let’s drink King of Yaks!

    Let’s drink and taste King of Yaks with heart and soul 

    Every cup of craft beer filled to the brim with Tibetan flavor 

    Every cup of craft beer filled to the brim with Tibetan love

    We will drink and feel it all!

    All friends! Let’s drink King of Yaks!

    Adress:Xinduqiao,Kangding city,Sichuan Province,China

    phone:+86 17780364591

  • Kadhak

    Kadhak

    How many uses are there for yak milk? Whatever your answer, you’re sure to have missed high-end organic balms and moisturizer creams made by the up-and-coming social enterprise, Kadhak. Established in 2018, Kadhak is a socially-conscious, Tibetan-run company founded by Sonam Chodron, and her co-founders Dolma Lhamo.

    Sonam is a highly-energetic Tibetan woman from Dege, Kham Tibet. Sonam and her team recognized the trap that most Tibetan women on the plateau fail to avoid without safe and sustainable economic opportunities, women remain subjected to the outdated norms that define what they can and cannot do. At the same time, they had always valued the harmonious, communal, and natural way of life of her nomadic community and wanted to find a way to preserve her traditional holistic culture. After a long time, Sonam realized the solution to both of these problems was staring her in the face. She found local organic ingredients, like yak milk, organic apples, raw honey and herbs that are hand-harvested in the wild, and began making moisturizers, perfumes, jams, cider vinegar, and apple wine. Then, instead of keeping these skills to herself, she decided to share them by teaching other women how to make the same products. By empowering others in this way, Sonam noticed how these women grew in economic independence, confidence, and self-worth.

    A local Tibetan Woman is making products at Khadaks’ workplace

    Kadhak (ཀ་དག།) means ‘inherently pure’ in Tibetan language. It describes the state of basic goodness which is common to all beings. As the name implies, Kadhak is dedicated to working towards creating a better world in its own small way to make a lasting impact. Kadhak’s vision aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and works within this framework to address some of the world’s biggest challenges: lack of access to education, growing inequality, high youth unemployment, unprecedented migration and conflict, and pressure on our natural resources. We each have a responsibility to play our part in society. By supporting SDGs, we can create a better world for every person on this earth.

    Kadhak’s Shop in Chengdu

    Kadhak’s products are handmade with love and care using the most natural local ingredients, all the way down to the beautifully-designed paper packaging. Kadhak not only has a positive impact on the plateau but also creates an ethically sustainable alternative for customers who want to purchase a product that is great to use and good for the environment. Their organic products include soaps, moisturizers, chapsticks, perfumes, lip balms, apple cider vinegar, apple wine, and jams.

    Khadha’s Products

    Kadhak has a workspace located in Litang County in the Kham Tibetan Region. They have a retail shop in Songxianqiao near Qing Yang Gong in Chengdu. Visit Kadhak to purchase high quality organic products and support the empowerment of Tibetan women. More info: website www.kadhak.com

    88 Caotang East Rd. Chengdu Sichuan China
    Postal code 610072
    Contact +86 138-8226-8302

    中国四川省成都市青羊区草堂东路88号
    邮编610072
    联系+ 86 138-8226-8302

  • Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant

    Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant

    Located in the well-known Tibetan city of Shangri-La the Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant is a comfortable, peaceful, and relaxing place for any traveler to stop by and have a traditional Tibetan meal.

    Akhustonpa was started by a local Tibetan man, Nyima Wangdu, and his Naxi wife, Yang Zi Feng. For many years, both had dreamt of starting their own business that would allow them to influence, serve, and build relationships with travelers as well as their local community.

    Momos At Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant

    After graduating in 2006 from university with a degree in business, Nyima worked with a travel company for several years before finally opening Akhustonpa in 2015. Together, they employ one local cook who works directly with Yang Zi Feng to make traditional Tibetan dishes. Driven by his experiences in America and a desire to benefit the local community, Nyima uses organic foods which he purchases from local farmers. Akhustonpa is one of the few restaurants that offers Tibetan hot pot. They prefer to make it with a wood burning stove rather than the more conventional gas stoves. This may not necessarily add much to the flavor, but it certainly is in good taste!

    Local Hotpot at Akhustonpa Tibetan Restauant

    The design and architecture of the restaurant is in a traditional Tibetan style. The walls, roof, and furniture are made with beautifully crafted hand-carved wood. The natura motif that Nyima and Yang Zi Feng have used has become a defining characteristic of their brand. Customers are guaranteed to have a multi-sensory, authentic Tibetan experience.

    Inside Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant


    Mobile: 13988724351 / 13988755826

    Address: Cang Fang Street Shambala Old Town Next to Dong Lang Parking Lot

    Email: Akhustonpa123@163.com

  • Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge is located on a small hillside in beautiful Xinduqiao, a beautiful town in Eastern Tibet. Gongkar originally means “white mountain” but has come to mean “holy mountain” in the local area. Dzong literally means Lodge. The English name includes the word “castle,” as the stone lodge resembles a castle. Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge was founded by four young, passionate Tibetan entrepreneurs: Orgyen, Norbu, Gongbu and Niyma. They are all from the same area and love their hometown.

    The Dream is Born

    It all started in 2012 New Years when they returned to their hometown to celebrate with family. They discovered many kinds of new hotels and hostels popping up in their hometown. Yet, none of them seemed to provide an opportunity to show visitors the local culture and the stunning land. These four friends felt pity that visitors would travel such a long distance to get there, and then leave without experiencing the local authentic culture nor the real beauty of the land. One of them expressed, “No one knows our hometown better than us.” Another then said, “No one will do it if we young Tibetans don’t.” So, the idea of building a Tibetan style lodge in their hometown was born. All four jumped into action right away as most entrepreneurs do.

    A Labor of Love; A Vision of Beauty

    It took them four years to build the lodge. In those four years, they faced many challenges and difficulties. But with hard work, they overcame them all and successfully finished building the lodge in July 2015. They started receiving and guests to their lodge and helped them explore the surrounding area and experience their unique Tibetan culture. The Lodge is situated in a prime location to view Gongga Mountain from your bedroom window or from the lawn outside. Because Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge is built on top of a small hill, you can get the whole view of the entire valley from the Lodge. It’s an ideal place to take photos. Directly behind the Lodge, there is a small mountain that you can hike up to get an even higher perspective.

    Beautiful and Peaceful Morning in Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Friendly Staff

    The decoration of the room is cozy and simple: wooden bed, wardrobe, and tables. One client claimed that the bed was the most comfortable in all of Kham Tibet. All of the staff are local and speak some English if you have any simple inquiries. If your question is more complex, find Norbu. He is one of the owners and speaks fluent English from his years in India. Norbu is very knowledgeable and humorous. In the evening, they invite their guests to join in a traditional Tibetan dance. Their restaurant is easily the best in all of Xinduqiao. They have a wide offering of local Tibetan, Chinese, and Western dishes.

    A Tibetan Hourse in  Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    A Dream Come True

    GongKar Dzong Castle Lodge is planning to build a meditation and Yoga center for visitors to mediate and practice Yoga in the future. The founders’ original dream was to provide their guests with a true Tibetan experience by giving them a peaceful, comfortable, and joyful time in a luxurious Tibetan home. They have done that and more. In fact, they have exceeded everyone’s expectations, including their own. We highly recommended the Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge even if you have to make a special trip to Xinduqiao just to experience it.

    Comfortable Bed in Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Contact Info:

    地址:四川省甘孜藏族自治州康定市 新都桥镇新二村让噶岗 ,近318国道

    Address: Xingduqiao Town, Nearby the National Road 318, Kangding City, Ganzi Prefecture, Shichuan Province.

    电话:(0836)7777171

  • Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    Two and a half hours north of Chengdu, there is a valley. In that valley, there is a village. And in that village, there are nearly 200 Tibetan families. Most of those families open their homes to travelers. One of the best that we’ve found is the Geji Nyma Tribe Homestay. The village is Ganbao Tibetan Village and it’s located between Wenchuan and Lixian, 20 minutes away from Tao Ping Qiang Village. At 192 km from Chengdu, it is the nearest Tibetan village to the city.

    Inside Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    Your Helpful And Knowledgeable Host

    Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay is one that our travel company (Extravagant Yak) frequently uses. It was opened by a Tibetan family in 2006. The husband teaches at a local primary school. He is extremely knowledgeable about the local Tibetan history and even wrote an introduction to the village’s history and culture for visitors. He offers village tours to guests. If you want a better view of the valley, take one of the hiking trails around the village. In the fall, experience farm life by helping the family bring in the harvest. You’ll have to really push to lend a helping hand because culturally they have a hard time allowing guests to lift a finger.

    Join In The Dance!

    The homestay can house around 25 people. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and each room has its own bathroom. It’s easy to explore the surrounding area as the homestay is next to the village square, the stupa, and the market. If you’d like, your host can also arrange a local traditional dance if you want to learn Tibetan dancing in the evening. Local women show up in beautiful traditional dresses. Be careful, they’ll pull you in if you show the slightest interest in dancing! Don’t be shy. You only live once.

    Stupa and prayer Wheel Nearby Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    The Price Includes Laughter

    For 120 per night per person, you get a cozy room and two meals a day (breakfast and dinner). Here, the food is completely ORGANIC. They make both local Tibetan and Chinese food, but make sure you try the butter momos at least once—they’re very popular with guests. And jump in on the momo-making process. You’ll at least facilitate good laughs all around.

    Ganbao Tibetan village is a quick getaway from the high-paced life of the big city. We highly recommend the warm welcome, the great fun, and the delicious food you can find at Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay.

    Ganbao Tibetan Village

    Contact Info:

    Address: Ganbao Village, Li Xian County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

    地址:四川省阿坝藏族羌族自治州理县甘堡藏寨

    Phone: 13540997282

  • Kailash Restaurant & Bar

    Kailash Restaurant & Bar

    In the heart of Shangri-la Old Town, down a stone paved street and through a small alleyway, there lies a modest and vibrant Tibetan restaurant—the Kailash Restaurant & Bar. Though surrounded by low buildings, it is easily found because of the large, white stupa outside its front door. The restaurant’s wooden frames and large windows hang like rare paintings in an art gallery. The warmly lit world within pulls passersby in through its open doors. The inside is simple and artsy. The Kailash’s atmosphere is set with intricate lighting, elegant artwork, and pleasant Tibetan music.

    The Creator and His Food

    Samten, the owner of the restaurant, started his business in May of 2008. With the help of his family, who each take on different roles in the business, the Kailash has blossomed into a restaurant of renowned fame. The family farm, eighty kilometers away from the city, sources the fresh livestock and vegetables used in their dishes. Though Tibetan flavors dominate their offerings, the menu is also infused with Indian elements as the family spent a decade in that country. Samten works hard to please the palate of his customers without losing the intensity of the original flavors.

    Local Tibetan Hotpot at Kailash Restaurant
    Local Tibetan Hotpot at the Kailash Restaurant & Bar

    The Famous Yak Hotpot

    The Kailash is known for its large clay pot yak hotpot. The yak meat is tender to the point of falling out of the bovine meat category and qualifying as a type of fish. The soup base magically transforms anything it touches into more of that thing. The radish becomes more of a radish. Potatoes come out more like potatoes. The soup incorporates their distinct notes, and the flavors keep compounding!

    Although the restaurant is already known for its innovative dishes, Samten is constantly trying to update their menu to keep creating and offering new local flavors for visitors to Shangrila. The Kailash Restaurant & Bar is a prime destination for tourists looking for savory food to please their taste buds (and fill their tummies!).

    People enjoy Local Tibetan food at the restaurant
    People enjoy local Tibetan food at Kailash Restaurant &Bar

    Kailash Restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy Local Tibetan food: Yak Hotpot, Yak meat momos and Yogurt.

    Contact Info:

    Address: Beimen Road Yi Mulang 19-B1, Shangri-la Old Town, Diqing, Yunnan Province

    Phone:139 8879 8788

    地址:云南香格里拉建塘镇独克宗古城北门街依若木廊19-B1号( 香巴拉老街)

  • Three Brother’s Café

    Three Brother’s Café

    Three Brother’s Café is nestled into the heart Shangri-La old town and offers a wide variety of Indian Food. The current owner moved to India in order to explore his Buddhist Heritage. While there, he discovered his passion for the Indian culinary arts. After twelve years of cooking experience, he returned to Yunnan and worked as a chef at two different hotels. All the while, he kept honing his skills. In 2015, he and two of his friends decided to open Three Brothers Café. The name comes from these three close friends who want to share their passion for Indian culture and food. Their strong work ethic and excellent food have made it one of the most popular restaurants in town.

    The Gate of Three Brother’s Café

    More Than Great Food

    As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a delicious cup of tea. From a comfortable seat at your thick wooden table on a balcony that overlooks the heart of the old town, you tap your foot to the beat of the evening Tibetan dancing below you. Three Brother’s Cafe does more than food. It creates an authentic cross-cultural experience.   

    Mind-blowing Deliciousness

    The menu offers a wide variety of options, ranging from specialty bread to Indian-spiced steak. Two must-tries are the eggplant and sweet and sour pork. Your mind will be blown. However, be careful that you don’t offer your firstborn to a lifetime of volunteer dishwashing in exchange for your regular fix, because the best is yet to come. Their myriad curries stand out like champions among all of the competition—like Meili Snow Mountain stands out among her jealous sisters.    

    Inside Three Brother’s Café

    A Home-Away-From-Home Feel

    If you fear the embarrassment of not knowing the local languages, run as fast as you can to the Three Brother’s Café. The owner’s wife speaks good English and is always around, like a homestead Mama sweeping the porch and waiting for your return. Here is every traveler’s home-away-from-home…and their “home-cooked” meals will melt your heart as they tickle your bellies.

    Address: Yi Ruo Mu Lang Old Town Shangri-la County

    Phone: +86 150 0886 1247

  • Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar

    Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar

    A Kangding Gem

    The Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar is a Tibetan restaurant in the older part of Kangding town (Sichuan province). The uniquely-structured restaurant is located up a flight of stairs and is always filled with guests—local customers and tourists from around the world. And they all have one thing in common: they recommend Taoshi Yongdeng’s exclusive yak meat. So, don’t miss their yak meat and potatoes dish (see below)! The restaurant also has a variety of other local dishes, such as momos and yak pizza, and an impressive drink menu.

    Yak Meat and Potatoes
    Yak Meat and Potatoes

    As you step inside the restaurant, a “homey” feeling greets you. The locally-made decor and furniture in the reception area strike you as exotic and familiar. Then, a concierge staff greets you and escorts you to a table. If you need privacy, they offer private rooms for large groups or for reservation. The serving staff are specially trained by the owner, who has trained dozens of top waiters throughout her career. So, service here is terrific!

    The Restaurant overlooking the streets of Kangding
    The Restaurant overlooking the streets of Kangding

    A Go-To Authentic Tibetan Restaurant

    Next, you notice that the tourist-friendly menu is written in easy-to-read English. The waiter tells you that all their meat comes from the mountains of Luhuo and Setar – nearby areas especially known for the finest yaks. So, you trust her and decide to try that famous yak meat and potato dish. You add a few other recommended dishes to your order. She jots them down and then sends the order to the kitchen. You’ve heard about Taoshi Yongdeng’s all-Tibetan cooking team, so the promise of authentic flavors from the plateau activate your hunger as the aromas from the kitchen waft by your table.

    A server at the bar, waiting for her guests
    A server at the bar, waiting for her guests

    Your food arrives quicker than you expected. And the flavors do not disappoint. You plan to leave Kangding in the morning and ask the owner if she has other restaurants in the places you are traveling. You keep your fingers crossed as she tells you no. Not yet, at least. She plans to but hasn’t yet found an ideal business partner. You think to yourself that if you were a local friend, you wouldn’t hesitate to invest in this promising enterprise.

    Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar is open 7 days a week from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm.

    An ornate entrance to the bar.
    An ornate entrance to the bar.

    Contact Info:

    Address: 康定溜溜溜溜城108剃B幢2楼
    Kangding Liu Liu Town Stairs 108 Pillar B 2nd Floor

    Telephone: 0836-2863222
    For further information call: 1364490007

  • Taoping Qiang Village & Erma Guesthouse

    Taoping Qiang Village & Erma Guesthouse

    Taoping Qiang

    The Qiang people are the oldest minority in China, with a long and interesting history. They live in Sichuan province and have their own spoken language. They do not, however, have a written language. If you want to learn about the architecture and lifestyle of the Qiang minority, Taoping Qiang Village is the best place to go. The village is known as “Mysterious Oriental Castle” for its unique architecture and distinct flavor. Naturally, the houses are all made of stone and connect to each other by crisscrossed paths, which gives the village a cryptic feel.

    Taoping Qiang New Village
    Taoping Qiang New Village

    Taoping Qiang Village is 130 kilometers (a two-hour drive) away from Chengdu. So, getting there for a day-trip or an overnighter is not out of the question. Once you get there, you’ll discover there are two sections to the village: an old and a new. The new village was built after the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008 and it is free to wander around. The old village, however, has over 1,000 years of history and requires a 60RMB entrance fee. You don’t begrudge this because you find it worthwhile to see the impressive architecture that survived the earthquake.

    Erma Guesthouse

    Inside the village, there is a quaint guesthouse run by a local Qiang woman that provides excellent and friendly service to travelers.

    The Yard of Erma Guesthouse
    The Yard of Erma Guesthouse

    Erma Guesthouse is a cozy, 5-story accommodation. Each floor has guestrooms with clean bathrooms and comfortable beds. The 4thand 5th floors have the best view of the village and the mountains. Outside, the courtyard is a great place for a cup of tea or coffee and a book. At mealtimes, they serve up specialty Qiang cuisine. Your lodging fee includes dinner and breakfast.

    A Quiet Alley in the Old Village
    A Quiet Alley in the Old Village

    A brief 5-minutes walk from the guesthouse brings you to a place called “Yangjia Yuan,” where you can see an ancient, underground water distribution system inside an old Qiang house. The house owner will take you on a  tour for 30RMB. The tour gives you a better understanding of Qiang architecture, history, and lifestyle.

    Another short walk from Erma Guesthouse will take you to a viewing platform overlooking the village. From here, the valley and the village are spectacular. So, be sure to check it out.

    Taoping Qiang Village and Erma Guesthouse come with our highest recommendation.

    A Happy Employee at Erma Guesthouse Shucking Corn for Guests
    A Happy Employee at Erma Guesthouse Shucking Corn for Guests

  • Norden Camp, Glamping in Amdo Tibet

    Norden Camp, Glamping in Amdo Tibet

    Glamping Is a Thing

    Glamping is a new word to the Oxford English Dictionary (as of 2016). Formed by the combination of the two words glamorous and camping, it describes a new breed of camping experience that blends the simplicity and back-to-earth elements of camping with all of the services, food and comfort more traditionally associated with 5-star luxury resorts. Norden Camp in the Amdo regions of Eastern Tibet is one of the places pioneering glamping in China. Norden Camp is a wonderful nomadic-styled, luxury glamping camp run by Norden Travel. It is located 20 minutes from the historic Tibetan city of Labrang (Xiahe in Chinese) in Eastern Tibet. Labrang is home to Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Norden Camp is nestled in the strikingly beautiful, rolling Sangke Grasslands, next to a small river that runs around the perimeter of the camp. Waking up to the gurgling sounds of the river and birds singing is a delight to your ears. Norden Camp is situated at 3200 meters in the heart of Amdo grasslands. It is open for 6 months from May to October, during the most beautiful season on the Tibet plateau.

    The Founders

    A friendly and capable nomad in Labrang, Amdo Tibet named Yidam is passionate about his community. He and his wife Dechen are model Tibetan entrepreneurs. In 2007, they started Norlha Textiles, which has become a thriving wool textile company creating beautiful clothing and accessories. They employ only Tibetan nomads and use sustainable business practices that support and enrich their communities. Years later, they started Norden Travel to show their beautiful land and culture to the world. With his hard work and family support, Yidam opened Nordam Camp in 2014. This peaceful and extravagant camp helps visitors experience the richness of Tibetan culture. It is a proud example of the Tibetan people’s respect for their community and their environment.

    Stylish Accommodations

    The accommodations at this camp are a variety of 2-person authentic yak wool nomad tents, a family yak wool tent, and log cabins. The 2-person nomad tents feature comfortable twin beds laden with sumptuous Norlha yak wool blankets and pillows, a cheery wood stove, wash basin and tea pot—all filled and fired up each evening and morning by the gracious Norden camp staff. Each tent has its own private compost toilet nearby. The bathhouse has 6 private, hot shower rooms. Lodging there includes all meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resident chefs have all been trained in Western food preparation. The food is an exceptional mix of Tibetan and European cuisine, using all local, fresh ingredients and beautifully presented.

    You will find out the most stunning and innocent smile from their staff at the camp. They are so friendly and helpful. Most of the staff are from local nomad villages. For them, camp is not only place for working, but also for learning skills, such as, cooking, English, Chinese and mixology. In the evening, staff will perform Tibetan dance and songs around the camp for their guests.

    Norden Camp will be happy to help you arrange activities if you want to explore the area. You can visit the monastery, nomad families, Norlha Textiles or try your skill at Tibetan horse riding, bike riding and hiking. There is also a very nice gift shop of Norlha products next to the reception room. Buy some yak hair souvenirs for you and your friends. Norden Camp is a must-stay place if you are going to Amdo Tibetan region. Visit their site here: http://www.nordentravel.com/

  • T.Lhamo Studio

    T.Lhamo Studio

    Tashi Lhamo was the founder of T.Lhamo studio. She is a passionate and hardworking fashion designer who has a cool and cozy shop in Chengdu where she keeps herself busy designing and selling clothes to her customers.

    Tashi Lhamo was born into a nomadic family, in Hong Yuan County of the Ngawa Prefecture of the Sichuan province in 1989. At a very young age she found her interest in sketching, and she was often the only girl in her school who would take multiple awards in different sketching competitions.

    The founder of T. Lhamo Studio
    Tashi Lhamo: The founder of T. Lhamo Studio

    In 2009, she completed high school and enrolled in Pearl Academy of Fashion – one of the best design institutes in India. Although she was the only Tibetan in her class, she was always considered a bright and hardworking student, and on several occasions her professors even assigned her to work with senior students. During her 4th (and final) year, her portfolio was widely recognized as one of the best collections among her peers.

    In 2013, she had an opportunity to intern for two months in which she designed a collection for SAA in Chennai, India, and where she also got to work backstage at Cochin Fashion Week. In 2014, she also worked under a Chennai based designer, Karishma, for a short time.

    Inside T. Lhamo Studio
    Inside T. Lhamo Studio

    After studying, and getting further experience and skills, she decided to open her own fashion studio and brand in Chengdu where her dream of being a fashion designer and bringing Tibetan fashion to the world all began. Chengdu is the main gateway city to Tibet, so more and more young Tibetans are coming to Chengdu to study or run a business. Chengdu is also the biggest and most important city in Southwest China. Tashi opened T.Lhamo Studio on April 9th, 2016 with her confidence and passion brimming. In the same year, she successfully organized her first fashion show in Charu’s Co-Working Space in Chengdu.

    T. Lhamo Studio's product on Fall collection in 2016
    T. Lhamo Studio’s product on Fall collection in 2016

    Tashi’s products are unique and stunning, and with each piece you know there is a beautiful story behind the hands that made it. We hope Tashi Lhamo will achieve her dreams of bringing Tibetan fashion to the world stage. When you visit Chengdu, we gladly invite you to visit T.Lhamo Studio if you are interested in knowing about Tashi while also getting yourself a fashionable Tibetan dress.

    T. Lhamo Studio opened a new shop in Lhasa in 2019 and you can get her Tibetan products there.

    Lhasa T. Lhamo Studio  shop Address: 

    Cross the Yak hotel , No. 20 Beijing East Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City.

    拉萨市城关区北京东路20号亚宾馆正对面

    Contact Info for Chengdu T. Lhamo Studio:

    Building A Unit 1, Rm 103 No .19 First Ring Southern Section 4, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan,China.

    成都市武侯区一环路四段19号高升桥北街成都A 区5栋1单元103

    Phone:13730883502

  • Zhilam 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 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.

    Zhilam Hostel

    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.

    Zhilam
    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

  • Desti Youth Park Hostel

    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
    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
    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
    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 TownShangri-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

     

     

  • Bodhi Inn (Boutique Hotel)

    Bodhi Inn (Boutique Hotel)

    Bodhi Inn boutique hotel is just at the entrance of the charming Shangri-La Old Town. The hotel is also situated very close to the bus station. When you enter the hotel, you notice the beautiful Tibetan-style decorations right away. It is obvious that the Bodhi Inn gives special attention to detail, and they have done so in very good taste and with a desire for authentic style. The fireplace is a great place to hang out at night to relax, or to catch up over a meal. The owner of the hotel, Tashi, speaks excellent English and he is a very helpful guy. He is always happy to help his costumers with travel information and the best ways to discover the local food. Bodhi Inn also provides free pick up from bus station and airport, just be sure to let them know you arrival details ahead of time.

    The gate of Bodhi Inn
    The gate of Bodhi Inn

    Tashi is a Tibetan guy who was born in Nepal, but visiting Shangri-La was one of his biggest whishes. Fortunately, his wish came true in 2005. Tashi fell in love with this amazing place from the day he arrived, so he decided to work there as a guide. Tashi has received so many guests-turned-friends, from all over the world. They love Shangri-La and some of them even come back almost every year. That inspired Tashi to build a home for visitors and himself. He opened the hotel in April of 2014. Ever the entrepreneur, Tashi now also runs a coffee shop and handicraft shops. In total, Tashi has 11 staff work for him who speaks English well, and they are very friendly and welcoming to guests and shoppers alike.

    Inside Bodhi Inn
    Inside Bodhi Inn

    The rooms at the Boddhi Inn are clean and charming, have free wifi, are well equipped with electric blankets, new A/C, and have a modern bathroom with a nice shower. As a guest, you’ll be offered a tasty cup of ginger tea on arrival, which is freely available 24 hours per day. You have three options for breakfast in the morning: American, European, or Tibetan. True to your travel experience, we would highly recommend trying the Tibetan breakfast at least once with a cup of Yak butter tea.

    Family style room in Bodh Inn
    Family style room in Bodh Inn

    If you’re visiting Shangri-La Old Town, consider Bodhi Inn if you’re looking for a pleasant and comfortable place to stay.

    Contact Info:

    Adress: No.14 Yiruo Mulang, Beimen Street, Dukezong Old TownShangri-La County 674400, China.

    Phone: 0887-8226566 13988745770

    地址:云南省迪庆藏族自治州香格里拉市独克宗古城北门街依诺木廊14号

    联系电话:0887-8226566 13988745770

     

     

  • Gesar Hotel

    Gesar Hotel

    Shigatse is a place you don’t want to miss if you travel to Tibet. As the second largest city in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Shigatse is full of fascinating history and local culture. Shigatse is a modernized city where travelers can find many spots to enjoy the hospitality of the Tibetan people and their distinct culture. Such as that found at Gesar Hotel (“Kesar” in Tibetan). Gesar Hotel was founded by a nomad – Sonam Dorje – in 2012.

    Gesar Hotel Shigatse
    The beautiful reception area at Gesar Hotel.

    Born in a very remote village, Sonam was not lucky enough to get education, but his ambition to start a business never went away.  In 1994, Sonam became a father, and this was a life change that encouraged him to take first steps towards starting his own business. He wanted his kids to get better education and he was willing to do everything to support his family. Still, it took a few years before his dreams actually took flight.

    Finally, in 2006, he founded his first construction company, and through this company he offered 200 job opportunities to his local community. Yet, Sonam was still not content continually seeing many young local people were struggling to support themselves. He wanted to help them discover and grow their skills. So he started building Gesar Hotel in 2008, and officially opened it on April 20th, 2012. Now there are 70 employees at the hotel.

    Gesar Hotel Room
    A guest room at Gesar Hotel.

    Sonam came up with the name Gesar for the hotel because he grew up listening to his grandmother tell stories about King Gesar. Gesar is a hero in a lot of Tibetan’s hearts, so Sonam decorated the hotel in the theme of Gesar. Paintings on the wall in hotel will take you back in time, as all the paintings are about his life. When looking at the walls, it is not hard to get lost in the beauty of Tibetan art and this ancient culture.

    Gesar hotel was the first hotel in Shigatse to be decorated in such a distinct Tibetan style, and guests are often amazed by the beautiful decorations and furniture found throughout. There are more then 150 rooms in the hotel, all of which are very clean and decorated with lovely, handcrafted Tibetan furniture.

    Gesar Hotel
    A hall at Gesar.

    You will also be amazed by the wonderful staff at the hotel.  At Gesar Hotel, guests are treated as friends. The staff are very helpful, humble, kind, and they always try to make you feel comfortable. The manager of the hotel speaks fluent English, and he is always happy to help you and answer all your questions.

    Sonam Dorje believes that Gesar Hotel is not only a business but also a part of the local culture. With so many employees, Sonam is having a great impact on a large part of the community. He hopes that he can help more young people with their family and future, and he also hopes that visitors will have a pleasant stay at Gesar Hotel.

    If you are travelling through Shigatse, we highly recommend Gesar Hotel as a comfortable place to stay.

     

    Contact Info:

    地址:日喀则市龙江中路

    电话:0892-8800088

    Address: Long Jiang Middle Road

    Phone:  0892-8800088

  • Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant

    Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant

    In Maerkang city you will find a small and cozy local Rgyal Rong restaurant called “ Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant ”. It’s simple inside but the food is very tasty and delicious. The basic menu offers the best local Tibetan food with fresh pork, yak meat, and organic vegetables. The local butter tea with fresh walnut is the best butter tea we have ever had (so if you’re going to try it anywhere, here’s the spot!). The menu doesn’t have any English translations, but you will find the most popular foods if you take a quick look at the other customer’s tables. There will be Tibetan noodles with pork and vegetables, momos (Tibetan dumplings) with butter, corn bread, local green vegetables, and of course, the yak butter tea. Even if you end up simply pointing at another diner’s food to order, you won’t regret it.

    The owner is a local Tibetan couple by the name of  Yeshi Mutso and Ajie. They are a very hard working and nice couple, and they opened the restaurant in June of 2014. Previously, both of them were local farmers, but they couldn’t make enough money to support the family and send their kids to school in the village at the same time. So instead, they decided to open a restaurant in the city. Even though they started with nothing, now their restaurant is doing well and their kids are being educated at the school in town.

    Inside the Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant
    Inside the Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant

    The wife, Yeshi Mutso, is the chef and her husband, Ajie, serves as one of the waiters. There are not only a happy couple, but they also make great business partners, as is evidenced by the growth in their business!

    When looking for the restaurant, you will find a fruit and vegetable market in front of the restaurant and on the rest of the street as it curves around. There are also a few shops that sell local clothing and handcrafted products along this street. The purple interior of this restaurant will stand out if you are looking in the doors of the right restaurant. (We couldn’t get the name of the street, but if you hop in a taxi, or ask at your hotel, hopefully you will find it. It’s worth the search.)

    If you walk along the left side of the same street (heading away from the river), you will find Maerkang square where the locals usually gather around 7:00pm to start Tibetan circle dancing. If you’re interested, they do this for two hours every evening and you are always welcome to join. The best way learn the moves is to watch other people.

    Local Tibetan noodle at Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant
    Local Tibetan noodle at Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant

    Maerkang is a place where most Rgayl Rong peole live. It’s a nice place to explore, and choosing to experience their local food will be one of your trip highlights. We encourage you to try some local food at Zang Yuan Qing Tibetan Restaurant if you have chance to visit Maerkang.

     

    Address: Gaoyuan Yingcheng, Maerkang City.

    Phone: 13540995161

    地址:马尔康市高原影城, 藏缘茶餐厅

    电话: 13540995161

     

  • De Le Tibetan Restaurant

    De Le Tibetan Restaurant

    There is a beautiful Rgyal Rong Tibetan town on the way to Maerkang Town, named Zhuo Ke Ji town. Zhuo Ke Ji is well-known place because the Zhuo Ke Ji Tusi Official Manor (a chieftain house) and the Xisuo Tibetan villages are located there. The town is just across from the Tibetan village, with easy access via the bridge connecting the village and town. It is a small but very nice town, and when looking for a meal, you can find Chinese, Muslim, and Tibetan food. As you are travelling through Tibet, take this opportunity to try the local Tibetan food. If you choose to go this route, alongside the river you can find the De Le Tibetan Restaurant. It’s easy to recognize the restaurant with the prayer flags strung between the restaurant and river.

    When entering De Le’s you will be warmly welcomed by the restaurant’s owners. The restaurant has two stories and is decorated with wooden furnishings. It is simple, but well organized, and internet is available and very fast in the restaurant. They also have a few tables outside if you want to enjoy your meal beside the river with a view of the mountains.

    The De Le Tibetan Restaurant is run by three Tibetan siblings, Wangxi Mutso, Luoyi Jia, and Tsering Lhamo. Coming from a local Tibetan village, they opened the restaurant in May of 2014. All of them went to vocational schools and majored in hotel management and accounting, but they decided to start a restaurant with their education and skills instead.

    Inside of De Le Tibetan Restaurant
    The De Le Tibetan Restaurant is a colorful place to enjoy a meal.

    They started the business because more and more tourists are coming to their hometown to visit Zhuo Ke Ji Tusi Official Manor and the Xisuo Tibetan village, but there was not a single Tibetan restaurant in the town. So they took the opportunity, and decided to let visitors taste local Tibetan food. The local pork, corn bread, local vegetables, yak meat, momos (dumplings), and noodles with local sour vegetables are their most popular dishes. For drinks, their butter tea with walnut is popular.

    While the owners don’t speak English, they are happy to provide travellers with the best local food. If you find yourself travelling through Zhuo Ke Ji town, stop by the De Le Tibetan Restaurant for a meal, and a quaint slice of Tibetan hospitality.

    You also can enjoy your meal outside of the restaurant
    Guests can also enjoy their meal outside of the restaurant beneath the prayer flags leading to the entrance.

    Contact Info:

    Address: Zhuo Ke Ji Town, Commercial Town, Dele Tibetan Restaurant. (Walk along the river and look for the prayer flags leading to the door.)

    Phone: 18990444272

    地址: 马尔康县卓克基镇商业街德勒藏餐。

    电话: 18990444272

     

  • Huahu Daqian Shijie

    Huahu Daqian Shijie

    Ruoergai grassland is the second largest grassland in the Tibetan regions and it is also one of the most beautiful marshland in China. This grassland is home to yaks, sheep, and horses, while the marsh is officially recognized as the homeland of the black necked crane. Ruoergai is one of the best places to learn about and experience Tibetan nomadic life. The boundless grassland, blue sky, and gorgeous black and white tents will make you want to look over and over again. You may even want to try to ride a yak or a horse when you see the local shepherds riding their horses on the beautiful grassland. Or maybe you will want to help local nomads milk and make their butter and cheese? Whatever the grasslands stir inside of you, we really don’t want you to miss a visit to this very fascinating place if you have any chance to travel here. While you travel the Ruoergai Grasslands, we would recommend a visit to “Huahu Daqain Shijie”. Huahu Daqian Shijie will bring you authentic local Tibetan nomadic life.

    Huahu Daqian Shijie is located next to the famous tourist place HuaHu (“Flower Lake”). Only a five-minute walk across the street, it was founded by Langmu Monastery in April of 2015. Many people visit this area because of its proximity to Flower Lake, so in order to educate visitors on local nomadic culture, and to provide jobs to the young people who didn’t get a lot of education, Langmu monastery built the complex system that makes up Huahu Daqain Shijie.

    While owned by Langmu Monastery, the day to day management of the site is run by locals. Dolma Tsetan is one of the main managers at the hotel, and he is a kind and caring man whose education is mostly self-taught. In the past few years in particular he has spent a lot of time joining managerial and skills training seminars to enrich his knowledge of business.

    Dolma Tsetan has proved himself to be a very capable man, and he works with more than 40 employees. The majority of his employees are local nomads and farmers who have not received a lot of education, but he has trained them to work as servers and other staff to welcome their guests warmly.

    Inside of Huaha Daqian Shijie
    Huahu Daqian Shijie is a fascinating place to experience nomadic life.

    The lodging here is very different from what you have probably had before. All of their lodgings are white ger/yurt (tents) holding a total of about 300 beds. You can choose your tent based on your budget and the number of features you would like it to include. There are VIP types of ger which are quite luxurious (particularly considering you’re in a tent), gers with double beds and private shower rooms, or ger with double rooms but which share a public bathroom. The beds are comfortable and clean, and built to stand up to the weather on the Tibetan plateau.

    In the center of the site you will find a small lake and island. Guests are welcome to take a stroll around the lake, enjoy the sunshine under the shade of the circular gazebo roof, or enjoy a spot of yak milk tea by the lake. Every evening, people gather together to dance in the traditional Tibetan style. Another place to check out while here is to take a quick peak into the tent which is set up like an education center about the artifacts of Tibetan nomad life.

    With food, you have option of having Chinese food along the street, or Tibetan food at the restaurant hotel. We would recommend you to have Tibetan food (would your Tibetan experience be complete without it?). The hotel restaurant is probably one of the most unique restaurants you have even eaten in before. When coming off of the road, the restaurant is on the left side of the front gate and is pretty recognizable as it is situated in a big black yak wool tent.

    Heading inside the tent (once your eyes have adjusted a little), you will find a Tibetan style fireplace which will be using the authentic firewood – yak dung. Choose one of the low tables and sit cross legged on the beautiful sheep skin mats. While it might be hard for you to sit on the ground in this manner for the entire meal, enjoy the experience of how the nomads truly share life. Yak meat and yak meat sausage, fresh yogurt, lamb, momos (dumplings), and milk tea are the most popular food on the menu here.

    Inside of the black tent restaurant
    Huahu Daqian Shijie black tent restaurant is a nice place to enjoy local nomadic food.

    The staff at Huahu Daqian Shijie warmly welcomes people from all over the world to experience the authentic Tibetan nomad’s lifestyle. If you choose to stay here or even just drop by for a meal, we think you will have a rewarding and pleasant stay.

     

    Contact Info:

    Address: Across from Flower Lake just outside of Ruoergai (5 minutes walk)

    Phone: 13568788822

    地址: 花湖斜对面(走路5分钟)

    电话:13568788822

  • Nima’s Homestay

    Nima’s Homestay

    Muni valley is located in Huanglong National Park, 36km west of Songpan County Town, and ranges in altitude between 2800m at the entrance to 4070m on the mountain peak. You will find a very nice local Tibetan homestay called “Nima’s homestay ” in the beautiful Muni valley. Nima’s homestay is one of the most comfortable local homestay in Muni valley.

    Muni valley has a stunning landscape, charming local Tibetan villages, and Buddhist monasteries. The most spectacular scenery is found at Zhaga Waterfall and Erdao Lake in Muni valley. When compared with Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, there won’t be as many tourists, so you can walk around and enjoy the beauty of nature in relative peace. Most importantly, while exploring this quiet valley, travelers can stay with a local Tibetan family at Nima’s Homestay. Staying at this cozy and comfortable Tibetan house in such beautiful valley, is guaranteed to be a very special part of your travels.

    Nima is the local Tibetan farmer who runs the homestay. Nima means, “sun” in Tibetan, and is a very common name amongst his people. The homestay is convenient to find beside the road and it is very easy to get to. Nima has been running his homestay business for a few years, and he is very interested in receiving visitors. He opened Nima’s homestay because the scenic spots in the area became more developed, thus meaning the extra visitors needed a place to stay.

    Inside of Nima's Homestay
    Nima’s homestay is very clean and comfortable.

    While Nima and his wife don’t speak English, they have experience receiving Western clients, and they have done this long enough that they usually know what you want. They will use their body language to greet you and ask if you would like anything to eat or drink. Nima’s wife (Liuhai Yin) is also a very friendly and hardworking lady, and they both try their best to make you happy and comfortable. Your presence will attract friendly and warm smiles, so make sure you smile in return!

    There are 12 beds on their second floor which are soft and comfortable. The bathroom is located just outside the house, and is shared among all guests in a simple dormitory style. On the first floor, there is a very nice living room with wood decorations, and a small kitchen where Nima and his wife will prepare the meals. Nima’s wife is the cook and you are welcome to help her as she makes her best traditional Tibetan dishes. If you want to try your hand at Tibetan cooking, Liuhai Yin is happy to be your cooking instructor. If you visit in the summer or fall, you may even be able to help Liuhai Yin pick vegetables from her own farm and vegetable garden to round out the meal with fresh, home grown food.

    Mountain across from Nima's village
    A great hiking place near the Nima’s village.

    There are several great hiking places near the village, including the mountain that rises directly across from the village. On the mountain you will see payer flags, and will be rewarded as you climb with the whole view of the village. If you get up early, travelers may choose to join the kora (walk around the temple) with the local people, or a few minutes of mediation in the temple.

    Muni valley is a good place to see some of nature’s beauty and to experience authentic Tibetan culture. If you are traveling to Muni Valley, we recommend you visit Nima’s family at their homestay in order to experience a piece of the real Tibet.

    Contact Info:

    Address: Shang Zhai Cun (village), Muni Township, Songpan County.

    Phone: 13678372526

    地址: 松潘县牟尼乡上寨村

    电话: 13678372526

     

     

  • Snow Land Tibetan Massage Center

    Snow Land Tibetan Massage Center

    We all know that traveling can be fun and exciting, but sometimes it can be a very tiring experience. This can be especially true when traversing over some of the more rugged terrain that can be found on the Roof the World – Tibet. Thankfully, to help you relax, refresh, and recuperate from an exhausting trek or hike there is the option of getting a massage. In the town of Songpan, one can find the Snow Land Tibetan Massage Center.

    Songpan is one of the popular tourist destinations in the Amdo Tibetan region. Songpan is also very close to the UNESCEO park – Jiuzhaigou Valley. The town itself is full of Tibetan culture and history, making it a beautiful place to explore and experience a piece of Tibet.

    The Snow Land Massage Center is a tiny and simple place in the center of Songpan, but a wonderful place to stumble into if you are looking to relax. It was founded by a local Tibetan man named Tenzin Wang Gyal, and it is the first massage center in the town. His father was a Tibetan doctor, so he was able to study some Tibetan medicine and massage from his father. He also learned some about the operating a massage center in Mainland China.

    Inside of Snow Land Tibetan Medical Massage Center
    Enjoy Tibetan Massage at Snow Land Tibetan Massage Center

    In Songpan tourists like to hike and take horse treks in his hometown, and Tenzin Wang Gyal realized that some horse treks take 3 to 4 days, which can make it a very tiring journey. He thought it would be wonderful if he could offer these visitors a massage center. So he put his idea in practice in 2002 and founded Snow Land Tibetan Massage Center.

    In the past years, he has received costumers from all over the world. When scanning his guestbook, his costumers provide him with positive and encouraging feedback. A lot of the commenters agree that they find Tibetan massage to be a wonderful way to relax after siting on bus, trekking, or hiking for hours.

    If you are missing a little western food, you can enjoy some comfort food after your Tibetan massage as the neighboring building is a western restaurant, which is run by a friendly Chinese lady. Going by the name of Emma, she speaks fluent English. This restaurant is also pretty well known, making getting to Snow Land that much easier.

    Snow Land Tibetan Medical Massage Center is next to Emma's Guesthouse
    Snow Land Tibetan  Massage Center is Next to Emma’s Guesthouse

    The biggest difference between Chinese and Tibetan massage is the technique. There are several different services at the massage center: Tibetan massage (full or partial), Tibetan treatment for kidneys, Tibetan medical footbath, flower and milk footbath, pedicure, cupping, and electrotherapy. We chose to go with a half hour of massage, because we had never had a Tibetan one before. Obviously we weren’t disappointed, and we ended up wishing we had gone for longer!

    Tenzin Wang Gyal has trained more than 20 local massage therapists since 2002. He hopes he can continue to train more Tibetans, and wants to open a branch center in a different Tibetan area.

    If you find yourself in Songpan, we encourage you to try Tibetan massage if you have the chance to travel to here.

    Contact Info:

    Address: Next to Emma’s Kitchen in Songpan, Sichuan, China.

    Phone: 189090443172

    地址: 中国四川松潘县顺江村小欧洲西餐厅旁

    电话: 189090443172