2020 Tibet Travel Guide, Self-Drive Accommodation Tips, Lhasa Youth Hostel Recommendations, Hostels Near the Potala Palace

Tibet, a pure land far from the bustle of the world. Many have told me that to them, Tibet is a distant dream, a city in the sky of their imagination, a sacred place to wash away the dust of worldly life. Hearing these descriptions, I always felt that, no matter what, I had to visit Tibet.

So later, my friend and I made plans and set off.

When in Tibet, I believe one must experience the green train here, feeling the mountains and waters slowly pass by your eyes. The second thing to experience is the youth hostel. I have to say, a youth hostel is where travelers with stories meet other wanderers with stories. Everyone can hear different tales and gain insights into different lives.

On this trip to Tibet, we chose a youth hostel. This hostel was once recommended by Chen Kun on Weibo. Its location is excellent—within a short walk from the door, you can reach famous landmarks like Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple, and the Potala Palace. The rooms are very clean, with a distinct college dorm feel, and staying here somehow evokes a sense of campus life.

I recommend this youth hostel that even Chen Kun checked into:

Name: Pingcuo Kangsang International Youth Hostel (Lhasa Potala Palace Jokhang Temple Branch)

Address: 50 meters north of KFC at Shenli Times Square, Duosen'ge North Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa (near Barkhor Street/Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace/Sun Island area)

Also worth mentioning: from the rooftop of the hostel, you can see the entire Potala Palace. Besides Chen Kun, many photography enthusiasts love staying here. When we were there, we saw many photographers coming specifically to take pictures. Their itineraries are quite extraordinary—they go to mountain peaks to shoot the starry sky and sea of clouds. Those who enjoy adventure and have patience can definitely follow a similar itinerary. As for me, I prefer to drop off my luggage and wander around alone.

Without any specific purpose or expectations, just stroll along the lanes and embark on a journey for the soul.

Walking around like this, you'll naturally reach the Potala Palace, then pass by Jokhang Temple, and continue to Barkhor Street.

There are many unique tea houses here. Having read so much about Tibet before coming, I felt as if I had been here before in a daze. Walking like this truly cleanses the soul—amid the crowds doing the kora at Barkhor, in the murmuring chants of the monks... it often feels like you can hear your own inner voice.

As for food, a must-mention in Tibet is the Tibetan butter tea. Near Jokhang Temple, there are many restaurants: Snowland Restaurant, Makye Ame, Sun Tribe, Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House, and more. Savoring Tibetan butter tea, sweet tea, and a proper Tibetan meal here is a complete immersion into Tibetan culture.

That evening, we ate here with fellow travelers. I recommend the fried lamb chops, beef tsampa porridge, yogurt cake, Tibetan-style pancakes, hand-grabbed lamb/yak meat, butter tea, barley wine, and more. The unique Tibetan flavors will give you a distinctive taste experience.

After eating and drinking to our hearts' content, returning to the hostel is another unforgettable experience. People from all corners of the world gather in the common area on the first floor, sharing their encounters and listening to each other's stories of inspiration and bittersweet farewells in Tibet. As I said earlier, when stories meet stories, the journey gains an even more special meaning.

After a day hopping around the city, I highly recommend visiting Yamdrok Lake, known locally as Yang Lake. It is one of Tibet's three great sacred lakes, along with Manasarovar and Namtso. To Tibetans, it is regarded as 'the turquoise earring scattered by a goddess.' From Gampala Pass, you can overlook the lake, and under different lighting, the water reveals layered, incredibly rich shades of blue. Not far down from Gangbala Snow Mountain, there's a lakeside road; strolling or camping by the shore is the best way to experience Yamdrok.

To visit these sights, I suggest carpooling or chartering a vehicle. There are also many group tour options here, and you can choose based on your itinerary. Along the way, if you're lucky, you might see blue sky, white clouds, and a rainbow all at once—a sight so beautiful you'll marvel at nature once more.

Finally, wherever you go, be sure to take precautions against altitude sickness. Rhodiola capsules and oxygen canisters are essentials to have on hand.