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Tibet on the China Travel Blog

Just to the east of the fork in the road that heads in one direction to Mount Everest and Zhangmu and in the other to Mount Kailash and Ali, the new town of Lhatse (Lhatse Xian) is a convenient stop for tourists headed to either of the holy peaks. The new town doesn't have much to offer beyond a slew of roadside Chinese and Muslim restaurants and cheap hotels.

The old village of Lhatse, however, and the collection of cultural sites scattered around it—temples, forts and monestaries, some still standing, others in ruins—make for a pleasant off-the-beaten-path experience.

Both Lhatses occupy a harshly beautiful region of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley, roughly 4,000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level. 

Given the difficulty of obtaining Tibet travel permits, it's likely that you'll need to arrange a small tour visit with a guide to get to the various points of interest—the old village itself is 10 km to the north of the modern town, and Lhatse Chöde, Drampa Gyang Temple, the Xiqian Hot Springs and the opening of Yarlung Tsampo Canyon. Generally, tours can be arranged through one of the town's hotels, and various travel agencies including Ctrip arrange Tibet tours that include Lhatse stopovers.

Where to stay in Lhatse

If you find yourself spending a few days, the main drag provides a number of options, including the Lhatse Hotel, Tianhu Hotel and Dewang Hotel, all of which charge something in the neighborhood of 25-40 RMB a night for basic accommodations.

The family-run Dewang comes highly recommended for its friendly Tibetan staff, good food and traditional feel.