Tibet (Xizang), in far western China, sits on the highest plateau on Earth. Lhasa alone stands around 3,650 metres above sea level, and the region climbs from there towards turquoise lakes, glacier valleys and views of the world's tallest mountains. The air is thin and the sky is famously clear, which makes for some of the sharpest mountain views you'll get anywhere on the planet.

Because most of the region sits well above 3,000 metres, picking the right base matters as much as picking the right sight to see. You might spend a few days settling into Lhasa to let your body adjust before heading further out towards Shigatse, Nyingchi or the lakes. There's a stay to match the pace of your trip either way.

Where to stay in Tibet

• Lhasa - the region's main gateway and its biggest hotel market, from backpacker dorms to five-star resorts. Most travellers base here first to acclimatise before pushing further out.
• Shigatse - Tibet's second-largest city and the usual overnight stop for travellers heading towards the north side of Everest. A comfortable halfway point on the road west.
• Nyingchi - lower and greener than the rest of the plateau, with forested valleys and a noticeably gentler altitude, good for a rest day.
• Nagqu - wide grassland country to the north, better suited to travellers who are already acclimatised and want open space over city comforts.
• Lhoka (Shannan) - the usual base for visiting Yamdrok Lake, worth a short stay if the lake's turquoise water is the main reason for the detour.

How much is Tibet accommodation?

A comfortable double room in Lhasa averages around AU$70-90 a night, though the wider region runs from AU$13 hostel bunks up to five-star suites well over AU$400.

• Backpackers/Hostels - From AU$13 per night. Dorm beds and simple guesthouses, mostly clustered in Lhasa's old town, popular with budget travellers acclimatising on the cheap.
• Budget hotels/Guesthouses - From AU$35 per night. Private rooms with basic heating, a sensible pick given how cold plateau nights get, even in summer.
• Mid-range/Apartments - From AU$70 per night. Reliable hot water and heating, and often a small in-room oxygen supply, a genuine comfort at this altitude.
• Boutique - From AU$150 per night. Restored courtyard buildings and heritage-style properties, mostly in central Lhasa.
• Luxury/Resorts - From AU$350 per night. Five-star hotels with oxygen-enriched rooms, indoor pools and spas built specifically for high-altitude comfort.

Top-rated hotels in Tibet

• Shangri-La Lhasa - runs a 24-hour oxygen bar and an indoor pool, genuinely useful extras while you're adjusting to 3,650 metres.
• The St. Regis Lhasa Resort - traditional Tibetan-style design details throughout the rooms and public areas, with some suites looking out towards the Potala Palace.
• InterContinental Lhasa Paradise - a reliable full-service international option in central Lhasa, handy if you want familiar comforts after days on the road.
• ChunQiu Oxygen-Rich Hotel - does exactly what the name promises, with oxygen-enriched rooms aimed squarely at easing your first few nights at altitude.
• House of Shambhala Heritage Hotel - a small, restored courtyard property with a quieter, boutique feel than the big international chains.

Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Tibet

• Book a hotel with oxygen-enriched rooms or an in-room oxygen supply for your first couple of nights, especially if you're flying straight into Lhasa rather than arriving overland.
• Spend your first two nights somewhere central in Lhasa before heading up to Namtso Lake, which sits above 4,700 metres. Your body will thank you for the slower start.
• International visitors need a travel permit arranged in advance, so lock in your accommodation dates early enough to leave time for that paperwork.
• Pack for big swings in temperature. Plateau nights get cold even in summer, so check your room has proper heating rather than just air-conditioning.
• Most visitors reach the region through Lhasa Gonggar Airport, one of the highest airports in the world, or via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railway line on Earth. Either trip is part of the experience, so build in a rest day either side of it.
• If Everest's north side or Yamdrok Lake is your priority, base yourself in Shigatse or Lhoka rather than commuting out from Lhasa each day.

Tibet rewards a slower pace. Build in time to adjust to the altitude, and the plateau's lakes, grasslands and mountain views are worth every extra day you give them.