Many say that the western of Tibet is the real Tibet, to the west is "the secret territory of Tibet and heavenly Aly". Ngari is the "ancestor of all mountains" and the "source of all rivers". This is where the world-recognized sacred Mt. Kailash located, and Holy Lake Manasarovar, which in the hearts of Buddhist believers is located here as well. Vast, thinly populated and with an average altitude of over 4,500 M, Ngari is a rough and ready frontier occupying one of the remotest corners of Asia. With the development of tourism in Tibet, there are more places to stay along the way and around scenic spots.
From Shigatse towards west, reached to town of Saga, the best accommodations in the area are: Mulinsen Hotel, Brahmaputra Hotel, and Saga Hotel, provide 24 hours hot water, heating supply, WIFI network, independent shower, etc. Peak Season price is around RMB 600 - 700/night, Low Season price is around RMB 400 - 500/night. A slightly less expensive hotel costs about RMB 200 - 300/night, and usually the bed seats costs about RMB 100/night.
Continue until you reach tach-in at the foot of the sacred mountain, which is the starting and ending point of the Ngari Mountain Trekking. Himalaya Kailash Hotel at Darchen is the best place to live in the town, with 24-hour electricity and 24 hours of hot water (though it is said to take at least 20 minutes to run out) and provide breakfast. Due to local conditions, even if the hotel is a 4-star standard, please do not expect too much. The price is pricier, at peak season one night will charge about RMB 600 – 800 and very hard to book during its period. In addition, there are many hostels and youth hostels, but the conditions are very simple and the price is around RMB300 - 500 /night, and extra bed costs about RMB100/night. The condition is not ideal, but the price won’t cheap, please prepare at heart before ahead for Ngari.
In addition, there are many guest houses, youth hostels and so on, but the conditions are relatively simpler, as the price is also around RMB 300 – 500/night; and extra bed would charge about RMB 100/night only. During the mountain trekking, only hostels’beds are available (the price is about RMB 100/night). There is a small amount of hot water supply in the snack bar around the scenic spot every day, and simple food and mineral water can be purchased there. As the high altitude along the mountain, the temperature is very low, must pay attention to the prevention of high altitude, prepare some good thermal facilities before hand.
Zanda's accommodation is not as good as Darchen's. The best hotel in the area is Tulin Chengbao Hotel; Tulin Chengbao Hotel and Zanda Chongqing Hotel are in favor with overlanders as well. Whether it is the southern line of Ngari or the northern line, the price of better hotels is about RMB 400 - 500/night in peak season and extra bed will charge RMB 100/night. Conditions will not be good, but the price will not be cheap, must be prepared before Ngari travel.
