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Yabshi Phunkhang

Lhasa

When in Lhasa, you might enjoy a night or two in the historic family home of the 11th Dalai Lama. Why wouldn’t you? The Yabshi Phunkhang - now a calming boutique hotel - was the mid-19th century home of the 11th Dalai Lama’s parents. Isn’t that fantastic? Whilst not offering uber luxury, it’s an irresistible proposition for a stay in the Tibetan capital. Behind its modest facade lie colourful courtyards, Buddhist artefacts, and traditional thangka paintings. It is an absolute delight. 

The rooms continue the heritage theme and leave you in no doubt as to your location. Its homely ambience balances the idiosyncrasies common to heritage hotels (think steep stairs, slightly uneven floors and odd-shaped corners!) While the rooms are fairly basic, they all come with modern amenities. There’s an excellent onsite restaurant, and the location is very convenient for heading out for traditional fare at the local eateries.

Location

In an atmospheric location in the city’s Chengguan district, very close to the 1,300 year old Jokhang Temple, this simple, local hotel immerses you in Tibetan culture.

A little more detail

  • High-quality restaurant

  • Coffee bar

  • Art gallery & shop

  • Very steep stairways

From a client…

The Yabshi was wonderful, and very much on the up according to the manager, but we liked it the way it is now. So glad we stayed here.

Image gallery

Bedroom at at Yabshi Phunkhang
Bedroom at Yabshi Phunkhang
Double bedroom at Yabshi Phunkhang
Double bedroom at Yabshi Phunkhang
Traditional restaurant at Yabshi Phunkhang
Dining at Yabshi Phunkhang
Terrace at Yabshi Phunkhang
Terrace at Yabshi Phunkhang
Traditional bedroom at Yabshi Phunkhang
Traditional bedroom at Yabshi Phunkhang

Why we love it

Discover what to expect from staying at Yabshi Phunkhang

The soul of Tibet

This is the sort of place that we can’t resist. Interesting history, great location, characterful and friendly. If you were magically transported into its colourful courtyard, you would have no problem recognising that you were in Tibet. The restaurant is superb, with the chef-in-residence cooking up some delicious dishes which are definitely worth trying. This boutique isn’t for everyone, but its handful of potential shortcomings are best embraced as a part of the experience. Selective Asia’s Nick describes it as his favourite hotel in Tibet and he is not alone.

Courtyard at Yabshi Phunkhang

What can you do there?

It’s not a property flush with facilities, but the location is great. If you’re lucky, the hotel staff are sometimes able to give you a brief local tour of the area, including the Jokhang Temple. Join the kora around the perimeter and through the bustling Barkhor market, or simply watch the monks and pilgrims make their way to the holy site. If you go out for dinner, make sure you let the hotel know so that you don’t find yourself having to knock on a locked door upon your return!

Colourful decor at Yabshi Phunkhang

Inspiration: Trekking in Nepal

prayer flags over Everest

Aim for the Summit

Trekking across the ‘roof of the world’ in Tibet, at an average elevation of 4,500m, is and adventure hard to beat. It’s not the easiest destination to get to, but the unparalleled rush of standing in one of Earth’s rawest landscapes is like nothing else. 

Price from: £2,890 US$3,590
Ideal length 10 days
Take me there
Tibet

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