Overland Journey from Xining to Lhasa: Accommodations Along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway

As one of the earliest and highest routes into Tibet, the Qinghai-Tibet Highway offers a variety of accommodation options for you journeying along this breathtaking road. While conditions are limited due to the high altitude and remote locations, there are still cozy and comfortable places to rest and recharge along the way.

In this article, we highlighted detailed information on decent accommodations along each section of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, including prices and locations. We also cover the highway’s breathtaking scenery, key stops, and practical travel tips for accommodation, ensuring you can enjoy your overland adventure with comfort and ease.

The Qinghai-Tibet Highway: A 1,937 km Journey Taking 5 to 7 Days

The Qinghai-Tibet Highway starts in Xining, Qinghai Province in the east and ends in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region in the west. Construction began in 1950, and the highway was opened to traffic in 1954. It is one of the world’s highest and longest asphalt roads. Open year-round, it is also one of the earliest highways built to connect Tibet with the rest of China.

The highway stretches 1,937 kilometers, with a roadbed width of 10 meters. Its gradient is less than 7%, the minimum curve radius is 125 meters. The entire route averages over 4,000 meters above sea level. Along the highway are 474 culverts and more than 60 bridges.

The scenery along the way is vast, majestic, and diverse. You’ll pass through sweeping grasslands, shimmering salt lakes, stretches of Gobi desert, and towering mountains. Major attractions and key stops along the highway include Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, Tanggula Mountain, Amdo, Nagchu, and Damxung before reaching Lhasa.

Generally, it takes about 5 to 7 days to complete an overland tour along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Due to the high altitude, driving slowly is essential for a safe journey. Some sections of the road were built on permafrost and can be quite bumpy. The best time for an overland trip on this route is from May to October.

(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Golmud to Lhasa section is the most scenic part of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway.

Accommodations from Xining to Golmud: Comfortable Stays and Quality Hotels

The distance from Xining to Golmud is about 800 kilometers, with the main stops along the way being Qinghai Lake, Chaka Town, and Golmud.

Accommodation around Qinghai Lake is mainly scattered along the ring road encircling the lake. Some hotels offer stunning lake views right from your window. Recommended options include the Qinghai Lake Hotel and the Sunshine Hotel, with prices ranging from $40 to $80 depending on the season and room type.

Alternatively, you can stay in Chaka Town, which is close to the Chaka Salt Lake. The Chaka Vienna Hotel and Chaka Wanfeng Hotel are two of the best choices here. Both are centrally located, surrounded by shopping malls and restaurants, with room rates around $40 per night.

As you arrive in Golmud, accommodation options become more plentiful. For budget travelers, popular chain hotels such as Hanting and Ibis are available, offering comfortable stays with breakfast included. Prices generally range from $35 to $60 per night.

If you prefer higher-quality accommodation, Ji Hotel on No. 46 Kunlun Middle Road is a great option, surrounded by shops and restaurants, with rooms around $45 per night. For a more upscale stay, the Golmud Atour Hotel on Huanghe Middle Road is considered the most luxurious hotel in the city, with prices starting from $55.

Chaka Salt Lake, one of the highlights along the Qinghai-Tibet highway.

Accommodations from Golmud to Nagchu: Fewer Options but Warm Hospitality

The distance from Golmud to Nagchu is about 900 kilometers. Due to the remote location and high altitude, accommodations along this stretch are limited, as there are no large cities between them. Travelers typically stop overnight at Yanshiping or Amdo before reaching Nagchu.

Yanshiping is a small town on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway without major hotel chains, but it still offers basic and comfortable lodging options like small hotels and guesthouses. Among them, the newly opened Qinruyuan Hotel is the best choice, featuring underfloor heating, oxygen supply, and free Wi-Fi, with rooms starting at around $40 per night.

Compared with Yanshiping, Amdo is larger and serves as an important stop along the highway. Given its altitude of 4,700 meters, it’s best to stay at a hotel with oxygen supply. Amdo Weilai Hotel, opened in 2024, is a modern option located in the town center with oxygen supply. Another good choice is Amdo Jiacheng Oxygen-Rich Hotel. Both cost around $35 to $50 per night.

Once you reach Nagchu, famous for the Nagchu horse racing festival, accommodation options improve significantly. The Yuntian Zhouji Hotel and Naqu Fandian Hotel, both near the Nagchu Municipal Hall, offer excellent service, modern facilities, breakfast, and oxygen supply. Prices generally range from $40 to $50 per night, depending on the season.

Nagchu, the largest prefecture of Tibet with the vast Qiangtang grassland.

Accommodations from Nagchu to Lhasa: Decent Hotels Once You Arrive in Lhasa

The distance between Lhasa and Nagchu along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway is about 350 kilometers, taking roughly four hours to drive. Once you reach Lhasa, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations for your Lhasa tour, from budget options and chain hotels to luxury resorts.

Among the luxury choices, the St. Regis Resort, Songtsam Lhasa Linka, Shangri-La Hotel, and InterContinental Lhasa Paradise stand out as five-star gems.

These hotels feature oxygen supply systems, heating, and modern facilities with quality service, making them ideal for a luxurious Tibet tour. Conveniently located near the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, or within a 10-minute drive of most city attractions, room rates generally range from $80 to $200 depending on the season and room type.

For mid-range options, Lhasa also offers many excellent four-star hotels. The Xinding Hotel and Thangka Hotel near Jokhang Temple are among the best.

Xinding Hotel, located on Jinzhu Road, is close to the Potala Palace and within walking distance of the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Thangka Hotel, just a five-minute walk from Jokhang Temple, is another great choice for convenience and comfort. The price of the two hotels ranges from $40 to $60, with breakfast included.

Lhasa also offers many budget-friendly hotels, with Ji Hotel and Hanting Hotel being top choices for their convenience, cleanliness, and value. Ji Hotels and Hanting hotels near the city center provide easy access to the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, with rooms from $30 to $40 in low season and $50–$80 in peak months.

St. Regis Lhasa Resort

More Tips for Accommodation and Meals along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway

1. Besides the hotels along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, there are also guesthouses and army service stations where you can stay. Although their facilities and services are not as good as standard hotels, they can still provide a relatively comfortable stay.

2. Generally speaking, due to the remote location and high altitude, the accommodation conditions along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway are not as good as those in big cities of the same level. For hygiene concerns, it’s recommended to bring disposable bed covers or sheets.

3. Meals along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway are mainly Chinese dishes, with Sichuan and Tibetan cuisine being the most common. Western food options are quite limited until you reach Lhasa. If these don’t suit your taste, you can bring some snacks or instant noodles to refuel.

4. Currently, the Qinghai-Tibet Highway is under maintenance, especially the section from Golmud to Lhasa. Some parts may be closed, or you may need to take detours to find accommodation. Please stay in touch with us for the latest updates.

Join our classic Qinghai to Tibet overland tour to explore the stunning natural views. 

Conclusion

Starts from Xining and ends in Lhasa, the Qinghai-Tibet highway offer tourists another way to explore the roof of the world through wheels with more flexibility. While accommodations and meals may be simpler than in big cities, the warmth of local hospitality and the majesty of the scenery more than make up for it.

With thoughtful preparation and an open spirit, this high-altitude road trip will reward you with an authentic and awe-inspiring experience of the Tibetan Plateau. Contact us to planning your Tibet overland tour right now.