Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the drokpasthemselves, as young people move from the grasslands in search of a 'better
life' in urban centres. How far into the 21st century their way of life will persist is a matter
for debate among Tibetologists.
Sleeping & Eating
There are now a dozen places to stay at Tashi Dor, which these days resembles a sort of
Wild West mining camp, with lots of ugly prefabricated shacks that serve as hotels, res-
taurants and shops.
Bedding is provided at all places but nights can get very cold, so it's a good idea to
bring a sleeping bag and warm clothes. Between the altitude, cold and the barking dogs,
most people sleep fitfully at best. None of the hotels have indoor toilets or running water -
in fact the whole site is an E coli outbreak waiting to happen. Most accommodation is only
available between April and October, with prices peaking in July, August and September.
There are plenty of decent camping spots far away from the hubbub if you are prepared
for the cold.
The guesthouses and tent restaurants offer pricey Sichuanese dishes (¥30 to ¥70 per
dish). Several places sell delicious locally made yoghurt.
Damxung is a popular lunch spot en route to Nam-tso and there are several good
Muslim noodle joints as you enter the town from the south.
Namtso Sheep Hotel
GUESTHOUSE
(, Yáng Bīnguǎn 139 0890 0990; dm ¥40-80, r ¥160-260; )
This is one of the better-run camps at Nam-tso. The metal cabins aren't pretty, but there's a
wide range of rooms with proper beds, electric blankets and clean sheets. Rooms have
electrical outlets and the walk to the toilets is shorter than at any other guesthouse. The
nicest part about the place is its cosy restaurant warmed by a dung-fuelled stove. It's the
only place run by locals and so is open year-round.
Holy Lake Namtso Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE
(, Shénhú Nàmùcuò Kèzhàn
0891-611 0388; dm/d ¥60/150-280;
)
