Shambhala Palace

Top choice in Lhasa


This quiet 17-room hotel is hidden deep in the old town, offering stylish rooms, a spacious rooftop and good service. Avoid the smallest rooms, though. Manager Lobsang Jigme is particularly helpful. Low-season discounts of 20% are available in April, May, November and December.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lhasa attractions

1. Main City Mosque

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This mosque in the Muslim district serves as the spiritual focal point of Lhasa's several thousand Muslims, especially on Fridays. It's closed to non…

2. Ani Sangkhung Nunnery

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This small and politically active nunnery is the only one within the precincts of the old Tibetan quarter. The site of the nunnery probably dates back to…

3. Perdu Ambam Yamen

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A recent addition to the northeast side of the Barkhor Circuit is the Perdu Ambam Yamen, a politicised museum firmly aimed at local Chinese consumption …

4. Meru Nyingba Monastery

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This small but active monastery is a real delight and is invariably crowded with elderly Tibetans thumbing prayer beads or lazily swinging prayer wheels…

5. Meru Sarpa Monastery

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The wood-block printing press in the middle of this traditional housing compound doesn’t welcome visitors, so head instead to the atmospheric chapel in…

6. Zhambhala Lhakhang

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This small chapel on the western side of the Meru Nyingba Monastery has a central image of Marmedze (Dipamkara), the Past Buddha, and a small inner kora…

7. Gongkar Chöde Chapel

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This small Sakyapa-school chapel is up some narrow stairs above the Zhambhala Lhakhang, just off the Barkhor Circuit.

8. Jampa Lhakhang

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On the northern Barkhor Circuit, 10m down a side alley, is the entrance to the Jampa Lhakhang, on the right. The ground floor has a huge two-storey statue…