Lonely Planet Review

This Chinese-run youth hostel is more 'Cell Block H' than Shangri-La but it does offer cheap dorm rooms and boasts a good range of useful backpacker services.

Tibet is all the rage among a new wave of Chinese backpackers from Shanghai and Beijing, and the Phuntsok is their hostel of choice. The vibe is young, relaxed and backpackery, with graffiti on the walls and lots of common seating in the central courtyard, though it's disappointing there's not more of a Tibetan feel here. Each dorm room has its own bathroom, which is unique in Lhasa, and there's a laundry service, baggage storage, free breakfast and internet access. If you want a bit more privacy consider the Japanese-style doubles with private bathroom. From the rooftop cafe the Potala seems close enough to touch. Prices swing wildly with the season, tripling from May to August.