Be forewarned: All the guesthouses in town are dumps and look like truck stops, so bringing a sleeping bag to put over your bed is highly recommended and keep your expectations low on the cleanliness, plumbing, and electricity fronts. The honest and shabby Lhasa Fandian (Lhasa Hotel; tel. 0892/826-2703) has grubby dorm rooms (¥10/$1.30/65p) but very friendly staff, and much-needed hot showers are available for the same price as a bed. The Xuebao Fandian (Everest Snow Leopard Hotel; tel. 0892/826-2775) offers the best accommodations in town, but the price is expensive (¥40/$5.20/£2.60 dorm bed, ¥200/$26/£13 standard room), compared to other local guesthouses, and the service staff is indifferent. Hot water in the clean showers allegedly runs 24 hours. For those en route to Everest Base Camp, you can get your permit for the Qomolangma Nature Reserve here. The Amdo Restaurant, located on the north side of the road in the middle of town, is popular with locals and has an English-language menu.
