About Zhilam

About our hostel…

Zhilam Hostel, a peaceful Tibetan-style home, is perched on a quiet hillside above the city of Kangding, Sichuan. Zhilam is a Tibetan word meaning “the path of peace.” Come stay with us and gear up for your journey ahead, or rejuvenate after your travels through the rugged mountains of Western Sichuan. Kangding also serves as a gateway to many Tibetan areas of China.

Gateway to where?

Kangding itself is a delightful place to spend a week with many attractions in the neighborhood. However, if your looking to widen your checklist of “places visited” then Kangding is the place to start. To the South, one can travel to Dechin, Shangrila and Lijiang (Yunnan). To the West before hitting the TAR border, one can experience the wildness of Litang and the pleasantness of Batang. To the Northwest lies the adventures of Tagong, Ganzi, Dege and eventually Yushu (Qinghai). To the Northwest also lies Danba with its beautiful ancient towers, Ruoergai and even Jiu Zhai Guo.

Location

The hostel is located in the village of “Bai Tuo Kan” (or “Bei Tuo Kan” in the local Sichuan dialect). We chose this local farming village for its charming paths, quiet ambiance, and unprecedented views of Kangding. The hostel location offers one of the best vantage points for taking in a panoramic view of two of the three mountains that enclose the Kangding valley. Directly opposite the hostel is Kangding’s famous mountain, Pao Ma Shan, visable from all rooms of the hostel. Although located out of the town itself, it is only a quick walk down the hill to the main streets of the city. If you are looking to get to the hostel, you can chose one of two ways: hike up the hillside, a ten minute walk from downtown, through the village (and take the challenge – can you do it without getting out of breath??), or get in a taxi and and ask to be taken to Bei Tuo Kan (RMB 6).

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Top Five Reasons to Come to Kangding