The women from the Bamu Guesthouse meet you at the bus with signs in English and friendly smiles. It's quite welcoming, as the road between Litang and Zhongdian is long between Yunnan and Sichuan and it's good to know there's somewhere you can stay when you pull up in Xian Cheng for the night (the bus ride is two days). If the women aren't there to meet you it's a short walk to the guesthouse. Walk up the steps from the bus station -- a rather glorified term for a little office and tiny pullup bay -- then through the door and along a little path that leads to the guesthouse. Ring the bell or walk inside.
The hostel is in a huge Tibetan building and the walls of the dorm are so elaborately panted it looks like the interior of a monastery. Private rooms are also available upstairs for a slightly higher price. Inside everything is up and down very steep Tibetan-style steps. With a large bag, it's a little hard to negotiate.
There is a hot shower outside -- although it isn't too hot -- and the usual squat loos right around the back of the building. You will need a torch for access to either at night. There is a small sink inside and water for washing your hands and face. Vegetarian meals are served from 7 to 8 p.m. for a price -- they're a little basic. It might be advisable to check out the meals in town first. Buses leave very early the next morning from the bus station onto Litang. It is best to buy your ticket the day before.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2007
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