Lonely Planet Review

Opened in 2005 by three local travellers, the Tibetan-style Cloudland boasts a cosy lounge area (including stone fireplace!), third-floor rooftop terrace and clean four- to eight-person dorm rooms. Free Internet and cheap bike rental add to the appeal.

A four-storey brick building in shades of yellow and sea green, this welcoming hostel is located in a great residential area next to Zhuantang Park. The whitewashed downstairs area has four intimate sections (cafe, bar, dining area and TV room) strewn with Tibetan prayer flags and colourful photos of Yúnnán. Highlights include a leafy courtyard area, rooftop terrace and free ping-pong and pool - plus a complimentary city map and guide to elevation change on the Kunmi'ng-Lhasa overland trip. Sleeping arrangements consist of simple pine bunk beds and the rooms are reasonably clean. The only possible drawback is that it's not always a quiet place.