Songtsam, the only group of luxury boutique Lodges and Retreats in the Tibet region, announced the opening of its 13th property, Songtsam Lodge Namcha Barwa. Located in Dalin Village in Tibet, the lodge has a spectacular view of the famous Namcha Barwa snow mountain, the Father of Tibetan Mountains which rises 25,531.5 feet above sea level. The new lodge will also play an integral role in providing employment for the local communities as well as support their economic growth.  

Songtsam Group CEO Zhishi Qilin said at the opening celebration, “Songtsam has been operating for over 20 years. Our Founder, Mr. Baima Duoji, has led the Songtsam ‘family’ to create a world-class brand rooted in the Tibetan region. Songtsam Lodge Namcha Barwa has more than 50 employees, of which 15 are from Dalin and Tunbai Villages. I hope in the future more villagers here will join the Songtsam team. Whether it is in one year, three years, or five years, we will eventually hand over this hotel to the local community." 

Breakthrough Songtsam Design: All-Suite (33) Hotel Features Balconies with Panoramic View of Namcha Barwa, the 15th Highest Mountain in the World

Songtsam built Namcha Barwa Lodge with great respect for this unparalleled landscape of mountains and rivers. The hotel design provides each suite with dramatic views so that all the guests can have the feeling that they are being embraced by Namcha Barwa’s snow-capped mountains, blending one’s soul with the surrounding nature.

In a breakthrough design, making the scenery the focal point of each suite, the living room and balcony are integrated. A sliding window folds together so the living room itself becomes an extended balcony, providing an unobstructed view of Namcha Barwa from anywhere in the suite. 

These mesmerizing views are not limited to guest rooms but include the multifunctional public space in the four-story main building which encompasses a lobby, restaurant, bar as well as meeting rooms. The architect used the building axis and sliding windows that support the entire wall, to provide each space with a transparent and breathtaking view of Namcha Barwa. Each floor has terraces of varying sizes, integrating the guest facilities with the stunning natural setting of the lodge. 

Two-Story Book Bar

Unusual in such a remote lodge, Songtsam incorporated a two-story book bar on the third floor of the main building. The two-story bookshelves, located next to the stairs, create an ideal reading space where guests can relax, enjoy tea, in full view of Namcha Barwa. Being so close to nature, combined with the tranquility of reading, one can feel a true sense of inner peace and joy. 

Outside the Lodge, the architects created three reflecting pools, which capture the mesmerizing snow peaks of Namcha Barwa, the white clouds, and a galaxy of stars in the night sky.  

To ensure the wellness of each guest at such a high altitude (the lodge stands at 10,334.6 feet above sea level), Songtsam uses modern technology to diffuse an oxygen supply throughout the property. 

Commitment to Supporting the Local Communities

In order to promote the development of the village, Songtsam has committed to contributing 200 RMD (approx. $30 USD) from every room night sold, to the village. The goal is to help improve the Dalin Village’s living standards and support local development. Songtsam hopes that within two years, more than 60% of the hotel's staff will be from the surrounding villages.  

Mr. Baima Duoji, Songtsam Founder & Chairman, said that “as Songtsam expands into the more remote Tibetan interiors, the Songtsam brand will become more closely connected with these geographic locales while at the same time contributing to the well-being of the neighboring communities.”