Mount Kailash, far out in the west of Tibet, is one of the most popular tours in the region, as well as being the single most popular destination for both Buddhists and adventurers.

A trip to Mount Kailash, which usually includes Lake Manasarovar, is a 15-day tour that is not a cheap Tibet trip.

When budgeting, there are usually these factors to be considered: the cost of the hotels you will stay in, the season in which you will travel, the means of transport that will be used, taking a private tour or joining a small group tour, and other personal and incidental expenses. We will help you with the total Mount Kailash costs in this article.

1. Generally, a Mount Kailash Tour costs 130-150USD per day

The journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash and back travels through several thousand kilometers of Tibet’s beautiful natural landscape. Along the way, it can include visits to iconic destinations like Everest Base Camp, Yamdrok Lake, and a wide range of cultural attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigase, and the Rongbuk Monastery in Mount Everest. There is also three days in Lhasa exploring its wonders, and the Mount Kailash trek itself.

Joining a group is the most cost-effective way to travel to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

A trip like this, one of the longest travel routes in Tibet, isn’t cheap. On average, it costs 130-150 USD per day. The shortest Mount Kailash from Kathmandu cost starts from 1,499 USD, while the classic Kailash Mansarovar Yatra over 2 weeks costs over 2000 USD.

The tour package includes accommodations, and all the attraction fees for visiting places. Local transfers along the long tour route cost a lot, but it’s all taken care of in tour price.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

2. Accommodation in Lhasa and Shigatse will affect the total cost

During your Mount Kailash tour, you'll find various hotel options in Lhasa and Shigatse, with costs varying greatly. In Lhasa, prices range from 200 USD for an extravagant 5-star hotel to 15-32 USD for a 3-star hotel or guesthouse. In Shigatse, hotel prices range from 77 to 20 USD. It's important to note that the prices of hotels in these larger cities can increase during peak seasons.

However, in more remote areas like Saga and Darchen, accommodation options are limited. As a result, there isn't a significant difference in hotel costs in these locations.

The dormitory at the guesthouse during the Kailash Kora is quite basic, and the price is relatively stable.

Therefore, the total cost of your Mount Kailash tour may be affected by your accommodation choices in Lhasa and Shigatse.

3. A Mount Kailash tour during the peak or shoulder season could differ by around 200 USD.

The cost of the Mount Kailash tour also depend on the season in which you travel. The high season for travel to Mount Kailash is from late of June to early of October in general.

June to early of October is best time travel to Mount Kailash

During the peak season costs are usually higher than at other times of the year. On average, a 15-day join-in small group tour to Mount Kailash in the peak season can cost as much as 2,290 USD per person (all-inclusive).

From the beginning of April to late June, and late of October, it's the shoulder season of Mount Kailash trip. During this season, the cost is lower, normally 2,059 USD per person for the same trip above.

16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2219 p.p

4. Transfer to Lhasa always not included in a Mount Kailash Tour Package

Getting to Tibet for the tour can be done by flight or train, and each has a different cost. Flights to Lhasa from the mainland of China cost around 180 USD from Chengdu, 185 USD from Guangzhou, and around 214 USD from Beijing. Flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa are also available, and cost around 350 USD per person.

For budget travelers, trains are more appropriate as they are normally less costly. The cheapest train to Tibet is around 43 USD from Xining. Trains from Beijing cost from 78 USD, and Shanghai from 163 USD per person.

Taking a Xining to Lhasa train is a popular way to get to Tibet.

5. Other Extra Costs for a Mount Kailash Tour

For dining along the trip to Mount Kailash, you can get good meals of different cuisines in Lhasa and Shigatse, for around 10-15 dollars. Outside Shigatse and on the road to Mount Kailash, you can mainly get simple Tibetan or Chinese food, and each meal can cost at least 5 dollar per person.

During your 3-day Kailash trek, the cost of guesthouse and certain meals are included. However, if you require a porter with a yak, then you will need to pay an additional fee for these, as they are not included in the tour package.

You can hire a porter with a yak to carry your luggage during the Kailash Kora with extra pay.

The prices of yaks, porters, and horses vary differently, and your guide will help to select the best or the cheapest according to your needs.

While tipping for the guide and the driver is not a requirement, it does help the tour guide and driver with their income and your appreciation is gratefully received. The amount is up to you, based on your tour experience and how you feel about their services.

On average, tips for drivers range from 75-125 yuan per day, while tips for guides are around 100-500 yuan per day. If you travel on a small group tour, the tips will be shared by all group members.

The final expense would be your own personal spending, such as snacks you want to eat while travelling, alcohol in the evenings, souvenirs and gifts for your friends or families.

How much you spend on this is entirely up to you, but it is advisable to have the cash, as very few places will accept credit cards.

10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Tour Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

Price from USD1749 p.p

6. The Most Cost-effective Mount Kailash Tours with Tibet Vista

A Kailash Mansarovar yatra/tour can be done on a private tour or small group tour. If you want to save money, then taking the Small Group Tour in Tibet is the best option. With our small group tours, you can share the cost on guide, driver, private vehicle etc., with other members of the group.

If you take private tour, you will need to pay for these expenses yourself. This will cost you an extra 1200 dollars at least.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

Conclusion

While a trip to Mount Kailash may appear to be expensive, it is really worth the cost, and there is no experience like it in the world. Booking your Mount Kailash tour with us, you will receive the most valued services from experienced local guide, drivers and vehicle, and more.