Once you decide to visit Tibet, one of the big questions concerns the price. Is it expensive to visit Tibet? Will I be able to afford it? How can I make a budget for it?

In fact, a trip to Tibet is a little more expensive than the other regions of China because of the remote location. However, it is not such expensive as you imagine. The Tibet trip cost varies greatly according to many aspects, such as your travel itinerary, your travel time, accommodation standards, etc.

To help you figure out how much you will pay for a Tibet tour, we are going to show you the breakdown of Tibet travel costs in detail.

1. Cost for Flights/Train to Tibet: At Reasonable Price

Because Tibet is located in the remote southwestern part of China, traveling there costs relatively high. However, considering its location, the high transfer costs are understandable.

The cost of a Tibet train is usually based on distance. For example, the shortest train route from Xining to Lhasa costs 495 RMB for a basic hard-sleeper, while the longest route from Guangzhou to Lhasa costs 865 RMB for the same class of hard-sleeper.

The train fares from other gateway cities to Lhasa are all within this range. For instance, the fare from Beijing to Lhasa is 720 RMB, from Shanghai to Lhasa is 793.5 RMB, and from Chengdu to Lhasa is 625 RMB.

Taking a train to Tibet along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a unique way to get to Tibet.

The flights to Tibet from the mainland of China are also priced according to distance. Geographically, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining, and Kunming are the closest cities to Lhasa and the flight from these cities costs you less than that from mega-metropolitan cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. For example, a direct flight from Chengdu to Lhasa costs around 415 USD while on the same day, the direct flight from Beijing to Lhasa costs 460 USD.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the only international flight to Tibet, costs from 420 USD. It is run by Himalaya Airlines on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Since currently only one airline operates the flights from Nepal to Tibet, the price is a little bit higher than before.

Insider Tips:
1) During the peak tourist season, train tickets to Tibet are usually hard to book and the prices are much higher. It is recommended to choose the train out of Tibet. You can enjoy the same stunning scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway at a cheaper price.
2) The flight costs mentioned above are for reference only. Please verify the actual flight prices when planning your trip.

8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Price from USD1169 p.p

2. Cost for Tibet Travel Permit: Free of Charge

The Tibet travel permit is always the prerequisite for a Tibet tour. Only when you get a Tibet permit can you board the flight or train to Tibet.

It can be only applied through a local travel agency, as the individual application is not accepted by the tourist bureau. To be honest, much labor cost is involved. However, for our clients, we offer a 100% guarantee and free service for the Tibet permit application.

Tibet Travel Permit is the necessary document to enter Tibet

All you need to do is to book a Tibet tour with us at least 20 days in advance and email the colored copies of your Chinese visa and your passport information page to your travel consultant.

The processing takes around 8-9 working days. Once your permit is issued, we will have it delivered by express from Lhasa to your address in the mainland of China.

Insider Tips:
Additional permits like Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Permit are required for the trip to Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, and some other remote areas outside Lhasa.

You may need to pay for these permits after arriving in Tibet. But don’t worry, if your trip involves these costs, your travel consultant will explain them to you in detail.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

3. Cost for a Classic Tibet Tour Package: Typically 120-155 USD per Person per Day

Since individual travel is not available in Tibet, you can only explore Tibet by joining a group tour or customizing a private tour arranged by a local travel agency.

The cheapest way to visit Tibet is no doubt the group tour. Covering almost all things of your journey, including the local transfer, accommodation (usually at 3-star standard), guide and driver services, etc, a Tibet small group tour generally costs from 120 USD to 150 USD per person per day. You can get a rough budget for your Tibet trip based on this standard.

Visit the Potala Palace with group members from around the world.

For the same travel route, a customized private trip to Tibet will cost more than a group tour, because no other travelers to share expenses with you.

So, if you want to save money on your Tibet travel, we highly recommend our Tibet Small Group Tour. With groups of no more than 12 people, we offer you a flexible and comfortable travel experience at an affordable price.

If you prefer a more private travel experience, we can tailor a trip to your specific requirements, ensuring it is worth every coin. Just feel free to share your travel ideas with us.

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

4. Breakdown Price: Transportation in Tibet is a Little Expensive Beyond Imagination (about 30% of Total Trip Cost)

The transportation in Tibet is a large slice of your Tibet tour budget. As a common practice, the cost will be charged per km in the daily tour, which means if you only visit Lhasa and its surroundings, the vehicle cost is much cheaper than that of a trip to Everest Base Camp (around 1340km away from Lhasa). If you go to visit Mount Kailash (around 3730km away from Lhasa), the cost of the tour vehicle could be more phenomenal.

Furthermore, the quotation for the tour vehicle will be based on your travel season and the vehicle type.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD989 p.p

If you want to reduce transportation costs in Tibet by cycling, it is not a good idea. Cycling is never a cost-saving way to visit Tibet. It requires a lot more preparation and professional team support to take a cycling tour in Tibet. The actual cost is relatively expensive and is heavily influenced by the number of travelers, travel seasons, travel routes, etc. If you need a quote for a cycling tour in Tibet, feel free to contact us to get a proper quotation based on your travel plan.

5. Breakdown Price: Local Guide Service and Tipping at Reasonable Cost (about 20% of the Total Trip Cost)

Since you are accompanied by a Tibetan tour guide every day throughout the journey, the guide service fee is also a major part of your travel expenses, accounting for about 20% of the total tour cost.

While you are not obliged to tip the guide and the driver in Tibet, it is a great recognition and a meaningful way to support their families if you are satisfied with their services. It is advised to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour, about 50 RMB (about 7 USD) per person per day.

For some special activities or private tours that involve strenuous efforts and extra care, more tips are also believed to be reasonable.

Enjoy a trip to Drepung Monastery with our knowledgeable Tibetan local guide.

6. Breakdown Price: Accommodations from budget to Luxury, 50-200 USD per Person per Day (about 20% of Total Trip Cost)

Staying in Tibet can be a mix of different experiences. Depending on how much you’re willing to pay, your lifestyle here is going to be quite different.

Lhasa has a variety of hotels to suit every pocket, ranging from 50 USD to over 200 USD high-end luxury resorts.

For most travelers, a 4-star hotel around Barkhor Street might be the best choice since it generally costs around 60 USD per night with a better location and relatively comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price.

Lhasa Gangjian Hotel is a popular 4-star hotel among tourist.

As you leave Lhasa to explore the massive untouched regions like Mount Kailash or the high altitude destinations like Everest Base Camp, the accommodation facilities tend to be a lot more humble and basic. You have fewer choices for hotels as the only options are local guesthouses without private restrooms and shower facilities.

However, staying at a local tent hotel at Everest Base Camp could be a special travel experience. You’ll meet travelers from around the world, share bunk beds, and swap travel stories. Just step outside the tent, and you’re right by the world’s highest peak.

7. Breakdown Price: Local Meals are Cheaper (about 10% of Total Trip Cost)

Usually, a Tibet tour package price includes breakfast in the hotel and a welcome dinner for the group. You need to pay for lunches and dinners by yourself.

If you’re looking for the cheapest food and drink, then expect to pay 2 to 5 USD for a basic Tibetan restaurant meal, like Tibetan noodle soup, Tibetan momo, dried yak meat, and a beverage such as sweet tea, butter tea, and refreshing Lhasa beer, etc.

You can experience traditional Tibetan noodles and Tibetan butter tea in a local Teahous.

Higher-priced dining will cost you around 6 to 10 USD at a more high-class establishment. In Lhasa, you may enjoy a wide spectrum of Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Western, and Chinese cuisines.

As you hit the road for the day-to-day tour beyond Lhasa, you can only find some simple dishes like egg-fried rice, Tibetan soup noodles, rice with yak meat, various veg food, etc.

8. Breakdown Price: Tickets of the Tourist Sites and Winter Discounts

Whether you book a group tour or a private tour, the cost of the entrance fee will be included in the package. On average, the entrance fees in Tibet are around 100 - 200 RMB, which has fluctuated with different travel seasons.

In recent years, to promote Tibet winter tourism, there have been many preferential policies locally, including free visits to the Potala Palace from November to March.

5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Take a 360° Tour and Visit the Loneliest Temple in the World

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa

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9. Other Personal Expenses in Tibet

Apart from those major expenditures for Tibet travel, you may also prepare 120 to 220 USD to cover the extra personal expenses, such as souvenirs, medicine, dining in some remote areas, rental porter service, and other unexpected costs for clothes, and upgrading for the hotel, etc. It’s suggested to set aside a certain amount of money to cover the unexpected personal expenses.

Insider Tips:
Nowadays, mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also very common in Tibet. Credit cards can only be used in hotels and some large shopping malls and restaurants in Lhasa. When you visit Everest or Mount Kailash, it is recommended to carry a certain amount of cash.

10. Tips for Maximizing Your Money on a Tibet Trip

To visit Tibet in winter is one of the best ways to take a budget trip to Tibet. From late October to early April is the off-season of Tibet tourism, during which you will not only enjoy a lower price for the flight to Tibet, but also have discounted hotels and attraction fees with far less crowded attractions and a more intense Buddhist atmosphere.

Experience the best Tibet winter tour with us.

If your schedule is fixed and you can only visit Tibet during the summer, be mindful of the high prices during summer break. The period from mid-June to early September coincides with China's summer break, attracting a significant influx of Chinese and international tourists. Consequently, this time is the most expensive for traveling in Tibet. Tour costs are already at their peak, and failing to plan ahead may result in even higher expenses for hotel accommodations or airfare to Tibet.

Regardless of when to travel, joining a Tibet small group tour is always the cheapest option, especially if you travel to Tibet alone. If you don’t want to travel with strangers, you can also make your own group, with your family or your friends. The larger the group, the lower the cost per person.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Conclusion

Surprisingly, Tibet is not a destination for budget tours. The actual tour cost in Tibet is around twice as expensive as in other mainland Chinese cities since you need to book the full tour services, including the hotels, the vehicles, and the guide and the driver in Tibet.

However, there are ways to cut down the tour prices. Since a customized private tour is always more expensive than a join-in small group in Tibet, so do trekking tours, cycling tours, and some other themed tours in Tibet, you can travel with a group to cut down the price of a Tibet tour. No matter whether you join a group tour or make your own group to travel to, you can share transportation and tour guide fees with others has always been the most effective way to save money when traveling to Tibet.

Also, avoiding visiting Tibet in peak season from June to mid-Oct could save you more money. And winter is the best time for a budget Tibet tour.

If you have further questions about the cost of a Tibet tour or need a quote for your travel to Tibet, feel free to contact us.