Lhasa is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Lhasa?
A typical traveler spends $91 (¥650) per day on a trip to Lhasa. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Lhasa based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $46 (¥327) on meals
- $2.59 (¥19) on local transportation
- $79 (¥564) on hotels
A one-week trip to Lhasa for two people costs, on average, $1,270 (¥9,100). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$635
¥4,550
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,270
¥9,100
-
One Month
Per person
$2,721
¥19,500
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,270
¥9,100
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,540
¥18,200
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,443
¥39,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lhasa cost?
A one week trip to Lhasa usually costs around $635 (¥4,550) for one person and $1,270 (¥9,100) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lhasa on average costs around $1,270 (¥9,100) for one person and $2,540 (¥18,200) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lhasa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lhasa on average costs around $2,721 (¥19,500) for one person and $5,443 (¥39,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lhasa expensive to visit?
In Lhasa, budget travelers spend $40 (¥284) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $90 (¥650) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $173 (¥1,241) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Lhasa.
Lhasa is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Lhasa can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Lhasa is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Beijing or Shijiazhuang.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lhasa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lhasa?
The average Lhasa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lhasa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lhasa cost?
Lhasa on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(¥123)
|
$39
(¥282)
|
$75
(¥539)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$1
(¥8.13)
|
$3
(¥19)
|
$5
(¥35)
|
|
Food2
|
$20
(¥143)
|
$46
(¥327)
|
$87
(¥626)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$8
(¥54)
|
$17
(¥123)
|
$33
(¥235)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(¥11-33)
|
$3-10
(¥25-75)
|
$7-20
(¥48-143)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Lhasa. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $40 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Lhasa will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $90 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $173. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Lhasa
Hotel prices in Lhasa can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $. Budget accommodations range from $ to $, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lhasa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $79 (¥564). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $39 (¥282) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lhasa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip ), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Lhasa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $2.59 (¥19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lhasa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lhasa is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.59
¥19
Central Lhasa is easy to walk around and most of the city's tourist sights are found in this area. It's also possible to pick up a cycle rickshaw in most places but you should negotiate the price before accepting the ride. Taxis are available as well for a fixed rate. Most taxi drivers will pick up several passengers if they find people heading in the same direction. Public buses are available, but visitors rarely use them. You can also rent bicycles at many of the city's hotels are cycle shops. This a fun way to explore the city independently.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Lhasa Kongga Airport Chauffeur Service, Lhasa Airport Transfer, Pickup for $170 details
- Lhasa Kongga Airport private Transfer for $260 details
How much does it cost to go to Lhasa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lhasa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lhasa
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lhasa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lhasa is $46 (¥327) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$46
¥327
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lhasa is around $46 (¥327) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $87. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lhasa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $14 to $32
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Near the Jokhang Temple you will find some nice restauratns that offer good food. There are options that range from western cuisine to Nepali, Indian, or traditionally Tibetan dishes. One popular restaurant with backpackers is Makye Ame. It offers traditional Tibetan food and is found on the southeast corner of Barkhor Street.
Small, more traditional Tibetan restaurants are the most affordable, and more interesting option when compared to tourist restaurants. There are many Tibetan restaurants in Barkor and on the main streets to the Sera and Drepung monasteries.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lhasa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lhasa typically cost an average of $17 (¥123) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
¥123
There are many sites within Lhasa but the most famous, and most frequently photographed, is the Jokhang Temple. It was built in the 7th century AD and has been enlarged several times since. It is now a beautiful four story building in the Barkhor Square.
Other sights around Lhasa include the Potala Palace, the Norbulingka Summer Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, the Tibet Museum and the Barkhor Street market. The Barkhor Street Market encircles the Jokhang Temple and has many vendors selling fascinating Tibetan items. Bartering here can be a fun experience, as is people watching. This area makes up a major part of the kora, or walk around the temple that worshipers make during prayer.
There are a variety of interesting cultural activities that you can enjoy while you're in Lhasa. Langma Opera is a traditional Tibetan song and dance show that is worth experiencing. If you would like to relax, then a blind massage is available at the Medical Massage Clinic on Bijing Middle Road. This is a project of Braille Without Borders.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lhasa is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 5-Day Private Tour with Potala Palace & Yamdrok Lake for $1,299 details
- Nepal Tibet Tour 8 Days for $2,099 details
- 17 Days Kailash Mansarovar Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration for $3,152 details
Nightlife Budget in Lhasa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.98 (¥50) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lhasa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.98
¥50
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Travel cost data last updated: May 29, 2025
Traveling in Lhasa
Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet
Lhasa is the famed capital of Tibet, and is one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit. It's name means "Land of the Gods" and the city dates back more than 1,300 years. It's elevation is 3,650 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. It sits on the northern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains by the Lhasa River and is the second largest city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining.
Lhasa's high elevation gives it a cool, semi-arid climate. The winters are cold and the summers are mild. The city actually sits in a valley so it is protected from extreme temperatures and strong winds. The coldest month is January when the average temperature is about 29 degrees Fahrenheit and the warmest month is June when the average is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. July through August is the rainiest season, but the rain falls mostly at night so this is a good time to visit.
Travel restrictions for foreigners to Tibet are constantly changing. You must thoroughly research current restrictions prior to your trip, and continue to follow current events during your travels. Restrictions can be subject to sudden and abrupt changes.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are areas that have a distinctly Buddhist and Tibetan feel, while in other neighborhoods it is difficult to distinguish Lhasa from any other Chinese city. There is a striking difference between the eastern and western sides of the city. Eastern Lhasa has an atmosphere that is far more Tibetan and traditional. This is most concentrated around the areas of Jokhang and the Barkhor neighborhood. Here you will find traditionally dressed locals worshiping at Buddhist shrines. There are many prayer wheels sprinkled throughout this area as well. On the western side of the city you will notice a more typical Chinese, or Han, culture. This area is more chaotic and hectic. It can be surprisingly modern and is hard to distinguish from any other Chinese city. Head to this area if you're looking for a bank or any form of official business.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.