Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mount Kailash is around $43 (¥306) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $82. 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 Mount Kailash are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $13 to $30
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Traditional Tibetan cuisine is largely limited to barley, meat (usually mutton or yak), and dairy products. Very few spices and vegetables are used in the cooking, though most dishes are served with a very hot chili sauce on the side. Along the trekking route of Mount Kailash, there are a few local restaurants and guest houses to accommodate visitors, so tourists do not have to prepare their own food and tents. Choices, however, are limited and it may be wise to bring a supply of your own as back up. Traditionally, pilgrims only eat vegetarian food in the region due to its proximity to the sacred Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Some traditional fare of the region might include:
Momos: dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried
Tingmo: bland, nearly tasteless steamed bread
Thukpa: a hearty noodle soup with vegetables or meat
Thenthuk: thukpa with handmade noodles
Yak butter tea: salty tea churned with butter, a Tibetan staple and usually an acquired taste for most Westerners
Chang: a Tibetan beer made of barley, light in flavor
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.