Travel Budget for Mount Kailash Visit Mount Kailash on a Budget or Travel in Style

Mount Kailash, Tibet, China
Asia / China / Tibet /
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Mount Kailash 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 Mount Kailash?

A typical traveler spends $90 (¥643) per day on a trip to Mount Kailash. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Mount Kailash based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $43 (¥306) on meals
  • $32 (¥226) on local transportation
  • $55 (¥391) on hotels

A one-week trip to Mount Kailash for two people costs, on average, $1,256 (¥9,002). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $90
    ¥643
  • One Week Per person
    $628
    ¥4,501
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,256
    ¥9,002
  • One Month Per person
    $2,692
    ¥19,290
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,256
    ¥9,002
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,513
    ¥18,004
  • One Month For a couple
    $5,384
    ¥38,580
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Mount Kailash cost?

A one week trip to Mount Kailash usually costs around $628 (¥4,501) for one person and $1,256 (¥9,002) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Mount Kailash on average costs around $1,256 (¥9,002) for one person and $2,513 (¥18,004) 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 Mount Kailash will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Mount Kailash on average costs around $2,692 (¥19,290) for one person and $5,384 (¥38,580) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Mount Kailash expensive to visit?

In Mount Kailash, budget travelers spend $39 (¥281) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $90 (¥643) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $171 (¥1,229) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Mount Kailash.

Mount Kailash is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

You may find Mount Kailash to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.

Within Asia, Mount Kailash is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Koh Phi Phi or Matsue.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mount Kailash Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Mount Kailash?

The average Mount Kailash trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mount Kailash travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mount Kailash cost?

Mount Kailash on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$12
(¥86) 		$27
(¥196) 		$52
(¥374)
Local Transportation1 $14
(¥99) 		$32
(¥226) 		$60
(¥431)
Food2 $19
(¥134) 		$43
(¥306) 		$82
(¥586)
Entertainment1 $7
(¥49) 		$16
(¥112) 		$30
(¥214)
Alcohol2 $1-2
(¥4-13) 		$1-4
(¥10-30) 		$3-8
(¥19-57)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Mount Kailash on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $39 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Mount Kailash, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $90 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $171 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.

Accommodation Budget in Mount Kailash

The cost of hotels in Mount Kailash can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $. Budget hotels range from $ to $, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Mount Kailash for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $55 (¥391). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (¥196) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $27
    ¥196
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $55
    ¥391

Hotels in Mount Kailash

Looking for a hotel in Mount Kailash? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Mount Kailash

By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.



Transportation Budget in Mount Kailash

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $32 (¥226) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mount Kailash. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mount Kailash is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $32
    ¥226

As mentioned earlier, the village of Darchen is the entry point for Mount Kailash. There are only four routes available to reach it by land. From the Indian border there is a route that follows Delhi-Haldwani-Dharchula-Lipu Lekh-Purang, from Shigatse it can take 4 to 6 days via hired jeep depending on the route, there is a route from Kashgar through Ngari, and one from Simikot/Hilsa in Nepal through Purang.

If you fly into Gunsa Airport, serving the town of Shiquanhe in Ngari Prefecture, you are only a one-day bus ride away from reaching Darchen at the base of the Mount Kailash passage.



Flights to Mount Kailash
How much does it cost to go to Mount Kailash? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Mount Kailash
The price of renting a car in Mount Kailash 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 Mount Kailash

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Mount Kailash can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mount Kailash is $43 (¥306) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $43
    ¥306

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

Food & Dining Tips

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.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mount Kailash

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mount Kailash typically cost an average of $16 (¥112) 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.
    $16
    ¥112


Those who come to Mount Kailash come to embark on a pilgrimage. There are two circuits in the area-one being the Mount Kailash Kora, the other the Lake Manasarovar Kora. The first involves making circuits around Mount Kailash, generally taking about three days to do so for the regular visitor. Each religion, however, has its own methods. Buddhists and Hindus, for example, travel clockwise around the mountain, while Bonpos travel counter-clockwise. Some make the 52-kilometer journey in a day, while others remain seeking enlightenment from the mountain for weeks.

The second pilgrimage circuits around Lake Manasarovar. With a distance just over 100 kilometers, this pilgrimage path takes about 4 to 5 days to complete. A good starting point for this trek is at Chiu Gompa, located 30 kilometers south of Darchen.



Nightlife Budget in Mount Kailash

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $2.79 (¥20) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mount Kailash per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $2.79
    ¥20
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.



Travel cost data last updated: May 31, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Mount Kailash

  • In , prices tend to soar, and the destination gets pretty packed. If you want to save money and enjoy a quieter experience, plan your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Traveling more slowly can help you save some cash while enjoying the beauty of the area. When you fill your days with activities, expenses can skyrocket. But taking it easy often means enjoying yourself more and spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Mount Kailash, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a private driver or tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • There aren't a lot of hostel options in Mount Kailash, so if you're thinking of saving money in a dorm, you might need to adjust your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental may be a better choice.
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Traveling in Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash Mount Kailash

The main point of entry to Mount Kailash is a small village called Darchen. Once an important sheep station for nomads and their flocks, the village has now grown to provide for the pilgrims wishing to embark towards Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It contains a number of guest houses and restaurants as well as a hotel where pilgrims must get permission from the Public Security Bureau to make the trek around the mountain. Also in the village are a handful of small stores and kiosks, as well as some grounds for camping. It is about 330 km (a one-day bus drive) from the town of Shiquanhe to the northeast, where Gunsa Airport is located, offering flights twice a week to Lhasa and Chengdu.



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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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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