Travel Budget for Xigatse Visit Xigatse on a Budget or Travel in Style

Xigatse, Tibet, China

Xigatse 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 Xigatse?

You should plan to spend around $78 (¥568) per day on your vacation in Xigatse. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $41 (¥295) on meals
  • $12 (¥90) on local transportation
  • $56 (¥406) on hotels

A one week trip to Xigatse for two people costs, on average, $1,092 (¥7,952). 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
    $78
    ¥568
  • One Week Per person
    $546
    ¥3,976
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,092
    ¥7,952
  • One Month Per person
    $2,339
    ¥17,040
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,092
    ¥7,952
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,183
    ¥15,904
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,678
    ¥34,080
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 Xigatse cost?

A one week trip to Xigatse usually costs around $546 (¥3,976) for one person and $1,092 (¥7,952) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Xigatse on average costs around $1,092 (¥7,952) for one person and $2,183 (¥15,904) 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 Xigatse will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Xigatse on average costs around $2,339 (¥17,040) for one person and $4,678 (¥34,080) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Xigatse expensive to visit?

Xigatse is a small yet inviting destination that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

Although Xigatse can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $34 (¥248) per day, mid-range travelers spend $77 (¥568) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $148 (¥1,085) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Xigatse.

Within Asia, Xigatse is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hangzhou or Cebu.

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

How much money do I need for a trip to Xigatse?

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

Xigatse on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$12
(¥89)
$28
(¥203)
$53
(¥388)
Local Transportation 1 $5
(¥39)
$12
(¥90)
$24
(¥172)
Food 2 $18
(¥129)
$41
(¥295)
$77
(¥564)
Entertainment 1 $6
(¥43)
$13
(¥98)
$26
(¥187)
Alcohol 2 $1-2
(¥5-15)
$2-5
(¥11-34)
$3-9
(¥22-66)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Xigatse, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $34 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Xigatse wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $77 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $148. 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 Xigatse

In Xigatse, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $0 and peak season rising to an average of $0. Prices typically range from $0 to $0, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Xigatse for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $56 (¥406). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $28 (¥203) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $28
    ¥203
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $56
    ¥406

Hotels in Xigatse

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse? 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 Xigatse

By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.



Transportation Budget in Xigatse

Unfortunately, Xigatse does not provide a solid public transit network.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $12 (¥90) per person, per day, on local transportation in Xigatse. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Xigatse is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $12
    ¥90



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

Rental Cars in Xigatse
The price of renting a car in Xigatse 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 Xigatse

Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Xigatse can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Xigatse is $41 (¥295) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $41
    ¥295

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Xigatse is around $40 (¥295) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $77. 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 Xigatse are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $12
  • Lunch: $6 to $16
  • Dinner: $12 to $28
  • 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. Tibetan restaurants also usually serve westernized food options, and there are an abundance of good Chinese restaurants as well. Tea houses, too, can be found just about everywhere, being a place where many locals come to sit down with friends. In a larger city like Shigatse both sweet and salted teas are served, while smaller villages only serve salted. There are many dining options available around the Samdup Hotel. Some Tibetan staples 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

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Xigatse

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Xigatse typically cost an average of $13 (¥98) 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.
    $13
    ¥98

Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the most important sights of the city, founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. The monastery is also the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, the second highest ranking in Tibetan Buddhism. With an area covering an impressive 300,000 square meters, the grounds of the monastery are also home to the largest gilded bronze Buddhist statue in the world-a statue of Maitreya Buddha, decorated with gold, copper, pearl, amber, coral, diamond, and other precious stones. The main structures of the monastery include The Maitreya Chapel, The Panchen Lama's Palace, and The Kelsang Temple-all standing beautifully with shining gold roofs above bright red and white walls. Other notable religious sites in the area include the Sakya Monastery, the Xialu Temple, and Nadang Temple.

The Shigatse Gold, Silver, and Copper Crafts Factory, built in 1955, is also worth a visit if you're interested in the production of silver, gold, and copper ware vessels. You can go to see the place and buy some vessels as souvenirs. And then there are a handful of sights in the surrounding counties that make up the Shigatse prefecture, some of which include the Rongbuk Monastery with breathtaking views of Mount Everest, the Pala Manor which preserves lifestyles of Tibetan nobility, the historic Dzong Fortress, and the beautiful natural scenery to be found amongst it all in a land surrounded by snow-capped mountains, winding rivers, lush forests, and wildflowers. Zhangmu Town in Nylam County is a good place to get lost in the beauty of Tibet's landscape.



When it comes to activities in Shigatse, or anywhere in Tibet, the focus revolves around monasteries and mountains. With the number of temples and monasteries throughout the region, one could spend an entire trip just seeing the important holy sites. Some come on pilgrimages drawn to the spiritual journey of it all, while others find the architecture and history of the places to be just as beautiful. And then there are the mountains, prime locations for explorers to trek to their heart's desire. Everest, of course, remains the beast of them all, though a few others in the area include Kangbala Mountain and Luozi Peak.



Nightlife Budget in Xigatse

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $3.14 (¥23) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Xigatse per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $3.14
    ¥23
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 28, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Xigatse

  • During the peak season of , prices are typically elevated and the destination can be quite crowded. You can enjoy savings and a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting in the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Public transportation is quite scarce in Xigatse. It may be beneficial to arrange a form of transport in advance, like a private car or tour. Keep in mind that this could impact your budget in other ways.
  • There aren't many hostels in Xigatse, so if you're hoping for a budget dorm, it's best to rethink your plans. Instead, look for inexpensive hotels or an apartment rental.
Traveling in Xigatse

The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.



Neighborhoods & Around

While Shigatse City is the hub of activity, the entirety of the Shigatse Prefecture consists of about seventeen counties-a few of which include Tingri County, Gyangtse County, and Nylam County. Each has its own outstanding attractions, many mentioned above, from temples and monasteries to views of Mount Everest and other striking landscapes. In Shigatse City there are plenty of opportunities for a mix of it all, plus a chance to indulge in the shopping and dining scene of Tibet. In the northern section of the city there is a bazaar perfect for stocking up on daily supplies, while the markets in the southern part of the city cater more to handicrafts like gold and silver wares, textiles, and jewelry. Food can be found just about anywhere with options ranging from traditional Tibetan fare to the more spiced Sichuan cuisine. Most of the restaurants of Sichuan and Tibetan styles are located in Jiefang North Road and Qomolangma Road.

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.