Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Lhasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Lhasa or Pokhara? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Lhasa is $71, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $19. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lhasa and Pokhara in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Lhasa or Pokhara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Also for Lhasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
Prices for flights to both Pokhara and Lhasa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
For Lhasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lhasa and Pokhara, we can see that Lhasa is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lhasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lhasa than you might in Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lhasa Expensive? and Is Pokhara Expensive?.
Pokhara has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Lhasa. When comparing the sizes of Lhasa and Pokhara, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.