Mount Kailash Tour Cost Breakdown
The cost of a Kailash Trek can largely depend on the specifics of your tour, such as its duration, whether it's a private or group tour, and the level of comfort and service you choose. However, here is a general breakdown of the main costs:
1. Tour Package for Mount Kailash Tour
Most travelers choose to book a tour package, which includes permits, accommodation, transportation, guide services, and sometimes meals. These packages can range from about $1,500 to $3,000 per person for a standard 15-day tour.
2. International Flights to China Mainlands
The cost of flights to and from your home country to Tibet is not typically included in the tour package. The cost can vary widely based on your location and the time of year.
3. Domestic Flights or Trains to Lhasa, Tibet
The cost of domestic transportation from other parts of China to Lhasa can vary. A flight might cost between $200 to $500, and a train ticket might range from $100 to $200 depending on departure city and class of seats.
3. Visa and Permits
A Chinese visa is required for most travelers, and the cost can range from $60 to $200 based on your nationality. The Tibet Entry Permit is normally included in your tour package.
4. Personal Expenses
This includes items like bottled water, snacks, personal supplies, souvenirs, and any additional meals not covered by your tour package. These costs can vary widely based on personal habits.
5. Tips
It's customary to tip your guides and drivers at the end of the tour. A standard tip might be $5-$10 per day for your guide and $3-$5 per day for your driver, but this is at your discretion.
Again, these costs can vary based on a wide range of factors, and prices may have changed since my last training data in September 2021. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend contacting a travel agency specializing in Tibetan travel.
Kailash Mansarovar Package Cost in Details
A Kailash Mansarovar package includes various services and amenities, but the exact details can vary based on the tour operator and the specific package. Our Kailash group tour is priced at $1877 per person. This 15-day journey from China to Kailash covers numerous highlights of Tibet, including Everest Base Camp, Kailash, and the ruins of the Guge Kingdom. With this tour, you will experience the richness and diversity of Tibetan culture and landscape.
Typically Included
Tour Guide: A package normally includes a professional English-speaking Tibetan tour guide who can help interpret the cultural and historical sites you visit. They are also available to advise on travel matters, help resolve issues that may arise during the trip, and assist with day-to-day needs.
Accommodation: Most packages include accommodation for the duration of the tour. The standard of accommodation can vary from basic guesthouses to more comfortable hotels depending on the package.
Transportation: Most packages include transportation within Tibet. This not only covers travel between regions but also includes the cost of tourist buses provided within scenic areas, such as the eco-vehicle fees for Mount Kailash and Everest Base Camp.
Meals: Some packages include meals, often breakfast provided by the hotel. In addition, We Odyssey offers a complimentary Tibetan welcome dinner and a Tibetan hot pot dinner at Everest Base Camp. Please consult our travel consultants for more details.
Permits: Packages typically include the necessary travel permits for Tibet, such as Tibet Travel Permits, and Aliens' Travel Permits.
Entrance Fees: The entrance fee for Mount Kailash itself is 180 RMB (around 30 USD). Furthermore, there are also ticket fees for some prominent attractions from Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour, as detailed in the table provided.
Attractions | Entrance Fee (RMB/p.p) | Vehicle Fee (RMB/p.p) |
---|---|---|
Potala Palace | 200 | / |
Jokhang Temple | 85 | / |
Sera Monastery | 50 | / |
Yamdrok Lake | 60 | / |
Karola Glacier | 50 | / |
Tashilunpo Monastery | 100 | / |
Rongbuk Monastery | 35 | / |
Mount Everest Base Camp | 160 | 120 |
Lake Mansarovar | 150 | / |
Mount Kailash | 150 | 60+50 |
Guge Kingdom | 65 | 20 |
Zanda Clay Forest | Free | / |
Tholing Monastery | 50 | / |
The good news is that during the off-season, the ticket fees for some attractions are reduced by half. Sometimes, during the winter tourism season in Tibet (November to March), certain attractions even waive their ticket fees altogether.
Typically NOT Included
International and Domestic Flights: Flights to and from your home country to China, as well as domestic flights within China, are generally not included in the tour package.
Visa: The cost of the Chinese visa is not included.
Travel Insurance: Travelers are usually required to purchase their own travel insurance.
Tips: It's customary to tip your guides and drivers at the end of the tour. This is not included in the package cost.
Personal Expenses: Costs for personal supplies, extra meals, bottled water, and souvenirs are not included.
Additional Activities: Costs for additional activities not covered by the tour itinerary, such as extra sightseeing or cultural activities, are not included.
Please note that these are generalizations and the actual inclusions and exclusions can vary based on the tour operator and the specific package. Always read the terms and conditions of your package carefully and clarify any doubts with your tour operator.
Mount Kailash Trek/Kora Cost
Included in the Mount Kailash Tour Package
Entrance Ticket: The entrance ticket of 150 RMB is included in the tour package.
Eco-friendly Bus: The cost for the two segments of the eco-friendly bus, from Tarboche to the flagpole plaza (60 RMB) and from Darchen back to Tarboche (50 RMB), is included in the tour package.
Not Included in the Mount Kailash Tour Package:
Local Porter: The standard rate is 990 RMB per person, this is non-negotiable. This rate applies to 1-3 days.
Horse Riding: The cost ranges from 600-1000 RMB per day, with different charges for off-peak and peak seasons. This is negotiable.
Emergency Rescue Vehicle: The cost ranges from 500-1000 RMB per use, and the price varies depending on the route. Nighttime rescues are more expensive than daytime.
Meals: Along the route, there are tents with common Chinese snacks and beverages, the cost of which is usually double the normal price. Meals at the accommodation points are available but not included in the tour package. The price varies based on your selection, and hot meals are available.
Please note that prices may vary, and it's always best to check with your tour operator for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How to Reduce Mount Kailash Tour Cost
Travel in a Group
Group tours often cost less per person than private tours. You can join an existing group tour to share costs like guides, transportation, and accommodation. Besides reducing individual costs, group travel also provides an opportunity to meet and interact with other travelers.
Traveling Off-Season
Planning your tour during the off-peak season can result in lower costs as the demand for services like accommodation and flights is usually lower. For instance, winter is an off-peak season in Tibet, and accommodation costs are usually reduced. However, you need to balance this with potential challenges brought by the weather conditions during off-peak seasons. Notably, an additional advantage of traveling in winter is that most tourist attractions in Tibet offer free admission.
Plan in Advance
Booking flights and train tickets in advance can help you secure lower prices. Additionally, securing your tour package early allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts that many tour companies offer.
How to Join A Mount Kailash Group Tour?
Joining a Mount Kailash group tour involves several steps.
Research Tour Operators: Look for reputable tour operators offering Mount Kailash group tours. Consider factors like itinerary, cost, and inclusions.
Check Availability: Choose a tour and check if it's available on your preferred dates.
Contact the Tour Operator: Reach out to the tour operator for any queries and the booking process.
Book the Tour: Fill out the booking form and make a payment to secure your spot.
Prepare for the Tour: Arrange travel to the tour's starting point, usually China. Get necessary visas, travel insurance, and the Tibet Travel Permit with the operator's guidance.
Join the Tour: Arrive at the meeting point on the set date to start the tour.
Explore Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel
With over 10 years of local expertise in Lhasa and Tibet (Xizang), our dedicated team at Asia Odyssey Travel brings you carefully curated Tibet tours for an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Drawing upon our extensive experience, we have meticulously crafted a range of Tibet tour packages, including Lhasa tours, Mount Everest Tours, Mount Kailash Tours, Tibet Trekking Tours, Tibet Train Tours, and Tibet Overland Tours. Whether you prefer the comfort and flexibility of a private tour or the budget-friendly option of a group tour, we have you covered without compromising on quality.
Additionally, we cater to various travel preferences, whether you wish to commence your Tibet tour from one of the popular gateway cities in China, embark on Nepal Tibet tours, or even explore the mesmerizing Himalayan region. Whatever you desire, Asia Odyssey Travel has the perfect tour to meet your needs, ensuring that your expedition to Tibet (Xizang) becomes an unforgettable adventure.