Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Lhasa
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $21-71 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Lhasa
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget Tibetan-style lodges with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$6-18 per day
Local Tibetan restaurants, street food stalls, yak meat dishes, tsampa, butter tea from local vendors
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses within city, walking, shared minibuses to nearby attractions
Activities
$5-20 per day
Temple entrance fees, self-guided walking tours, free monastery visits, basic photography permits
Currency: ¥ Chinese Yuan (CNY) - Tibet uses Chinese currency
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Lhasa
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local Tibetan restaurants away from Barkhor Street tourist area (typically 40-60% cheaper than tourist zones)
Use public buses and walk instead of taxis for city transport (saves 70-80% on transportation costs)
Book accommodation well in advance during peak season for 20-30% discounts
Join group tours instead of private tours for monastery visits (typically 50-70% less expensive)
Shop for souvenirs at local markets rather than tourist shops near major attractions (30-50% savings)
Bring altitude sickness medication from home rather than buying in Lhasa (60-80% cheaper)
Stay longer to spread fixed costs like Tibet Travel Permits across more days
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Not accounting for mandatory Tibet Travel Permit and guide costs (can add $50-100+ per day to any budget)
Underestimating altitude-related expenses like oxygen supplements and potential medical needs (can add $20-80 unexpectedly)
Eating only in tourist areas around Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple (typically 100-200% markup over local areas)