Mid-Range Travel Guide: Lhasa
The sweet spot of travel - comfortable accommodations, diverse dining, and quality experiences without breaking the bank
Daily Budget: $80-210 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for mid-range travel in Lhasa
Accommodation
$35-85 per night
Private rooms in mid-range hotels, comfortable Tibetan boutique guesthouses with private bathrooms and heating
Food & Dining
$15-35 per day
Mix of local Tibetan restaurants and tourist-friendly establishments, hotel dining, occasional Western meals
Transportation
$10-30 per day
Combination of taxis, private car hire for day trips, occasional organized transport to monasteries
Activities
$20-60 per day
Guided monastery tours, cultural performances, photography permits, day trips to nearby attractions
Currency: ¥ Chinese Yuan (CNY) - Tibet uses Chinese currency
Mid-Range Activities in Lhasa
Curated experiences perfect for your mid-range 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)