Detailed Breakdown of Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost
Multiple factors affect the tour cost, including the type of package you choose, the time of year you travel, the duration of your trip, and more. Here’s a detailed breakdown of various components that contribute to the overall cost of the Kailash Mansarovar Tour.
Cost For Different Tour Packages
Most tour operators offer three Kailash tour packages: Standard, Deluxe, and Luxury. Different packages offer different levels of services and amenities, which affect the cost. Detailed information on each package follows.
Standard Package
The Standard Kailash Mansarovar Tour package includes essential services and amenities such as accommodations, necessary permits, simple vegetarian foods, and basic transportation. It is ideal for trekkers and pilgrims who want to enjoy a simple spiritual journey without spending much. These basic packages cost around $1500 to $2000 per person.
Deluxe Package
The Deluxe Kailash Mansarovar Tour package includes better services and amenities such as accommodation in 3-star hotels, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options, essential permits, private transportation, medical facilities, and a personal guide. It is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable experience at a mid-range cost. This mid-tier tour package costs around $2,500 to $3,500 per person.
Luxury Package
The Luxury Kailash Mansarovar Tour package offers high-end facilities, including premium accommodations in 5-star hotels, delicious food and drinks, helicopter transportation, necessary permits, medical facilities, customizable itineraries, and a private guide. It is for trekkers and pilgrims looking for a luxurious experience and willing to pay for premium services without budget constraints. This top-end tour package costs above $4,000 per person.
Factors Affecting the Tour Cost
The Kailash Mansarovar Tour cost is affected by several factors, including travel season, tour duration, permits, accommodation, insurance, food, drinks, and more. Let’s understand these factors in detail below.
Travel Season
The season you travel significantly affects the cost of the tour. Spring and Autumn are the peak seasons, whereas Moonson and Winter are off-season in the Himalayan region. The most popular months for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour include May, June, September, and October due to favorable weather conditions. However, the cost of accommodation, transportation, and permits during these peak seasons is high, increasing the overall cost of the trek. Depending on the package type, the Kailash Mansarovar Tour costs around $2000 to $4000 in peak season. On the other hand, monsoon and winter seasons offer harsh weather and colder temperatures, making the trek more challenging. These off-season treks are about 25% cheaper than peak seasons, so expect to pay around $1500 to $ 3000 for the entire trip.
Duration of the Tour
The total length of the trek also affects the cost of the trip. Generally, the Kailash Mansarovar Tour lasts between 14 and 18 days, depending on the package and itinerary. A standard 14-day tour with proper acclimatization days is sufficient for most pilgrims and trekkers and costs around $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the package. A longer 18-day tour is for those travelers who want to relax in the sacred places of the Kailash region, which costs around $2,000 to $3,500. Finally, you can have a shorter, more intense 10-day tour with less rest and acclimatization, costing around $1500.
Permits and Fees
Traveling to the Kailash region requires multiple permits, as this tour includes restricted areas of Tibet. The cost of these permits is included in your tour package, but it’s essential to understand their cost. The total cost of all the permits is around $200 to $400, which includes a Tibet Travel Permit, an Alien Travel Permit, a Military Permit, and a Chinese Visa.
Accommodation
Accommodation is another significant factor influencing the cost of the tour. You have many options, including basic guest houses, lodges, and luxurious 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels. These options depend on the package you choose to travel. Simple lodges and tea houses with minimal services like shared bathrooms are included in the standard package, which costs $1,500 to $2,000. Similarly, luxurious hotels with amenities such as private bathrooms, better food options, hot water, Wi-Fi, and more are available in the Deluxe and Luxury package, which costs around $2,500 to $4000 and above.
Food and Drinks
The Kailash Mansarovar region offers exceptional traditional Tibetan foods and drinks, which add a certain amount to the tour's cost. These include rice, lentils, vegetables, meat, momo, thukpa, snacks, butter tea, drinking water, and more. You will spend about $300 on food and drinks on this journey.
Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for high-altitude trekking, such as the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. You need a comprehensive policy that covers trip cancellations, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Perfect insurance costs around $200 to $300, and it will assist you in overcoming unforeseen circumstances during the trip.
Transportation
Transportation costs vary depending on the mode of transport you use. There are three significant transportation options for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour: overland travel, helicopter tour, and private vehicle. Generally, these transportation options depend on the package you choose. For example, standard packages include a bus or jeep for overland travel, the deluxe package provides a comfortable private vehicle, and the luxurious package has a premium helicopter service for a faster and more comfortable journey. The transportation cost adds about $200 to $ 500 to the total cost of the tour.
Solo versus Group Tour
Traveling in a group or solo significantly affects the total cost of the trip. Group tours are more cost-efficient, as the expenses for transportation, accommodation, and guides are divided among the group members. Depending on the package, such group tous cost around $1500 to $2500. On the other hand, solo traveling is 20 to 30% costlier than group trips. Although you get more flexible and personalized services, you must pay $500 to $1000 more for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour.
Tipping Guides and Porters
Tipping guides, porters, and drivers are customary on the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. You must separate 10 to 15% of your total tour cost for these tips. An additional budget of $100 to $200 will be added to your total cost, as the tip amount ranges from $5 to $10 per person daily. But these tips are worth it because guides provide you with essential information and help you navigate the trail, whereas porters help carry your luggage so you can entirely focus on your trek.
Personal Expenses
Most travelers neglect their personal expenses, but they can quickly add up to increase the total tour cost. So, it's essential to budget expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, SIM cards, internet, and more. We recommend you separate an additional $100 to $300 for such expenses.
Tips for Budgeting Kailash Mansarovar Tour
- Proper planning and budgeting are crucial for an affordable and enjoyable Mount Kailash Mansarovar tour. Some essential tips to manage your fund effectively are listed below.
- Book your tour 6-9 months in advance to get discounts and avoid price increases as the travel date approaches during peak seasons.
- Tour in a group to reduce your travel costs. You can share transportation expenses, guides, and accommodations, making the trip more affordable.
- Choose overland travel instead of costly helicopter tours to reduce your transportation costs and experience the longer spiritual trek in the Kailash region.
- Travel during the off-season to save money, as the costs for accommodation, permits, and flights are reduced. However, the harsh weather and slippery trails can make the trek challenging during such seasons.
- Keep some extra cash for tips, souvenirs, special meals, emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances.
- Choose a value-for-money insurance policy that covers high-altitude trekking, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
- Limit your expenses during the trek. Bring all the essentials, like clothes, trekking gear, and snacks, before the trek to avoid high prices during the tour.
Why Choose Outfitter Nepal?
Outfitter Nepal is one of Nepal’s most reputable tour operators, specializing in the Mount Kailash Mansarovar tour. Our company will offer experienced guides who ensure a safe, informative, and spiritual journey to the remote region of Tibet. Depending on your budget and preferences, we will provide customizable itineraries with multiple package options, including standard, deluxe, and luxury. We will handle all logistics and provide you with essential permits, excellent accommodation, food, and drinks, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Kailash Mansarovar without any stress. Our outstanding customer service will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all the trekkers and pilgrims. Our company is committed to your safety, providing you with all the necessary acclimatization days and health precautions required along the trail. So, lace your boots and prepare your backpack to embark on the spiritual journey of Mount Kailash Mansarovar with Outfitter Nepal.
