Anyone can do Nepal and Tibet on a shoestring. The average westerner will be jingling change around in his pockets wondering what to do with all his extra finances. The really important stuff is mostly free. Mountain views, ancient temples, wandering sherpas and colourful local markets.
If you’ve got dough to spare, there’s a travel plan here for you too! Both Nepal and Tibet are welcoming and friendly places even for the inexperienced traveler.
Nepal + Tibet for the Raggedy-Sandalled Backpacker
For the budget traveller, there’s almost no place like Nepal. Anyone who enjoys hiking and eating lentils can live quite comfortably, enjoying two meals per day and accommodation for less than $15USD per day.
Accommodations in the magical city of Kathmandu can easily be had at $5USD per day. A meal costs less than $5USD if our underfunded traveler avoids beer, since imbibing such a beverage may cost as much or more as a main course!
In Pokhara, a dorm room near the lake can be had for about $2USD per night. With the right gear, it needn’t cost a thing! Set up your tent at Camping Chowk for free. There aren’t any facilities, but who’s complaining at that price?
The best sights in Nepal are free. Experience some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, wander through temples, hike the Himalayas, experience the chaos in the Kathmandu marketplace, enjoy the sights of the city.
For serious hikers, there’s no need to even bring gear. It’s available for hire for less than a dollar.
Meanwhile in Tibet, a.k.a. the “Roof of the World,” accommodation and food are equally inexpensive. The biggest obstacle for the budget explorer is getting around, since it’s difficult to get from village to village and a guide is an absolute necessity. Expect to pay about $30 per day for a guide.
Getting into the country is another financial obstacle, since permits are required and often sold as a package on plane or train. Prepare to pay several hundred dollars.
The best way to do Tibet on a shoestring is to stay outside the bigger cities. Hitch or hike out to a remote area and stay at a monastery for the absolute cheapest accommodations possible.
Nepal + Tibet for the Gainfully Employed Holidaymaker
With a little money to spend, Nepal is either pure paradise or pure adventure, depending on the traveler. Since travel to the country opened up in the 50s, tourism has been booming and many Western-style hotels have opened up. The traveler who really can’t forgo the comforts of home will not be let down in Nepal.
For the more adventurous, book a tour and trek up to Everest Base Camp with a sherpa (they run at around $5,000). Be warned, only trekkers associated with an expedition are allowed to stay the night at base camp. This is not the place to wing it!
Not so adventurous but want to see the mountain from way up above? Save time by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and stay at the Yeti Mountain Home in a cozy bed and enjoy the view from the window.
Alternatively, hike up to the Everest’s North Base Camp in Tibet. There are ample tour guides and agencies to help you get there. It’s recommended to hire a Tibetan-owned travel agent to help get your adventure rolling along. Be aware that many agencies know travellers prefer to hire Tibetans, which makes for a good deal of imposters.
Tibet Wind Horse Adventure offers loads of customized trips, trekking adventures on foot or on horseback, river journeys and more. Because of their stellar reputation, several other agencies have similar names so stay informed and know who you’re dealing with.
Nepal + Tibet for the Italian Heiress and Her Lover
The Italian heiress will have a hard time burning away her fortune in Nepal, even if her lover does have an expensive shoe habit. The fanciest hotels in Nepal can be had for just a few hundred dollars a night.
The Dwarika Hotel is elegantly furnished in Nepali fabrics and ceramics with spacious rooms that won’t feel claustrophobic even if you’re accustomed to palaces. The Shangri-La hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are equally expensive but not as well rated. Probably best to skip them.
One great way to burn money in Tibet is to take the Tangula Luxury Train. Serving 96 guests only, this train offers the finest restaurants designed to comfortably accommodate all guests, served by Western and Asian chefs. These contemporary suites are operated by Kempinski Hotels and offer private bathrooms, flat screen TVs and butlers. During peak season, a four-night journey from Beijing to Lhasa runs at about $5,500USD. Our vacationing heiress may have to pull some strings with businessmen and higher-ups in government, though, since the trains have been off the tracks due to staggering financial losses. We can’t all be heiresses, after all.
There are an unlimited number of journeys in Tibet and Nepal to fit any budget. The best of the best is free and all you need to do is open up your eyes. These mountainous countries are so full of color and adventure, one needn’t journey far or spend years squirrelling away pennies to enjoy the wonders!
