10-Day Budget-Friendly India to Tibet Adventure Under ₹30,000

Day 1: Arrival & Transit

New Delhi, India on June 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Enjoy economical and tasty traditional North Indian breakfast dishes such as chole bhature, available early morning.
INR50, 1h0m

11:00am

Travel to Manali by bus

Take an overnight Volvo bus from New Delhi to Manali; this will save accommodation costs and help acclimatize gradually.
INR1200, 14h0m

Day 2: Manali Acclimatize

Manali, India on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Johnson’s Cafe

Start your day with affordable Tibetan-inspired breakfast options like momos and noodles in Manali.
INR150, 1h0m

10:00am

Local sightseeing: Hadimba Temple and Old Manali

Visit these accessible, serene spots to relax and acclimate; both sites hold cultural and historical significance.
INR30, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Cafe 1947

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal of local Tibetan and Indian cuisine at this riverside cafe.
INR200, 1h0m

5:00pm

Rest and prepare documents for Tibet entry

Ensure all necessary permits and travel documents required for Tibet are in hand, as advance preparation is essential.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Sol

Enjoy affordable Tibetan thukpa and momos to get into the local culinary spirit for Tibet.
INR250, 1h0m

Day 3: Cross into Tibet

Lhasa, Tibet on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Early transfer to India-China border at Nathula Pass

Start early with your tour group to cross border with all permits arranged; transport typically organized through a travel agency.
INR10000 (Tour & permit fees), 8h0m

3:00pm

Arrival and check-in at guesthouse

Settle into a budget guesthouse in Lhasa, recommended for affordability and proximity to sites.
INR800, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk around Barkhor Street

Visit this vibrant market street that surrounds Jokhang Temple, excellent for souvenirs and local culture experience.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Magic Kitchen

Affordable Tibetan dishes such as steamed momos and butter tea served in a cozy setting.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Lhasa Exploration

Lhasa, Tibet on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Simple breakfast included with accommodation—typical bread, eggs, and tea.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Potala Palace tour

Explore the iconic UNESCO site and former winter palace of the Dalai Lama; book tickets early as entry is limited to specific times.
INR500, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lhasa Kitchen

Try hearty Tibetan dishes like yak meat stew and hearty soups within budget.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Jokhang Temple

Sacred temple deeply important to Tibetan Buddhism, with active worship and pilgrims around.
INR200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Norbulingka Park

Stroll through peaceful gardens and former summer palace to unwind after touring.
INR150, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dunya Restaurant

Affordable and flavorful Tibetan and Indian fusion dishes to end the day.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 5: Gyantse Visit

Gyantse, Tibet on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Gyantse

Take a budget group bus or shared jeep to Gyantse, a historically rich town about 3 hours from Lhasa.
INR600, 3h0m

11:00am

Tour Gyantse Dzong and Pelkor Monastery

Visit this popular fortress and religious complex with stupas, murals, and panoramic views.
INR150, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy local Tibetan dishes like thukpa and fried bread available at small roadside eateries.
INR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Yungang Old Town

Walk through quaint streets with traditional Tibetan architecture and meet friendly locals.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Lhasa

Head back to Lhasa by evening bus or jeep, resting for next day’s journey.
INR600, 3h0m

9:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse nearby

Light meal to end the day, typically rice and vegetable dishes prepared affordably.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 6: Shigatse Day Tour

Shigatse, Tibet on June 24, 2025

6:30am

Early bus to Shigatse

Travel to second-largest Tibetan city famous for Tashilhunpo Monastery; shared transport options available for budget travelers.
INR800, 4h0m

11:00am

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery

Explore the seat of Panchen Lama featuring impressive statues, temples, and a sense of Tibetan spirituality.
INR200, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local Tibetan café

Sample delicious Tibetan noodle soups and tsampa, a staple barley flour dish.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk through Shigatse market

Immersive local market with handicrafts, spices, and regional foods to browse.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Lhasa by evening

Bus back to Lhasa to rest after full day’s touring.
INR800, 4h0m

Day 7: Lhasa Leisure

Lhasa, Tibet on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Simple local breakfast to start the day before relaxed activities.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Tibetan Museum

Discover Tibetan culture, history, and art at this well-curated free or low-cost museum.
INR100, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Wangchuk Tibetan Restaurant

Affordable lunch with authentic Tibetan momos and vegetable dishes.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Drepung Monastery

One of the largest monasteries in Tibet, showcasing magnificent architecture and spiritual ambiance.
INR200, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at nearby local diner

Enjoy last evening Tibetan meal with yak cheese and barley dishes.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 8: Return Journey Start

Lhasa to Manali on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Lhasa back to India

Start early with group transport to cross back over Nathula Pass into India by afternoon.
Included in initial tour cost, 8h0m

4:00pm

Arrive Manali and check-in budget guesthouse

Rest and prepare for bus to New Delhi next day.
INR800, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at local dhaba

Simple Indian food such as dal, roti, and sabzi at low cost.
INR150, 1h0m

Day 9: Return to Delhi

Manali to New Delhi, India on June 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Basic breakfast included with accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

11:00am

Board Volvo bus to New Delhi

Take an overnight bus back to New Delhi, saving costs on accommodation.
INR1200, 14h0m

Day 10: End of Trip

New Delhi, India on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and breakfast in New Delhi

Enjoy a celebratory final breakfast at a budget favorite like Karim’s with affordable Mughlai cuisine.
INR250, 1h0m

11:00am

Departure or onward travel

Proceed to onward destination or rest in New Delhi after budget Tibet adventure.
Free, N/A