What this solves
The base park fee is ¥150. The shuttle is ¥120. After that, you discover that your lodge adds a ¥50 "oxygen supplement" if you use a can, your private 4WD driver wants a ¥200 fuel surcharge on top of his agreed rate, your Garmin inReach needs a Chinese SIM that costs ¥120 to activate, and the yaks at Kashe have to be insured for ¥60/person or the herders won't let you through. This tool picks the costs that your specific plan is going to hit — and ignores the ones you won't.
Tell me about your plan
How to read the result
Triggered items apply to your plan. Each shows the cost range, where it's charged, and how to avoid or minimise it.
Not triggered items are listed for reference — if you change your plan (sleep higher, bring a porter, take the VIP bus), the relevant hidden cost may activate.
Some hidden costs are negotiable (yak-damage insurance, driver fuel surcharge). Some are fixed (park-bus tier surcharge). The "negotiable" tag tells you which is which.
Limitations
FAQ
A: Yes, but the surcharge is on use at certain lodges, not on possession. Some lodges charge for any oxygen used in the room; others charge for refilling. Call ahead — and expect ¥50–80 per canister used.
A: Not legally. But herders at Kashe valley block parties who haven't paid the voluntary "yak pass" (¥60–100 per group, split). It's de facto mandatory. Take it as a contribution, not a fee.
A: It happens — "fuel has gone up" is the standard line. Quote the agreed rate politely; if the surcharge is > ¥200, push back. Pre-agree fuel terms in WeChat before pickup.
A: At altitude on the Kashe / Tanggu La paths, China Mobile signal drops to 1 bar or zero. A satellite messenger assumes nothing about a cell tower. If you can afford it, yes.