Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

Mount Everest

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a dream come true to all adventurers. And it is affordable to embark on a journey to Everest Base Camp. Indeed, it is cheaper than trekking in other countries. There are many things to consider for Everest Base Camp Trek, but the most important thing is the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost.

Whether you are an independent trekker or want to do organised trekking, it is important to know the cost for Everest Base Camp Trek. And that depends fairly on:

  • When do you want to go (peak season or offseason)
  • For how many days
  • Which route would you like to take
  • Permits, travel insurance
  • Type of the trek- All-inclusive, independent, or guide only
  • And other factors (we will describe them later)

If you are looking for the cheapest trek, you can trek independently (without a guide and porter.) That said, you will have to manage all things by yourself, which could be worrisome.

And on the other hand, if you want to fully enjoy the trek, without the worry to manage and focus on your adventure, you got to book with a travel agency. The travel agency will do all your legwork, and a local guide and porter will accompany you. In short, you will have the freedom to enjoy to the fullest.

Here are the factors that play vital roles for Everest Base Camp Trek Cost:

✅ Cost of Lukla Flight
✅ Season
✅ Cost of Guide, and Porter
✅ Cost of Permits
✅ Travel Insurance Cost
✅ Cost for Food and Accommodation
✅ Miscellaneous cost
✅ Cost of Trekking Equipment

Cost of Lukla Flight

Your journey to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world starts with a scenic flight to Lukla. The flight takes around 45 minutes from Kathmandu to Lukla. The cost of the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is USD177 per person.

An Alternative to Lukla Flight – from Jiri

If you want to skip Lukla flight, you’ll have to trek through the classic route – from Jiri to Namche Bazaar. It will add you an extra week (takes 5 days of trekking). The trek is arduous, and hence many prefer Lukla flight from Kathmandu.

An alternative to Lukla Flight – Helicopter

You can take a helicopter flight to Lukla. But helicopter flights will be expensive. The cost of a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is USD500 per person.

An alternative to Lukla Flight – Ramechhap to Lukla

And considering the flight from Ramechhap, it will be a bit costlier. You will have to cover the transportation fee from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. The cost of a local bus ticket to Ramechhap is around NRs. 400-500. And the cost of the flight to Lukla from Ramechhap is USD 145.

Season (trekking in offseason vs peak season)

It should be clear to you that if you trek in peak season, the cost is comparatively higher than in offseason. The cost of food and accommodation depends upon the time of the year you visit. When trekking to Everest Base Camp in peak season, you will have to pay more.

Peak season for Everest Base Camp Trek

The peak season to trek to Everest Base Camp is during the pre-monsoon season (March, April, May) and the post-monsoon fall (September, October, November).

Trekking in off-season

Very few travelers trek in the offseason. If you are thinking of trekking in the offseason, you may have to face: flight cancellation, weather hazards, bad views of mountains, chances of getting lost, and Acute Mountain Sickness.

Cost of Guide, and Porter

Good news for you, if you are an independent trekker, you can trek to Everest base camp without a guide and porter. If you want to cut off the expense, you can trek independently. Hiring a guide and porter for your trek is totally dependent on you. But if you want to enjoy safe trekking, connect with local culture, and help local people, you will have to hire a guide and porter.

Cost of a Guide

Hiring a guide is inexpensive. It will cost you USD 30-35 per day. The cost includes daily wages of the guide, cost of meal and accommodation, and government tax and service charge. Make sure that the guide is local, professional, and certified.

Cost of a Porter

A porter accompanying you per day will cost you USD 20 to 30. The cost includes daily wages, cost of meal and accommodation, and government tax and service charge. By hiring a local porter, you help them economically.

Tipping the guide and porter

Tipping the guide and porter is not mandatory, but be informed that the guide and porter expect a good tip from you. If you’re happy with their service, you can give them a tip. Otherwise, you are not obliged to tip them.

Cost of Permits

For your Everest Base Camp Trek, two permits are obligatory: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and a Sagarmatha National Park Permit. While Sagarmatha National Park permit costs you USD33 (NRs. 3,390), the cost of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is around USD20 (NRs. 2,000).

Travel Insurance Cost

Trekking in high altitude can be risky, and thus, to be on the safe side, insurance is imperative for your health and future. You can be seriously injured, and altitude sickness is a common problem. Make sure your insurance covers emergency rescue, and flight delay or cancellation, up to 6,000m. A 30-day insurance policy should cost you around USD150. You can get a travel insurance quote at Hiking Travel Insurance.

Cost for Food and Accommodation

The trail of Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular trail that has adequate tea houses and lodges for travelers. Most of the tea houses offer rooms with basic amenities and typical Nepali dishes. Dal Bhat is the most popular meal. But you can expect to savor momo, noodles (chowmein, spaghetti), pizza, pasta, spring rolls, momos, etc.

The bedroom is basic, with a wooden bed, a thick blanket, and a pillow. The cost for food and accommodation may vary from place to place and season of the trek. On average, it will cost you around USD25-50 per day. Remember, the higher you go, the higher the price. And if you want to spend extra, it is all on you.

Miscellaneous cost (cost of hot shower, charging electronic device, internet, and boiled water)

Hot Shower Cost: As you ascend higher, everything is a bit expensive. You will have to pay for a hot shower. If you want to enjoy a hot shower after hours of walk through a rugged trail, you will have to pay USD5.

Charging Electronic Cost: If you want to charge your smartphone, camera batteries, or any electronic device, it costs you USD2-5 per hour or per device.

Internet/Wi-Fi: While hotels in the lower region offer free Wi-Fi, you will have to pay a certain fee for using Wi-Fi in most of the hotels and lodges. The cost of surfing the internet could surprise you. They charge from USD6, up to USD10 for the internet.

Boiled Water: If you want to drink boiled water, you have to pay an additional dollar. It will cost you around USD1 to USD4.

Cost of Trekking Equipment

Trekking to Everest Base Camp demands appropriate trekking equipment from trekking poles to hiking boots and sleeping bags. You will have to be careful while buying trekking gear and equipment for the Everest base camp trek. On average, for all trekking gear and equipment, it may cost you around USD1,500 to USD2,000.

On the other hand, you can rent/hire your trekking gears in Kathmandu- from down jacket to sleeping bags, trekking poles, and sunglasses. You can rent trekking equipment for as little as USD1.

Conclusion

By now, you must have a clear idea of the cost of the trek. In a nutshell, here is the cost for Everest Base Camp Trek:

  • With International Agency – USD2,200-2,600
  • With Local Agency – USD1,600-2,300
  • Independent trek with a guide and porter- USD1,690-1,950
  • Independent trek with a guide only – USD1,300-1,430
  • Independent trek with a porter only – USD1,170-1,300
  • Independent trek- USD780-1,040
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Naba Raj Amgai

Naba Raj Amgai, stepped into the world of travel and tourism in 1996.

Beginning his journey in the tourism industry as a humble Porter Guide to founding hospitality establishments and an adventure travel company, he has come a long way.

In a career spanning more than two decades he has achieved more than anybody dreams of achieving. Along with his professional achievements, his selfless contribution towards his community and society has won him a lot of accolades and praises.

Having dedicated more than two decades in the tourism and hospitality sector, he has amassed a wealth of experience.

After passing high school, he began helping out some trekking guides and was soon recruited as a porter guide at a reputed trekking agency. Within a short period of time he was individually guiding clients across the well-known trails of the Himalayas.

He went on to lead tour groups on multi-country tours to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. Being a part of mountain climbing expeditions familiarised him with expedition logistics and operations. Later on he went to become the Executive Director and took over the reins of Operations, Sales and Marketing departments. Spending several years in the tourism field has made Naba Raj Amgai a destination expert.

Travelling is his passion and he has been to many countries across the world – USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Holland, Germany, Austria and many parts of Asia.

His journeys to different parts of the world have enriched his travel experience and knowledge. This experience has been instrumental in planning and organising successful trips for several clients.

As of today many reputed trekking agencies, hotels and restaurants are under his leadership. A dynamic and proactive leader, he continues to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life.

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