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Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

18 July 2024

Planning a Trip to Nepal?

selfie during ebc trek

The duration of the trek, the season, choosing group departure trek or private trek, traveling solo or with your own private group and your desired degree of comfort are some of the factors that determines the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. The trip would cost anything from USD 1500 to USD 3000 depending on the tour operator you choose and their services as well as the route. The cost of the Luxury Trekking package and helicopter return will be slightly more than that of the regular packages.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after adventures globally, leading you into the heart of the Himalayas and offering an up-close view of the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest. The real cost of the Everest base camp trek depends on your route and Itinerary.

Here are different Everest base camp trek costs based on Itinerary.

  • Classic Everest base camp trek (including flight to Lukla) is about 12 days long and cost about $1500.
  • There’s a short Everest base camp trek of about 9 days for experienced trekkers/ climbers and that costs about $1200.
  • If you want to observe Everest at a close distance and don’t have time for the base camp trek, there’s 5 to 7 days Everest View Trek that cost less than $1000.
  • An extended and adventurous version of the Everest trek i.e. Gokyo Valley Trek adds 4 to 5 days to your Itinerary and costs about $2000.
  • An even more challenging Everest Three Passes Trek taking you over Renjo La Pass, Chola Pass, and Kongma La Pass is about 3 weeks long and costs about $2500.
  • In short, each day added to your Itinerary will increase your cost in Everest from $80 to $100 (including porter, guide, food, and accommodation cost). That’s how you can plan your route as per your budget.

Let’s see in details the main factors that decide the cost of Everest Base Camp Trek.

intro

1. Type of Trekking Packages you choose

One of the major factors determining the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the type of trekking package you opt for. These packages can range from budget to luxury, each offering a different level of service and comfort. 

On our typical budget or standard Everest Base Camp Trek package we offer the trek including a guide, porters, accommodation, meals, transportation, and necessary permits. This can cost anywhere between $1,300 to $1,600 per person.

For those seeking a more comfortable experience, we, Raj Bala Treks & Expedition offer luxury packages. These offers include high-end accommodations, better meals, a more personalized service, and even the option of helicopter flights for certain legs of the journey. Luxury packages could cost upwards of $3,000.

2. International Flight Cost

If you have finally decided to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, we recommend booking the flight in advance. The international flight cost totally depends upon where you are departing from. The price is subject to change and depends on your country and when you are traveling as well. The flights from Europe are cheaper than from North America. 

Please acknowledge that the international flight cost is not included in our Everest Base Camp Trek package cost. However, if you need our help we can assist with your international flight booking as well. Kindly let us know. 

3. Necessary Costs in Kathmandu

Your Nepal Everest Base Camp Trek trip begins in Kathmandu once you land here. The necessary costs in Kathmandu include hotel accommodations, airport transportation, and additional costs for touring if you choose to take Cultural Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu. 

The option of choosing basic lodges to five-star Marriott or opulent Heritage Hotels plays a crucial role in budget planning for your trek. The cost remains US$ 20 for a bed in economy hotels to US$ 500 per night for luxury accommodations at five star or Heritage hotels. 

If you want to take Cultural Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu the cost ranges between $60 and $120, depending on the services you select.

4. Cost of Land Transportation and Air Transportation

The round-trip airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla is approximately $360 to $380 per person. Actually, starting the journey with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the ideal option. A Trekking Staff flight costs $100 per person, round-trip. Only 10 kilos of luggage is permitted on these domestic flights. Your unwanted belongings can be left at the Kathmandu hotel. 

If you book your trip as early as possible, you can get some discounted cost. These days you can also save flight cost if you choose to take land transportation to Jiri or Paiyun. Please see the details of Everest Base Camp Trek by Road & Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek. Though for doing these treks you should have some longer days with you. 

5. Nepal Visa Cost

People from all countries, excluding India, must obtain a visa in order to enter Nepal. Obtaining your visa upon arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu is an option available to you. The price for a Nepal visa is as per the specified rate. 

  • $30 – 15-days multiple entry visa
  • $50 – 30-days multiple entry visa
  • $125 – 90-days multiple entry visa

We advise you to get a 1-month visa as most of the Everest Base Camp Trek itineraries take around 12 to 14 days.

6. Cost of Trekking Premit

Two permits are required in order to do Everest Base Camp Trek. These are Sagarmatha National Park entry permit,  and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit. The Solukhumbu regional fee is around $20 per person, which can be purchased either in Lukla or Monjo. The National Park entry permit will cost around $30 including 13% VAT and they can be purchased in Kathmandu or Monjo. 

Earlier trekkers had to purchase the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, but in 2020 it was replaced by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit.

7. Cost of Accomodation on EBC

Accommodation cost varies from low-end teahouses to more comfortable ones and few luxurious lodges. The average cost for a bed per night per person in a basic teahouse is around US$3 while a room with two beds will cost US$5. The price may go higher as you ascend higher and may reach up to US$10 at Gorak Shep. While Lobuche has a fixed accommodation rate of US$7. 

The rooms in the teahouses are very basic, usually with two beds, a pillow, blanket, and attached bathroom (except at few locations). All teahouses usually have a large dining hall where you can eat and relax with other trekkers. There is a fireplace in the center of the dining room designed for heating the entire room during dinner time.  

The cost of accommodation on the actual trek is quite cheap but it is the accommodation in Kathmandu before and after your trek that will contribute to a larger portion of the budget. 

An important note is that if you decide to eat your meal at a different place than the teahouse you are staying overnight; you might have to pay an additional $10 for your room. The price of accommodation is cheap if you eat in the tea house that you are staying at, the tea houses make money from you buying food, not accommodation. 

There are some extra charges that may incur during your accommodation:

  • Hot showers do not come for free unless you are paying for an ensuite room. A hot shower may cost anywhere from US$2 to US$6.
  •  Electric blanket or electric heater will cost around US$20 per night but all accommodation may or may not have them.
  • Battery Charging fetches an extra cost on an hourly basis, usually ranging from US$2 to US$6 while a power bank will be charged for US$10.
  • Internet may not be available for free at all accommodations. WiFi charges of around US$2 to US$5 per hour is quite common in the mountains although the service is very slow.
food and beverage under accommodation on ebc trek

8. Cost of Food on EBC

Price of food varies at different places. The higher you climb, the higher will be the price for food menu. Surprisingly, teahouses along the trail will have extensive menus with lesser options as you go higher. 

The cost for breakfast is US$ 5 to US$ 7 and for a lunch and a dinner it costs US$ 6 to US$ 8. The higher you trek, the cost keeps on getting higher. Once you reach Lobuche, the price goes up by a few dollars, further increasing the Everest base camp trip cost. At these altitudes, the cost for breakfast ranges from US$ 7 to US$ 9 and the average for dinner and lunch is US$ 8 to US$ 10.

9. Cost of Drinking Water on EBC

The cost of drinking water also varies as you trek from lower elevation to higher elevation. One liter of bottled water will cost US$1 and go as high as US$4. You can save up to US$50 by sterilizing the drinking water instead of using bottled water.

10. Cost of Beverage on EBC

It is necessary to boost up your body during your journey and make your body active for the entire journey. Boosting up your body with warm food and drinks makes your trek more beautiful and interesting. Hot beverages such as tea and coffee are commonly consumed to keep warm in harsh weather. A cup of tea or coffee usually costs between US$0.6 to US$1.3 at lower elevations and can increase to US$1.7 to US$3.5 as you trek/climb higher. We advise against consuming alcohol on the trek as it dehydrates the body and can exacerbate the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, if you choose to partake, expect to pay US$6 to US$9 for a beer at lower elevations with prices rising significantly as you ascend. 

11. Cost for Trekking Giude service on EBC Trek

Your Guide will help and play a crucial role to make your trekking trip successful and memorable one. The Guides we assign are Government certified and holds Trekking Guide License. 

They speak the local language and know the teahouse owners. They will help you enrich your trekking experience with plenty of information on the trail. The cost of an average guide ranges from US$30 to US$35 per day. The high-end guides may charge up to US$50 and above per day.

12. Cost for Porter service on Everest Base Camp Trek

Porters will carry your load thereby allowing you to walk freely, especially at high altitudes when trekking becomes quite difficult. Hiring a porter costs between US$20 and US$25 per day. One porter will carry up to 20 kgs of luggage.

13. Cost of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with trekking allowed up to 6000m will cost around US$150 for a 30-day time period. However, the prices of insurance will depend on the age, nationality and duration of your trek. We do not arrange or sell insurance, so you are required to make arrangement for your own travel insurance in your home country. 

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is quite uncertain and anything could come up during the trek because of the altitude and extreme cold weather. You may need to be evacuated on a helicopter and taken to a reputed hospital for any medical treatment. Thus, you need to have an appropriate insurance policy that covers all the activities during your trip in Nepal.

The cost of insurance is not included in the trip package cost. You will need to purchase your insurance before you enter to Nepal.

group photo during ebc trek

14. Cost of Trekking Equipment

Before you head out for your trekking into the Himalayan wilderness, it is very important that you possess the essential equipment and required gears with you. The cost of trekking equipment for a beginner may come around $200 to $500. And this cost is not included in our package cost.

Some of the most essential equipment is high-quality boot, sleeping bag, thermal clothing, trekking pole, warm gloves and water-proof jacket among many others. Take a look at the complete packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek and get to know about the most essential items that you will require on the trek. 

15. Value Added Tax (VAT) Cost

VAT is a type of general consumption tax that is levied on the price of products and services at every point of sale where value has been added. The government of Nepal charges a 13% VAT to all Everest Base Camp trek operators.

16. Cost for Tipping for Guides & Porters

Your guide and porter may expect a certain amount of money as a tip from you at the end of the trek. Although there is no fixed tipping rate for a guide and a porter, trekkers offer tip happily as a way of expressing their gratitude and satisfaction. While the amount is at your discretion, a general guideline is to budget 10-15% of your total trek cost for tips. 

17. Cost for Personal Expenses on the Trek

Personal expenses like soft drinks, the cost of snacks, and other miscellaneous expenses must be borne by you. En route, there may come a time when you need to buy something, and all these expenses should fall under miscellaneous expenses. For this very reason, always carry extra cash ( Nepali rupees if possible). You can withdraw money from ATMs in Kathmandu, or Namche Bazaar.

Based on above mentioned cost incurred in Everest Base Camp Trek, here is the breakdown cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek of 12 days duration. 

  • Foods: $25*12= $300
  • Accommodation: $6*12= $72
  • Flights: $180 x 2 = $360 USD (two ways domestic flight)
  • Permits: Visa+ National Park+ Local area permit= $90 USD
  • The cost of hiring a guide and a porter is $25+$20 = $45*12 = $540.
  • Wi-Fi/ Shower/ Water= $10*12= $120
  • Tips, donations, and miscellaneous = $100
  • Total expenses = $1582
hotel everest view

Choosing the Right Trekking Company: Why Raj Bala Treks & Expedition makes the difference

Transparent Pricing: Our pricing structure is clear and free of hidden costs. You'll know exactly what you're paying for before you book the trek for a wonderful experience. 

A Team You Can Trust: We always assign the guides and porters who are highly trained, experienced, and passionate about the Himalayas. Their expertise ensures your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the trek.

A Successful and Memorable Trek: We go beyond the basics. Imagine sipping hot tea at a cozy teahouse with stunning mountain views or enjoying the magnificent Himalayan scenery. 

Avoid Budget Traps: Invest in a Safe and Enjoyable Trek

We can never compromise on safety, quality, and responsible practices. Raj Bala Treks & Expedition offers a fair price for a trek you'll remember for a lifetime. 

CONTACT US for proper trek planning and preparations.