The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most preferred trekking trail in the world. Everest Base Camp Trek Cost generally includes Sagarmatha National Park permits, TIMS card, cost of Guide and Porter, both way flights to and from Lukla, accommodations on the trek and three times meals a day. However, Cost of the Everest BC trek [updated] varies from US $1,000 to $2,500 per person for a duration of 12-15 days.
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is regarded as the challenging trek due to its topography. The high altitudes, rocky and zigzag tracks, steep inclines at some places and the remoteness make it a demanding expedition. After all, this is a rewarding trip of your lifetime. Trek to Everest Base Camp requires a passion to make it happen in real life. Many first time trekkers have done it without any problems.
The Everest Base Camp Trek comes as a highly searched trip in the bucket list. Government of Nepal has announced to celebrate from 2023 to 2033 as the ‘Decade of Visit Nepal’ and perhaps it may be a right time to grab the offers. Despite your physical fitness, one important factor for this trek is the Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek. Therefore, we are trying our best to give you a clear picture on the prospective price that you will be spending for your dream adventure, the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Cost Breaking Down of Everest Base Camp Trek
We receive several queries mostly related to the cost of the Everest Base Camp trek. There are numerous factors responsible to the price of your trekking expenditures such as your itinerary, flights, permits, food and lodging, cost of guide and porter, trekking equipment, visa, travel insurance and other miscellaneous expenses.
Cost of Flights
Everest Base Camp Trek starts at Lukla. It may be the most exciting flight with the thrilling price for just half hour duration. However, local passengers have a good privilege on regular flights.
- Foreign trekkers: Kathmandu to Lukla or vice-versa costs US $217 per person.
- Indians: Kathmandu to Lukla or vice-versa costs Indian rupees INR 11,200 per person.
- For Nepali: Kathmandu to Lukla or vice-versa costs Nepali rupees NPR 6,700 per person.
Note: Flights to Lukla may take place from Ramechhap airport during peak seasons which is some 145 kilometers away from Kathmandu and can take about 4-5 hours drive. The price of Ramechhap to Lukla flight is US $176 per person for one way.
Cost of Permits
Most trekking areas in Nepal require trekking permits. They are separately issued from the different government agencies. Likewise, trekking in the Everest region needs permits from Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS card from Nepal Tourism Board or TAAN. Recently, we have realised that local municipal tax (Rs 2,000 or $16) is being collected from foreign trekkers in the Everest region.
Cost of Sagarmatha National Park Permits:
- Foreigners: Rs 3,000 or US $24 for trekkers from foreign countries.
- SAARC: Rs 1,500 or US $12 for SAARC member countries including Indians.
- For Nepali: Guides have to pay Rs 1500 and porters need to pay Rs 25 in order to enter the national park.
Cost of TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System):
- Foreign trekkers: Rs 2,000 or US $16
- For trekkers from SAARC member countries: Rs 1,000 or US $8
Note: As per revised TIMS Provision effective from March 31, 2023, specific Protected Areas of Nepal need trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry along e-TIMS Card issued by a Trekking Agency.
Therefore, the Individual TIMS card (Green colour) is no more available and not in use.
Cost of Meals
The cost of meals on the Everest Base Camp Trek depends on your appetite and varieties of dishes you order. The prices will increase according to the altitude. Generally it is more expensive at higher elevations due to the cost of transportation.
It can cost from Rs 3,000-5,000 or US$ 25-40 per day for a trekker on average. This will be sufficient for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It is good to try some local cuisine which is more balanced and hygienic as well. The traditional meal of Nepal is Daal-Bhaat (Rice, lentils and vegetables). However, all sort of dishes like Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, Continental and American are available in most of the teahouses.
Cost of Accommodation
Lodging on the Everest Base Camp trek is available at budget to luxury resorts. Budget teahouse or lodge will cost between Rs 500-1,000 or US$ 4-9 depending on the season and elevation. Most lodges are equipped with two single beds in all rooms with blankets but it is better to have your own sleeping bag.
Toilet facility is mostly basic except in the luxury hotels. There are some lodges with western toilets but mostly you will have to rely on squat toilets. Hot shower is generally not included and will be available on additional payment.
Cost for Guide and Porters
Having local guide is the best way to experience the culture, traditions and the livelihood of the mountain people. The guides and porters are very much helpful and your true companion during the entire trip. They will also look after you at your hard times like your family do. Therefore, we never suggest trekking alone in the high mountains.
Cost of guide can vary from Rs 3,000-4,000 or US$ 25-40 per day. This basically covers for their meals and lodging.
Similarly, cost for a porter is Rs 2,000-3,000 or US$ 17-25 per day. They can carry 20-25 kg of your baggage. Two trekkers can share a porter keeping the weight of the baggage within the limit.
Cost of drinking water and beverages
Drinking water on the trek can be more expensive. It costs Rs 100 to 400 or US $1-4 for a liter of bottled water. Being an eco-friendly traveller saves a lot of money that goes on drinking water. You may opt for boiled or filtered water instead. There are purifying tablets available in the local stores in Kathmandu.
Soft drinks such as Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Pepsi and alcoholic beverages are also available to purchase in the mountains. We advise to stay cautious for consumption of beer and alcohols during high altitude treks.
Cost for Equipment rental
If your hobby is to travel light, then you can hire the trekking equipment in Kathmandu. Local stores hire sleeping bags and down jackets on daily rental basis. It costs Rs 150-250 or US$ 1.20-2 per item per day.
Additional Costs
Hot Shower: Most teahouses do not include hot showers. This is available to purchase additionally and comes in a bucket. It costs Rs 500-1,000 or US$ 4-9.
Charging Electronic Devices: This costs Rs 300-700 or US$ 2.5-5 to charge your camera, mobile phone or other electronic devices. This is payable on hourly basis at the teahouses. It may be available for free of cost in some places during low seasons.
Internet: Internet usage is quite expensive in the Everest region. The teahouses will charge on hourly or daily basis ranging from Rs 500-1,000 or US$ 5-10. There are different data packages available by the internet providers in the Everest region.
Donations: Everest region consists of many ancient monasteries. If you are visiting one or more of them, you may be interested for a small donation. It is not mandatory though.
Tips: Tipping is the everyday part of life in Nepal. Although it is not mandatory, your guide and porters expect some kind of gratitude at the end of the trek. There is not a rule for it but $3 to $5 per person per day to each of the guide and porter will be a reasonable tip.
Cost not included
The cost generally excludes international air tickets, travel insurance, visa fees, trekking equipment, single-supplement and other personal expenses of your nature.
Agency fees and Taxes
Local Trekking Companies based in Nepal offer a full board package tour ranging from US $1,000 to $2,500 per person for 12-15 days. The price of the tour depends on the number of travellers in the group, meals plan and the total duration of treks. This can increase by 25% to 40% for the land only cost if you book with an International Company.
They may add value for their brands but local companies can also deliver satisfying services. In Nepal, there is a provision of 13% of VAT (Value Added Tax). Additionally, some Companies may ask for 10% to 20% service charge if you request them for a price breaking-down.
Trip Extension
There are lots of side trips available in the Everest region for interested trekkers. Gokyo, Chola Pass and Renjola Pass sections can also be customized with Everest Base Camp Trek. Island Peak and Lobuche East are the added attractions for more enthusiast trekkers. Three Passes Trek with Island Peak Climb covers the major activities including the Mount Everest Base Camp.
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