How expensive is the Everest base camp trek

The number of people looking towards adventure tourism rather than the traditional beach or casino holiday is rising.  The most accessible place for this is Nepal, with its easy border crossing for Indian nationals. Within Nepal, one of the up-and-coming destinations for those looking for an outdoor vacation is the Everest Region.  And more specifically, the Everest Base Camp Trek.  Taking 12 to 14 days to complete, is this trek an expensive option?

Like most things, you get what you pay for.  You can fly into Kathmandu and join a tour from there, or drive across the border at Panitanki-Kakarvitta and link with your tour at the new departure location at Manthali Airport, Ramchhap District for the flight into Lukla in the Khumbu Region.  There is an alternative to flying into Lukla, but it involves road transport and trekking for days, and the cost will work out higher than the flight.  Unless you are keen on extending your trip, this is not the option for most people.

While it is possible to do this trek without going through a trekking agency or with a guide, it is not recommended.  Even the most experienced trekker can run into problems that can become an emergency in this remote and unforgiving area.

The cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp with a Nepali trekking company will come in at around USD1,200 (IC 98,000) to USD2,500  (IC2,4,000).  The variation in the price considers the season and the style of accommodation you require.

If you decide to go alone, you can calculate how much it will cost per person from the information below.

What You Get for Your Package Trek

Accommodation and food on the ebc trek, and possibly the night before and night after in Kathmandu (depending on your package), domestic flight to Lukla, transportation to and from the domestic airports, guide and porter services, and trekking permits.  Not included are tips for the guide and porter, alcoholic drinks,  and extra food.  Most lodges on the trails charge a minimum for hot showers and recharging your gadgets. You may get the loan of a sleeping bag and kit bag but ask your agent ahead of time.   What is not covered in your package is insured.  It is wise to have insurance for these types of treks in case you need to be evacuated.  Please arrange that before leaving home.  Check the small print to ensure it covers high-altitude trekking. 

Cost of Going Alone

If you are traveling alone, expect to pay around USD35 (IC 3,000) per day (excluding flights and permits).

Whether traveling alone or with a trekking agency, carry around IC 8,000 for ‘extras’ such as showers and drinks, and perhaps the same for tips.

Currently, Nepal is discussing whether to continue allowing trekkers to go into the Everest Region alone, so please check at your planning stage.  It is always recommended that if you do not wish to be part of a trekking group, at least you take a trekking guide with you who is experienced in the route and difficult circumstances should they occur.  Hiring a porter will make the whole trek more enjoyable as you only need to carry your camera and water bottle.

• Flights to Lukla (the airport in the Everest Region) – USD170 one way for foreigners and around IC 2,500 to IC 3,700 for Indian nationals. 
• Cost of accommodation – USD5 (IC 400) to USD150 (IC 12,000).  Most lodges are in the budget range, with a few luxury ones at lower altitudes.
• The cost of meals is around USD5  (IC 400) to USD6 (IC 500). Depending on how much you eat.  These are prices for a simple breakfast and a two-course dinner.
• The cost of drinks is around USD 2  (IC  163 to USD 5 (IC400) for non-alcoholic drinks. Around USD 6 (IC 500) to USD 10 (IC 800) for alcoholic drinks.  The same prices apply if you are going with a trekking agency.
• A hot shower will cost around USD 4  (IC 326), alone or in a group.
• Charging batteries will cost around USD 2 (IC 163) to USD 6 (IC 500).

And finally, water may be available in either bottles or (in places that are becoming more environmentally aware) in boiled form.  You will have to pay for either, even if you are on a package trek.  If you bring your own purifying straw or tablets, it will work out cheaper.

Trekking Permits

Every foreigner, including Indian nationals, requires a trekking permit to trek in Nepal.  Some regions require other special permits as well.  For the EBC Trek, everyone requires –

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit at USD 30 or IC 2,500. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit at USD 20 or IC2,500.

If you are booking your trek through an agent, please check if these costs are included in the package or if you must pay these separately. 

Accommodation Off Trek

There are some beautiful hotels in Kathmandu, including heritage-style ones.  There are also plenty of budget hotels.  Hotels range from around USD10 (IC 800) to USD 400 (IC 32,000)  per night, so the choice is yours.  We are reliably told good hotels can be gotten for around USD30 (IC 2,500)  to USD 50  per night (IC4,000).

Unforgettable Adventure

Regardless as to how you plan your trek to the Everest Base Camp it will be an unforgettable adventure.

*Please note prices are approximate to take into account changes related to peak and low seasons and changes to the dollar rate.