• Raj Kumar Basnet
  • Last Updated on Dec 30, 2023

One of the most well-known treks in the world is Everest Base Camp. The trek offers a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of the Khumbu region by following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and countless other pioneers.

Several routes encompass the EBC and Everest Region in their entirety. However, the budget range varies because you will be taking several ways to reach the Base Camp. A handful of travel firms provide trekking packages for the Everest region. Food, lodging, and information on your trek to the Everest region are all included in such packages.

At Outfitter Nepal, we offer the best hospitality through our Everest Trekking Packages that follow all of these itineraries or we could tailor one for you based on your preferences!

Table of Contents

Everest Trek Itinerary

These are the list of itineraries that involves trekking to the Base Camp and the surrounding regions.

  • Everest Base Camp Trek: USD 1030 – USD 2000
  • Everest Panorama Trek: USD 950 – USD 1400
  • Everest High Pass Trek: USD 1700 – USD 2500
  • Everest Cho La Pass Trek: USD 1600 – USD 2300
  • Renjo La Pass Trek: USD 1200 – USD 1500
  • Gokyo Valley Trek: USD 1150 – USD 1500
  • Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek: USD 1500 - USD 2500
  • 12-Days Everest Base Camp Trek: USD 1000 - 1500
  • Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek: USD 2500 - USD 3500
  • 10-Days Everest Base Camp Trek: USD 2450 – USD USD 4500
  • 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek: USD 2300 - USD 4300
  • Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek: USD 1100 - USD 1600

The budget range involved in the Everest Trek

Please note that since the entire budget is largely determined by the needs of travellers, it is impossible to draw a firm judgment about whether or not to provide flat rates. Excluding international flights, the cost of trekking in Nepal's different mountainous terrains ranges from low-budget expeditions to extremely expensive luxury climbs. We'll try to explain everything regarding the hiking and the variables that lead to price differences between different operators throughout the world.

This article will go through all of the major trek cost so that you can plan and have a fun and safe trek to the Everest of the world's highest mountain.

The Price involved outside of Trekking

Cost estimate for Kathmandu

The Trek to Everest begins in Kathmandu, and the budget for staying in Kathmandu includes airport transportation, hotel accommodations, and an additional touring budget if you wish to see the city. You can save money on your journey by choosing your hotel level, which ranges from $10 bed economical lodgings to premium Michelin Star hotels that can estimate over US$450 per night. If you decide to go on a day tour in your free time, it will range between $60 and $120, depending on the services you select.

At Outfitter Nepal, we can also arrange a day tour for you or accommodation and other services of your choice!

Budget to be allocated for Visa

To enter Nepal, citizens of all countries except India require a visa. At Kathmandu's international airport, you can get your visa on arrival. The following is the fee for a visa to Nepal:

  • Multiple entry visa for 15 days for US$30
  • Multiple entry visa for US$50 for 30 days
  • Multiple entry visa for 90 days for US$125

Since most Everest region trek itineraries last 12 to 20 days, it is best to obtain a one-month visa.

Budget for the trekking to the Everest

  • Transportation Budget

A round-trip flight from Ramechhap to Lukla estimates roughly $360 to $380 per person.

Flights to Lukla are likely to operate out of Manthali Airport in Ramechhap due to recent changes in regulations and upgrades at Kathmandu's domestic airport. Kathmandu to Ramechhap is a 4-6hour long journey and you can hop into a private jeep to get to Ramechhap. If you are willing to travel by Jeep-like Scorpio, Land Cruiser, and other four-wheelers private jeeps are also a more comfortable option for group or private travellers. It ranges from US$120 to US$130 for the jeep fare to Ramechhap! Hiring a jeep is better if you’re on a time constraint. Flying from here to Lukla is the best way to begin the journey. Only 10 kilos of luggage is allowed on these domestic flights. You can leave your unnecessary items at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Because of the unpredictability of the weather in Lukla, airlines have been known to cancel flights after waiting a few hours at the airport. It's unlikely that you'll be able to catch the next flight. In the event of a flight cancellation, we recommend that you:

  • Flying in a Helicopter

This is the greatest option because it will take place on a shared basis, resulting in a budget of only US$500 per person!

  • Flying on a Chartered Plane

You may even hire a helicopter flight for roughly US$2700 for the entire flight!

  • Budget for Trekking Permits

You require three kinds of permits for trekking to the Everest Region. They are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit and TIMS Card.

  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:

  • Foreign nationals: US$30 (Roughly NPR 3,000) per person, per entry, plus 13% VAT
  • Nationals of the SAARC: US$15 (Roughly NPR 1,500) per person per admission + 13% VAT
  • Nepali: US$10 (NPR 100) per person, each admission, plus 13% VAT Children under the age of ten are free.
  • Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit:

This Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit is a new permit that went into effect on October 1, 2018. The Khumbu Local Government collects US$20 or NPR 2000 (less than four weeks) and US$25 or NPR 2,500 (more than four weeks) from each foreigner. Keep in mind that this Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit is not available in the Kathmandu valley; however, if you trek from Lukla, you can get one there, or if you trek from Jiri or Salleri, you can get one at Monjo village.

  • TIMS Card

If you are an independent trekker, you must be physically present at the TIMS Counter to collect a TIMS card, which is green in colour and is US$ 20 each. If you are trekking alone, you do not need to use the TIMS card at this time.

If you are trekking with a local trekking agency/company, you need to have a TIMS card with you, which is blue in colour and is charged US$ 10 per person. This Blue TIMS card assists you in rescuing your Guides and Porters if you are experiencing difficulties such as altitude sickness, frostbite, and so on.

Trek from Jiri to the Base Camp with an additional Gaurishankar permit

If you're trekking from Jiri to the EBC, you'll need an additional permit called the Gaurishankar conservation area project access permit, which budgets to NRS. 2000. This fee applies to both group and solo trekkers and is available to acquire from the Nepal tourism board.

At Outfitter Nepal, we arrange all the trekking permits for you, without any hassle!

Cost for accommodation during the trek

The hotels/lodges are relatively reasonable for their price, ranging from US$5 to US$40 + per person, depending on the hotel or lodge. If you prefer foods and drinks at their lodge, you may be able to secure a free room during the less busy season (off-season). You will be completely content and happy with the room, food, and family setting that you will be able to enjoy with great enthusiasm.

The budget allocation of lodging ranges from modest teahouses to more comfortable hotels and a few luxury lodges. In a basic teahouse, a bed can amount to around US$3 per night per person, while a room with two beds amounts to around US$5. As you climb higher, the price may rise to as much as US$10 at Gorak Shep. Lobuche, on the other hand, has a set average accommodation rate of US$7.

The teahouse rooms are simple, with two mattresses, a pillow, a blanket, and an adjoining bathroom (except at a few locations). Every teahouse has a huge dining hall where you may eat and socialize with other hikers. The dining area has a fireplace in the centre that is used to heat the entire space during supper.

The budget for accommodation on the trek itself is quite low, but the expense of lodging in Kathmandu before and after your trek will account for a greater amount of your budget.

During your stay, you may be charged the following additional fees:

Unless you pay for an ensuite room, hot showers are not included. A hot shower might range anywhere between US$2 and US$6.

Electric blankets or heaters will amount to roughly US$20 per night, however, they may or may not be available in all accommodations.

Battery charging is charged on an hourly basis and typically ranges from US$2 to US$6, whereas a power bank is priced at US$10.

Some lodgings may not provide free internet access. In the mountains, WiFi prices of roughly US$2 to US$5 per hour are relatively frequent.

Cost for food and drinking water

The budget for food and water varies depending on where you are. The higher you ascend, the more expensive food and water become. Surprisingly, teahouses along the trail provide wide menus, but the options get lesser the more you go up the mountain.

The high-carbohydrate meal Dal Bhaat is the most common food along the trail, with prices ranging from US$5 at the start to US$12 at Gorak Shep. The same can be said for bottled water. A litre of bottled water budgets anywhere from US$1 to US$4. The daily expense of food and water will be around US$30 to US$40 on average.

Up to your excursion, the mineral water you prefer is served at an amount ranging from US$1 to US$4 for each bottle. However, if you can drink tap water or local water, it is either free or less expensive than mineral water. Warm tea and coffee range between US$2 and US$4, and a beer bottle costs between US$5 and US$10.

Budgeting for guide and porter

Whether you prefer to trek with a guide or travel alone to your destinations, hiring guides and porters is entirely up to you. If you are a first-time visitor who wishes to enjoy the beauty of nature, we recommend hiring guides and porters to carry your luggage and valuables with you on your excursion. These porters and guides are there to assist you. Plus, they’re quite knowledgeable about a lot of things and their wisdom will come in extra handy for you!

Hiring a skilled guide is the best way to be safe in the Everest Region. At Outfitter Nepal, we always encourage choosing qualified, licensed guides, and this list is no exception! An experienced guide will be familiar with both the path and local weather patterns and how to respond to them. In the event of an emergency, a skilled guide should also be conversant with first aid and the best procedures.

A good guide can mean the difference between reaching the EBC and not reaching making it to the top. And we can tell you that your trip to the Base Camp will be both pleasant and fun. For trekking in the Everest Region, their daily regular charge is US$30-35 per day.

A porter is surely the person that transports your heavy luggage to your destination. He'll lift your loads and keep them safe because he's a powerful man. Each day, their dedication and bravery earns them US$20-25. They can carry weights weighing 20 kg to 25 kg and walk alongside you.

At Outfitter Nepal, we only hire the best guides for you! Likewise, our porters are professional in their field. Do let us know if you want to hire a guide or porter.

Tipping tour guides and other service providers are common in Nepal, though the amount you give is totally up to you. Guides are frequently apart from their families for weeks at a time to assist tourists in navigating the mountain, so any additional cash is highly appreciated.

Most tour operators recommend tipping a guide $15 per day per group and a porter $8 per day per group. You should pay roughly 10% of your tour budget as a rough estimate.

Cost for Travel Insurance

You never know what awaits you on an adventurous journey like trekking to Base Camp. Always check your insurance policy before leaving your country, just to be safe. Before filling out your insurance application, check with your travel insurance provider to verify if their policy covers mountainous trips.

Many insurance policies do not cover you over a certain altitude in mountainous regions. Thus, look for insurance providers that have policies that cover your insurance throughout the Everest Trek, which reaches a maximum elevation of 5,545 meters.

For a 30-day period, travel insurance with trekking authorized up to 6000m will amount to roughly $150. However, the budget for insurance will vary depending on your age, country, and trek length. Because we do not organize or sell insurance, you must arrange your own travel insurance in your native country.

Budget for Trekking Equipment

The majority of the equipment can be hired or purchased in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar, but be aware that you may be sold cheaper, local equipment that isn't up to the same standards as equipment purchased before your journey.

Because you will be trekking in extremely cold circumstances, it is critical to invest in high-quality, durable clothing and boots.

A cold weather sleeping bag, thermal clothing, hiking boots, trekking poles, a backpack and duffel bag, a warm waterproof jacket, gloves, sunglasses, a peak cap, and a beanie are all essentials.

For a beginner, trekking equipment can range anywhere from US$200 to US$500.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

VAT, often known as goods and services tax, is a sort of general consumption tax imposed on the price of goods and services at every point of sale when value is added. All Everest region trek operators are subject to a 13% VAT imposed by the Nepalese government.

Miscellaneous Budget

  • Shower

Due to the remote location, you may have to pay for even the shower. Namche is the final destination where you can receive a decent hot shower for free. A hot shower, in the future, will charge a certain amount, and it will be pricey. You will not want to remove your clothing and take a bath since it will be freezing. The amount you have to spend depends on the accommodation you are staying at!

  • Boiled Water

At such a high altitude, boiling water (in any volume) is difficult, thus you'll have to spend an extra US$1 to gain this benefit. Per litre, prices range from US$1 to US$3.

  • Charging electronic gadgets

Charging station for your phone and other smart devices. Hourly rates range from US$1 to US$3.

  • Internet Access

Internet access is also considerably more expensive; thus, you will have to pay a few extra dollars. They offer a limited-time WIFI Prepaid Card with a validity of 24 to 48 hours. Each card amounts between US$6 and US$10.

  • Warm Heating System

Firewood, kerosene oil, or LPG gas provide a warm heating system (local heater). (From US$1 to US$3).

  • Recommendation for SIM Cards

If you are travelling and want to capture and share your experiences with the rest of the world, you need to have fast internet on your phone, therefore it is preferable to use mobile data packages rather than paying for WIFI. When you're on the go and want to stay in touch with your loved ones, mobile data comes in handy.

If you wish to use the internet on a SIM card, you'll need to purchase a local SIM card and add data packages to it. Local SIM cards such as Namaste, NCELL, Smart Cell, and others assist you with your data surfing mode, which ranges between US$4 and US$10 and includes unlimited data packages as well as a few hours of Talk time. Local SIM cards are used to provide this data service.

Why must you hire a local trekking company for your Trek expeditions?

Many tour companies offer tempting tour packages, however, it is recommended to choose locally established travel agencies. To begin with, local businesses are more familiar with the area than everyone else. Having local experts accompany you on your walk gives you more freedom and authenticity.

They'll also follow you on your journey and provide you with safety advice, recommendations, and strategies. Local guides for the company are more knowledgeable about the customs and culture. As a result, they can help you gain a better knowledge of the cultures you come across.

What kind of trekking services does Outfitter Nepal provide for trekking to the Everest?

We offer solo, private, and group Everest Region trek expeditions. Trekking alone to EBC can be a highly enjoyable experience that provides complete privacy, freedom, and even cost-effectiveness. We don't mind if you trek in any way you like!

We have set out departure dates for 2024 and 2025. You can join one of our groups or create your private trek if you have a group.

We also provide a solo trek to the Everest Region for those who like to trek at their own pace. If you alter the Trek itinerary, the price will change. Anything that works for you!

Why must you choose Outfitter Nepal for your upcoming Trek in the Everest Region?

  1. With more than two decades of trekking experience in our hands, we know what clients anticipate and have never failed to exceed them. You can read what previous customers had to say about us on our Trip Advisor and Review pages.
  2. We offer experienced local trekking guides and porters for Nepal trekking and peak climbing in the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Mustang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan regions.
  3. At Outfitter Nepal, we put the safety and security of our customers first. We place a high value on customer satisfaction. Thus, we go to considerable lengths to ensure that our guests enjoy a memorable time in Nepal's Himalayan regions.
  4. Our Professional Local Trekking Guides are well-educated and multilingual, including English, which is frequently spoken. The guides are government-licensed and well-trained, while the porters must be physically fit owing to the high altitude. We take trekking in the Everest Region seriously while still making it enjoyable!
  5. Our departure dates are fixed, and we never cancel on you!

We hope that the information we have compiled from the experiences we’ve gained over the last two decades will help you in your coming trek to the Base Camp. We will also be glad if you joined us!

Raj Kumar Basnet

Raj Kumar Basnet

Hello, Hi & Namaste Everyone !

Raj Kumar Basnet holds more than two decades of travelling experience in different regions of Nepal. He has trekked in both popular and off-the-beaten-path Nepali trekking trails which have allowed him to gain expertise in tourism. With years of field experience under his belt, he is now concentrating on sharing as much of his tourism knowledge as possible. Now, the co-owner of Outfitter Nepal, he hopes that the knowledge he’s gained over the years would deem helpful for the travellers visiting Nepal!

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