Trekking up to Everest’s base camp is the close one could get to the world’s tallest peak without climbing it. How much does the Everest base camp trek cost is the most asked question? In this article, we will cover all your queries regarding the cost of EBC. Trekking to the base camp is not as expensive as climbing Everest. The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek depends on various factors. It might depend on the number of trekking days, trekking route, tour operator, and the kind of services they provide. The trip might cost from $1100 to $4000. If you are looking for a luxury trip such as an EBC package with helicopter return then it will cost a little more. The overall cost is mostly determined by the needs of trekkers.
Excluding international flights, the cost of trekking in Nepal’s different mountain terrains ranges from low-cost trips to extremely expensive luxury climbs. We’ll try to explain everything regarding the cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp, as well as the factors that lead to price differences between different operators throughout the world.
Factors that impact the overall cost of a trek to Everest base camp.
1. Kathmandu’s Costs
The EBC Trek begins in Kathmandu, and the cost of staying in Kathmandu includes airport transportation, hotel accommodations, and additional touring costs if you wish to see the city. You can save some bucks on your trip by choosing your hotel level, which ranges from $15 bed economical hotels to 5-star or luxury Heritage hotels that cost roughly US$450 to $500 per night or more. If you decide to go on a day tour in your free time, it might cost you between $50 and $100, depending on the services you pick.
2. Transportation Costs
A round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla costs approximately $380 per person. Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla is the best way to begin the trek. Only 10 kg of luggage is allowed on these domestic flights. You can leave your unnecessary stuff at the Kathmandu hotel.
3. Nepal Visa Fees
When entering Nepal, all foreign nationals (excluding Indian nationals) must provide a valid visa. Nepalese visas can be obtained at the individual country’s Nepalese embassy or upon arrival at Kathmandu’s International Airport.
VISA FACILITY DURATION FEES
| Visa Facility | Duration | Fees |
| Multiple Entry | 15 Days | US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency |
| Multiple Entry | 30 Days | US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency |
| Multiple Entry | 90 Days | US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency |
4. Permit Fees for Trekking
You’ll need two permits to undertake the Everest Base Camp trek: a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit. The regional fee for Solukhumbu is roughly $20 per person and can be obtained in Lukla or Monjo. The National Park admission permit will cost roughly $30, including 13% VAT, and will be available in Kathmandu and Monjo.
5. The cost of lodging on the Everest base camp trek
The cost of lodging ranges from affordable teahouses to comfy hotels and a few luxurious lodges. In a basic teahouse, a single bed costs around $5 per night per person, while a room with two beds costs $7. As you climb higher, the charge may increase, reaching up to $10 at Gorak Shep.
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 travelers. The dining area has a fireplace in the center that is used to heat the entire space during supper.
The cost of accommodation on the trip itself is quite low, but the expense of lodging in Kathmandu before and after your trek will contribute to 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. The cost of a hot shower might range from $2 to $5.
- Electric blankets or heaters will cost roughly $20 per night, however they may or may not be available in all accommodations.
- Battery charging is normally charged at a rate of $2 to $6 per hour, whereas a power bank is charged at a rate of $10.
- Some lodgings may not provide free internet access. In the mountains, WiFi costs roughly $2 to $5 per hour, though the service is quite poor.
6. Food and water costs during the Everest base camp trek
The cost of 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, with fewer options as you up the mountain.
The high-carbohydrate meal Dal Bhaat is the most common food along the trail, with prices ranging from $5 at the start to $15. The same can be said for bottled water. A liter of bottled water can cost anywhere from $1 to $5. The daily expense of food and water will be around $30 to $40 on average. Vegetarian dishes are also less expensive and are considered to be fresher and healthier.
7. Guide and porter fees for Everest base camp trek
While trekking in Nepal, having a guide and porter is usually beneficial. For starters, they are fluent in the local language and are familiar with the teahouse proprietors. They will enhance your trekking experience by providing you with a knowledge of route information.
Porters will carry your luggage for you, allowing you to move freely, especially at high altitudes where walking can be challenging.
The average cost of hiring a guide is $20 to $30 per day while hiring a porter is $20 to $25 per day. A single porter will be capable of handling up to 25 kilograms of luggage. The leading guides may charge upwards of $50 per day. Tipping is anticipated in Nepal, though it is not mandatory. A good basic tip for a guide or porter is 10% to 15% of the whole trip price.
8. Travel Insurance Costs
For a 30-day period, travel insurance with trekking authorized up to 6000m will cost roughly $150. However, the cost of insurance will vary depending on your age, country, and trek length.
You are required to carry travel insurance when visiting Nepal, which should cover any comprehensive expenses incurred as a result of medical conditions or accidents. T raveling in the Himalayas is full of adventure, it’s a wise idea to have a good insurance policy. Make absolutely sure your insurance coverage covers all of these unforeseen costs when purchasing a policy. Air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, airline delay, and cancellations must all be covered by your travel insurance. You must check that the policy you choose gives an acceptable level of protection, is familiar with your itinerary, and covers the activities you will be participating in.
9. Trekking Equipment Costs
It is crucial that you have all of the necessary equipment and gear with you before embarking on your trek into the Himalayan mountains. For a beginner, trekking equipment can cost anywhere from $200 to $500. This expense is not included in the price of our package.
High-quality boots, sleeping bags, thermal gear, trekking poles, warm gloves, and a waterproof jacket are just a few of the important items. Take a look at the comprehensive Everest Base Camp packing list to learn about the most important goods you’ll need on the climb.