One of the most well-known treks in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp trek, and the price of your journey will depend on the length of the walk and the kind of lodging you select. Every year thousands of trekkers prefer to be at the base of the highest mountain on earth. This entire region is listed in UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Everest Base Camp is the destination of this journey, which begins from Lukla. The price of an EBC Trek might vary based on the trek’s length, the size of your group, and the quality of lodging you select.
Everest Base camp trek is a dream destination for many thrill seekers but some trekkers are not able to accomplish it. Due to the wrong choice of the month and when they do, they are troubled to find lodges and tea houses. The best months to do the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek are March, April, May and October, November because the days are longer and the weather is warmer than the winter months. This makes the trek more enjoyable and the temperatures will be more comfortable. The views of the Himalayas are also clearer during this time. The skies are often clear, providing stunning views of the Himalayas. In addition, the trails are usually dry, making the trek easier.
The EBC trek can cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000 but for luxurious experience, the cost can quickly rise up to $5000 or more. The cost impacting factors are: time of year, route and level of comfort and services.
- Transportation
Many trekkers have the misunderstanding that trekking will be cheaper due to remoteness which is actually not true. The Base camp lies in the Everest region of Nepal and in the Himalayan region as well. That’s why a proper research and a proper planning for a trip as per your budget are necessary.
The transportation cost for the EBC Trek depends on the starting point as well as the mode of transportation chosen. If you are starting from Kathmandu, then you may need to fly to Lukla or take a direct helicopter ride to the Everest base camp. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla costs around $185-$200 per person, and the helicopter ride on sharing to Lukla cost around $500-$600 per person.
Another transportation options include taking a public bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Jiri and then trekking to EBC. And the bus or jeep fare from Kathmandu to Jiri is between USD 15 to 30 per person. However, if you take this option, you should walk about 2-4 days to reach Lukla. Therefore, 90% trekkers start their Everest base camp journey from Lukla airport after the flight from Kathmandu or Ramechap.
However, for cost conscious travelers, trekking in the off season can be a great option, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially limited services and accommodations.
- Accommodations
March and September are the beginning seasons for trek, and all hotels, teahouses and lodges get overcrowded. During the off season (December, January, February and July, Auguast), it remain less crowded and you will have the option to select your lodges and a comfortable room facing the mountain views.
Lodges can vary in price depending on location and amenities. Camping is another budget friendly option but also require more gears and logistics. Accommodation on the base camp trail will be from basic to standard depending upon the altitude. Some will have luxury rooms to stay in and others with basic. These changes in accommodation solemnly depend upon the budget of trekkers.
The peak trekking season is between March and May, and September to November, during these busy season cost of the accommodations increases accordingly. At the high altitude above 3700 meters, normally tea houses and lodges will have common sharing toilets and bathrooms in every hotel.
While trekking, you can choose to stay in lodges/teahouses, which cost from $20 to $40 per night. You could also choose to camp, which will cost you between $15 and $20 per night.
- Foods
The cost of food for the EBC trek can vary greatly depending on the level of service you choose, the length of the trek, and other factors. Generally, a budget of $25-$40 per day should be enough to cover the cost of food on an EBC trek.
The diet is generally includes a range of foods like porridge, omelets, boiled eggs, bread, noodles, momos, soups, vegetables, potatoes, and rice, among others. Toast, eggs, and tea or coffee are the typical breakfast staples. Typically dal-bha (lentils, rice, and vegetables) spaghetti, Pasta, Pizza etc are available for the lunch and dinner.
Along the trek, you will also get to enjoy the traditional Sherpa dishes such as Thukpa (noodle soup) and Momos (dumplings).
- Trekking Equipments
The cost of equipment will depend on the type of equipment you choose to rent or buy. Generally, you can rent basic equipment such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, and tents for around $2-$10 per day. You can also buy all the essential trekking equipment such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, hats, socks, pants and hiking boots. In average, the cost of all trekking gear is between $200-400.
- Guide and Porter Services:
The cost of guide and porter services will depend on the duration of the trip, the number of people in your group, and the type of services you require. Generally, guides and porters will cost around $25-$40 per day. Additionally, you may also need to pay for the guide’s accommodation and meals.
Guide and porter play a vital role in any of the high altitude treks in Nepal. They are the one who helps trekkers to acclimatize well, taking them to the nearby hill and descending to a lower altitude to steep. Most of them understand local culture and tradition as a result they will be able to take you to places that solo trekkers will never be able to go.
Local guides are familiar with the trail and are to the local tea houses and lodges as well. During the season, they help in arranging the best available lodges to stay in. As they are well trained with high altitude symptoms, their expertise will be an asset for any trekkers. But, If you are a first-time trekker at such an altitude, there is a huge possibility of facing High altitude sickness.
- Visas and Permits
The cost of visas and permits will depend on the length of your stay. Generally, the cost of the trek ranges from USD 1,200 – USD 1,500 per person. This cost includes permits, guides, porters, and accommodation in teahouses, food and some other services.
Trekkers need two different permits to enter the Everest region which are Sagarmatha National Conservation Area Permit and Pasang Lhamu Rural Village Development Permit.
Overall, the estimated cost of the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal is around $1,200-$2,500 per person. This cost covers accommodation, food, guide, and porter services. Other costs, such as flights, equipment, visas, and permits, are not included in the estimated cost.
The Everest Base Camp Trek offers really breathtaking views. You’ll have stunning views of the Himalayas and be surrounded by some of the highest mountains on earth. The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, as well as the Khumbu Glacier, will be visible to you. A significant physical obstacle is The Trek. You’ll be traversing some of the toughest terrain on earth for days at a time while walking. You’ll have plenty of time to think about your life and the world while you take in some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.
Cost Planning before you travel for Everest trek
Here are some of the first considerations you need to consider before planning to hike to Everest Base Camp:
- Trek through the authorized local agency in Nepal.
- Use a licensed local guide.
- Pre-book your ticket.
- Book your KTM-LUKLA-KTM flight prior to your arrival.
- Book your lodges and tea house before your trip.
Cost after Everest Base Camp Trek
Here are some of the things that you should consider planning after the Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Post-trek accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Transportation back home (airfare, bus, or train)
- Rewards, Gifts, Appreciation or token of love.
- Additional costs such as medical expenses or travel insurance
- Tips to guide, porter and other local staff.
- Any additional activities or sightseeing in kathmandu.
- Cost of used gear rental.
- Other personal expenses.
It is very much important to budget and plan for these costs after the trek to ensure a smooth transition back to daily life and avoid any financial stress. Everest Base camp trek is a dream destination for many but some trekkers are not able to accomplish it. Due to the wrong choice of the month and when they do, they are troubled to find lodges and tea houses.
So, successful trekkers make the right research before they plan for the Everest base camp trek. Due to excellent weather conditions during September there will be regular flights to and from Lukla airport, the gateway to the Everest region.
However, Prior booking of the trip will benefit you in many ways; this will help you to get an early flight to lukla from Kathmandu and vice versa. Further, the booking of the hotels and lodges are made early, helping you to trek in more relaxing ways.
Without a doubt, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. You will get the chance to test yourself while taking in some of the most beautiful sights on the planet.