The cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) can vary significantly, ranging from $1,599 to $3,000 or more, depending on the type of trek and the services included. If you’re opting for an Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek, expect exceptional accommodation, meals, and even a helicopter flight for a unique experience. TRAVELARII offers premium packages in various countries, including Nepal, that cater to luxury travelers.
For the average trek, the total cost for Everest Base Camp can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per person, excluding international airfare. Costs vary based on factors like group size, season, itinerary, and any additional acclimatization days or activities. However, We offer comprehensive packages that include permits, guides, porters, meals, and accommodation, making it easier to plan and budget your trip.
Below is a breakdown of key cost factors:
| Cost Factor | Description | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Permits | Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card | $50 – $60 |
| Flights | Round-trip from Kathmandu to Lukla | $440 – $465 |
| Guide | Hiring a guide (per day) | $25 – $30 |
| Porter | Hiring a porter (per day) | $20 – $25 |
| Accommodation | Teahouse lodging (per night) | $10 – $20 |
| Meals | Three meals per day at teahouses | $30 – $35 |
| Gear Rental | Renting necessary trekking gear (if needed) | $2 – $15 per item/day |
| Insurance | Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking | $150 – $200 |
| Transportation | Local transportation (airport transfers, taxis, etc.) | $25 – $50 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Charging devices, hot showers, Wi-Fi, tips, etc. | $150 – $250 for the trek |
Everest Base Camp Trek Costs (Based on Services)
We provide a detailed breakdown of costs for various services related to the Everest Base Camp trek. Below is a cost estimate for different services.
| Airport Transfers (4 times by car) | $40 |
| Round-Trip Flight: Kathmandu to Lukla | $440 |
| Round-Trip Flight: Ramechhap to Lukla | $360 |
| Shared Vehicle: Kathmandu to Ramechhap | $25 |
| Private Vehicle for Kathmandu Tour | $120 |
| Everest Base Camp Trek (14 Days) | $1,590 |
| Accommodation + Full Meals (14 Days) | $560 |
| Guide (14 Days) | $420 |
| Porter (14 Days) | $350 |
| Everest Base Camp Trek Permits | $50 |
| Helicopter: Everest Base Camp to Lukla | $900 |
Everest Base Camp Trek Costs (Based on Itineraries)
The typical duration for the EBC trek ranges from 12 to 16 days, with costs varying based on the chosen itinerary. Below are some popular options:
| Itinerary | Cost per Person (USD) |
| Everest Base Camp Trek (14 Days) | $1,599 |
| Everest Base Camp Trek (15 Days) | $1,699 |
| Everest Base Camp Trek (16 Days) | $1,800 |
| Short Everest Base Camp Trek (10-12 Days) | $1,390 – $1,500 |
| EBC Trek with Helicopter Return to Lukla | $2,290 |
| EBC Luxury Trek (Helicopter Return to KTM) | $2,990 – $5,590 |
| EBC Budget Trek | $1,390 |
Transportation Costs to Ramechhap
For travelers flying from Ramechhap to Lukla, transportation from Kathmandu to Ramechhap can be arranged via private car or shared vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of transportation costs:
| Vehicle Type | Cost per Person/Group (USD) |
| Private Car (2-3 people) | $170 |
| Shared Haice/Jeep | $25 |
| Private Jeep (4-7 people) | $220 |
Permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek
You’ll need two permits for the trek:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit ($30)
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit ($20)
Total cost for permits: $50 USD
Flight Costs: Kathmandu to Lukla
Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are the most common way to start the trek. Round-trip tickets can range from $300 to $500 USD, depending on the season.
| Airline | Cost per Way (USD) |
| Tara Air | $220 – $240 |
| Summit Air | $220 – $240 |
| Sita Air | $220 – $240 |
Guide and Porter Costs
Hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended, especially for first-time trekkers. Below is the average daily rate:
| Service | Cost per Day (USD) |
| Guide | $25 – $30 |
| Porter (Sherpa) | $20 – $25 |
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation in teahouses along the route can range from $10 to $30 USD per night, depending on location and services. Prices may rise at higher altitudes.
| Type of Accommodation | Cost in Kathmandu (USD) | Cost on Trek (USD) |
| Luxury Hotel | $120 – $150 | $100 – $120 |
| Standard Hotel (2-3 star) | $40 – $70 | $15 – $25 |
| Budget Hotel/Hostel | $15 – $30 | $10 – $15 |
Food and Miscellaneous Costs
Teahouse meals (dal bhat, noodles, soup) typically range from $5 to $15 USD per meal. Miscellaneous expenses such as charging devices, Wi-Fi, and hot showers may add an extra $5 to $10 USD per day.
Total Trek Budget Estimate:
A conservative estimate for a 12-16 day Everest Base Camp Trek is between $1,490 and $2,000 USD per person, not including international airfare.
Everest Link WiFi & Battery Charging:
During the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, the cost for an Everest Link WiFi card ranges from $5 to $8 USD, while mobile charging costs $2 to $4 USD per hour. Be prepared for these additional expenses as you make your way through the trek.
EBC Trek Cost for Meals & Drinks:
On average, you should budget $25 to $30 USD per person, per day, for meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Additionally, soft and hard drinks typically cost between $10 and $30 USD.
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost with Peaceful Nepal
As a local travel operator (Peaceful Nepal Treks and Tours), we offer comprehensive services to make your EBC trek more convenient and affordable. Here’s a breakdown of our services:
- Airport Pick-up & Drop (Domestic & International): Our private vehicle service costs $50 USD for four trips—two for international airport pick-up and drop, and two for domestic airport transfers related to the trek.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu: We offer 2 to 3-star accommodations in Kathmandu at $80 to $100 USD for 2 nights (arrival day and post-trek return from Lukla). Should you prefer 4 or 5-star hotels, the cost will be higher.
- Round Trip Flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu): The round-trip flight between Kathmandu and Lukla is priced at $400 USD. However, this can fluctuate based on international fuel prices.
- Trekking Permit Costs: We handle your trekking permits, charging $50 USD per person. This covers the Sagarmatha National Park entry fee ($30 USD) and the Khumbu region entry fee ($20 USD).
- Accommodation during the EBC Trek: Accommodation along the trail varies, with costs ranging from $10 to $100 USD per night, depending on the amenities and location.
Everest Base Camp Trek Independently
While many travelers choose to trek with international or local operators, some opt to go solo. Independent trekkers typically spend between $1,190 to $1,390 USD, covering round-trip flights, accommodations, permits, meals, and other essentials. However, going solo poses challenges like altitude sickness, navigation issues, and lack of communication. We recommend trekking with a local agency for a smoother experience.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Before Arriving in Nepal:
- International flight to Nepal
- Nepal visa costs (varied durations)
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear from your home country
- After Arriving in Nepal:
- Local transport (airport transfers)
- City accommodation
- Trekking permits
- Kathmandu heritage tours (optional)
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
- Guide and porter costs
- Meals in the city and along the trail
- Personal gear purchased in Nepal
- Tips for guides, porters, and service staff
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost for Indian Travelers
For Indian nationals, the EBC trek package is often more affordable due to SAARC country discounts. Flight costs from Kathmandu to Lukla are lower, and the Sagarmatha National Park permit costs are reduced. Indian tourists can typically book the trek with us for $1,350 USD or INR 106,000.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return:
We also offer a luxury option combining trekking and helicopter return:
1. Helicopter Return to Lukla:
- This package costs $2,190 to $2,590 USD per person, including round-trip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and a helicopter return to Lukla after 9–10 days of trekking.
2. Helicopter Return to Kathmandu:
- For a direct helicopter return to Kathmandu, the cost ranges from $4,990 to $5,890 USD per person, with one-way flights to Lukla and a helicopter return.
Factors Affecting Everest Base Camp Trek Costs:
- Accommodation in Kathmandu: Accommodation costs in Kathmandu range from budget ($10 per night) to luxury hotels ($450 per night). Plan accordingly based on your preferences.
- Transportation: Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla typically cost $360 to $380 USD per person, while porter flights are about $100. Luggage weight limits apply (10kg), so consider leaving extra items in your Kathmandu hotel.
- Nepal Visa Costs: $30 USD for a 15-day multiple-entry visa, $50 USD for a 30-day multiple-entry visa, $125 USD for a 90-day multiple-entry visa
- Trekking Permits: The Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit costs $30 USD, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee is $20 USD.
- Accommodation on the Trek: Tea houses cost around $3 to $10 USD per night. Hot showers, WiFi, and battery charging incur additional fees ($2 to $6 USD per service).
- Food and Water: Expect to spend $30 to $40 USD per person daily on food and drinks, with bottled water prices rising as you ascend.
- Guide and Porter: A guide costs $30 to $50 USD per day, while a porter costs $20 to $25 USD per day. Porters typically carry 20kg of luggage.
- Travel Insurance: Trekking insurance for high-altitude trekking costs around $150 for 30 days, depending on age and nationality. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuations.
- Trekking Equipment: You can either bring your gear or rent/purchase it in Kathmandu, with prices varying based on the quality and type of gear.
By planning ahead and choosing services based on your budget, you can ensure an enjoyable and cost-effective Everest Base Camp trek.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the costs associated with the Everest Base Camp Trek, including package prices from both international and local agencies, accommodation costs, food prices, VAT, and more:
1. Average Trekking Costs
- International Agency: Starting from $1,700 for a 14-day package tour.
- Local Agency: Starting from $1,600 for a 14-day package tour.
2. Accommodation Costs
Namche Bazaar
- Cost: NPR 500 for two people
- Amenities: Hot gas shower and free internet access (charging devices and Wi-Fi free).
Tengboche
- Cost: NPR 500 per stay at the Himalayan Guesthouse.
Dingboche
- Himalayan Culture Home: NPR 500 per room (2 nights), Wi-Fi at NPR 800 (1GB).
- Note: No hot showers due to frozen pipes (bucket showers available).
Lobuche
- EBC Guest House: NPR 700 per room (1-3 persons).
- Shower: NPR 200 for one hour, NPR 700 for a hot shower.
Gorakshep
- Himalaya Lodge: Free room, hot shower for NPR 1,000.
Phortse
- Thamserku View Lodge: NPR 250 per room.
- Shower: NPR 300 for a bucket shower, NPR 500 for a bathtub.
3. Food Costs on the Trek
Breakfast
- Namche Bazaar: Avg. NPR 500 (2 egg omelette, muesli porridge).
- Lobuche: Avg. NPR 550.
- Gorakshep: Avg. NPR 600.
Lunch/Dinner
- Namche Bazaar: Avg. NPR 550 (spaghetti, fried rice, spring rolls, momos).
- Lobuche: Avg. NPR 800.
- Gorakshep: Avg. NPR 850.
Dal Bhat
- Namche Bazaar: Avg. NPR 700.
- Lobuche: Avg. NPR 850.
- Gorakshep: Avg. NPR 850.
Hot Water
- Cost: NPR 100 to NPR 120.
4. VAT (Value Added Tax)
- Rate: 13% VAT collected from all Everest Base Camp trekking operators by the Government of Nepal.
5. Trekking Itineraries and Costs
14 Days Classic Everest Base Camp Trek: US$1560
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and pre-trip meeting.
- Day 2: Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding.
- Days 3-14: Detailed itinerary including acclimatization days and return trek.
12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek: US$1490
- Similar itinerary as the 14-day trek but shorter.
10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek: Cost from $1,890 to $4,890
- Includes flight and trek details over a condensed schedule.
6. Budget Tips for the EBC Trek
- Rent trekking equipment instead of buying.
- Share rooms in lodges/teahouses.
- Carry a power bank for device charging.
- Trek during off-seasons for lower permit prices.
7. Rental and ATM Information
- Rental: Hiking gear can be rented in Thamel, Kathmandu.
- ATMs: The last ATM is at Namche Bazaar; no ATMs are available thereafter.
8. Why Avoid Cheap Travel Operators?
Low-budget companies may lead to:
- Poor guide services and safety procedures.
- Inadequate support and low success rates.
- Unethical treatment of porters.
Conclusion
Planning your Everest Base Camp trek requires considering various costs based on the type of trek you choose, your accommodations, and your food preferences. This detailed breakdown helps you budget accordingly and prepare for a memorable adventure in the Himalayas. If you’re looking to book your trek, consider reaching out to local agencies for more affordable options without compromising quality. Enjoy your trek!
For any inquiries or assistance in planning Everest Base Camp trek, you can contact us:
- Company: Peaceful Nepal Treks
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Website: www.peacefulnepal.com
- Email: info@peacefulnepal.com
- Phone: +977-9851150739
