If you are planning to Everest Base Camp Trek, it is crucial to calculate your travel budget. The Everest Base Camp Trek cost depends on various factors, such as the chosen trekking route, the length of the trek, the travel agency, the level of service, and others. The cost can vary from one travel agency to another. In general, the cost of the trek typically ranges from US$1,100 to US$4,500.
This comprehensive guide will break down the Everest Base Camp trek expenses in 2023. Whether you choose an international or local travel agency, we’ll explore the components contributing to the overall cost.
The trekker’s specific requirements and preferences determine the trek’s total cost. They can select a standard itinerary, such as the popular 14-day Everest Base Camp trek, or customize it by adding extra services, which will adjust the price accordingly. For example, the price will increase if the trekker wishes to extend their stay by another night in Namche Bazaar.
The standard 14-day itinerary is generally more affordable than one that includes a return by helicopter. The cost can increase if the trekker chooses to extend the number of trekking days or have luxury options. Some travel agencies may offer significantly lower prices for the Everest Base Camp trek. However, these lower prices may come with compromises in terms of services and quality.
Trekking to Mount Everest’s base camp is a dream come true for many adventurers. From kids to 50-year-old adults, everyone aspires to reach the base camp and witness the grandeur of the world’s tallest peak. The hike to Everest Base Camp is an unparalleled adventure that occurs once in a lifetime. One crucial aspect to consider for this trek is the cost.
Trekking Cost With International Travel Agency
- Budget trek cost range: US$ 1350 – US$ 1999
- Standard trek cost range: US$ 2000 – US$ 3299
- Luxury Trek cost range: US$ 3300 – US$ 4500
Budget Trek Cost
Under the budget-style trek, the international agency offers guesthouses in town, and basic tea houses in the mountains are used. Services are budget-friendly, making it ideal for those concerned about their budget. Some trekkers are content with basic tea houses, a bed-and-breakfast plan, and a guide and porter. They prefer non-star hotels in Kathmandu. The price range for this trek is approximately $1350-$1999.
Standard Trek Cost
For the standard Everest Base Camp Trek organized by international agencies, a 3-star hotel is used in Kathmandu. In contrast, standard or the best available tea houses are provided in the mountains. A guide and porter, along with full board meals, will be assigned to you. The agency will arrange permits and the Lukla flight. The price for this trek is slightly higher than the budget trek, ranging from around $2000-$3299.
Luxury Trek Cost
If you desire a luxurious trek experience, the international travel agency offers a luxury-style trek. The final price can range from $3200 to $4500. This trek includes a 4-5 star hotel in Kathmandu and a luxury hotel or resorts like Yeti Mountain Home in the mountains. You will be accommodated throughout the trail in the finest tea houses with luxury options. You will be assigned A guide, porter, and full board meals. Everything will be taken care of on your behalf. This trek style caters to those seeking a luxurious journey to Everest Base Camp.
Depending on your budget, you can choose one of the three styles of EBC trek offered by international agencies:
- Budget EBC Trek
- Standard EBC Trek
- Luxury EBC Trek
Trekking Cost With Local Travel Agency
- Budget trek cost range: US$ 1100 – US$ 1699
- Standard trek cost range: US$ 1700 – US$ 2499
- Luxury Trek cost range: US$ 2500 – US$ 3600
Trekking with a local agency for the Everest Base Camp Trek is highly recommended for two key reasons: their local expertise and the use of local guides and porters. When looking at local operators, the prices range from $1100 to $3600.
Nepal-based travel companies serve as local operators, with numerous trekking companies offering standard 14-day Everest Base Camp itineraries. These locally owned and government-registered operators have their team of full-time local guides, typically based in Kathmandu, and oversee all treks in Nepal. They handle everything directly without subcontracting.
Trekking with a local operator ensures you’re assigned experienced local guides with intricate trek knowledge. Moreover, you indirectly contribute to the local economy by choosing a local agency. The presence of a local guide enriches your travel experience in unique ways. Local operators undoubtedly provide budget-friendly Everest Base Camp treks, often at lower costs than international agencies.
Local trek operators also offer three styles of trekking:
- Budget EBC Trek
- Standard EBC Trek
- Luxury EBC Trek
At Amble Himalaya, We offer all three trek styles and provide all-inclusive services for your visit to the EBC trek. Our experienced guides will accompany you throughout the trek.
Budget EBC Trek
The budget trek provides an affordable Everest Base Camp package. Accommodations include guest houses in town and basic tea houses in the mountains. The price range is between $1100 and $1699, offering normal services with a bed-and-breakfast plan and a guide and porter. If you’re on a tight budget, this option is highly recommended.
Standard EBC Trek
Standard Trek Cost with Local Agency For those looking beyond the budget-friendly option, local operators provide both standard and luxury Everest Base Camp treks. The standard trek includes a 3-star Kathmandu hotel and the best mountain tea houses available. You’ll be assigned a guide and porter, and a full board meal will be provided. The price for this trek is slightly higher than the budget trek, ranging from $1700 to $2599, ensuring a standard experience. Most trekkers prefer the standard option over the budget one.
Luxury EBC Trek
Luxury Trek Cost with Local Agency Unlike popular belief, local operators offer luxury trek packages. Amble Himalaya, for example, can manage and customize various luxury treks to cater to individual preferences. The price for a luxury trek ranges from $2600 to $3600. The itinerary includes 4-5 star hotels in Kathmandu and luxury hotels (resorts) in the mountains. Every aspect, from guides and porters to permits and flights, will be meticulously arranged in advance. This trek style is ideal for those individuals who desire the luxurious comfort of lodges in the mountains.
Cost in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the starting point of the trek. Your expenses start from here as Accommodation, food, Transportation, and other Miscellaneous. For Accommodation, you can find a wide range of options on it. A small guest house and hotels offer you around USD 20-30 per night with meals. A mid-range guest house and hotels offer around USD 50-70 per night with meals and drinks. As well as, there are some 5-star hotels where that offer you around USD 100-200 per night with meals, drinks, swimming pools, and so on. Kathmandu is rich in History and Culture, with many temples and stupas that may attract you.
The transportation cost in Kathmandu will be a little bit high, USD 4-6 per ride for Taxis and rickshaws, whereas their public buses are cheaper, USD 0.5-1 per ride, and if you plan to rent a scooter and bike, it will cost about USD 6-8 per hours. Other expenses, like sim cards and Data packages, are some Miscellaneous Expenses you pay for once only.
Lukla Flight Cost
The Lukla flight’s cost depends on factors like Airlines, Season, and Availability. While in the trekking Season(spring and autumn), the flight cost gets higher than in the typical Season when the flight ticket booking gets high. The latest fare of Tara Airlines is about USD 380 round trip, and your luggage will be below about 10 kg.
Cost of Nepal Visa
The cost of a Nepal visa depends on the duration of your stay. Here are the rates for different types of multiple-entry visas:
- 15-day Multiple Entry Visa at USD 30
- 30-day Multiple Entry Visa at USD 50
- 90-day Multiple Entry Visa at USD 125
For the most up-to-date information on visa fees. You are recommended to check the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal.
Cost of Trekking Permits
To complete the Everest Base Camp trek, you must obtain the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit. The Solukhumbu regional fee is approximately $20 per person, and it can be purchased in Lukla or Monjo. The National Park entry permit, which includes a 13% VAT, is priced at approximately $30 and can be acquired in either Kathmandu or Monjo.
Previously, trekkers were required to purchase the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. However, as of 2020, it has been replaced by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit.
Accommodation Cost
Accommodation costs on the Everest Base Camp trek vary, ranging from modest teahouses to more comfortable options and even a few luxurious lodges. Typically, the average cost for a bed per night per person in a basic teahouse is around $3, while a room with two beds is priced at $5. As you ascend higher, the prices may increase, with rates reaching up to $10 at Gorak Shep. In Lobuche, there is a fixed accommodation rate of $7. The teahouse rooms are typically basic, equipped with two beds, a pillow, a blanket, and an attached bathroom (except for a few locations).
Additionally, teahouses usually feature a spacious dining hall where you can enjoy meals and socialize with fellow trekkers. During dinner time, a central fireplace in the dining room provides warmth to the entire area. It’s important to note that the accommodation cost during the actual trek is relatively inexpensive. However, the accommodation in Kathmandu before and after your trek will contribute to a larger portion of your budget.
Here is some expenses overview of accommodation:
- Teahouses/Lodges: Many teahouses or lodges provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers at affordable prices of USD 3-15 per night, depending on the altitude and location.
- Higher Altitude: At higher altitudes or in the Gorak Shep (the last settlement before Everest Base Camp), accommodation gets higher because the fewer accommodation options are about USD 10-20 per night.
- Electricity and Charging cost: For charging, electronic devices like cameras, phones, or batteries may come at an additional cost of about USD 1-3 per hour of charging.
- Hot water Showers: The showers in teahouses/lodges may cost about USD 3-7 per shower.
Cost of Food & Water
Food and water expenses on the Everest Base Camp trek can vary depending on the location. As you ascend higher, the prices tend to increase. Teahouses along the trail offer extensive menus, but the options may become more limited at higher altitudes.
A popular and filling meal called Dal Bhaat is a staple along the trail, starting at $5 and going up to $12 at Gorak Shep. Similarly, The price range for one liter of bottled water is between $1 and $4. On average, the combined cost of daily food and water amounts to approximately $30 to $40. By sterilizing drinking water instead of relying on bottled water, you can save up to $50. Additionally, choosing vegetarian dishes not only tends to be more affordable but it is also regarded as fresher and healthier.
Cost of Guide & Porter Service
The cost of the guide and porter service mainly depends on the duration of the Trek and the experience and expertise of the guide and porter. Here are some costs of guide and porter services:
- Guide: Especially guides will be helpful for first-time trekkers or those who prefer assistance and guidance along the way. It is essential to choose a licensed and experienced guide with knowledge about the trekking route and who can provide information on the local culture, traditions, etc. Guide cost can be about USD 20-30 per day.
- Porter: Hiring porters is optional, but it can be beneficial if you prefer someone to carry your backpack or gear during the Trek. It helps to reduce physical strain, and you will enjoy your Trek most memorably. Poter is responsible for carrying up to 20-25 kilograms (44-55 pounds) of weight, costing about USD 15-25 per day.
Cost of Travel Insurance
The insurance cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek depends on the duration, the coverage limit, the insurance provider, and the plan you choose. Trekking to Everest Camp is quite risky. Anything can happen in a trek due to the cold weather, high altitude, etc. Here are some factors to be considered while taking Travel Insurance:
- Duration of Trek: Everest Base Camp Trek takes 12-16 days to complete. So, take the Insurance policy for the days we spend on Trek because the cost is based on the time(more time, more cost/less time, less cost ).
- Coverage: The coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, helicopter rescue, and trip cancellation. Higher convergence comes with Higher Costs.
- Age and Health: Travel Insurance’s cost directly considers the trekkers’ age and health condition.Where the young age and illness-free trackers cost will be less and vice versa.
- Insurance Provider: Many insurance companies provide Travel Insurance with different packages. So, do some research on suitable and affordable packages.
Cost of Trekking Equipment
Equipment cost widely depends on the quality and brand of the items you choose and where you purchase them. Here is some main essentials and price equipment which is required for Trek:
- Trekking Boots: A durable pair and comfortable trekking boots worth about USD 50-200 depending on brand and quality, is essential.
- Backpack: A backpack worth about USD 50-200 with a capacity of 50-60 liters is recommended to carry your belongings.
- Sleeping Bag: A warm and light sleeping bag is necessary for the Trek in the cold season. Price starts from USD 50-200, depending on the quality.
- Down Jacket: To make a body down warm jacket is necessary, with a price range of USD 80-200 depending on the quality.
- Base Layers: It is essential while trekking because it helps to maintain body temperature. Prices start from USD 20-60 per item, depending on the materials and brand.
- Other Accessories: Other items such as headlamps, water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, Trekking Socks, Hats and Gloves, Trekking Poles, etc., are valuable.
Value Added Tax (VAT) Costs
Value Added Tax (VAT), or Goods and Services Tax (GST), is a general consumption tax imposed on the price of products and services at each point of sale where value has been added. The government of Nepal charges a 13% Value Added Tax (VAT) to all EBC treks operators.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, planning a trek to Everest Base Camp requires considering factors like trek length, route, and associated cost. The cost varies based on the chosen agency, level of service, and accommodation preferences. International agencies offer budget, standard, and luxury options, ranging from $1,350 to $4,500. Local agencies provide similar options at lower prices, starting from $1,100. It’s crucial to consider additional expenses like permits, visas, and equipment. Careful research and comparing agencies will help make this once-in-a-lifetime adventure a reality.
