Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

Trekking up to the base of world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, has always been on the bucket list of many fellow travelers and adventure seekers. Everest region is one of the most popular trek region of Nepal visited by thousands of trekkers throughout the world. Most of the travelers have their dream of stepping on the base of Mt. Everest whereas some tend to scale the summit of Everest in any cost. EBC Trek would cost somewhere around $1450 to $4200

As we all know, it is cheaper to trek up to the base camp than summiting the scale of Everest. But, to be very accurate, there is no any fixed price for Everest Base Camp. The cost of Everest Base Camp trek depends on the trekking routes, duration of the trek as well as the season that a trekker choose for the trek

Details for Everest Base Camp trek cost :-

Our price is not always fixed. Depend on your group size price will change.

Most importantly, the cost is also determined by the itinerary and the services you choose for the trek. Depending on the route and the services, Everest Base Camp trekking would cost somewhere around $1450 to $4200 from starting to the end of the trek. Services from budget, standard to luxury trek are provided which can affect the cost of Everest Base Camp trek. There are various routes to Everest Base Camp from easy to hardest so the cost may vary. Luxurious trekking package may differ from company to company and also return by helicopter can be another factor which can maximize the cost of the trek. Spending couple of night at the base of Mt. Everest during the trek can cost more than $4200.

As the cost of the trek is mainly based on the preferences of the travelers, a fixed cost cannot be concluded for Everest Base Camp trek. The mountainous ranges trek of Nepal cost ranges from budgeted to luxurious with the traveller’s preference. The cost of international flight are excluded in almost every trek packages. In this blog content, we will try to give a detailed breakdown of the exact cost with the factors affecting the price ranges of different operators throughout the world and you can decide whether to do a budget one or a lavish one during your visit.

Different Ways to Trek to Everest Base Camp

There are different ways to trek Everest Base Camp. The main factor which will determine your trek cost is the way you trek. There are various national as well as international travel agencies offering different packages for Everest Base Camp trek who will organize everything for you once you confirm the reservation. Another option is to hire a guide and a porter; making your own crew for the trek. Instead of depending on others, you can also complete the trek independently.

• Reservation made through trekking agency based locally/ on Kathmandu, is a great option for those who value safety and ease. The agency will take care of all necessary service and responsibility and most importantly you, which definitely will be helpful for those who don’t have a time to plan or who don’t know the territory. Although it can be costly, the agency can also tailor the itinerary to your specific needs and preferences.
• If you are looking for a cost-effective option, hiring a local trek guide and porter instead of booking a package through a travel agency could be a good option. You can easily find a local agency in Kathmandu for help and assistance in arranging the necessary staff for the trek. However, be cautious as there are potential scams to watch out for.
• Planning an independent Everest Base Camp trek can also be a viable option. You will be responsible for booking all the services yourself, including accommodations and Luka flight tickets, which can be challenging during peak season, so it’s best to plan ahead. The trails are clearly marked, so getting lost is unlikely to be an issue.

Factors affecting the cost of Everest Base Camp Trek

The overall estimated cost of Everest Base Camp is affected by various factors which causes variation in the total cost. These factors that affects the cost of EBC trek are explained below with some cost analysis to make it more understandable. One can choose their preferred standard for the trek with these cost analysis. Also, this is a rough estimation that EBC trek operators spend on these factors for your Everest Base Camp Trek.

1.Cost in Kathmandu before the EBC Trek

On your arrival for Everest Base Camp Trek, you will land on the International Airport located at Kathmandu which is the starting point of the trek. Also, Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and Thamel, a well-known tourist destination, is located there. The cost of your trip will depend on your personal preferences and will include things like airport transfers, hotel stays, and food. The area around the Kathmandu valley also boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Extra expenses are charged if you want to explore Kathmandu valley for sightseeing tour with a professional English speaking guide. You can always lower down the cost from the selection of your hotel choice. The economy/budget hotels can cost from 15$ whereas the 5-star/Luxury heritage hotels can cost more than 450$ per night. You need to add some charges on your trek cost if you wish to have a good Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour including the famous monkey temple, Boudha stupa and Durbar Squares. The additional cost will be tentative US $ 80 to US $ 150 depending on your choice of services.

2.Transportation cost for the trek

The fare cost of international flights are always left out from the cost of the trip organized from the local agency. Once you be at Kathmandu from your origin destination, it is always better to start the trek with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The round trip flight cost of Kathmandu to Lukla can cost around 360$ to 380$ per person for tourist and 100$ per person for trek staff. There is limit for baggage weight as it is only 15 kg including hand luggage, so make sure to pack lightly.

How can you minimize your cost?

• Book your Kathmandu-Lukla flight as early as possible. Advance booking is always the best option. During the peak season, the ticket prices are hiked up so avoid that.
• If you have extra days then you can cancel the flight and include a drive by 4WD jeep instead. This can help minimize your cost if you are 3-7 pax.

3. Nepal Entry Visa cost

Every international tourist excluding India, are required to get a visa during their entry into Nepal. The entry visa can be taken during your arrival at the international airport of Nepal. It would be better to fill up the application form online before your arrival to Nepal. Cost of Nepal’s visa are given at the following rates

As the Everest Base Camp trek may take 12 to 15 days, it is always better to get a visa of 1 month for your trip.

4. Trekking permit cost

For Everest Base Camp trek, you require two permits i.e. Local permit and National park permit. The total price of both permit cost $50.

• Local permit (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit – $20 inc. 13% VAT
• National park permit (Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit) – $30 inc. 13% VAT

The local permit can be obtained from Lukla or Monjo whereas national park entry permit can be purchased in Kathmandu or Monjo. Just like popular Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill trek, you can purchase both permits on the routes while trekking as it is impossible to miss permits checkpoints during the trek. Trekkers had to purchase TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) card earlier but it was replaced by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit in 2020 so TIMS card is not required now.

5.Accommodation cost on the trek

The total accommodation cost of the trip can be determined by two factors: accommodation in Kathmandu and accommodation during the trek. The accommodation cost during the trek is cheaper than that of Kathmandu. You will contribute a large portion of your budget in accommodation at Kathmandu before and after the trek in comparison to trek accommodation. Also, you will have various option for your hotel/lodge choice in Kathmandu which can minimize the cost at Kathmandu.

The accommodation cost differs from teahouses to comfortable lodges and also the altitude. The expense you made on accommodation on tea houses and lodges for a night averages to $3–$5 USD. As you ascend higher, the accommodation price may increase. The price of accommodation on Gorakshep can reach up to $10 while $7 is a fixed accommodation rate of Lobuche.

The basic rooms in teahouses typically have two beds, a pillow, a blanket, and an attached bathroom (although there are exceptions). The teahouses feature a communal dining area where trekkers can eat, socialize, and chat with other travelers. The dining hall is typically heated by a central fireplace, making it a cozy and warm place to gather.

It’s important to note that eating meals at a different location from where you’re staying overnight may result in a $10 charge for your room. It’s more convenient and cost-effective to eat your meals at the same place where you are staying.

Note: Eating meals at a different location from where you’re staying overnight may result in a $10 charge for your room. It’s more convenient and cost-effective to eat your meals at the same place where you are staying.

You need to pay some extra for some services you use on mountains.

• Internet

The service of internet may not be free in every accommodation that you use. Every teahouse or lodges may charge $2-$5 per hour and is common to charge even though the internet service is pretty slow. It is advised to use Everest Link and can buy Wi-Fi card anywhere on trail and works well then the internet service in tea house.

• Battery Charging

They do add additional cost in order to charge the battery of yours as electricity is not available and all the power is generated by solar energy. The cost of recharging the battery cost up to $10 maximum.

• Hot Shower

If you want to use hot water for shower then the accommodation do charge some extra amount as they need to energy to heat up the water. The cost tends to be $2-$6 for hot water bucket. The price may vary at the altitudes. The high you go the more price you pay.

• Electric blanket/heater

Electric blanket and heater services are available. You may have to pay extra $20 per night for the service.

6.Food and water cost on EBC

The cost of food and water is another important factor to determine your trek cost. The price of food and water may differ from one teahouse to another. As you climb up higher, the price of food and water increases and you will have lesser options for food menu.

Dal Bhat is the main course that you will find along the trail which is cheaper in comparison to other courses and has a large portion. The price of Dal Bhat begins from $5 from the starting of the trek and can reach up to $12 at Gorakshep. Prices of other food course will be charged from the menu and has fixed price.

While on trekking it is recommended to enjoy vegetarian dishes as they are more economical as well as healthier and fresh in comparison to Non-vegetarian dishes.

Likewise the cost of bottled water can range from $1 to $4 depending on the altitude and the daily average expenditure on food and beverage can be around $30-$40 depending on the altitude you are in. in order to save money it is advised to bring water purifying tablets and sterilize the drinking water instead relying on bottled water.

7. Guide and Porter hire cost for EBC

It is always better to have a guide and porter while you are trekking in Nepal. This can enhance your experience of trekking in Nepal with plenty of information on and around the trail. They know the local language as well as the teahouse owner which can be helpful in communicating with the locals. Also, the porter will be carrying all of your weight. This way, you can simply walk freely, mainly at the high altitude when the trek gets real difficult.

The cost for hiring guide per day can vary from $30-$50 based on their qualifications, experience and language proficiency. Hiring a porter, who will carry all your luggage can cost you up to $25. The weight limit is 20 kg so please pack lightly or else you will need additional porter which will add up your cost.

We do recommend to meet the guide prior to trek and get to know them. Make sure that they are insured for the trek. There is tipping culture for guides and porters, although it’s not compulsory and average good tip happens to be 10% of the total trip cost.

8.Valid Travel Insurance

A valid travel insurance is a must and required for your trip to Everest Base Camp. There are various insurance company in Nepal. An average travel insurance may cost around $150 in order to trek up to 6000m for 30 days. These prices may vary on the basis of your age, nationality and trek duration. The agency in Nepal won’t manage the travel insurance as the insurance companies in Nepal are not allowed to insure the foreigners. Therefore, it is better to have a good valid travel insurance from your home country.

The trekking done in Himalayan region of Nepal is not always safe as you have to trek in high altitude and in extreme cold weather so anything can come up during the trek. Due to altitude problem, some trekkers need helicopter rescue service to transfer them from high altitude to reputed hospital for medical treatments. Therefore, it is better to insure yourself from your home country with an appropriate insurance policy which covers every activities during your visit in Nepal.

Travel insurance documents is a mandatory while you process for the trek permits. Cost of insurance is not included in the trip cost. Booking EBC trek requires a copy of your insurance policy.

9. Trekking Equipment Cost

Before you start your Himalayan adventure trek to Everest Base Camp, it is very essential that you must have proper gears and equipment required for the trek. The cost of such trekking equipment is not included in the trek package price. The cost of beginner trekking equipment can range between $200 and $500.

Waterproof and windproof jackets, thermal clothing, high quality waterproof boots, trekking poles, and warm gloves are all essential trekking equipment.

10. Value Added Tax (VAT) Cost

VAT is a general consumption tax that applies to all goods and services. The government of Nepal charges all trek operators a total of 13% VAT, which is included in the trek package cost.

Which company to choose for EBC trek?

1. International Luxury Trek Operators

Most of the customers believe that if you pay more, you will get better services. Even for Everest Base Camp trek, there are many international luxury trek operators who offer luxury trek package with excessive prices. And surprisingly, they have high success rates with standard safety. But even with all the excessive package cost and safety assurance, they are charging way extra dollars from trekkers, price ranging from US$4000 to more than US$6000 per person.

Not only Everest, but these international luxury operators are specialize in other destinations worldwide. So, they cannot promise the best experience for Everest Base Camp. They do provide excellent services with high facility and safety. However, the main purpose of EBC trekking is not only to reach the final destination, but also to experience the Sherpa culture and traditions that international luxury service providers miss.

2.International Budget Trek Operators

Many trek operators who market themselves as budget service providers sell Everest Base Camp trek packages at a higher price than the actual cost. On the other hand, some packages may appear cheap initially but have hidden costs that make them expensive in the end. These tour operators often use a third-party firm to provide services outside their home country and add a profit margin (10-15%) to the trip cost. They also hire local guides and offer limited services as well as use the low-cost resources for the trek. The trek packages they offer typically cost between $1300 and $1900 per person depending on the season, but basic services such as meals, airport transfers, and food during the trek are often not included, requiring additional payments.

3.Cheap Trek Operators

Though the price range of such operators tends to be less than what other service provider offers but it is not best decision to book your trip from such cheap trek operators. Mostly, such service happens to be unsafe and under qualified. If anybody wants their holiday to be hassle free and secure as well as knowledgeable and get the best experience of the trip then it’s better to avoid such operators.

4.Online Travel Agents

Such companies are the middle person or say a deal maker who charges certain percent of your package trip on each booking. They receive certain amount as a cut. They offer very low prices for the trek package by reducing certain services for the trek. Mostly, their package cost may start from $700 and goes up to $1100 which can attract a lot of trekkers due to low package price.

You should be very careful while booking an Everest Base Camp Trek package. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not a joke, it requires a lot of efforts and attention. A lot of risk may arise during the trip so, it is always important to have a responsible tour operator who have good experience and knowledge of Everest region. Booking a trip with an under qualified operators and qualified operators make a real difference to your entire trip.

5.Local Operators

Due to the rise in tourism industry in Nepal, a lot of local operators have increased in Kathmandu. Most of these local operators are registered and some of them are not. These local operators do not have fixed prices and offers.

As there are many local operators, a huge competition is going on between them. This forces them to research the market, potential resources and the market prices as well. They provide customized itineraries for their clients as per their requirement and preferences. As they have to compete with other local operators, their services are good with safety management. Their price for Everest Base Camp Trek can range from $700 to $1500 per person, including most of the services available. Some of the local operators charge from $1800 to $2200 per person; price increased due to inclusion of luxurious accommodation and foods in Kathmandu and vice versa.

Why Everest Base Camp Trek with Global Holidays Adventure ? 

Why make reservation with us? Because of service, right? And yes we provide you quality service, everybody says that but here at Global Holidays Adventure the experience that one could get with us is irreplaceable as we offer hassle free service with the experience in this part of world from a decade ago with high success rate in every trek, climb and tour package that we offer. We are legal company that has been in the business for a quite long period of time. We provide you a local experience as our guides are the one who resides in that particular region and everyone knows the place locally and the amount of effort and the places that they will take you will be the great experience that you will cherish lifelong.

We are very conscious regarding environment and your health and safety as well. Wherever we go we put our optimum effort not to cause any harm to mother earth. However our potters are very experienced and responsible as they will take care of all your belongings causing no harm. We prioritizing your health and safety, our wisely designed itinerary ensuring proper number of acclimatization days will help you to stay in condition in order to get to the point of your desire. We also act fast if your health condition is in trouble either calling helicopter in order to send you to well facilitated hospital or nearby health post.

All our guides are friendly and they give personal attention to everyone in the trip regarding their health condition and push you accordingly respecting your strengths while recognizing your freedom or space.

Lastly, we offer you amazing and well experienced human resource required for a trip where all your needs are fulfilled. If you have a desire to become the most that one can be, we will put maximum efforts to fulfill that desire respecting your strength and with proper safety of a person and their property. Writer Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And we are here to give you an experience you won’t forget and cherish that experience lifelong.