Everest Base Camp Trek Cost: Detailed price of EBC Trekking

Peregrine Treks and Tour invites you to join Everest Base Camp Trek– the unhurried type of mountain tourism. On your monumental expedition to the Everest Base Camp Trek, the dreamy backdrop of the Himalayan giants dominated by the towering Everest will always accompany you.

The Everest Base Camp Trek trail progresses through green lush foilage and suspension bridges, characterized by higher descent and climbing. You will walk through the primordial paths of Sherpa settlements and monasteries. Technically uncomplicated and accessible to every person in a satisfactory physical condition, the ascent leaves the impression of a real accomplishment: the guaranteed service to Everest Base Camp.

However, it would help if you learned the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Internet is drowned with numerous agents ensuring a fun and cheap trip to Everest Base Camp at varied rates. Still, numerous adventurers are concerned about the affordability of the trip.

This post will outline the detailed travel cost, what is included and what is excluded, additional costs such as permit cost, guide and porter cost, and so on. This way, you can budget, save, and make your dream of seeing the giant mountain come true.

How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost?

There’s no actual price or cost for Everest Base Camp Trek. On average, you can make this trip from $800 to thousands of dollars. You may have to expend $2000 to $4500 for the whole package of the tour.

The cost of a Base Camp Trek to Everest also differs depending on whether you want to hike independently (Solo Trek) or with any tour operator.

If you want to save your expenses and are an experienced Nepal trekker, you can take a solo trip to Everest Base Camp. The self-guided trek is cheaper than any trip your travel agency or operator organizes. You can save around $500 if you are an intelligent trekker.

However, we recommend you organize your tour by coordinating with the tour operator. It may be an expensive option, but it will save you time and stress regarding organizing a trip of this magnitude. The agencies will look after the minute details you may miss out on if you decide on the self-guided tour. Plus, you will have a hassle-free experience. The agencies will always put your safety first.

The Everest Base Camp trek cost is also based on numerous other factors, such as:

• Hiking Time and Season (Spring and Autumn seasons will be cheap)
• Group trek is less expensive than private or individual trek
• Transportation type (Helicopter tour can be more costly)
• Tour with the aid of an International agency is costly
• Trek with the help of a Local agency is cheap
• Trek with an authorized guide and porter
• Number of days you want to stay in Everest Base Camp
• The route you select to reach the Camp
• Type of accommodation and meals plus your expenses

 

Everest Base Camp Trek Prices are Flexible and Negotiable

As mentioned earlier, the cost of a trek to Everest Base Camp can vary depending on several factors. So if you are opting for a travel agency to make your trip, you must communicate with our operator about the cost detail.

We offer the Everest Base Camp Trek at USD 1850. but if you want to cut your expenses or wish to make a trip with your family, we can customize your trip according to your wish.

Remember that group trek is often cheaper but less comfortable, so the price will also be low. If the individual trek is what you desire, we can arrange for that as well. Individual trek often is more comfortable and are selected according to the client’s request.

Likewise, the price is also based on the services included during the trek. For example, suppose your trek to Everest Base Camp includes transfer to and from the airport, domestic flights to Lukla, hotel accommodation, and assistance with paperwork. In that case, the tour package price will be higher.

If you want to diversify your trek to Everest Base Camp, such as climbing to Kala Patthar, visiting the monastery, or staying at the base camp for a few days, the cost will be higher.

Everest Base Camp Trek cost includes/excludes

A relatively medium range of Everest Base Camp trek cost like ours ensures high-quality service and a safe experience with the most charges included. As your local tour operator, we will ensure that you receive first-class service. We will organize and pay for all logistic services in advance, including:

• Internal flights (from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice Versa) with transfer from the airport
• Accommodation before and after the trek
• Permits and passes (Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee and
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee)
• On-route Tea house accommodation
• Skilled guide on the trek
• Standard food price during the trek
• Government taxes
• Farewell Dinner

 

The services that are excluded from the tour cost are:

• Nepal Visa cost at Tribhuwan International Airport
• Cost of International flight
• Spontaneous purchases during the trip
• Tips to guide and porter
• Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
• Extra night accommodation in the capital due to early arrival
• Individual expenses (Shopping, alcohol and beverage, hot shower, WIFI, and Battery charge)
• Personal equipment and clothing
• Medical or travel insurance

 

Permit and entrance fees

Remember when organizing your Everest Base Camp trek that you no longer need TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) as of 2018.

It would help if you reached Everest Base Camp:

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

A new permit (local government tax of Khumbu region) replaces the TIMS from October 2018. The tax is used for the conservation and economic development of the Rural village of Khumbu.

You can acquire the permit in Lukla or Monjo if you start your trek in Jiri or Salleri. It is not possible to get permission in Kathmandu. This permit cost is NPR 2000 per person (approximately $17, depending on the USD rate).

 

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

As you may have understood, this is the permit to enter Sagarmatha National Park. You can procure this permit from the Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, about 2km from the main tourist area of Thamel. The office is open from 10 am to 5 pm.

Alternatively, as many do, you can get straight to Monjo, where the entrance to the national park is located. This permit cost is NPR 3000 per person (Approximately $25 depending on the USD rate).

These permit costs are included in your package price, and the agency will arrange and purchase them for you.

Teahouse or lodge accommodation

Let’s start discussing the accommodation on your way to Everest Base Camp. The small lodgings in high mountainous areas are called teahouses that local entrepreneurs build.

Staying at these type of teahouses offer its kind of benefits. By being housed in places that people from the villages own, you will be able to share experiences with the families and get a very accurate idea of the real life of these people.

Most low to medium altitudes teahouses provide wifi, hot water, and electricity. But at accommodations located at high altitudes, you have to pay for these services.

The owner of the teahouses will provide at least one blanket, and you can ask for a second one without incurring extra costs. However, you may have to pay the additional cost for the extra blankets in high camps. These high camps also use the restroom as a toilet which is acceptable because of the geographical complexity.

The bathrooms are always decent in all other teahouses and lodges; sometimes, there are toilets. But often, there are squats with a bucket to flush the water.

The rooms are straightforward, and for the most part, they are doubles with two single beds and a small bedside table in the middle. At low altitudes, it is also possible to have an en-suite bathroom. A common area always serves as a dining room; this is the only room to be heated in the evening when the altitude requires it.

Remember that as you go up, the more basic the teahouses become. Sometimes, there may be no power sockets, or you may have to pay for the hot shower, wifi, or battery charging.

The teahouses’ charges depend on the services they provide but on average, you may have to pay from $10 to $250 per night.

The food they offer is mainly of four types: Nepalese, Indian, Chinese, and some western dishes. Here is the overview of food costs at Everest Base Camp:

Meal	Cost in NPR at Low Altitude	Cost in NPR at High Altitude
Breakfast	300 to 400	500 to 600
Lunch/Dinner	400 to 500	700 to 800
Soup	200 to 300	300 to 500
Water	50 to 100	120 to 200
Beverage(tea/coffee)	200 to 250	500

 

Luxury Accommodation Cost in Everest Region

If you want a combo of adventure, thrill, and luxury simultaneously, then there are numerous options for your luxurious stay at Everest region.

To name a few, we have listed the name of some luxurious accommodations in the Everest region:

Hotel Everest View

At an altitude of 3800 above Namche Bazaar, there is a luxurious hotel called Everest View, from the terrace of which Everest is visible in good weather. According to the Guinness Book, this is the tallest hotel in the world.

The only way to check in to this lodging is via helicopter or trail. Every guest staying at the Everest View Hotel in Nepal will have the chance to pull back the curtain and see the world’s tallest mountain through their window.

All 12 rooms have a balcony with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Amadablam, Thamserku, and other massive Himalayas. These rooms also have a room heater, electric blankets, a dressing area complimented with a thermos, and a small study. A dome and oxygen supply additionally facilitate the hotel. A one-day stay at this hotel can cost you around USD 300 to 400.

Yeti Mountain Home

Yeti Mountain Home is on Mount Everest and features traditional Khumbu-style wooden accommodations with Buddhist artworks. With your stay at this luxurious hotel, you will be within 5 minutes from Tengboche monastery.

The hotel has 20 rooms equipped with a desk, a complimentary bottle of water, an attached bathroom, and free toiletries. This hotel also has a restaurant that serves lunch and dinner or room service.

One night stay at Yeti Mountain home will cost you around $200 to $300, excluding the meal cost.

Nirvana Home

Located 1 mile from Namche Bazaar, Nirvana Home is a delight for international and national guests. Every room opens up with beautiful scenic mountain views. The hotel is well-equipped with all the luxurious amenities, including free WIFI, laundry, housekeeping, and luggage storage.

The hotel also has appointed on-site doctors for its guests. The team of staff is friendly and is trained to follow health safety protocols. One night’s stay in this hotel can cost you around USD 11.

International flight Cost

The international flight cost to Kathmandu varies depending on your country, month, day, and time you booked for the flight to Kathmandu. Likewise, the airfare will be cheaper if you have a direct flight from your country to Nepal.

Neighboring nations China, India, Bangladesh, Japan, Turkey, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia operate a direct flight to Kathmandu.

However, guests arriving from Australia, France, Russia, or other European nations must change two or three fights before reaching Kathmandu. Thus the international fare from these nations can be relatively higher.

The international airfare to Kathmandu also varies depending on the month you travel. January, February, and August are the cheapest months to visit Kathmandu when Nepal’s tourist season is low. While traveling by air in September, October, and November can be expensive for your wallet.

It would come as a surprise, but the airfare ticket also varies according to the day and time you choose to fly to Kathmandu. So, choose Thursday or Tuesday if you wish to fly at cheaper rates. Similarly, flights departing in the afternoon are the cheapest flights.

Also, remember to book your tickets at least three weeks before your visit so you can choose the conditions of the flight, focusing on your wishes and financial capabilities.

The airlines you choose to fly with to Kathmandu also greatly influence your traveling cost. Nepal Airlines, which operate a flight from Qatar, Malaysia, Dubai, and India, offers air tickets at a cheaper rate. You can also fly on Fly Dubai, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, which operate direct flights to Kathmandu from different cities.

Trekking Guide Cost

Going on an Everest Base Camp trek with a certified guide can significantly enrich your trekking tour. On the one hand, you don’t have to carry as much and can therefore see and enjoy the area much more relaxed.

On the other hand, it enables you to have more accessible contact with Nepalis. Any guide accompanying the trek group must be government certified, well-trained, and experienced.

A well-trained and experienced guide knows the area and mostly speaks English or other languages. In an emergency, they can help quite well. Your guide will get the permit and take care of the transport to and from the hiking area.

He will also aid you with when to start, where to take a break and when to continue. The guide is responsible for arranging accommodation. If you travel with an agency, you will usually be provided with a guide. The cost of the guide’s salary, expenses, insurance, meal, and accommodation is included in your tour package. A guide usually charges USD 25 to USD 30 per day.

Porter cost

The same goes for a porter as well. Carrying your backpack can quickly become exhausting on the Everest Base Camp trek. A porter carries the heavy equipment (usually max. 15kg to 25 kg per person) during the trek, so you only have to hike with a daypack.

It is particularly beneficial for inexperienced or older trekkers, but many experienced climbers also use porters. Just remember, even if you decide to hike with a porter, it’s still essential to keep the weight of your gear to a minimum.

Also, tip your porters well if you are satisfied with their performance. A good tip is around 15% of the amount you paid for their services. Give the money to each person personally to ensure they receive full payment.

Your travel agency will include the cost of a porter on your tour package. A porter normally charges USD 20 to USD 25 per day.

Medicine

A first aid kit is essential during your trek to Everest Base Camp. You can assemble your first aid box or purchase it in a medical store in Kathmandu. Depending on the contents of the first aid kit, the cost differs, but an excellent first aid comes in between $20 to $200.

The essential items and medicine that you should include in your first aid kit that would help prevent any emergency medical care and possible diseases are:

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Thermometer
• Bandage
• Cotton pads
• Elastic bandage
• Sports tape
• Scissors
• Gloves
• Syringes
• Matchbox
• Adhesive tape
• Band-aids
• Neosporin
• Betadine
• Diamox (Altitude Sickness Medicine)

 

Travel Insurance

As in any other journey, you should take care of medical insurance on your trek to Everest Base Camp. Nepal doesn’t provide insurance to foreign nationals, so you should get insurance from an internationally recognized insurance company.

Most insurance policies that travelers deal with provide only a standard insurance policy, extending to altitudes of 3000 meters above sea level.

Since you embark on a journey where your trekking routes are much higher, buying insurance covering at least 5000 m and helicopter evacuation is wise.

We advise you to specify this condition when purchasing an insurance policy. Before the trip, compare the trekking route you have chosen (its maximum heights) with the conditions covered by your insurance.

The insurance policy premium fee is based on your age, inclusion service, trip duration, and company policy. Generally, you may have to spend USD 200 to USD 600, which is not much for your peace of mind.

Nepal Visa Fee

You will need a valid tourist Visa to enter Nepal, issued at all border crossings or upon arrival at the airport. Therefore, applying for it in advance is unnecessary, and going to your country’s Nepalese embassies and consulates is unnecessary.

• A 15 days tourist visa will cost you 30 USD
• A thirty-day (1 month) tourist visa will cost you 50 USD
• A ninety-day (3 months) tourist visa will cost you 125 USD

 

A one-month Nepal tourist Visa is appropriate for the Everest Base Camp trek. There is also a 150-day tourist visa (5 months), but to get it, you must visit the immigration office in Kathmandu, where you can extend your regular tourist visa.

It would be best if you had two passport-size photos and a passport to obtain the Visa. If you have filled out an online Visa application form, it’s not needed. Remember your credentials will remain on the system for 15 days.

Note that all visa payments are made exclusively in cash in US dollars, so to avoid unnecessary delay or misunderstanding, it is worth preparing the exact amount in advance.

After the COVID pandemic, as an additional precaution, you must prove you are fully vaccinated against COVID in your country. So carry your vaccination certificate. If not, you need to show your PCR negative report, which should be 72 hours before your journey to Nepal.

Trekking Equipment Cost

While deciding on the equipment you want to take to Everest Base Camp, remember that these Himalayan trails always reach high altitudes. The climate here is unpredictable, with often cold nights.

It is good to wear suitable clothing for the hours of maximum temperature. Indispensable in the backpack is the windbreaker, with a hat, trekking boots, wool socks, windbreaker pants, a polar, and a technical hiking shirt.

Also, carry a wool cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, canes, sleeping bag, and headlamp. Life Straw, Water Filter, or Filter Water Bottle are viable options that will save you a lot of money.

All this equipment is readily available at Thamel shops in Kathmandu. Although the cost depends on how much you want to include in your backpack, on average, you may have to spend up to USD 2000. You can also rent this equipment at USD 3 to USD 5 per day.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Miscellaneous expenses include expenditure for a hot shower, wifi, and electricity. You have to pay for these services from Namche Bazaar upwards.

A hot shower in any of the high-altitude lodgings may cost NPR 500. the charge for charging your devices is usually by the hour or by the device. Generally, you may have to pay USD 2 to USD 6 to charge your devices.

The base camp and high-altitude lodges may charge you for an extra thick blanket. Some may even provide you with an electric blanket at an additional cost. Be ready to pay from USD 15 to USD 20 for these services.

As for the internet, you can purchase NCELL or NTC SIM in Kathmandu that comes with a Data package. It’s much cheaper than paid WIFI services in the Everest Region, which may cost USD 2 to USD 5.

Tip to the guide or porter, alcohol and beverages expenditures are not included in the tour package. Personal shopping at Namche Bazaar is also excluded, as mentioned earlier. So USD 100 is sufficient to cover these expenses.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost of International Tour Operator

Numerous international tour operators compose lucrative Everest Base Camp trek packages. However, many of our guests may need to learn that international tour operators hand over their contracts to local treks and tour operators in Nepal.

Because international tour operators are not authorized to operate in Nepal, so with a little commission to local agencies, they overcharge you for the same tour package.

On the other hand, with a local trek and tour agency like Peregrine, you can contract directly. At a reasonable cost, you will receive multilingual tour guides, customized treks, and a trip fulfilling all the needs of its guests.

Booking with OTAs

Online travel Agents (OTA) such as Bookmundi, Viator, TourRadar, Expedia, etc., often offers lucrative deal regarding the Everest Base Camp trek. Most trekkers and tourists visiting Nepal also seek help from these online platforms. And why not? It’s convenient, easy, and fast.

However, an online travel agent often charges an agency fee of 6-9% of the cost of your tour. The fee is their income, so their offer is often more expensive. Let’s check out how much commission some of the renowned OTAs charge from you:

OTA	Commission Charge in percentage
Viator	25 to 35
Bookmundi	15 to 25
Tours4Fun	15 to 25
TourRadar	20
Others	20 to 30

 

Apart from this commission, you may notice they always try to sell the most expensive hotels and accommodations. They often avoid mentioning cheap hotels, lodges, or guest houses which other local tour operators happily mention and provide.

Likewise, the OTAs put forward ready-made packages of a higher budget. Even if you mention your budget for the trip, they immediately offer options close to or outside the budget.

Online travel agents lack the special knowledge or information regarding the Everest Base camp trek. So they often try to omit any specifics regarding the trip.

So whenever you book your Everest Base Camp trip with OTAs. Make sure you read their terms and conditions carefully. Also, provide special attention to what is included in their services.

Cheap Tour Operators

When deciding on the Everest Base Camp trek, the first thing that surfaces in thought is budget and affordability. Most tourists opt for cheap travel, so they try to locate cheap tour operators. It may seem beneficial at first to go on a trip at half the cost, but everything comes at a price.

If any tour operator is offering you an Everest Base Camp trek at USD 900 while others’ cost is USD 2000, it is time to reason for the cause in cost difference.

One reason is that cheap tour operators operate the tour in low trek seasons such as winter or monsoon. Trekking in the low season may cause you to spend most of your time in a hotel, or you may have to face a rough situation.

These cheap trips are also fixed and are not customizable. That means you will have no choice; you will go where there is an opportunity and get the conditions that aren’t discussed by the tour. It is impossible to change the date of departure, the number of days of stay, and the excursion program.

Most of the medium and high-budget tours allow you to stay in Kathmandu. But cheap tours to cut down their budget may limit your stay in the city. For additional service, you have to pay an additional price.

Sometimes, these cheap tours don’t include meals and accommodation in their package, charging you with separate or, we may say, hidden costs.

So before jumping to book these cheaper tours, make sure you visit their physical office for customer support. Sometimes the cheap tour operators lack physical offices for customer service that are replaced by telephone exchange only.

Conclusion

That’s all, folks! The post concludes with detailed particulars regarding Everest Base Camp Trek. Everest Base Camp trek cost can be expensive, but focusing on cutting down the budget may risk your health and sometimes even your life. So be careful and well-informed!