Cost of Trekking to Everest Base Camp

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is one of the most exciting and thrilling experiences you can ever have in Nepal. The trekking to EBC comes with the cost. So, what is the cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp?

In this blog, we will discuss the complete breakdown of the cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp. Also, we will discuss the different packages you can have to trek to EBC and the best travel agency by which you can get the trekking package.

The cost for trekking to EBC is dependent on the season you are trekking, guides, porter, services, and the travel agency you choose. Also, you require permit fees, a Nepal visa, accommodation, and food for trekking to Everest Base Camp. With this blog, you will get an overall idea of the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost.

Why Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most fascinating trekker choices and the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. It offers you views of several mountain peaks, including Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Nuptse (7,855m), Pumori (7,165m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m).

With the EBC trek, you can explore the Himalayan region of Nepal and get to know more about the lifestyles of the Himalayan people. It also provides views of different flora and fauna that makes Nepal different from other.

Getting to have a beautiful panoramic view of Mount Everest is a completely new experience as it is the tallest mountain peak in the World. Nepal is known all across the World because of the Mt. Everest.

Whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp is completely a long-lasting memory and a self-achievement with beautiful scenarios. Trekking for days in between the mountain peaks is not a small thing as it has several difficulties throughout the journey.

The trek starts from Kathmandu, from where you will take a short scenic flight to Lukla. The trekking days start from Lukla to different other destinations in the Khumbu region. The major destinations you will trek through are Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, Kala Patthar, etc.

Everest Base Camp Trek is a dream adventure for many outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. If you are looking for trekking to Everest Base Camp, then check out this 13-day Trek to Everest Base Camp.

What is the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal?

Everest Base Camp Trek cost can vary according to the way you spend, the time you want to trek, and the packages and agency you choose. Here are the major factors that affect the overall cost for EBC Trek:

Permits Fee Cost

It is important to have permit fees while trekking to Everest Base Camp. The required permits for the EBC trek are the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS), Sagarmatha National Park Permit, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

TIMS is mandatory for every trekker who wants to trek on the lands of Nepal, irrespective of the regions they want to trek. It is necessary to track the moments of the trekkers to ensure their safety.

To get a TIMS card, you have to pay NPR 2,000 (US $15.05) for foreigners, whereas SAARC Nations have to pay NPR 1,000 (US $7.52).

You can easily get the TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) located in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You also need to have these legal documents to get the TIMS card:

• Passport-size photo (1 photo)
• Passport Photocopy
• Trekking route
• Date of arrival in Nepal
• Date of departure from Nepal
• Emergency contact number

As it is important and valuable for trekking in Nepal to ensure the safety of the trekkers, having a TIMS is mandatory.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Everest Base Camp is located at the Sagarmatha National Park, so it is important to get the Sagarmatha National Park Permit. We won’t be able to trek to EBC if you don’t get the permit.

You can have the Sagarmatha National Park permit from the National Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu and Pokhara or the entrance gate in Monjo. For foreigners, it costs NPR 3,000 (US $22.57), whereas for SAARC Nations, it costs NPR 1,500 (US $11.29). And for Nepali, it costs NPR 100 to get the permit.

You need to provide the details and legal documents like full name, DOB, passport number, date of arrival in Nepal, trekking route, and emergency contact number.

Remember that the Sagarmatha National Park permit is only valid for 30 days from the date you purchased it. Though you can have the permit on your own, it is easier with a trekking company.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

A Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is essential to enter the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Since Everest Base Camp lies inside the territory of the municipality, it is mandatory to have a permit.

You can get the permit from the Namche bazaar, which comes to cost NPR 2,000 (US $15.05) for everyone. The permit is only valid until your stay at Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.

Also, you are required to show your passport to get the permit fee. So, don’t forget to carry a passport, as it is important throughout the trek.

Cost for Hiring Guide Porter

[Note: According to the update of March 2023 by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), from April 1, 2023, solo trekking is banned. To trek in different regions of Nepal, you need to hire a licensed guide or porter in Nepal.]

Hiring a guide and porter is necessary while trekking to Everest Base Camp. With the help of guides and porters, you can have the trekking experience more efficiently.

The guides and porters charge you daily and they expect tips at the end of the trek. To hire a guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek, you have to pay US $25-30 per day. The Everest Base Camp Trek can be done within 13 days, so it costs you around $30 x 13 days + 10% Tips = US $430.

Hiring a porter is less costly but depending on the size of the group, you might need to hire more than 1 porter for Everest Base Camp Trek. The maximum weight they can carry is from 20-15 Kg, so one porter needs to be hired for 2 trekkers.

Porter normally charges US $20-25 per day, and they also expect tips at the end of the trek. For hiring a porter, make sure you choose among the best who won’t just carry your goods but also help you during your trek.

As the Everest Base Camp Trek takes almost 13 days to complete, hiring a porter can cost you almost US $20 x 13 days + 10% Tips = US $290.

In addition, you can also hire a guide cums porter during the Everest base camp trek, which costs you around US $30-35 per day.

[Blue Lake Adventure offers you the service of hiring a guide and porter for Everest Base Camp Trek. To hire or know more about it, visit here.]

Cost for Accommodation in Everest Base Camp Trek

Accommodation is very important throughout the trek, and it can cost you more and less based on the accommodation you choose. You can choose to stay in the basic teahouses or lodges that offer luxury and additional services.

On average, the accommodation can cost you around NPR 500-800 (US $4-$8) per night in teahouses. Most teahouses come with comfortable rooms for trekkers with twin beds, whereas some might have single and triple rooms.

You can choose to stay at lodges, which can cost you more, and they generally charge you NPR 2000-3000 (US $15-$23) per night. In return, they offer you better services like better rooms, Wi-Fi, and hot showers.

For accommodation in Everest Base Camp Trek, you can go for the premium section too. You can choose to stay at the luxury hotels like Everest View Hotel, with luxury services. Staying at the luxury offers you better services but at a higher cost, which generally costs US $100-$150.

Gear Rental and Purchase Cost

If you don’t have the necessary trekking gear for trekking to Everest Base Camp Trek, then you can either buy them or rent them from different shops in Thamel.

You can rent different gear and equipment like sleeping bags, buffer bags, down jackets, trekking poles, etc. For renting the equipment, it can cost you US $1-3 per equipment. Remember that the rent is per day. So for 13 days of Everest Base Camp Trek, it can cost you US $13-39 per piece of gear.

You can also buy them from different gear and equipment shops in Kathmandu. While purchasing gear can cost you a one-time expenses of US $250-$400.

Food Cost in Everest Base Camp Trek

The cost of food during the trek to Everest Base Camp can be higher and lower on the basis of meals, breakfast, and lunch you go for.

The menus are almost similar in every teahouse, so the cost is almost similar in lower altitudes. While trekking, you need to have proper food to fuel up to energy so it’s important to carry extra food during the trek time too.

As you gain higher altitude, the cost of food can increase though the menus are almost the same. You can have a variety of items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which can cost you more and less.

Water Cost in Everest Base Camp Trek

Water is most important throughout the trek as you need to stay hydrated. While staying at teahouses or while trekking, you need to carry and drink water so that you can remain hydrated. Getting hydrated is important to avoid any mountain sickness.

The cost of water in Everest Base Camp Trek is different for lower and higher altitudes. Also, boiled water is more expensive than normal water. Because of this, it is important to have a thermal bottle during the trek.

Nepal Visa Cost

If you are flying to Nepal, then it is mandatory to get a Nepal Visa on arrival. You can get a tourist visa easily at the Tribhuvan International Airport with visa fees and some legal documents.

The cost of a Nepal visa is dependent on the visa type and the days you are staying in Nepal. For a tourist visa, you need to pay US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, and US$125 for 90 days.

To obtain the Nepal Visa, you need to have legal details, which include a passport (valid for at least 6 months) and a passport-size photo.

If you are traveling from India, then you don’t need a Nepal visa. Other countries, excluding Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria, can get the visa after landing in Nepal. Countries that are kept excluded are required to acquire a Visa before they arrive from their nearby Diplomatic mission (Embassies/consulates) of the Nepal Government.

Travel Insurance

While trekking to higher altitudes, there are high chances of getting into different risk factors. To avoid any risk or additional cost, getting travel insurance is the best.

Also, different travel agencies in Nepal ask for travel insurance while booking the Everest Base Camp Trek packages, so it is mandatory to have travel insurance. As of April 1, 2023, solo trekking in Nepal is banned, so you are required to have a guide or porter to assist you throughout the trek.

In addition, guides ask for your travel insurance so that they can take swift moves for any emergency.

For the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, make sure your travel insurance covers the emergency helicopter evacuation at a higher altitude. As of the recent update, it costs around US$ 4000 for emergency helicopter evacuation.

So, it is mandatory to get travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal.

Additional Services Cost

In addition to the basic services offered by the teahouses during the Everest Base Camp Trek, you can get additional services with additional charges. During the trek, you can get these services at an additional charge if you wish to get them:

• Medical Services: There are a few medical clinics along the trek where you can get medical assistance. For any emergencies, you can get assistance from the medical clinics. However, note that these clinics may not have all of the necessary supplies and equipment. Make sure you carry the basic first aid kit and necessary medical supplies while trekking to the Everest base camp.
• Internet Access: Throughout the Everest Base Camp Trek, you can access the internet with mobile data and Wi-Fi. For mobile data, the signal is not that good as you gain a higher altitude. In contrast, you can easily access the Wi-Fi in different teahouses with certain service charges. At lower altitudes, i.e., Lukla & Namche Bazaar, the teahouses charge US$2-5 per hour for Wi-Fi. On the other hand, at higher altitudes, i.e., Tengboche, Gorakshep, the cost for Wi-Fi access is US$5-7 per hour.
• Money Exchange: Money exchange is generally practiced in Kathmandu because it is difficult throughout the trek. You can easily exchange the money at different money exchange shops in Nepal. With charges, they exchange the foreign currency with a rate of 1 USD equivalence to NPR 130.
• Charging Stations: Charging phones and accessories is equally important during the Everest Base Camp Trek. Charging the phone is not free, so you have to pay a certain amount to charge. The teahouses generally charge US$2-5 per hour to charge phones or any accessories.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost from Kathmandu

The cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp is higher if you are starting from Kathmandu. Including every cost mentioned above, the transportation cost, accommodation, and food can make the cost higher.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Costs

The 45-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu takes you to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport of Lukla. When starting from the Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu, you are required to take a costly flight.

For foreigners, the flight cost of a round trip from Kathmandu to Lukla is around US$414 per person. You are allowed to take baggage of a maximum of 10kg during your flight to Lukla. In addition, if you are taking extra luggage, then you need to pay an additional amount, which comes to around NPR 150-170 per Kg.

Also, if you are taking a guide with you from Kathmandu, then you need to pay an additional NPR 13,204 (US$100).

To reach the nearest domestic airport, you can take a car, which costs around US $ 8-10. You can also negotiate the price with the car driver so that you can get the fair rate.

Ramechhap to Lukla Flight Cost

During the peak seasons, all domestic flights to Lukla are taken from Ramechhap, so you have to travel to Ramechhap from Kathmandu to get a flight to reach Lukla.

The cost of the flight for a round trip to Lukla from Ramechhap, which is US$354, is less in comparison to Lukla from Kathmandu. Whereas, in addition to the transportation cost from Kathmandu to Ramechhap which is US$40-50 (sharing basis) for roundtrip, the cost is almost similar.

Also, if you are taking a guide from the Ramechhap, then the flight ticket for a guide costs you NPR 10,400 (US$78).

Accommodation and Food

The cost of trekking to the Everest Base Camp includes the accommodation and food costs in Kathmandu as you are starting the trek from Kathmandu. You can get hotel rooms easily in Thamel from basic facilities to luxury services.

The hotel rooms cost US$10-$300 per night, depending on the hotel and services you choose. The low-cost hotel rooms come with basic services like shared bathrooms, single beds, and Wi-Fi service. Luxury hotels come with better rooms, premium services, Wi-Fi, showers, swimming pools, and many more.

The food during your stay in Kathmandu won’t cost you more because you can try snacks for breakfast and Dal Bhaat for dinner. The cost for the basic set of Dal Bhaat is less than US$5.

Cost of Trekking to Everest Base Camp with Local Agency

There are different local agencies in Kathmandu with whom you can book the Everest Base Camp Trek. The local agencies normally charge US$ 1290 to US$ 1,500 for 13 days of Everest Base Camp Trek, including all services.

The cost for Everest Base Camp Trek is not fixed because not every trekking agency charges you the same rate. To get a better local agency, you can check their price rates, services, package includes, and itineraries.

To get the Everest Base Camp Package, you can check out different websites as they provide services they provide with the help of the website. Also, you can walk by the streets of Kathmandu and look for a better agency that can offer you the best services at a better cost.

Searching for a better travel agency to get you the package can be tiring and a waste of time; to avoid that, you can get the package with Blue Lake Adventure. Save your time and money by booking the Everest Base Camp Trek 13 Days package with Blue Lake Adventure today.

Cost of Trekking to Everest Base Camp Trek with an International Agency

You can also get the Everest Base Camp Trek package with different International Agency. The cost of Trekking to Everest Base Camp with an International Agency can cost US$1500 – $2000.

International Travel Agencies also contact the local agency to manage the Everest Base Camp Trek, so getting the package from the local agency can be better.

Cost for Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek

You can also trek to Everest Base Camp with Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek. With this trek, you can enjoy the trekking with luxury. You will be provided with better accommodation, food, and services throughout the trek.

Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek will be a completely different and exciting trek for you as you will get to experience unique services even in the Himalayan region. You can have the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek, which can cost you US$ 2,500 to US$ 3,200 for 16-day treks, depending on the group size.

Do you know? Blue Lake Adventure also offers the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek of 16 days at just US$ 2,050 to US$ 2,940, depending on the group size.

If you are thinking of trekking in a budget-friendly way, then you should go with the common route of Everest Base Camp Trek.

Additional Information on EBC Trek

With the Everest Base Camp Trek cost, you need to know the additional information that is important before embarking on the trekking journey. Make sure you remember these things if you are going for Everest Base Camp Trek.

Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the best yet most difficult treks in Nepal. As this trek includes trekking in the Himalayan region at higher altitudes, it carries different difficulties.

One of the major difficulties in the Everest Base Camo trek is its weather and temperature. You need to consider the temperature and weather conditions in the season before choosing the time to trek.

For Everest Base Camp Trek, autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) are the best seasons, which offer better weather and temperature in comparison to other seasons.

Summer and winter aren’t the best and ideal times to have the EBC trek, as trekking in the Himalayan region is risky and difficult in these seasons. The summer receives a lot of unexpected waterfalls, and we can’t even predict the weather. On the other hand, winter is dry, but day and night have extremely cold temperatures.

Autumn is the most preferable and favorable time as it offers stable weather, mild temperature, clear skies, and stunning mountain views. Not to forget the lush alpine forest and picturesque Sherpa villages, those are the major attractions too.

Similarly, spring offers the best time for trekking to Everest Base Camp. The temperature is extremely pleasing, making it the best for hiking with the views of the mountain peak. In addition, the weather is stable and predictable. With the clear skies, spring is the best season since you will be able to have clear views of the mountain peaks.

As we all know, Mt. Everest is the World’s tallest mountain peak, and everyone around the World wants to have a glimpse of the peak to make it a lifetime achievement. So, everyone wants to trek to have the views of the peak at the best season to avoid any difficulties and risks.

Due to this, the route for Everest Base Camp Trek is busy in the peak seasons. Make sure you book a package with a trekking agency, as they will be able to get better accommodation and better routes to Everest Base Camp Trek. This will save a lot of money as you don’t have to pay extra for getting a teahouse room in the peak seasons.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp Trek is moderately difficult if it is done in ideal seasons, whereas it can be strenuous if done in the off-season. The Everest Base Camp difficulty lies in different factors, including the time of trekking, fitness level, etc. Normally, it takes around 12-14 days to complete the trek, and it includes trekking in higher altitudes which can be challenging to different people.

The main difficulties of the Everest Base Camp Trek are:

• Altitude: The trek starts at an altitude of 2,860m (9,383 feet) and reaches a maximum altitude of 5,364m (17,598 feet) at Everest Base Camp. At higher altitudes, there is a high possibility of getting altitude sickness, which is a serious medical condition. Before trekking to Everest Base Camp, you need to be prepared for altitude sickness so you don’t get serious illness during the trek. Acclimatization is most important.
• Weather: The weather in the Himalayan regions is unpredictable, and it is important to be prepared for all kinds of weather.
• Distance: The trekking distance of the Everest Base Camp is almost 130 kilometers, which means you have to trek for hours each day. Trekking for hours every day can be strenuous as it requires better stamina and fitness. Not every age group can walk for hours carrying a backpack, so it is important to have better fitness for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
• Terrain: Although the trails of the Everest Base Camp Trek are well-maintained somewhere, you have to hike on steep and rocky sections. During those periods, you need to be cautious to avoid any fatal injuries. Make sure you follow the guide to avoid any difficulty while hiking on the trails.

Despite the difficulties during the Everest Base Camp Trek, the trek is exciting and rewarding. You can have a better experience of trekking with local trek operators who are well-known for the route and can manage you with better services throughout the trek.

Tips to Save Money on Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek cost can be higher and more than you’ve expected if you don’t plan it right. To save on expenses, you need to plan properly on how to spend your money throughout the trek. These tips can help you to reduce the expenses for Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Plan your trek: Instead of booking expensive trekking packages, you can have the trek by yourself, where you can manage everything on your own to reduce expenses. (Note: It is important to get a government-licensed guide for any trekking activities in Nepal as the Government of Nepal has banned solo trekking in Nepal.)
• Book your trek in advance: You can choose to get the trek with local trek operators of Nepal who offer a genuine rate for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Remember to book the trek in advance as they may provide discounts and better deals when booked in advance.
• Negotiate Price: Since negotiation is common, you can practice negotiating the price for hiking guides and porters. Also, you can ask for some discounts while buying souvenirs.
• Stay at Teahouses: During the EBC Trek, there is availability of lodges and luxury hotels in some places. They are expensive in comparison to teahouses, so to minimize the Everest Base Camp Trek cost, try staying at teahouses.
• Join a Group: If you are alone and thinking of trekking to Everest Base Camp, then it might cost you more. To minimize the cost, you can join different groups as the cost gets distributed in the group.
• Carry Snacks: Getting food and snacks from the teahouses can cost you more. For that, you can get light snacks and energy bars from Kathmandu or lower altitude places, which will cost less than in the higher altitudes.
• Water Purification: Carry a water purification tablet or water filter with you, which you can use for drinking water from taps. Water taps are found throughout the trails. In this way, you can avoid buying drinking water, which is expensive in higher altitudes.

If you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp, then make sure you plan on the expenses so that you won’t end up spending more than you wanted. Also, follow these tips, which will help you to save money during the trek.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners?

If you have no trekking experience in Nepal, then trekking Everest Base Camp Trek can be more difficult for you. If you are a beginner, then check out these 8 best tips for Everest Base Camp Trek only for beginners.

Being a beginner in trekking is difficult since you are not familiar with the routes, terrains, weather, food, and accommodation. Make sure you follow the best tips for Everest Base Camp Trek that won’t just make your trek better and safer but will also minimize the cost of trekking.

Final Say: Is Everest Base Camp Worth It?

A trekking experience is worth it or not is dependent on personal choice, expectations, interest, and budget. Everest Base Camp Trek is a different trekking experience that will take you on a mesmerizing journey. With this journey, you will feel the growth of confidence, which is a reward to every trekker.

The Everest Base Camp Trek offers stunning views of the mountain peaks, landscapes, and spectacular scenarios that make the overall journey even more fascinating. With those views, the EBC Trek will be a one-lifetime experience.

Moreover, the experience of getting to know more about the lifestyles of the Sherpa Communities is completely worthwhile. Also, trekking in the Himalayan region is not just a trekking experience, but it is also an adventure that takes you through the nature of the Himalayan region. You will encounter different flora and fauna on the trail, which is exciting and thrilling to watch.

In addition, if you are interested in trekking or hiking, then Everest Base Camp will be one of the best experiences you will have in your life. The feeling of self-achievement after the trek can’t be described in the World. You will know it after the Everest Base Camp Trek.

FAQs on Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

What are the best Everest Base Camp Trek Packages?

Ans: Local trek operators of Nepal organize several Everest Base Camp Trek Packages, among which Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek, Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek, Thaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek, Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek, and Everest Three Passess Trek are the popular trek packages.

How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost?

Ans: The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek is dependent on various factors like the number of days, time of the year, and type of accommodation you choose. In general, you can the Everest Base Camp Trek costs from USD 1,300 to USD 3,200 for 12-20 days from Kathmandu.

What does the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek include?

Ans: The cost typically covers the permits, accommodation, flight ticket, guide and porter fees, meals, and ground transportation. However, it is essential to confirm the includes the trekking company, as services can vary.

Do I need to pay for the permits?

Ans: Yes, permits are required for trekking to Everest Base Camp. You need to pay the permit fees for the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card, Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

Are there additional costs for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Ans: Yes, there are additional costs for services like hot showers, charging electronic devices, Wi-Fi, hot water, extra snacks and alcoholic beverages. To make your Everest Base Camp Trek less costly, you can budget these extras.

Do I need to hire a guide for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Ans: Yes, you need to hire a guide for Everest Base Camp Trek. As per the notice of the Government of Nepal, solo trekking is banned in Nepal. So, you are required to hire a government-liscensed guide. Hiring a guide can cost you USD 25-30 per day and 10% of the total cost as tips.

How can I save money in the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Ans: Saving money during the Everest Base Camp Trek can be crucial as there might be emergencies where you require additional money. In order to save money in the EBC Trek, you can choose to join a group, trek independently, bargain for guides and porters, stay at cost, and minimize the additional costs during the trek. You can also minimize the cost of food by taking energy bars and snacks from lower altitudes, which cost less than higher altitudes.