Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
For many outdoor enthusiasts trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once in a lifetime dream and each year, thousands of trekkers just like you are achieving that dream. In more ways than one, realising that dream is the pinnacle of their hiking achievements.
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost, Budget and Price
Significant highlights of the trek to Everest Base Camp include the extraordinarily beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains, retracing the steps of pioneering mountaineers to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Sherpa culture throughout the Khumbu Region and hiking through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Park.
Nepal’s trekking infrastructure makes it a very attractive destination for trekkers from all over the world. The trails are well laid out and almost all of the big treks including the Everest Base Camp Trek have a network of Tea Houses where you can stay each night and enjoy freshly cooked meals.
This Guide is aimed at those hikers who are joining a Tour and will have the support of professional guides and porters throughout their trip. I outline those items that are included with a Tour as well as explore what’s not included.
If you’ve not travelled to Nepal before, this Guide is a must read.
Planning Your Travel
There’s much to evaluate when planning to undertake a trek in Nepal and your preparation and research are key to a successful hike in this magnificent high altitude terrain.
Budgeting appropriately for the Everest Base Camp trek adds greatly to your enjoyment as you don’t want to be unsettled by unexpected costs, or even more awkwardly, not be able to pay your way.
The advantage of a Group Tour is that the big things are already looked after, all those essentials such as domestic flights and transportation, accommodation, food, guides, porters, duffle bags and permits.
There are however expenses to be aware of both before and after your official Tour, in fact, even before leaving home. There’s also some minor expenses, many of them optional but which, should you choose to partake in them, will be a welcome addition to your trip.
Planning Your Budget
Aside from your Tour and it’s inclusions, you’ll need to budget for your international travel to Kathmandu, travel insurance, personal gear, clothes and equipment, guide and porter tips and any tour exclusions that you feel are necessary.
If this is to be a once in a lifetime experience and you don’t intend pursuing further trekking, all clothing and equipment can be hired or purchased in Nepal.
Let’s start from the very beginning;
Pre-Departure
Pre-departure expenses are those costs that you may incur prior to even leaving your home town.
Passport
In order to enter Nepal you will need to have your Passport or any other valid travel documents along with a completed arrival card. If you don’t have a current passport, apply for it early as I recommend you then proceed to apply online for your Nepalese Visa.
The cost of a passport varies depending on your nationality and your particular countries requirements.
New Zealand Passport
Nepal Visa
While some nationals (including New Zealand) are eligible for a Visa on Arrival I suggest that you get your visa before you board the plane as this will speed up your time with the Nepalese immigration and subsequent entry into the country.
This is a great help when your arrival is late at night and you just want to get to your accommodation.
The Nepal Visa Fee Structure is as follows:
15 Days - USD $30
30 Days - USD $50
90 Days - USD $125
Although the Everest Base Camp Trek takes around twelve days when you add in the nights in Kathmandu before and after, my preference is to choose as a minimum, the 30 Day Visa. This allows me to arrive in Nepal early and if necessary, leave after fifteen days.
The reason I advocate for the longer Visa is in case of a delayed departure. There’s two reasons that this could happen;
First, flights to and from Lukla are often delayed due to the weather and atmospheric conditions. You could potentially have a delay at both ends of your Trek.
Secondly, should you be unfortunate to fall ill on your trek, with say a gastric upset, the last thing you’ll want to do is get on a lengthy flight home. Obviously, a medical evacuation is a whole different story and if that should happen, decisions would then be made accordingly.
Travel Insurance
While trekking carries far less risk than mountaineering, each year people get themselves into difficulty on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Be prepared for potential emergencies at high altitude, stay informed and have an insurance policy with evacuation coverage for trekking at over 5,000 metres / 16,400 feet and ideally, up to 6,000 meters / 19,685 feet. Everest Base Camp is at 5,364 metres above sea level (MASL) and the highest point of the trek, Kalar Pathar is at 5,644 MASL.
Your insurance policy should at least provide for overseas emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip interruption, baggage protection, trip cancellation or natural disaster events.
House and Pet Sitters
To secure qualified House Sitters takes time as the best ones are usually booked out well in advance. I use Trusted House Sitters to look after my home and pets as this gives me peace of mind while travelling.
Pet Lodgings
If you’ve a pet that requires accommodating while you’re away, be sure to book their lodging early, particularly if your time away coincides with local holidays.
Lawn Mowing and Garden Care
If this is something you typically look after yourself, it’s advisable to make arrangements for someone to take care of the yard work while you’re away.
Gear and Equipment Costs
Check out my comprehensive Freewheeling Kiwi Nepal Gear List
Everest Base Camp is a Tea House Trek which means you do not need to have any specialist camping equipment such as tents, stoves and sleeping pads.
The Tea House bedrooms are generally furnished with two single beds and they provide a base sheet, pillow with pillow case and quilts however, you will need your own sleeping bag and towel.
Your tour company will provide you with the duffle bag which the porters will carry for you. Bring a small back pack or day pack with enough space to fit your wet or cold weather clothes, camera, snacks, medications, hand sanitiser and toilet paper.
If you choose to get your gear once in Nepal, I do recommend however that you bring your own tried and tested shoes with you. A little blister can make for a miserable time.
Note also that all the gear and equipment may be hired in Kathmandu, Lukla and Namche Bazaar so if you do find you’ve overlooked something important, don’t panic.
Transit
Transit are those costs that you may attract between leaving your home and joining the Tour and in reverse after you’ve finished the Tour and until you return home.
Arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal
Flights
The earlier you book your flight, the better the price. I use Skyscanner to search and compare prices and I then book directly with the airline. It’s a great way to see all the prices in one place and you can create alerts for when prices change significantly.
Airport Transfers
You may be in the fortunate position that someone will drop you off at the International Airport however if you’re not, you’ll need to arrange for an airport transfer be that a bus, train, ride-share, taxi, shuttle or whatever other transportation works for you. Check the timetables ahead of time and if applicable, book your ride early.
Pre-Flight Accommodation
I don’t live in a town with an international airport, in fact, I live a long way from anywhere! Coincide that with flights that always seem to leave at day break means I usually travel to the city the night before and stay in an airport hotel. Most of the airport hotels provide a complimentary airport transfer and sometimes, it’s even possible to leave your car with them.
Long Term Car Parking
If you plan on driving to the Airport and leaving your car, you’ll need to arrange for secure long-term parking. Often included in the price is an airport transfer at either end of your trip.
Everest Base Camp Trek A to Z Guide
My A to Z Everest Base Camp Trek guide discusses everything about the trek and will be helpful if you’re preparing for the trek.
Pre and Post Trek
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
If arriving in Kathmandu prior to your official Tour or remaining in town for longer, you’ll need to book accommodation. I find the easiest thing to do is stay at the same hotel from where the Tour starts and that way, I don’t have to shift.
Hotel Kailash Kutee, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pre and Post Tour Food and Drinks
Food and drinks in Kathmandu ranges from the simple budget friendly restaurants which offer local cuisine to the upmarket restaurants offering international dishes.
I find a daily budget of around NZ$20 to NZ$25 is more than enough though I do tend to prefer the more simple establishments. I don’t drink alcohol so have no knowledge of those prices.
Pre-Tour Activities
If like me, you prefer to arrive a few days early to enable you to rest up ahead of your Trek, you may like to take part in some pre-tour activity. I’ve enjoyed day tours, yoga and cooking classes while staying in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Souvenir Shopping
There’s no limit to how much you can spend shopping in Thamel and the greater city of Kathmandu as there’s many fascinating shops offering beautifully hand crafted goods and art.
Depending on your departure date, you may like to wait until you return from your trek as then the items you purchase will I believe, be more meaningful. Be prepared to bargain though be mindful of your privilege and don’t be harsh.
There’s also opportunity to purchase souvenirs while trekking to Everest Base Camp in many of the towns and villages including Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Once again, there’s plenty of items available however you’ll be limited by your Porter’s weight restrictions and on the flight from Lukla.
If you choose to shop prior to your trek, you will be able to leave your souvenir goodies along with your town clothes back at your hotel.
Souvenir shopping in Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
During the Trek
Tour Inclusions
I have partnered with local Trekking Agency, Himalayan Recreation and Treks and when you join one of our curated Everest Base Camp Group Tours, the following is included:
All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport transfers
Three nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
Kathmandu city tours, including tour guide, and private transportation
3 standard meals a day ( Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) during the trek
Snacks of seasonal fruits during the trek
Best available twin sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek
Domestic flights (From Manthali to Lukla and Lukla to Manthali) including airport departure tax and transfers. (Note: If you want to take a shared helicopter, it will cost you an extra amount.)
Himalayan Recreation’s experienced, government licensed, English speaking trekking guide during the Everest trip
Porter services for 12 days (1 porter = 2 trekkers).
All costs of staff, which includes food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments and medicine
Duffel bag use while trekking, trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Khumbu Padang Lhasa Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
First aid medicine kit
Farewell dinner with Cultural show in a fine restaurant on second last day.
Government taxes and office service charge
Tour Exclusions
The following tour exclusions are extras that Andrew and I have enjoyed while trekking to Everest Base Camp and are entirely optional.
I find a budget of NZ $20 - 25 per day is more than adequate to cover a mixture of the following items. Be aware that the further into the trek you go, the more expensive items become given the further they’ve been carried.
Snacks and Beverages
Who doesn’t enjoy a snack or sweet treat! While the meals provided by the Tea Houses are very generous in their portions, I have to admit to more than once being tempted by a chocolate cake or bar.
Unless you’re on a particularly restrictive diet, it’s not necessary to bring snacks from home. If you do want to nibble, you’ll find snacks such as apples, bananas, potato chips, chocolate and cake available in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche and many of the villages you’ll pass through.
Most of the tea houses offer chips and chocolate over and above the standard menu items. Lukla, Namche Bazaar and Dingboche all have cafes and bakeries if you’re craving that coffee and cake.
Chocolate Cake, Namche Bazaar, Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Water
It’s recommended when trekking at high altitude that you drink plenty of water. If you want to save the planet as well as look after your budget, simply filter and refill your bottle at the Tea Houses along the way. It’s good for the environment and it’s good for you.
Gorak Shep is the only town where it’s necessary to buy bottled water due to the Tea Houses having to manually carry in all fresh water from a nearby stream supply.
Electronic Charging
As a content creator, I need my electronics fully charged so this is a cost that I’m not able to avoid. I do carry power banks including a solar one which swings off my day pack, charging as I go.
The Tea Houses will charge your devices for you, typically, they’ll plug the item in behind the main Counter which means you’re unable to access it while it’s being charged. For those things that require overnight charging such as a power bank, you’ll simply leave them plugged in at the Counter.
Wifi Access
I mean really, shouldn’t you just be present! Okay, yes I use the wifi as well to upload my daily vlogs.
Wifi access and electronic charging is complimentary until you leave Namche Bazaar on the way to Everest Base Camp
ESim (Electronic Sim)
There’s not that much coverage when trekking to Everest Base Camp so this is something I don’t bother with. I time my ESim packages so that they are expiring within a day or two of starting the trek and then purchase another on my return to Kathmandu.
Hot Shower
If you’d like a hot shower (and who wouldn’t), you’ll need to pay for it from Namche Bazaar onwards. Water is heated by gas and all those gas bottles are carried in by the mule or yak trains.
Laundry Services
Laundry services along the Everest Base Camp Trek route range from washing machines to hand washing.
Resources including water are limited, especially at higher elevations and prices differ based on where you are; the higher you go, the pricier things become.
If you do hand wash be prepared to dry your clothes on top of your day bag as you walk as they will not dry easily in the Tea Houses due to the harsh climate.
Salon Treatments, Massage and Tattoo
There are hair stylists, masseurs and tattooists in Namche Bazaar. We stay a final night in Namche Bazaar on the return trip and in the past, some of our Group have treated themselves to having their hair professionally washed and dried and even to a souvenir EBC tattoo.
Extraordinary Spending
Considering this is a once in a lifetime trip, here’s some other activities that you might want to include in your trip;
Bungee jump off the Hillary Bridge (yes, seriously, this is now a thing and no, I won’t be doing it with you!)
Mule ride for all or part of the trek - might suit someone who is finding the last couple of days going up to be challenging.
Scenic helicopter flight from Gorak Shep to Lukla
Lunch at the Everest View Hotel. The Tour includes your breakfast, lunch and dinner however should you choose to have your dinner elsewhere, your accommodating hotel will charge more for your overnight stay as the meals provided are part of the hotel package.
Refreshments, Everest View Hotel, Namche Bazaar, Everest Base Camp Trek
Benefits of Using a Local Nepalese Agency
It’s best to use a reputable Nepalese trekking agency when booking your Everest Base Camp Trek as they possess in-depth knowledge of the area, can provide personalised recommendations and often have access to exclusive deals and perks, saving you time and potentially money while ensuring a smoother trip.
Local agencies will also employ local porters and guides ensuring the tourism money remains in the country.
When it comes to travel in Nepal, I believe that this can’t be overstated as I’ve seen and experienced first hand the benefits. A couple of examples that I’ve had the benefit of are;
One time when we were flying out from Lukla, the Airport closed to planes due to weather and poor visibility. All became chaos with hundreds of hikers stranded in Lukla. Our Guide, Raju was able to quickly arrange for Andrew and I to share a helicopter directly to Kathmandu saving us from an unplanned night in Lukla.
Another time our trip was delayed while we were still at Ramechhap and again due to the weather. Raju was able to immediately rebook all of our Group’s accommodation due to his strong relationships with the Tea House proprietors. At the same time, he was able to keep our porters informed while they awaited us in Lukla.
Trekking at high altitudes in the Himalayas calls for flexibility in plans. Only those on the ground that have detailed knowledge and experience of the conditions, terrain, current weather along with personal relationships with the service providers can react with the appropriate spontaneity when challenged.
Guide and Porter Tips
Our Everest Team; Pradip Tamang, Bhakta Tamang, Raju Simkhada, Andrew Gash, Phurtenji Tamang and Prashanta Tamang
Tips - How Much to Tip on the Everest Base Camp Trek
Providing your guide and porter with a tip is not mandatory however it is customary in Nepal and is a practical way to express your gratitude to them for all their hard work and expertise.
Guides and porters are the real heroes for trekkers going to and from Everest Base Camp as they carry the luggage, guide you and take care of untold little details to make for a safer and smoother journey
Generally, tips are given before saying good bye to the guide and porter, for example, at the last dinner.
For those living in remote areas, it’s best to tip in Nepali rupees as it doesn’t require the guide or porter to exchange it or for them to lose money if the exchange rates are low. If you are not tipping in Nepal Rupees, US Dollars are often used as currency.
As a general rule of thumb, the average tips given to your team (guides and porters) are about 10% of the cost of your trek. For example, if your trek was US $1,600, then you would tip US $160 to be shared by the guide and porter team.
Best practice is to hand over the tips individually, therefore your guide would be given the greater portion due to their greater responsibility, say US $80 - 100 and the porter US $50 - $70.
With a group trip, the tourists/trekkers may combine their tips to be handed over as one combined tip each to the guide and each to the porters.
Emergency Helicopter Rescue
While not something you want to experience, this is one of those crucial things that your insurance will cover.
Some insurers will pay the helicopter company directly however with other insurers, you will need to pay the entire fee with a credit card and then get reimbursed later. Do your research carefully.
The evacuation will cost at least US $5,000 though this will depend on where you’re being picked up and dropped off, if you’re sharing the ride with another evacuee and what the weather conditions are.
Consider this amount the minimum and ensure you’ve the necessary credit card facility to cover it plus more for your potential hospitalisation.
Cash is King
Although in New Zealand and other developed countries we lean more towards a cashless society, when you arrive in Nepal, you’ll find cash remains firmly the preferred currency.
If you want to bring cash from overseas, US dollars are readily accepted whereas I’ve been unable to exchange New Zealand dollars at the money changers or even at a Bank.
Many businesses in the bigger cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. You’ll also find ATM’s readily available in these main centres as well as in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. The charge for withdrawing cash from an ATM varies depending on the bank.
Nepalese Rupees, Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Contingency Fund
Include in the Tour component of your budget and extra two nights accommodation and food due to unforeseen delays, typically caused by weather when flying to and from Ramechhap to Lukla and later returning to Ramechhap from Lukla.
Actually, this is so common it can hardly be called unforeseen. You’ll potentially have a night in Ramechhap and or in Lukla in addition to those nights that are included with your Tour.
How much cash should you carry when trekking to Everest Base Camp
You’ll need enough cash for tipping the guide and porters, say 10% of the Tour cost plus enough to allow for your incidental spending. I find a daily allowance of NZ$20 - $25 (USD $10 - 15) to be sufficient for my incidentals, you may choose to take more or less depending on your optional extras.
Budget Overview
This article has provided you with a broad overview of the types of spending you should consider and allow for, before, during and after your Everest Base Camp Tour.
Given our individual requirements and circumstances, what you choose to spend will likely vary widely to what I or another trekker might spend. So long as you’re heading into your adventure fully informed as to budget, there’ll be no unpleasant surprises.
Further Reading
For those who’d like to take their interest further, I’ve included a great deal of information below including other Everest Base Camp Trek articles so be sure to scroll down the page.
Need to Know
Lukla Tea House, Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Where is Everest Base Camp Trek
Best Time to Visit Everest Base Camp
The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is guided by the seasons, spring and autumn being the best season as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.
Autumn (September, October, November) follows the monsoon season and the air is clear and mild.
Spring (March, April, May) brings the new growth and the opportunity to view the flowering rhododendron, magnolia and cherry trees alongside the trail.
Time Required for Everest Base Camp Trek
Using the standard trail itinerary, your Everest Base Camp Trek will take you eleven days to achieve. Heading up the trail, you’ll spend eight days trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and then overnighting in Gorakshep. Included in these eight days are your two acclimatisation days being at Namche Bazaar at 3,440 metres and Dingboche being 4,410 metres.
It will then take you three days to return from Gorakshep to Lukla, the return trip is faster as you do not stop for acclimatisation days nor do you need to travel as slowly as on the way up. You’ll hike between five and seven hours each day, broken by a lunch break in one of the village Teahouses.
How Long is Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek distance when measured from Lukla all the way to Base Camp and return is around one hundred and thirty kilometres however this excludes any distances walked on acclimatisation hikes in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
Refer to the Freewheeling Kiwi Daily Distance Chart for the kilometres and the Daily Itinerary Chart for the overnight elevations.
Total Ascent on Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is an undulating walk. Including the two acclimatisation days, on the way to Everest Base Camp, we ascended 4,865 metres. Returning down to Lukla we still had 1,461 metres of climbing to do.
Andrew Gash and Sharon Evans, Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek
You will require two permits to Trek for Everest Base Camp
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
Essential Gear when on the Everest Base Camp Trek
Rain jacket and pants, hiking pants, hiking shirt, merino base layers, gloves, cap, beanie, socks, worn-in hiking footwear, down jacket, sunglasses. day bag, hiking poles, sleeping bag, water bottle and personal toiletries and medications.
For my comprehensive gear list, refer to the Freewheeling Kiwi Nepal Gear List Page.
Local Currency for Everest Base Camp Trek
Nepalese Rupees.
Nepalese Rupees
Difficulty Level of Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty level is generally considered to be of moderate to challenging difficulty. It demands good physical fitness due to the long days of walking and the significant altitude gain, reaching up to 5,364 meters at the Base Camp. The trek involves navigating varied terrain, including rough paths, rocky areas, and steep ascents and descents.
The risk of altitude sickness is a key concern, making proper acclimatisation essential. Trekkers typically spend 10-14 days on the trail, with daily trekking times ranging from 4 to 8 hours. Adequate preparation, including cardiovascular and strength training, along with appropriate gear for cold and unpredictable weather, is crucial for a successful trek.
Khumbu Glacier, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, Nepal
What is the Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek Tour Cost ranges from US $1,499 to US $1,600 per person, all-inclusive. This price typically covers permits, accommodations, meals, guide services, and transportation, ensuring a comprehensive trekking experience.
Join Me at Everest Base Camp
We’re headed back to Nepal to join once again with Himalayan Recreation Treks to create lifetime memories. Find out how you can join us HERE
Planning a Trip to Nepal
Companies I use while Travelling as a Full Time Travel Content Creator:
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Whenever a group of hikers gather around, the conversation soon turns to food and the Everest Base Camp trekkers are no different. One of the delights of this trek is the variety and abundance of food available particularly when you consider that nearly everything is physically carried in either by porter, yak or mule train.