Overview
The Everest Base Camp is Nepal's most iconic and famous trekking destination. This trek, a dream of many trekkers, is known for its steep ascents and challenging route. However, this region is famous worldwide due to its majestic mountain scenery. Getting to the Everest Base Camp is the closest you can get without actually climbing Everest. With irresistible mountain views and unrivaled trails, many trekkers are curious about how much it costs to get to EBC.
The cost can depend on various things, such as the route, services, agencies, and accommodation type. The price can range anywhere between USD 700 to USD 3000. The cost generally involves transportation, accommodations, food, equipment, and the cost for guides and porters. This blog features the cost estimation for the Everest Base Camp trek. We will be taking an average of the costs which are suitable for most trekkers.
Let's breakdown the costing into different parts:
Arrival In Kathmandu (Accommodation Cost In Kathmandu)
The Everest Base Camp trek starts in Kathmandu. It includes costs like accommodation, airport transfers, food & water during your stay in Kathmandu. Most foreigners want to explore the valley and take day tours around Kathmandu. The day tour in Kathmandu, which includes sightseeing tours and cultural explorations, usually costs around USD 50 to USD 100. However, the accommodation cost entirely depends on you. If you choose to stay in a budget-friendly hotel, you can expect the price to be around USD 15 to USD 50 per night.
On the other hand, if you stay at a luxurious hotel like the Hyatt Regency, Soaltee, the Dwarika's, or Mariott, your cost will rise above USD 300. So, choosing the correct stay depends entirely on your budget. Usually, bed and breakfast are included in such packages, so you don't have to pay extra for them.
Transportation Cost
During the trek, you will be spending most of your transportation costs on the flight to Lukla and back. The round-trip flight to Lukla from Kathmandu will cost you around USD 300 to USD 380 per person. Be notified that these flights allow only 10 kg of luggage per person. If you have more, you need to pay accordingly. To save money, book your flight tickets earlier and try to avoid the peak season when the ticket price skyrockets.
If you have a few spare days, take a bus ride to Jiri, Dolakha and trek to Lukla, which will save you a lot of money.
Nepali Visa Cost
Every country's nationals need a visa to enter Nepal except for India. If possible, get your visa once you've arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport. The visa cost can vary depending on the number of days you're about to stay in Nepal. The visa cost is USD 30, 50, and 125 for 15, 30, and 90 days simultaneously. It is advised to go for the 30-day visa, as most of the Everest Base Camp itinerary lasts around 15-18 days.
Trekking Permits Cost
For the Everest Base Camp Trek, you need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. The Khumbu Pasang regional fee is USD 20, and the Sagarmatha National Park permit will cost you around USD 30. You can purchase these permits at Kathmandu or Monjo. These permit's cost help to sustain the local region's well-being.
Earlier, you needed to acquire the TIMS card, which was later changed to the regional fee. You can purchase the regional Khumbu Pasang fee in Lukla or Monjo.
Accommodation Cost
This is a very subjective point, as your accommodation cost can vary greatly. If you choose a basic teahouse, then expect a price range between USD 3 and USD 10. However, if you want a more luxurious experience, your accommodation cost can exceed USD 20-30 per night. The prices will go up as you ascend. The rooms at a basic teahouse have two beds, pillows, and a blanket. The cost of the accommodation during the trek is pretty low; however, if you add additional services, it can rise significantly.
Facilities like hot showers, electric heaters, and internet might contribute to a larger portion of your accommodation budget. Accommodation will get scarce and expensive as you ascend.
Trekking Equipment Cost
If you don't have equipment for the trek, you need to purchase them either in Kathmandu or Lukla. The gear can cost somewhere between USD 200 and USD 500. Some important trekking essentials include high-quality boots, thermal clothing, sleeping bags, trekking poles, gloves, water-proof jackets, and many more. Check the essentials list to avoid any risky situations during the trek.