Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic trips in the world that takes you higher with each step till you reach the base of the highest peak on Earth. It is certainly a challenging trek because of the high altitude, steep inclines and rocky tracks. Because of the challenges, it is a prideful and glorious achievement to reach the base camp of the highest landform in the world. So, Everest Base Camp trek is on the bucket list of many people as it offers the certainty of thrill, adventure and incredible Himalayan views. Though it is a dream destination, people are uncertain or unknown about the cost of the trip. The cost of the trip varies depending on the itinerary you plan, types of adventure you want and the amount you spend on the food, beverage and accommodation. To help you with one of the most important factors of this amazing trip, we have got some relevant information that is sure to make your EBC planning and travelling easy.
EBC trek guide and porter cost
Everest Base Camp Trek is a high altitude trek, so it’s better to hire a guide and porter. A well trained and skillful guide is very handy if you are a new traveler and want to explore and learn more about the destination as they know the area very well and speak the local language as well. Also the porter helps to make your journey comfortable by carrying your baggage and important stuffs during the trek. They can also help you when you face difficulties in high altitude. Though it depends on you whether to have guide or trek alone, with a well experienced guide and porters, you will have hassle free trip and more enriching experiences. The daily standard rate of the guide is about USD $30- $35 per day and hiring a porter costs about $20 per day and they can carry about 20kg – 25kg weight.
EBC trek accommodation cost
One of the most essential elements during the trek is accommodation as it’s very important to sleep and rest well during the trip. You can easily book hotels/ lodges or Tea houses through travel agencies or book your room after searching a few hotels/ lodges. During the peak season, the hotels are usually packed and you might not find a vacant room to book immediately. So, it’s better to book hotel room in advance for the required period of time to make your journey comfortable.
The cost of the affordable and comfortable hotel rooms can range from $5 to$40+ per person as per the standard of the hotel. The price may even go above $100 per night in luxury hotels. In standard hotels and tea houses, the rooms are very basic with 2 beds, a pillow, blanket, and shared toilet.Also the tea houses have big dining hall with a fireplace in the center to keep you warm while eating and relaxing with other guests.
EBC trek food and drinks cost
A proper nutritious meal is necessary to boost up your body during your journey and to keep going on the journey. During the trek you will be filled with excitement and enjoyment and lost in the beautiful nature and scenarios of the mountain which can make you forget to boost your energy. Even though you feel excited, you won’t be able to complete the trek if you don’t have proper meal from time to time. So, to make your journey successful, you have to take proper foods and hot beverages.
The teahouses cater healthy food and drinks from international to local cuisine as per your demand. The cost of the food varies from the lower to high altitudes but they are affordable. Starting with water, you can get mineral water of your choice from $1 to $4 per bottle (1 -1.5 l) or you can drink tap water or local water for free of cost or in less price than mineral water. You can get warm cup of tea or coffee at $2 to $4 and Bottle of Beer at $5 to $10. For meals, you will be served with hygienic and tasty breakfast at $3 to $6. And at affordable cost ranging from $5 to $9 per meal, you can get good dinner and lunch. Meal time is always awesome as you get to eat the food with the mind-blowing view of the nature.
EBC trek transport cost
One can reach the trek starting point by flight or road. Using flight to Lukla is one of the most common and best ways to star your trek. You can enjoy the bird eye view of the Himalayas during the flight and it is also easy and comfortable journey. There are numbers of flight during the peak season, but the best time fly to Lukla from Kathmandu is before 10 am or early morning as the weather is clear and you won’t have any obstacles in your flight. Therefore it’s better to book the flight early for comfortable journey. You can only carry 10 kg of luggage and 5kg on hand carry. If you have extra baggage, you can keep it at your hotel in Kathmandu. Approximately the two ways flight ticket can cost you around $370 (for foreigners).
You also have other options to reach Lukla. You can either take Heli ride to Lukla, which can be expensive i.e $400 per person on one way ride, or take a road journey to Jiri. For the trekkers with lots of time can take bus or private jeep drive to Jiri and start trek from there. It takes around 7 days to reach Lukla from Jiri. It can increase your accommodation and meal cost but decrease cost on the transport. If you use local bus service, the cost ranges from $8 to $15 but if you use private Jeep (5-7 seater) it costs about $180 for one jeep. So, it’s your choice on how to reach Lukla.
Everest Base camp trekking Permit and Fees
You require two permits to complete you EBC trek. One is Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and another is Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit – approx $30 per person (for foreigners). You can get this permit at National Park Entrance at Monjo or Nepal Tourism Board Kathmandu, Bhrikuti Mandap.
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee – approx $20 per person (for foreigners). You can get this permit at the trek starting point in Lukla.
Additional Permit
Also if you are beginning through Jiri, then additional Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entry Permit of approx. $20 is required. And it is issued at Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu.
EBC trek miscellaneous cost
When you are at higher altitude, nothing is actually free. For services which are not included in the room price can be charged as extra. Boiled water can cost you $ 1 to $ 3 per liter, charging electronic gadgets $ 1 to $ 3 per hour, internet access $ 6 to $ 10 during your stay, hot shower about $5 etc. There can be some other extras that you need to pay if you use them.
Total Everest Base camp Trek Cost The overall cost of the Everest Base Camp can be anything from $1190 to$5000 per person for an average trek of 10 to 21 days itinerary. Generally cost includes permits, guide and porter cost, round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, accommodation, meals and drinks. And it excludes travel insurance, visa fees, trekking gears & equipment and other personal expenses. You can always contact Hiking Nepal for any queries and travel arrangements related to EBC trek.
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