Everest Base Camp Trek Cost: Complete Cost Breakdown 2024/25

As we all know Everest Base Camp Trek, which revolves around the mystical Himalayas of Nepal, is the most popular trekking destination in the world. Every year thousands of avid trekkers come to Nepal just to trek to the Everest Base Camp. Popularity aside, the EBC trek is also equally known for its high altitudes risks, and difficulties.

But still, why are so many people on the EBC trek? Does this mean the cost of going to the Everest Base Camp is cheap? Well, even in terms of price, if you want to do the Everest Base Camp Trek it can cost from $800 to $5,000 depending on the various factors.

But why are so many different prices for the same destination? To clear up your query, we will talk about why there are so many price variations and will have a complete breakdown of EBC costs.

Fun fact even so trekkers do not hesitate to pay any sum of amount for the EBC trek because it is exceptionally famous for the wide range of attractions you can experience throughout the journey. Once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From the majestic mountain ranges and rugged trails to the lush vegetation and lively Sherpa settlement, the EBC trek has it all.

So, how much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost exactly?

As mentioned earlier, there is no such fixed cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, it can cost from a minimum of USD 800 to a maximum of up to USD 5000. You just need to do your research properly and plan properly.

Pristine Nepal Treks 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek costs USD 1255 per person and includes a guide & porter, accommodation service, meals, permits, domestic-flight fare, transportation, and all other important services

Still, the cost of EBC trekking depends upon various factors such as the trek duration, the time of the year, itinerary, permits, food, accommodation, as well as the services you seek.

One of the most important factors is whether you are trekking solo or in a group, with or without a trekking agency.

Similarly, another example where the Everest Base Camp trek can get expensive is by adding luxury services like luxury hotels, Helicopter return, & other extra services. On our page, we offer EBC Heli Return Trek at $1,950 which is a little more expensive than the normal EBC package.

Basically, what I mean to say is, that the Everest Base Camp trek cost is based on the services that you choose and the trekking agency.

This is the general price I am talking about the Everest Base Camp Trek including all the basic services. Other than that here are the things that you must consider for planning the Everest Base Camp Trek cost.

Nepal Visa Fee Cost (Not Included in the Package)

Everest Base Camp trek cost inclusion does not include the Nepal Visa Fee. However, it is extremely cheap and easy to get a Nepali Visa.

Nationals from all countries except Indian nationals need a visa and can get the on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in the immigration department.

Here is the cost of a Nepal Visa:
15 Days Tourist Visa – 30 US$
30 Days Tourist Visa – 50 US$
90 Days Tourist Visa – 125 US$

Since the standard Everest Base Camp Trek is 14-15 days, it is best to get a 30-day tourist visa.

Costs According to Everest Base Camp Trek Duration

There is a wide range of trekking packages for Everest Base Camp. You can choose from the shortest 9-day packages to the longest 21-day packages that fit your schedule and style. The price for these packages will range from as low as USD 600 per person to as high as USD 5000 per person.

Of course, the longer the trip duration, the price will also increase as you have to pay for the food and accommodations including other basic services like charging phones, buying bottled water, etc.

Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost

You must obtain a trekking permit while trekking in Nepal. Permits are issued by the government of Nepal and will give you access to trek in the remote and conservation areas of Nepal. It also records and collects data on foreigners trekking to various destinations.

Likewise, while doing EBC trekking you need different kinds of permits which costs are as follows:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit Cost: The Sagarmatha National Park permit fee allows you to pass over the national property of Nepal where NPS (National Park Service) utilizes the money for conserving wildlife, scenery, and historical things.

The Sagarmatha National Park permit fee is NRS 3000 (US $23) which you can get at the Lukla counter (before this was on Monjo). As for SAARC nationals, the permit fee is only NRP 1500 (US $11).

EBC Rural/Khumbu Municipality Entrance Fee Cost: The rural Municipality entrance fee is utilized for security and staying in the Khumbu region. It is also the main revenue source of the Khumbu region which is utilized for maintaining historical places. They also maintain security in the area as well as adding more facilities

As for the rural municipality entrance fee, it costs NPR 3000 (US$23) (recently updated price from July 2024 which you can get at the Lukla counter.

Do you need TIMS Card while doing the Everest Base Camp trek?

According to Nepal Tourism Board, TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card is mandatory to ensure the safety and security of trekkers in the general trekking areas. However, while hiking to Everest Base Camp TIMS Card is not really used/needed or not mandatory.

Instead of TIMS, they have introduced the new Trek Card which you will get at the Lukla counter.

Everest Base Camp Trek Transportation Cost

Basically, there are only two options to do the EBC trek. You have to either take the classical route i.e Jiri to EBC which is by public bus or fly to Lukla and start the trek from there. However, the most convenient way is to start the trek from Lukla. Lukla airport is also considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world yet it is one of the major highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek.

There are no options for getting into Lukla other than taking a flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. The flight depends on the trekking season. During the peak season (April-May & Oct-Nov) Lukla flights are done from Manthali airport, Ramechhap, and the other times (June-Sep & Dec-March) Lukla flights are done from the Kathmandu domestic terminal airport.

The costs are as follows

• Ramechhap – Lukla – Ramechhap domestic flight (April to May and October to November): USD 176 for one way so the two-way flight cost is USD 352.
• Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu (December to March and June to September): USD 217 for one way so the two-way flight cost is USD 434.

Note: These are the latest updated prices of Lukla flights as of the first half year 2024.

For Indian nationals, the flight cost is more than NRS 20,000 for one way so a two-way flight cost is more than NRS 40,000 (prices may vary).  And for the Nepali nationals, Lukla flight cost is around NRS 10,500 for one-way which is around NRS 21,000 for two-way (prices may vary).

If you are going by public bus then the minimum price is NRS 2500 which goes only up to Salleri. From there you have to take a Jeep to Khari Khola and the costs depend on the number of passengers. At the minimum, it costs around NRS 2500-3000.

Why is there no direct flight to Lukla from Kathmandu during peak season?

During peak season which is Autumn (Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-April), the traffic in Kathmandu domestic airport is usually very high so you have to take an alternative flight from Ramechhap airport.

Kathmandu has only one airport with a single runway where both international and domestic airlines operate their flight so there is a high volume of air traffic. Also, the Lukla weather is unpredictable too. Generally, the flight time to Lukla is just 30 minutes. But during peak time it takes more than two hours for round trip KTM-LUK-KTM. That is why all the domestic airlines are operated from Manthali airport, Ramechhap to Lukla during a busy season to avoid flight delays.

The cost of the Lukla flight from Ramechhap is slightly lower than that from Kathmandu. However, the cost of going to Ramachhap by ground transportation adds cost. You can go by private car, jeep or Hiace. The prices are:
Private Car: NRS 10,000 for 3 person
Private Jeep: NRS 14,000 for 5-7 person
Private Hiace: NRS 18,000 for 12-14 person

Note: Our Everest Base Camp Trek package includes all the transportation and transfer fees.

Everest Base Camp Trek Food Cost

Everest Base Camp is a hike passing through the remote parts of Nepal. So, you might be wondering what kinds of food options are available on the EBC trek. Luckily, you will have access to a variety of quality and tasty food among which Dal Bhat (a local and traditional Nepali dish) is the most popular dish which is also available in every part of Nepal Himalayas.

The cost of food at Everest Base Camp ranges from US$5-$15 per meal. Hence, it will cost you around US$40-50 per day which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
But, if you want to experience fancy eating during the Everest Base Camp trek, it will cost you around US$35 for one meal at luxury hotels in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche.

Whereas, water and hot drinks are a bit expensive in this region. It will cost up to NPR 100-350 (US$ 1-2) for a cup of hot drinks. Hot drinks mean black tea/coffee, milk tea/coffee, hot lemon with ginger honey, etc.

Note: The cost of food increases as you progress to a higher altitude because they have to be transported via yaks, helicopters, horses, etc.

Can I bring my own food during the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Honestly speaking, No. It is a policy of the Local Hotel Management Committee that trekkers are required to eat (dinner & breakfast) at the hotels where they are staying. Besides, you will find teahouses throughout the EBC trail and there won’t be any necessity to bring food by yourself.

Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation Cost

Everest Base Camp trek offers a wide range of well-maintained tourist-friendly accommodations throughout the trail. Of course, after long strenuous hiking, everybody wants to sleep and take a rest in a warm cozy bed, right?

Everest Base Camp Trek has all sorts of accommodations available from luxury hotels to teahouses. And every one of them is categorized in the moderate to luxurious class. From a low price of US$5 to a maximum of US$250; you can choose whichever one you desire.

If you want luxury accommodation (Lukla, Phakding, and Namche) during the trek you will be paying high prices like US$150-$200 per night. Whereas, if you just want a clean bed with normal food then you can take one of the cheaper options.

The accommodation cost during the Everest Base Camp trek changes annually but we will keep on updating.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost: Guide and Porter fee

EBC is one of the highest altitude treks so there will always be uncertainties and things can change in a matter of seconds. Hence, having a guide and porters who can lead you on the trail and give you company is advisable and an awesome way to commence any trekking journey in Nepal.

Guides will help you with almost everything from showing the trail to providing all the detailed information to even booking hotels and teahouses beforehand. On the other hand, porters will carry your heavy bags for you making the trekking experience much better and more relaxed. The cost for an average/normal trekking guide ranges from US$35-$40 whereas expert guides may cost up to US$50-$100 per day. And hiring the porter costs USD $25-$30 per day.

Is it compulsory to hire a guide during Everest Base Camp Trek?

As I said, there are always uncertainties while trekking in Nepal. So, it is always better to hire a guide. But if you are a budget trekker that’s a different story. In that case, try to look out for other solo trekkers and enjoy the trek.

Tipping Cost

Although there is no fixed tipping rate for a guide and porter, however, 10-15% of the overall trip price is expected. Matter of fact it is your choice to tip them as much as you like or want to. You can either tip in USD or Nepali Rupees.

Note: Tipping is a generous way to express and thank the team for making your trip successful and memorable. Generally, tipping is done on the last day of the trek.

Cost of Trekking Equipment

Having a proper set of gear and equipment is very important while hiking to Everest Base Camp. It determines the overall trekking experience. The weather is constantly changing at higher altitudes and you have to hike on rugged trails so you have to be prepared for any incoming challenges during the trek.

So, some of the most needed equipment is a sleeping bag, down jacket, waterproof jacket, hiking boots, trekking poles, and so on. All of these can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu and can cost you somewhere around US$200-$400. For your information, this cost is not included in any of the trekking packages.

Have a look at the packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek for detailed information.

Wifi-Internet, SIM Card Cost

When budgeting for the Everest Base Camp trek, it’s essential to consider the cost of internet, WiFi, and SIM cards. Upon arriving in Nepal, one of the first things you’ll want to do is purchase a Nepali SIM card. These are widely available at various shops, and you can get a good data package as well. Typically, a SIM card with a 12 GB data pack costs around NPR 1,500 to 2,000 (approximately USD 11).

During the trek, you’ll need to pay for WiFi services at most teahouses. The cost for WiFi usually ranges between NPR 300 to 500. However, from Dingboche onward, the WiFi services become weaker, and you may need to purchase a separate WiFi card. This card typically costs NPR 800 for a 24-hour plan and NPR 1,200 for a 48-hour plan.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost with Agencies

15 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Package Cost with a Local Agency: US $1300-$1500 this includes round flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu, guide, porter, permits, accommodation, and food.

15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Package Cost with an International Agency: US $1200-$1300 + ($500 Food) this includes a guide, porter, internal flights, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Food not included.

Why is the same Everest Base Camp Trek so expensive with International Companies?

Presumably, the main reason is that international companies take a huge commission in the middle and sell it to local companies at the same price that the locals have been selling for ages. Branding and advertisement might probably be another good factor for such high prices but not to mention local agencies offer you the best customer services and satisfaction in comparison to international agencies.

So, choosing a local agency over an international agency is the best possible way to save your money and enjoy the trek to the fullest.

Here are some reasons to choose the local agencies:

• Reasonable price rates
• Local Guides and Porters / Experienced
• Guaranteed safety and satisfaction
• 100% local and authenticity
• No hidden charges
• Provides you with accurate information
• Friendly and best hospitality
• Flexible Itinerary for and during the trek

Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance Cost

Trekking to Everest Base Camp involves a high risk of injuries caused by slipping, muscle cramps, or altitude sickness, and could require a quick evacuation by helicopter if seriously injured.  You also need to consider trip cancellation or losing your baggage and you will need insurance to cover your loss or expenses.

During the Everest Trek, you will be trekking and sleeping over an altitude of 5000 meters so we suggest you get insurance that covers up to 6000 meters.

What should your insurance cover?

• Flight Cancellation
• Helicopter Rescue
• Baggage loss or damage
• Altitude Sickness
• Accidents during trek

Where can I buy my travel insurance for the Everest trek?

There are many insurance companies but it is preferred to buy from your local firms so that you can easily claim any losses that occurred during the trekking period.
We recommend you World Nomads for EBC insurance.

Everest Base Camp Trek Solo Cost

Everest Base Camp Trek solo is indeed rewarding and also more exciting. While it may sound absurd but surprisingly it is very possible. In fact, it is the ideal way to enjoy yourself in the pristine Himalayas.

Trekking solo means you will be saving a lot especially since you don’t have to pay extra for any agencies and also the guide and porter fee. Moreover, you can decide and control the budget by yourself.

Here is the estimated overview for Everest Base Camp Trek Solo Cost:

Flight Cost: USD 434 (KTM-LUK-KTM) approx.

Food: NRS 30,000 / USD 235 approx during trekking only

Accommodation: NRS 7,500 / USD 60 (twins sharing) approx during trekking only.

Permits: NRS 6,000 / USD 44 

Extras: NRS 26,800/ USD 200 approx.

The minimum EBC trek cost per person: is NRS 1,30,000+ / USD 973+ approx.

As we should always look for the bright side but we shouldn’t ignore the cons of trekking alone. Remember there is always risk involved in trekking alone. So be careful.

Get the Everest Base Camp Trek Quote Here

Money-saving tips for Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest base camp is a dream destination for all hikers and trekkers from all around the world. The EBC trek offers you one of the finest trekking experiences and wonders of the Himalayas you could ever imagine. The highest base camp in the world, thrilling flight to Lukla, capital of Khumbu Namche Bazar, oldest Tyangboche monastery, the highest vantage point Kalapatthar, what else is not here?

Despite its popularity, bringing food and other basic necessities is very hard in Everest Region. They have to be either carried by yaks or supplied by helicopters. Considering these factors, it is no wonder the Everest trek cost is slightly higher in comparison with other treks in Nepal. But, the cost to go to Everest Base Camp is completely affordable and reasonable.

However, if you are on a budget or want to save a few pennies throughout the trek we have got some money-saving tips for you.

5 best money-saving tips for Everest Base Camp Trek:

Join a group
Joining a group is the best option to save money and will benefit you a lot. If you are a solo or duo trekker then try to join the group for the trek because while booking solo with the agencies, they will charge you a supplementary fee of around US $100-$200.  And, finding a group shouldn’t be any issue since a lot of hikers and trekkers go to EBC every year.

Carry your own backpack
Hiring a porter to carry your bag is a good choice unless you want to save some money. They charge you around USD $20-$30 per day for carrying your bag weighing up to 20 kgs. Also, at the end of the trek, you are obligated to tip them a certain amount. So, we suggest you pack as light as you can, carry it by yourself, and enjoy the trek.

Stick to vegetarian food especially Dal-Bhat
This is where you will save a great deal of amount. Just to let you know food on Everest is very expensive and the portions you get are quite low to fulfill your hungry stomach.  So, the only best option is to eat Dal-Bhat which you can get for USD $6-$7 and more than enough to keep going. Non-veg items are also available but they will increase your bills and be bad for you in terms of your health while trekking to such high altitudes.

Use water purifiers
Staying hydrated is a key factor for a successful trek and prevents you from getting possible altitude sickness. And during Everest trekking, you must drink at least 3-4 liters of water on a daily basis. You can buy bottled water or boiled water but you have to pay for it. The price for a one-liter bottle ranges from USD $1-$3 which varies from place to place. However, carrying a water bottle with purifiers will save you a lot of money. To purify water, you can have either purification tablets, Steripen, or chlorine drops that are convenient to you. This is one of the best money-saving tips during Everest Base Camp Trek.

Rent trekking equipment in Kathmandu
If you are thinking of carrying all the gears and equipment from your homeland then don’t do that mistake. Not only you are making your backpack heavy but also, you’re spending a lot in due time.

You can find almost everything you need for the EBC trek in Nepal. Thamel, which is the touristic hub-spot for trekkers is the best place to purchase or rent trekking equipment. You can find gears and items from basic to high quality at very reasonable price ranges. So, grab the needed items and gear like sleeping bags, jackets, trekking poles, water bottles, thermal sets so on, and enjoy the trek.

What is the best time of the year to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The best time for the Everest Base Camp trek is in the Spring season (March-May) and the Autumn season (Sep-Dec). Trekking to Everest Base Camp at the right time/weather will save you a fortune. You don’t have to worry about any unpleasant events that will cancel or elongate your trip.

On top of that, during these times of the year, you will be overwhelmed by the serene beauty of the trek. Flowers bloom everywhere, perfect weather for the mesmerizing mountain views, Sherpa culture, traditions and festivals, and many more to enjoy.

While on the other hand, during Summer/Monsoon and Winter seasons in Nepal trekking will be very hard because of bad weather. In such a case, you have to prepare yourself with an extra backpack and budget. I hardly recommend you to trek during these times.

Other minor costs of Everest Base Camp Trek

The listed price above is the overall cost of the Everest Base Camp trek but there are some other minor costs you should consider before trekking. Such as tips to guide and porter, charging phones, buying bottled waters, extra days in Kathmandu, renting accessories, hot shower during the trek, etc.

Conclusion

This is the updated cost of Everest Base Camp trekking in 2023/2024.
If you have any queries regarding Everest Base Camp Trek Costs please let us know in the comment section. Thank you.