Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Explained 2020

Everest Base Camp Trek is undoubtedly the most popular trek in the world. This trek takes you to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world. An adventure to Everest Base Camp is a dream come true to all avid adventurers.

Starting with a thrilling flight to Lulka, Everest Base Camp Trek has a lot to offer you. But you have to be prepared physically and mentally for this adventure. There are many things to consider, but what seems important is the Everest Base Camp Trek cost and the question “how much money to take on Everest Base Camp Trek?” that arguably depends on many factors.

In a nutshell, Everest Base Camp Trek Cost mainly depends on days of the treks, types of the trek you want to do, what time of the year you trek, and the route you choose.

Here is an estimated budget for Everest Base Camp Trek:

  • Independent Trek: $600-$800
  • Trek with a guide and porter: $1300- $1500
  • Trek with Local Travel Agency: $1400- $1600
  • Trek with International Travel Agency: $1600- $1800

(Note: The price may vary, but represents tentative figures)

Here are the factors that play vital roles for the cost of the Everest base camp trek:

1) Lukla Flight 

2) Season

3) Itinerary

4) Guide, and Porter

5) Permits

6) Insurance

7) Food and Accommodation

8) Miscellaneous cost

9) Trekking Equipment

1) Lukla Flight

Before hitting the trekking trail, you will have to fly to Lukla from Kathmandu. The flight takes around 45 minutes from Kathmandu to Lukla. Remember, the flight is scheduled between 6:00 am, and 11:00 am in the morning every day. The cost of the flight per person to Lukla is $ 177.

Baggage Allowance in Lukla Flight

The weight limit on your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is 15kg per person. If your weight exceeds 15kg, you will have to pay extra (1$-1.5$ per kg). So we suggest you carry essential stuff only. You can leave the remaining stuffs at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Alternatives to Lukla Flight

As an alternative to Lukla flight, you can trek through the classic route- from Jiri to Namche Bazaar (takes 5 days of trekking). Or you may hop into a helicopter that costs $500 per person ( I know it is too expensive. Not recommended).

2) season

The cost of trekking in peak season is comparatively higher than in the off-season. If you want to trek in the peak season (recommended), be ready to pay a little more than in the off-season.

Best time to trek to Everest Base Camp

The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is during the pre-monsoon season (March, April, May) and the post-monsoon fall (September, October, November.)

Trekking in off-season

Trekking in the off-season is not recommended. If you are thinking of trekking in the off-season, you may have to face: flight cancellation, weather hazards, bad views of mountains, chances of getting lost, and Acute Mountain Sickness.

3) Itinerary

You can complete Everest Base Camp Trek in 14 days, or extend it to 2 or 3 weeks. You can customize the itinerary that is proportional to the cost of the trek- the more the days, the costlier. But remember, your itinerary must include acclimatization days. Two acclimatization days are highly recommended-1st at Namche Bazaar and second at Dingboche. (If you are experienced trekkers, you may skip acclimatization days.)

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary (Recommended)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 4: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche

Day 7: Acclimatization day at Dingboche

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche

Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep and visit Everest Base Camp

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 12: Trek to Lukla

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 14: Back to Home

4) Guide, and Porter

If you are an independent trekker, you can trek to Everest base camp without a guide and porter. If you want to trek to Everest Base Camp on a budget, you can trek independently. 

Cost of a Guide

Hiring a guide is inexpensive. It will cost you 30-35 USD per day. Make sure that the guide is local, professional, and certified.

Cost of a Porter

A porter accompanying you per day will cost you 20 to 30 USD. By hiring a local porter, you help them economically. 

Tipping the guide and porter

Tipping the guide and porter is not mandatory, but the guide and porter expect a good tip from you. If you’re happy with their service, you can give them a tip. Otherwise, you are not obliged to tip them.

5) Permits

For your Everest base camp trek, two permits are necessary: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and a Sagarmatha National Park Permit. 

  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: $20 (Nrs 2000)
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit: $33(Nrs 3,390)

6) Insurance

Trekking in high altitude can be risky, and thus, to be on the safe side, insurance is imperative for your health and future. Make sure your insurance covers emergency rescue, and flight delay or cancellation, up to 6000m.

7) Food and Accommodation

The cost for food and accommodation may vary from place to place and season of the trek. On average, it will cost you around $25 per day. Remember, the higher you go, the higher the price. And if you want to spend extra, it is all on you. 

8) Miscellaneous cost

As you ascend higher, everything is a bit expensive. You will have to pay for a hot shower and charging your electronic device.

  • Hot Shower: $5 
  • Charging Electronic Device: $2-$5 per hour or per device
  • Internet/WiFi: $6 to $10 (some of the hotel offers free WiFi (at lower region))

9) Trekking Equipment

Trekking to Everest Base Camp demands appropriate trekking equipment from trekking poles to hiking boots and sleeping bags. On average, for all trekking gear and equipment, it may cost you around $2000.

Note: If you want to lower your expenses, you can also rent or hire your trekking gear in Thamel Kathmandu. You can rent trekking shoes, trekking poles, backpack, and literally everything in Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Trek Packing list (note: the list may vary person to person)

Clothing

  • Gortex or waterproof jacket
  • Hiking shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece pants
  • Trekking trousers
  • Underwear
  • Woolen cap
  • Hiking socks
  • Neck gaiter or bandana

Trekking Gear

  • Duffle bag
  • 40L Daypack
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottles
  • Drybags in several sizes

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen
  • Toilet Paper
  • Diamox
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Face lotion
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Soap
  • Moleskin, medical tape
  • Antibiotics 

10 Reasons to Trek to Everest Base Camp

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