How To Budget Your Everest Base Camp Trek In 2025

Budgeting for the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is one of the most important aspects of planning your adventure. Understanding the cost components and planning accordingly ensures that you have a stress-free trekking experience. In this detailed guide, we will break down the EBC trek cost and offer practical tips to help you budget effectively for the journey.

1. Travel Costs

The journey to Everest Base Camp begins with reaching Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. From Kathmandu, you’ll need to make your way to Lukla, the gateway to the EBC trek.

• Kathmandu to Lukla Flights: Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla cost approximately $180 to $200 per person one way. However, during peak seasons, flights might get rescheduled or canceled due to weather conditions. Budget extra for alternative travel arrangements or delays.

• Ramechhap to Lukla Flights: Many flights to Lukla now depart from Ramechhap Airport, about 5-6 hours by road from Kathmandu. A shared cab to Ramechhap costs NPR 3,200 ($25) for 8-9 passengers.

• Buffer Days: Due to the unpredictable weather in the region, it is advisable to plan for at least two buffer days. Additional accommodation and food costs should be included in your budget for these days.

Tip: Book flights in advance and carry cash in case you need to reschedule due to delays.

2. Accommodation Costs

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp trek is primarily in tea houses—small lodges that provide basic facilities.

• Tea House Rooms: The cost of a room ranges from NPR 1,500 ($12) to NPR 2,000 ($16) per night depending on the altitude. At higher altitudes, prices increase due to limited resources.

• Obligatory Meals: Most tea houses require you to dine in-house. Dinner and breakfast are mandatory, which adds to the overall cost.

Tip: Share rooms with fellow trekkers to split costs and ask the tea house owner to reserve your next accommodation in advance.

3. Food Expenses

Food is one of the most significant expenses during the trek. The prices of meals increase as you ascend due to the difficulty of transporting supplies to higher altitudes.

• Meal Costs: At Lukla, a meal costs around NPR 600 ($5), while at Gorakshep, the cost rises to NPR 1,200-1,400 ($10-$12) per meal. A day’s meals can cost between NPR 1,800 ($15) to NPR 4,100 ($33) depending on the location.

• Tips to Save: Stick to dal-bhat for your main meals. It is nutritious, filling, and often comes with unlimited servings. Carry dry fruits, nuts, and energy bars to avoid spending on overpriced snacks.

4. Drinking Water

Access to clean drinking water is essential during the trek. While tap water is generally safe in most tea houses, it becomes undrinkable at Gorakshep.

• Bottled Water: Costs range from NPR 100 ($0.80) to NPR 500 ($4) per liter depending on altitude.

• Water Purification: Carry a water purification bottle or tablets to save money and reduce plastic waste.

Tip: Purify tap water at higher altitudes to avoid paying for bottled water.

5. Wifi and Charging

Staying connected comes with a price tag on the EBC trek.

• Wifi Costs: Wifi costs NPR 1,200 ($10) per day at Lobuche and NPR 1,800 ($15) for two days at higher altitudes.

• Device Charging: Charging costs range from NPR 300 ($2.50) to NPR 600 ($5) per device. Power banks cost more to charge.

Tip: Carry a solar-powered charger or multiple fully charged power banks to reduce costs.

6. Trek Permits

To trek to Everest Base Camp, you will need two permits:

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2,000 ($16) for SAARC nationals.

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 1,500 ($12) for SAARC nationals.

Tip: SAARC nationals can collect permits at Monjo, while others can get them in Kathmandu. Ensure you carry all necessary identification documents.

7. Guides and Porters

Hiring guides and porters adds to the trek’s cost but also enhances your safety and comfort.

• Guide Costs: NPR 1,700 ($14) per day.

• Porter Costs: NPR 1,500 ($12) to NPR 1,600 ($13) per day.

• Tipping Culture: Guides and porters expect generous tips at the end of the trek. Factor this into your budget.

Tip: If you’re confident in your navigation skills, you can trek solo to save costs. However, hiring a guide ensures a safer and more informed trekking experience.

8. Trekking Insurance

Trekking insurance is a crucial expense that many trekkers overlook. It covers emergencies such as high-altitude sickness, helicopter evacuation, and other unforeseen circumstances.

• Cost of Insurance: Trekking insurance typically costs between $85 to $350 depending on the coverage and provider.

Tip: Ensure that your insurance policy covers altitudes above 5,500 meters, as standard travel insurance might not include this.

9. Miscellaneous Expenses

• SIM Cards: An NCell SIM card costs NPR 500 ($4). Recharge for calls costs NPR 50 ($0.40) for 30 minutes of talk time to India.

• Emergency Cash: Carry at least NPR 50,000-60,000 ($400-$480) in cash for unexpected expenses. ATMs are rare on the trail, and tea houses do not accept cards.

Tip: Withdraw sufficient cash in Kathmandu as transaction fees at ATMs in remote areas can be high.

Estimated Budget

For a 12-day EBC trek, you can expect the following costs:

Total Estimated Cost: NPR 97,500 - 136,500 ($776 - $1,076), depending on your preferences and choices.

Final Tips

1. Research and plan your itinerary in advance.

2. Travel light to reduce porter costs.

3. Stick to your budget but carry extra cash for emergencies.

4. Choose an experienced travel partner for a seamless experience.

With careful planning and budgeting, the Everest Base Camp trek can be a rewarding and affordable adventure. Follow these tips to make the most of your journey without breaking the bank!

Why Choose ASC 360 for Your Trek?

At ASC 360, we specialize in providing safety rescue packages for high-altitude trekking. Our emergency response services, evacuation plans, and professional guidance ensure a secure trek to Everest Base Camp. Contact us today to learn more!