The idea of summiting Everest is a very exciting fantasy for a lot. But it isn’t possible for anyone to scale the world’s highest peak. Trekking up to the Mount Everest Base Camp will be an easier and better alternative for you if you cannot aim to summit Mount Everest. Anyone with a basic fitness level can complete the Everest Base Camp Trek.
It also costs much less money and time to hike to base camp than to scale Everest. But to make your trek successful, you have to have a good idea about the Everest Base Camp trek cost and itinerary.
This article will give you a piece of surficial information about the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost and Itinerary. We will then delve further into detail about it.
The price for the Everest Base Camp Trek is not set in stone. The price of the trip would range from USD 1200 TO USD 4500, depending on the route, the agency, and the services they provide. The cost of the extravagant trekking package and the helicopter return options will be slightly more than the cost of the standard packages.
You might be interested in other day itinerary: 7 days EBC trek, 11 days itinerary, Everest Luxury Trek
Talking about the itinerary, a standard package of the Everest Base Camp will take about 12 days. 9 days towards the camp and 3 days to land at Lukla, and then again board a flight back from Lukla.
The Everest Base Camp Trek will begin with you departing from Kathmandu. You will board a plane and fly over the valley. After a brief valley sightseeing tour, you will fly to Lukla. You’ll start your trek after landing safely in Lukla. Passing over two suspension bridges to cross the Dudhkoshi river will be one of your first travel stops.
You will then arrive at Sagarmatha National Park, a site of international significance known as a world heritage site. The area is home to a wide variety of endangered plants and animals.
After Sagarmatha National Park, you will then advance a few steep steps to the fascinating settlement of Namche Bazaar. The locals here will welcome you with open arms. The Namche Bazaar offers magnificent views of the Himalayas. You will spend the night in Namche and continue traveling the following day.
The following day, you’ll continue your ascent to the Everest Base Camp via Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. You can explore Buddhist monasteries in this area and interact with the local Sherpa population to learn about their fascinating culture.
Afterward, the route will lead to Gorakshep and eventually the Everest Base Camp. On the eighth day, after an arduous trek along these passages, you will arrive at the Everest Base Camp, where you will spend the night in a cozy lodging in Gorakshep.
As you ascend further, you will arrive at the Kala Patthar viewpoint, from which you can see the entirety of Mount Everest. People claim that Everest appears to be a dream in this area.
After you are done with your trek to Kala Patthar, you will return back to Gorakshep and then head towards Periche as a way back. From Periche, you will go back to Namche Bazaar. This part of the trek will mostly include descents. As you approach Namche Bazaar, you can see more greenery and settlements.
After reaching Namche Bazar, you will return to Lukla the next day to catch your flight back to Kathmandu.
To elaborate on this, we will break down the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost and Itinerary in a detailed way in this article.
11 days everest base camp trekThe Expenses of the Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Permit cost
You will require two permits to complete the Everest Base Camp trek: an entrance permit for Sagarmatha National Park and one for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality( also known as a regional fee to enter the Solukhumbu area).
The total cost for the permits will be as follows:
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit :
USD 20 per individual/week (for the first 4 weeks)
USD 25 per individual/week ( beyond 4 weeks)
Sagarmatha National Park permit :
USD 30 per person
Ride and Guide cost
In this part of the article, we will break down the cost of transportation along with porters and guide costs for your Everest Base Camp Trek.
Flight costs
Starting with the flight to and back from Lukla, a round-trip ticket costs from USD 360 to USD 380 per person. A good option to start the trek off is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla before starting the trek.
Travel insurance cost
Due to the altitude and extremely cold weather, the trek to Everest Base Camp is quite unpredictable, and anything could happen. If you need medical attention, you might need to be evacuated on a helicopter and transported to a reputable hospital. Consequently, you must have a policy of insurance that is appropriate and covers.
The paperwork for your permit application also requires some sort of insurance included in it, so it is best to have a travel insurance to cover yourself.
Guides and Porters cost
While trekking in Nepal, having a guide and a porter is always very beneficial. They are familiar with the teahouse owners and can communicate in the local tongue. With their wealth of knowledge about the trail, they’ll help you make the most of your trekking experience.
Licensed porters are required compulsory on many trail treks in Nepal for your own safety. Some guides even help you carry your luggage, but porters will also be available. They will transport your gear so you can move freely, especially at high altitudes where trekking can be challenging.
While hiring a porter costs between USD 20 to USD 25 per day, hiring a guide typically costs between USD 30 and USD 35 per day. An individual porter can handle up to 20 kg of luggage. The premium guides may charge upwards of USD 50 per day.
Although the cost doesn’t seem extravagant, you are expected to tip. Tipping is customary but not mandatory in Nepal. Tipping around 10% to the guides and porters would be a good idea.
Accommodation costs in the Everest Base Camp trek
You will be accommodated at local lodges or tea houses depending on the remoteness or the day of your travel. The cost of lodging varies from cheap teahouses to ones that are more comfortable and a few extravagant lodges.
In a basic teahouse, a bed costs about USD 5-8 per night per head on average, while a room with two beds costs USD 5. As you go higher, the cost might increase until it reaches USD 10 at Gorak Shep. In comparison, Lobuche charges a fixed USD 7 per night for lodging.
The tea house rooms are extremely basic, typically featuring two beds, a pillow, a blanket, and an attached bathroom (except at a few locations). However, you are suggested to bring a sleeping bag along to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Every tea house typically has a sizable dining area where guests can gather to eat and unwind while on their trek. The dining room has a fireplace in the middle that is used to heat the space while people are having dinner.
Food and Water cost
Prices for food and water vary depending on where you are, just like the tea house cost. The cost of food and water will increase as you climb higher. Surprisingly, the menus at teahouses along the trail are vast, while the selection decreases as you ascend.
The meal is rich in carbohydrates, allowing you enough energy for the trek. The most common food you will find on the trail is dal bhat, and prices range from USD 5 at the beginning of the trek to USD 12 at Gorak Shep. The same holds true for bottled water. A liter of bottled water can range from USD 1 to USD 4. The average cost of a day’s worth of food and water is between USD 25 to USD 40.
Trekking gear cost
It is imperative that you have the necessary supplies and gear with you before setting out on your trek through the Himalayan wilderness. You might have to face a lot of discomforts if you do not have these essentials covered. Trekking equipment can cost anywhere between USD 200 to USD 500. Spending a little more on such gear is better if you’re a beginner.
High-quality boots, a sleeping bag, thermal clothing, a trekking pole, warm gloves, and a water-resistant jacket are just a few examples of the equipment that is absolutely necessary.
Miscellaneous costs
It is highly advised that you make notes of every little thing you need for the trek. Instead of expecting wifi, it is best to purchase a mobile internet data pack before beginning the trek. Your monthly cost for the internet data package would be about USD 10. (depending on the volume and the network company).
It’s also best to have a power bank or solar battery charger with you so you can charge your devices. However, for a small fee, you could also purchase a power supply for the purpose. Additionally, you might be expected to give to nearby monasteries and tip your tour guides, porters, and hosts. The amount may vary, but make sure you have about USD 10 set aside as tips for your fellow travelers for the day.
You also need to keep note of the following points that you might need during your accommodation at the tea houses:
- Hot showers are not included in the price unless you pay for an ensuite room. The tea houses usually heat water on the fire and bring it by the bucket. The price of a hot shower can range from USD 2 to USD 6.
- Electric blankets and heaters cost about USD 20 per night, but they are not necessarily available in all lodging.
- An additional fee is charged for battery charging hourly, typically between USD2 and USD6, while a power bank will cost USD10.
- Not all accommodations might offer free internet. WiFi costs between USD 2 and USD 5 per hour in the mountains, despite the service being very slow.
These are the crucial expenses that make up the Everest base camp trek cost, and the itinerary for the trek will also aid on if your expense range. The better you pay, the more comfortable your itinerary is, the longer your itinerary is, the more you have to pay, and so on. To understand how the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost and Itinerary are interrelated, we have a breakdown of your itinerary for you as well.
Itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek
DAY 1: Fly to Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla from Kathmandu and Trek from Lukla to Phakding
Phakding Altitude: 2610 meters
Flight Hours: 35-40 minutes
Walking Hours: 3-4 hours
Overnight at Phakding
We’ll take off from Kathmandu and fly over the Kathmandu valley. Then, we’ll be traveling to Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport. The views more than make up for the narrow runway at the airport, which may seem frightening at first. You’ll have to spend 35 to 40 minutes on this entire flight.
You’ll need to walk to Phakding after landing. As you trek, guides and porters will be with you. Suspension bridges must be used to cross the Dudh Koshi river. Throughout this portion of the trek, there will be stunning views of the river and surrounding areas.
You will reach the wonderful location of Phakding after a total of 3 to 4 hours of walking. The neighborhood tea houses will accommodate you. These tea houses will be where you spend the first day’s night.
DAY 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche
Namche altitude: 3440 meters
Walking Hours:4 to 5 hours
Overnight at Namche
The trek’s second day will begin with a departure from Phakding for Namche. You will have to cross suspension bridges along the banks of the Dudh Koshi once more. This day requires the crossing of five suspension bridges.
After crossing numerous suspension bridges and walking for about three hours, you will eventually arrive at the Sagarmatha National Park area. Numerous endangered plant and animal species can be found in the area. Your second day’s trek will end at a little up the hill from Sagarmatha National Park. You will receive a warm welcome when you arrive in Namche. This area’s surroundings will be very charming and tranquil.
The day will end with being accommodated at a lodge in Namche.
DAY 3: Acclimatization at Namche
Namche Altitude:3440 meters
Overnight at Namche
You must move slowly and adjust to the altitude when visiting high-altitude areas like the Himalayas. Avoiding altitude sickness and other health risks is crucial. The third day will be to prevent such risks and acclimatize.
You will tour the Sagarmatha National Park Administration Building on this day. From this point, you can see several mountain ranges, including Mount Everest. Additionally, you can go to a museum. You can spend the day here shopping, visiting various cafes, and learning about the local culture. A schedule this adaptable will not be available much later.
The day will come to an end in this manner, and you will once more be staying in the same location as the previous evening. The final night we spend in Namche before leaving is this one.
DAY 4: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Tengboche’s altitude: 3874 meters
Walking hours: 5 hours
Overnight stay at Tengboche
After staying at Namche for two days, you will now make the ascent to Tengboche. The journey should take five hours. You can see the stunning Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kwangde, and Nuptse mountain ranges from this walk.
Until Sanasa, the trails on this trek are quite steep; they become a little less steep until you reach Phunki Thanka. Within two hours, you can travel from here to Tengboche. The road you’ll be walking will give views of Rhododendron trails, as well as pine and fir trees, line
When you get to Tengboche, you’ll see the meditative monastery there. A bakery is also located close to the monastery. There are a few tea houses and lodges in this area. You will stay the night in a tea house nearby the monastery and call it a day.
DAY 5 : Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Dingboche altitude: 4400 meters
Walking hours: 6 hours
Overnight stay at Dingboche
Starting from Tengboche, the fifth day’s trek begins with a brief descent that lasts for about an hour until you cross a wooden bridge. The route then climbs steadily toward Pangboche, a village in a dry forest.
You can see various Yak herds along the way. You should cross a river and then climb a hill further ahead. You will also reach the settlement of Somare, which is 4000 meters above sea level and is located further from Pangboche. You’ll notice that the vegetation above this landmark is no longer visible.
Another viewpoint with Mount Ama Dablam’s exotic views is located a short distance away. From here, it will take you another 30 to 40 minutes of travel time to get to Dingboche, your final destination. Once more, you will be allowed to spend the night in one of the village’s lodges. The fifth day will now come to an end.
DAY 6 – Acclimatization at Dingboche
Dingboche Altitude: 4400 meters
Nagarjun Altitude: 5100 meters
Overnight stay at Dingboche
Your second acclimatization day of the entire trek will be today. The hike up Nagarjun Hill, which rises directly from Dingboche, will be available to you. From this peak, you can see a variety of mountains. Among the mountains that can be seen here are Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak.
You will then return to Dingboche by descending after the Nagarjun hike. Then you will have the afternoon to yourself until dinner. You will once more stay in the same lodge and eat in the same restaurant. The fifth day of the trek will end after this acclimatization.
DAY 7- Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Lobuche altitude: 4940 meters
Walking hours: 5 hours
Overnight stay at Lobuche
The trek’s seventh day will start with a leisurely stroll to Thukla, which is close to the Everest Base Camp. You will stop for a quick tea break or lunch at the location before visiting the Thukla pass and starting the steepest trail yet.
Then the Dughla pass must be climbed. A memorial park for climbers worldwide who have died while attempting to scale Mount Everest is located close to Dhugla Pass.
Ascending and moving on from there increases the view’s appeal. You will reach the Khumbu glacier by continuing on the road ahead. Additionally, Kala Patthar can be seen from there.
DAY8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Altitude: 5364 meters
Gorakshep Altitude: 5000 meters
Walking hours: 7 to 8 hours
Overnight Stay at Gorakshep
The longest distance in the trek will be from Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp. You will first traverse a fairly simple trail with many rocky boulders and slippery surfaces along the road. You will get to Gorakshep in time for lunch before continuing your ascent toward the Everest Base Camp.
You will be staying in Gorakshep since there won’t be lodges or tea houses to stay overnight at the base camp. There will be tea houses and convenient lodging options in Gorakshep. It is one of the last towns in this area before the trail becomes lifeless and deserted.
So, when you stop for lunch, you will leave your bags in the hotel room before continuing your trek to the Base Camp. You can reach Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep after about two hours of trekking through the Khumbu Glacier.
When you arrive, the area will be covered by numerous camps and tents. Numerous mountaineers will begin the ascent of Everest from the base camp. You’ll head back to Gorakshep after exploring the base camp area and taking a short hike. You will eat and rest in the neighborhood teahouse where you left your luggage.
This concludes day 8 of the package and our journey to Everest Base Camp.
DAY 9 – A trek from Gorakshep to Periche
Periche’s altitude: 4240 meters
Walking hours: 5 hours
Overnight stay at Periche
Though slightly lower in elevation, Pheriche is situated right next to Dingboche. The same path to Lobuche will therefore be your first stop, followed by a descent of the moraine wall, a crossing of the river, and a descent of a lower path to Pheriche.
The day’s trekking won’t consist of steep hills along the way. You will be going down essentially along one long downhill. Except for one section of the trail where you descend the Khumbu Glacier’s moraine wall, the entire route is slightly declined.
Accommodating in a tea house in Periche will end this day’s trek
DAY 10: Trek from Periche to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar’s altitude: 3440 meters
Walking hours: 6 hours
Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar
As you travel from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar on Day 10 of the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will descend further into the valley. There will be many ups and downs throughout the trek, even though you are eventually moving to a lower elevation. This guide will describe the trail’s requirements and what to anticipate from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
You will once again be accommodated in the familiar settlement area of the Namche Bazaar, making the end of day ten.
DAY 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Lukla’s elevation:2880 meters
Walking hours: 3 to 4 hours
Overnight stay at Lukla
The 11th day of the tour will be the last day of your leg work. This will be the last day of trekking before you fly off from Lukla. You will retrace your trace like when you commenced the trek.
As you leave Namche and walk towards Lukla, you will lose elevation fairly quickly as soon as you leave Namche Bazaar..However, the final stretch of the trail will involve an ascent as you return to Lukla and complete the Everest Base Camp route.
The day will end with you staying overnight in a lodge in Lukla.
Day 12: A flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla
Kathmandu’s altitude:
Flight hours: 35 to 40 minutes
The final day will see you taking an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. The breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, forests, and more will be visible once more during your return flight. This will officially mark the end of your Everest Base Camp trek.
Final Say
We have broken down both the expenses and day-by-day plans for your trek. Understanding the basics of the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost and Itinerary will allow you to make independent choices and have a general idea of everything regarding the trek. With a package, you can choose trekking agencies that cover everything for your Everest Base Camp Trek Cost and Itinerary.
You can choose such agencies wisely by skimming this article. We at great adventure treks have a similar package covering your Everest Base Camp Trek Cost and Itinerary preparation. Contact us for booking or further information.
