Faqs Everest Base Camp Budget Trek 16 Days

Yes, a Budget Everest Base Camp Trek is available for USD 990 to 1198. This will include an experienced guide and porter, jeep to and from Thamdanda via Salleri, all necessary permits which include TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park entry, and bed-and-breakfast accommodation throughout the trek. Without taking expensive flights, the itinerary is planned in such a way that you will have an affordable adventure without compromising on either safety or the authenticity of the experience. The package includes the cost of basic services, making it a good option for trekkers on a tight budget for Everest Base Camp. Other meals, personal expenses, and travel insurance are excluded from the price.

The Everest Base Camp Budget Trek by jeep drive to Thamdanda is an affordable alternative to the expensive Lukla flights. This 15-16 day trek offers stunning Himalayan views, iconic trails, and an authentic trekking experience while trying to keep costs to a minimum. It starts with a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Thamdanda via Salleri, followed by a picturesque trek via villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep, up to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters). The interesting moments will be while crossing suspension bridges, visiting monasteries, and making an ascent over Kalapatthar at 5,545 meters for breathtaking sunrise views overlooking Everest.

It also follows the same trail downwards to Thamdanda, continuing with another jeep drive back to Kathmandu. This budget-friendly option means avoiding flight expenses, therefore being cheaper and lengthening the adventure. Ideal for trekkers who have 15-16 days to have a longer, immersive journey into Nepal's iconic Everest Region.

Yes, you can skip the Lukla flight and drive by jeep from Kathmandu to Thamdanda via Salleri. This is an ideal route for those who want to travel by road. It is about 265 km in distance from Kathmandu to Salleri and takes about 8-10 hours by jeep, whereas it is a further 35 km to reach Thamdanda and another 3-4 hours by jeep. After finishing the Everest Base Camp trek, you head downward to Thamdanda-Salleri and drive a jeep all the way back to Kathmandu. Besides that, it will allow a different experience of the lower part of the Solukhumbu region by road.

To make your Everest Base Camp trek budget-friendly, take a jeep in and out via Salleri instead of flying to Lukla; save money on expensive flights. Stay in basic lodges, also called teahouses, along the trail rather than in upscale accommodations. Carry your light backpack yourself to avoid hiring a porter, but pack efficiently. For economizing, bring along a refillable water bottle, water purification tablets, and basic snacks-energy bars, dried fruits. Eat dal bhat-very filling and often 'with free refills'. A group will also split the costs of transportation or guides hired to a fraction of what individual trekkers pay for.

The prices to Everest Base Camp normally vary between USD 1,250-1,550 per person. This involves round-trip Lukla flights (the price for which is currently in the range of USD 350-400), permits for the Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS card for trekking (around USD 50-60), guide fees (USD 30-40 per day), and the cost of a porter (USD 20-30 per day). Accommodation in teahouses along the route, together with food, ranges from USD 25-35 daily. Other costs might include gear rental, tips, and Wi-Fi/charging services. Prices will differ based on the size of the group, season, and inclusions included in a package booked through a trekking agency.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Breakdown For guides, porters, permits, food, accommodation, and transfers, the price breakdown for the basic requirements of the Everest Base Camp Trek ranges between USD 1250–1550. Cost Breakdown Guide and Porter: Guide: 25–30 USD/day Porter: 15–20 USD/day Total in a package (12–14 days): 500–700 usd Trekking Permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: 30 usd + 13% VAT = ~34 usd; Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: 25 usd;

Total: USD 59

Meals and Accommodation:

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner): USD 25–35 per day

Teahouse accommodation: USD 5–10 per night

Total for 12–14 days: USD 400–550

Lukla Flights (Roundtrip):

From Ramechhap: USD 160–180 per way

Roundtrip: USD 320–360

Transportation to/from Ramechhap (if applicable):

Private vehicle: USD 100–120 one way (split the cost if shared)

Shared jeep or local bus: USD 10–20 one way

Total roundtrip: USD 20–120

Other Personal Expenses:

Hot showers: USD 2–6 per shower

Charging electronic devices: USD 2–5 per device

Wi-Fi access (if required): $2–5 per session

Snacks, drinks, tips, and souvenirs: $100–150

Total Cost Estimate:

Basic Range: $1294–1534

Includes everything mentioned above but excludes travel insurance and gear (if you don't already own trekking equipment).

Would you like some tips on how to save money or some recommendations on what to pack?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is quite cheaper for Nepali citizens compared to international trekkers. Below is the estimated cost for Nepali:

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation: Tea houses on the way charge about NPR 500–1,000 per night for a room. The cost of one meal is about NPR 500–1,000. So, for 12 days, it would cost about NPR 15,000–20,000.

Guide and Porter:

Guides: NPR 2,000–3,000 per day, and porters: NPR 1,500–2,000 per day. Hiring one for 12 days will cost NPR 18,000–36,000.

Trekking Permits:

TIMS Card: NPR 300, Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 1,500.

Transportation:

Roundway flight from Kathmandu to Lukla: Nepali NPR 17,000–20,000 or public buses to Jiri or Salleri: around NPR 1,500.

Miscellaneous Costs:

Include NPR 5,000–8,000 for tea, snacks, and small expenses.

Estimated Total Cost: NPR 45,000–70,000.