The standard duration for the Everest Base Camp Trek is about 12 days. This duration package includes slow-paced walking, detailed highlight exploration, and enough acclimatization days so your body can enough get rest. As for the shorter packages, you can do this trek with a minimum 8 days itinerary plan, and on the longer end it can stretch up to 16 days. You can expect the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost for the standard packages to be around USD 1,300.
That is the EBC Trek cost margin of the standard trekking package. If the duration of your trip is shorter then the price will also be relatively lower and vice-versa. But, you have to understand that the Mount Everest Trekking cost will be determined by the kind of package you are choosing.
Also, make sure to check the price includes and excludes before sealing the deal. Just don’t randomly go for the cheaper packages that may have hidden costs or low-quality services.
What Kind of EBC Trek Packages Are Available?
While considering the Mount Everest Trekking cost, there are generally three types of packages you can choose from. These options are also available on other mainstream and popular non-mainstream destinations besides Everest Base Camp Trek.
Standard Packages
A standard package is the most general package there is. This is a pre-determined itinerary plan that you will find while searching for the trekking packages. The itinerary plans are already set in this type of package including the route your exploration will take, the number of rest days, trekking hours per day, etc.
The services and amenities provided in these types of packages will depend on the package cost. The higher your Everest Base Camp Trek cost, the more extensive sets of services are available. Just make sure to check the cost included and excludes sections regardless of the price though.
There are also packages that just take care of your itinerary plans and you will have to pay for the food, accommodation, guide, and porters on your own.
Luxury Packages
Luxury trekking packages are pretty similar to the standard packages. However, the standard trekking packages stick to the standard level of services i.e. food, lodging, refreshment, etc. But, the luxurious trekking packages offer top-tier amenities to the trekkers.
Instead of resting in a shared room with two or three beds, you will rest in single private rooms. The personal nature expenses that you have to pay for out of your own pocket like hot shower, charging, internet, etc will be covered by your trek package.Â
The EBC Trek Cost of such packages also includes heated rooms, a private bathroom, and an overall more personalized experience of other services and amenities. The Everest Base Camp Trek cost of the luxury packages is generally above the USD 2,500 margin.
Custom-Tailored Packages
This is one of the most flexible trekking packages among others. In the custom-tailored packages, the itinerary plans are designed according to the wishes of the trekker. Both standard and luxury plans have variations in the quality of the services offered and extra perks. However, they pretty much stick with the pre-determined itinerary plans.
But for the custom-tailored packages, the trekkers are in full control. You can either request the trekking agency to create the most suitable itinerary plan for you or you can provide them with the details of your trip and they will design the trek based on your request.
You will have full control over these types of packages, you can decide the pace of the trek, the number of rest days along the way, breaks, the standard of food and accommodation, etc. The Mount Everest Trekking cost for these types of packages is generally over USD 3,000.
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost- What Can You Expect From Your Package?
Package Inclusion
Your trekking packages in most general cases will include the basic expenditures like food, accommodation, permits, guides, porters, transport, etc. Depending on how your trek starts, it is directly from Kathmandu to Lukla or a few days in Kathmandu before starting the trek, you will stay a few nights in Kathmandu.
The food and accommodation during your stay in Kathmandu and on the trekking trail are generally covered by your agency. Similarly, the cost of land transportation and flights (Kathmandu to Lukla) will also be part of your Everest Base Camp Trek Cost.
On top of that, you will also need permits to trek on this route (Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Municipality Permit) which will be covered by the package. The cost of the guide is included in the package cost, however, some trekking agencies don’t provide porters.
So, that will be the additional cost of your EBC Trek cost. The cost for a porter in this mainstream trek is about USD 25 to USD 30 per day.Â
Note: While checking the packages make sure that the agency’s official service charge and government expenses are included as well.
Package Exclusion
The expenses that are personal nature will not be covered by the trekking packages. For instance, the trekking package will cover the cost of the standard meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), however, for desserts and snacks, you will have to pay for them by yourself.
The same goes for the accommodation facilities, your package will get you a room and basic amenities. But for the internet connection, charging, hotel shower, and laundry, you will have to pay for them out of your pocket.
Besides those, your international flight cost, airport taxes, visa fee, and cost of tips are not covered by the package. Check this section of the package properly before booking it.
Some Tips to Manage Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
Book Directly
If you didn’t know this, only Nepali trekking agencies are allowed to operate in the country. Yes, you heard it right, so what about the international companies that you see while surfing the internet? Well, they are the third-party agencies that book services with Nepali companies on your behalf.Â
So what happens in such circumstances is that you will end up paying more for the same package. Let’s say the Everest Base Camp Trek cost is about USD 1,300. But, if you go through the third-party agency the price will round up to over USD 2,000.
Group Booking
Unless you love your exploration in solitude, you should consider going for a group package. You can recruit family members and friends for the trip or go join a travel group or forum to get that sweet deal.
The Mount Everest Trekking cost for the group booking is significantly lower than the standard single trekker booking. This will be the most efficient way to save up extra which you can then invest in the next adventure.
Pack Snacks and Water
The mountainside in Nepal is quite remote. Even though there are a lot of teahouses along the route, as you climb higher the cost of the commodities also starts to rise. So, you should consider shopping during your leisure period in Kathmandu.
As for the water, I personally don’t recommend buying plastic bottles as there isn’t a proper waste management system across the route. Plus, it is expensive as well as you climb higher and can cost up to USD 5 per single bottle.
So, the most budget and eco-friendly way to drink water during your drip is to buy filtered water at the teahouses which will cost about USD 2 for a big pot. There are also tons of clean water stations but make sure to use a safe filtration system before drinking water from taps.
Stay at Teahouses
Remember it is a journey not to just explore the allurements of nature but also to experience the cultural side of the Sherpa people. Instead of going for the premium options, you can comfortably rest at the teahouses run by the natives. This step will also help you shave off Everest Base Camp Trek cost even if it’s just by little.Â
The teahouses offer a moderate level of services. You will get warm rooms will all the general amenities like a standard motel. So, if you are willing to be a little flexible, it will certainly be fruitful for your budget.
Consider Off Seasons
Off-seasons like monsoon and winter receive very little number of trekkers. During these seasons, there are special offers and discount packages to promote tourism. The teahouses also offer extra amenities for free like hot showers, charging, internet, etc to encourage the trekkers.
So, if you plan properly, you will be able to enjoy your journey lower EBC Trek cost. But, this option is only suitable for the experienced trekkers. Off-seasons are known for bad climatic conditions and challenging terrains, so you should consider the stable period of these seasons if you are planning your trip.
Monsoon season receives a lot of rain and the trails are mostly wet and slippery. In case of winter, the Himalayan region freezes in this season. So, without right gear its not possible to trek during these off-seasons.
