If you are also one of them, then the most important thing for you is to consider the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is an investment — but also, one where there’s a lot of ducking and rolling you can do (and a few bigger-scale maneuvers) to handle the price outlay in a smart if not entirely thrifty way that also isn’t going to put too much of a rain cloud over the proceedings. From when to book your trek to making savvy decisions once you’re on the trail, a little research and smart preparation go a long way toward getting the best price for your adventure. Here’s a complete guide through the ten most critical categories to make sure you’re getting the best price for your Everest Base Camp hike.
Local Agent Vs Sole/International Operator Booking agent –vs- in-country supplier company with local agent.
An important aspect that also makes a big difference to your total EBC Trek Cost is whether you book with a local Nepali agency or a foreign company (international tour operator). Kathmandu & Local Costs – Many companies are based in the city and so can offer lower prices than their foreign counterparts, as they do not need to factor in higher overheads. Their packages can range from $1,200 to $2,000, and for overseas operators, the price can be $2,000 to $4,000 or more for the same thing. You’re also putting money into the Nepali economy and supporting Nepali guides and porters by booking locally.
The Power of Group Discounts
Trekking with a team is one of the surest ways to bring down your per-person cost. The local agencies I’m profiling here all deliver substantial discounts for couples or groups of two or more; the more people, the greater the savings. The cost of a guide, a porter, and some of the permits is divided among more people, making the trip more affordable for everybody. If it’s just you, your best bet might be to join an existing group or connect with others on trekking forums and piece together a group before booking.
When to Gangtok: Seasons and Rates
If you choose the time of the year you take, that will affect the price. The high trekking seasons — spring and autumn — offer the clearest weather, but they are the most expensive. Guides and porters are busy, and flights to Lukla are often most expensive over these months. Tight on cash? Plan your trek during the shoulder seasons, late February or early December. You’ll need to bundle up against chillier temperatures, but the trails are thinner on throngs, and prices for everything from flights to accommodations are generally cheaper.
The Lukla Choices: Fly vs. Overland
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight during your trek is a massive portion of your trek cost, which generally averages $350-$450 for an around-trip ticket. If you’re extremely tight on money or time, another way would be to bus or jeep from Kathmandu to another trekking start point, e.g., Jiri or Salleri, then trek to Lukla. It is a way more inexpensive than flying, however provides numerous days for your itinerary. It won’t save you a ton in the end because you need to spend a few extra days on the teahouse, however, it’s nevertheless a laugh way to see a extra genuine, less frequented side of the Everest region.
Deciding Where to Stay and Eat on the Trail
Although package deals are generally just room and meals, the point is that you can save money by being selective about what you order. Rooms in the lower reaches are absurdly cheap (many teahouses give away rooms for free if you’ll eat all your meals there). A bed on higher ground will be more expensive. Cheap eats. When eating local, such as Dal Bhat, they are usually cheap and can be refilled for free. Leave behind expensive souvenirs such as imported candy bars, bottled soft drinks, and beer, all of which become increasingly expensive the higher you go.
Water and Hydration: A big money saver.
Not best is bottled water high priced, it’s not doing the planet any favours, so forget it! Staying hydrated is paramount; however, trail-aspect bottles of water can be steeply priced, particularly at high altitudes. One bottle can cost you around $4 to $5 at Gorak Shep. If you want to save money — and reduce your plastic footprint — bring your own reusable water bottle and a method for purifying water. Water purifying tablets, Steri Pen, and a water filter are all good choices. You can fill your bottle from local streams or taps and purify the water for a fraction of the cost.
Renting vs. Buying Gear
And you’re willing to devote a hefty chunk of your budget to your gear. You don’t need every piece of gear, and if you don’t hike frequently, you certainly don’t need to buy it all. The tourist capital of the city of Kathmandu is the mecca for gear shops renting trekking equipment with an abundance to choose from inside Nepal. Premium pieces, like down jackets and sleeping bags, can be rented for a fraction of the cost of purchasing. Your own well-worn trekking boots are essential – tapes holding the seams together are not at all unusual! — but you can save a bundle by renting everything else.
Negotiating with Agencies
Prices are also commonly negotiable if you’re booking one of these at a trekking agency in Kathmandu (particularly if you’re booking in person). While most treks have a market rate, there is some bargaining involved, especially in the off-season. Be polite, firm, and know what you want from your package. You cast out a line the way you would do for some poor dope about to be buried in your gently used T-shirts that he can only wear in his apartment when nobody is around, and when you think to ask about it, will say ran away from where you put it, and prepare to reel it in when it comes back with a right hook.
Managing Your Daily Expenses
In addition to the package price, you should budget for your ‘‘on the trail’’ daily costs. They include charging up electronic devices, finding Wi-F, and enjoying a hot shower. These aren’t free, and the higher up you sit, the more they’ll cost you. To spend less, you can also bring a small power bank and a small solar charger. Keep an eye on your hot showers and your Wi-Fi use — it can add up. Sometimes, a typical figure for these ancillary costs is about $20 to $30 per person a day.
Afterword: The Price of Your Trek Mats
We need to hold the line on spending, but not at the expense of safety and principles. I can only guess about what drove this decline, but ware low door and Trek prices can suggest shoddy equipment, underpaid staff, or an unsafe itinerary. Ensure that your package includes a licensed and insured guide and that the porters are treated humanely. Remember, the value of your Everest Base Camp trek is not only in the money you save, but also in the experience of a lifetime, and the good you do locally.
