The Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) is one of the most iconic adventures in the world. Every year, thousands of trekkers dream of standing at the foot of Mount Everest (5,364m). But before you lace up your boots, one of the most common and important questions is How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost?
The Everest Base Camp Trek costs $1,200 – $4,500 per person, depending on your trekking style. Budget trips start around $1,200, standard guided packages cost $1,500–$2,500, and luxury treks with helicopter return can exceed $3,500. Prices include permits, flights, food, accommodation, guide, and porter. The answer depends on your trekking style, season, and service level. In this guide, I’ll break down the real cost of the EBC trek, so you can plan your budget confidently.
Average Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
- On average, the Everest Base Camp Trek costs between $1,200 to $4,500 per person.
- Budget trekkers (independent style): $1,200 – $1,800
- Mid-range guided package: $1,500 – $2,500
- Luxury trek with upgraded lodges & helicopter return: $3,000 – $4,500+
- This includes permits, flights to Lukla, guide & porter services, food, accommodation, and basic logistics.
Key Cost Factors of Everest Base Camp Trek
1. Flights to Lukla (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu)
$200 – $400 (round trip)
These small domestic flights are the lifeline to the Khumbu region. Prices fluctuate depending on season and demand.
2. Trekking Permits
You’ll need two permits:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit – NPR 3,000 (~$25)
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit – NPR 2,000 (~$20)
3. Accommodation on the Trek
Tea houses: $5 – $15 per night (basic rooms, often twin-sharing)
Luxury lodges (in some villages): $40 – $200 per night
4. Food & Drinks
Meals: $6 – $10 per dish at lower altitudes, $10 – $15 at higher villages
Hot drinks: $2 – $5
Bottled water: $1 – $4 (higher altitude = higher cost)
5. Guide & Porter Costs
Guide: $25 – $35 per day (licensed, English-speaking)
Porter: $20 – $28 per day (can carry up to 20–25kg)
6. Trekking Packages
If you book through a trekking company, prices usually bundle permits, flights, guide, porter, accommodation, and meals.
- Budget package: $1,200 – $1,500
- Standard package: $1,500 – $2,500
- Luxury package: $3,000+
7. Gear & Equipment
If you don’t already own trekking gear, budget around $200 – $500. Kathmandu has plenty of shops to buy or rent jackets, boots, and sleeping bags.
8. Travel Insurance
$100 – $200 (must cover trekking up to 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation).
Hidden & Extra Costs to Know
- Charging electronic devices: $2 – $5 per hour
- Hot showers: $3 – $6 per use
- Wi-Fi: $2 – $5 per hour
- Tips for guide & porter: $100 – $150 (total, per trekker)
- Kathmandu expenses (hotels, meals, sightseeing): $200 – $400
How to Save Money on EBC Trek
✅ Travel in a small group to share guide & porter costs.
✅ Carry a refillable water bottle + purification tablets instead of buying bottled water.
✅ Rent trekking gear in Kathmandu instead of buying new.
✅ Book flights to Lukla early (they get expensive in peak seasons).
Best Value Trekking Option
For most trekkers, the standard 12–14 day guided package ($1,500 – $2,000) gives the best balance of comfort, safety, and cost. This usually includes:
- Airport transfers
- Domestic flights
- Trekking permits
- Accommodation during trek
- 3 meals per day on trek
- Licensed guide & porter
- Emergency support
FAQs About Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
1. Is Everest Base Camp Trek expensive?
Not compared to other world-class treks – most spend between $1,500–$2,500.
2. Do I need to hire a guide?
Yes, from April 2023, Nepal made guides mandatory for most treks, including EBC.
3. Can I do the trek cheaply?
Yes – independent trekkers can manage around $1,200, but it requires more effort and planning.
4. Are food and drinks included in packages?
Yes, 3 meals a day are included in standard packages.
5. How much should I tip guides and porters?
Around 10% of your trek cost, split among the team.
6. Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes, especially for helicopter evacuation.
7. Do I need to pay extra for charging and Wi-Fi?
Yes, they are not included in most packages.
8. How much money should I carry in cash?
Bring at least $300–$400 in Nepali rupees for personal expenses.
9. Can I use a credit card on the trek?
Only in Namche Bazaar – higher villages are cash-only.
10. What’s the cheapest way to do EBC trek?
Travel in a group, stay in tea houses, and rent gear instead of buying.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is an investment, but one that rewards you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you choose a budget trek or a luxury option, knowing the real costs upfront helps you plan smartly and avoid surprises on the trail.
