Does the Everest Base Camp Trek fall on your bucket list? If you are Nepali and are wondering what could be the cost of trekking in the Everest Region. In this article, we will cover the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek for Nepali Trekkers. The majority of Nepali trekkers have not visited the area, even though climbing Everest Base Camp is on everyone’s bucket list. The unavailability of tickets for flights to Lukla is one of the biggest obstacles that is holding them back. Aside from airfares, we also get the impression that foreigners are treated better than Nepalese by the local people.
But a lot has changed in the region over time. The flow of local tourists is greater now than ever before. Even if flying may seem like a problem, there are several clever alternatives to completing the Everest Base Camp trek:
- The flights divert from Manthali Airport during the busiest trekking seasons (March through May and October through November). There are also a lot of scheduled flights. Therefore, even if you need a flight for later in the morning, your chances of finding one are decent if you choose the first or last quarter of these seasons.
- You may easily take the alternate routes to Lukla if you don’t want to struggle with flights and have a few additional days available. It involves a trek through Jiri or Salleri.
- Few Foreigners visit the Everest region in December and January, early June, or late September. There is very little traffic and excellent visibility. Therefore, you have the option of flying into Lukla.
Why does the trek to Everest Base Camp cost less for Nepali trekkers?
It’s not as expensive as it sounds to go trekking in the Everest region. The local government has established a nominal, equal accommodation rate for all places. In addition, a number of factors make this trek more affordable for Nepalese people.
Flight Cost
Although it can be difficult to book a flight, Nepalis pay less than half as much for a ticket as foreigners do. It drastically lowers the expense of your travel.
Permit Cost
Nepalese can trek in the Everest region with just the “Sagarmatha National Park” permit. This permit covers all routes, including the Gokyo and Three Passes Treks. While foreigners must pay NPR 5000 for their permits, Nepalese only have to pay NPR 100 plus VAT.
Food Cost
Although the prices are set on the menu, some hotels and local restaurants give Nepalese residents a discount on the menu price.
Other services
Hotels in lower regions like Lukla, Phakding, and Monjo provide discounted hot water and battery charging services. Utilizing the Ncell data pack (works up to Pangboche) and NTC will also help you save money when accessing the Internet.
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Breakdown for Nepali Trekkers
| Expenses of Single Nepali trekker | |
| Permits (Sagarmatha National Park) | NPR 100 + 13% VAT |
| Flights Kathmandu to Lukla | NPR 14,000 two way |
| Cost of Basic Accommodation | Lukla: NPR 500 – NPR 1000 Phakding, Monjo, Tengboche, Deboche, Pangboche, Dingboche and Pheriche: NPR 500 – NPR 1000 Lobuche and Gorakshep: NPR 700 Namche Bazaar: NPR 1000 – 1500 Note: Rooms are mostly on a twin-sharing basis. |
| Cost to a single trekker (Calculation) | |
| Porter Wage | Daily wages: NPR 2000 Insurance: NPR 3000 Tips: 15% of wages or higher |
| Local Guide | Daily wages: NPR 2500 (includes accommodation and food) Insurance: NPR 3000 Tips: 15% of wages or higher |
| Hot Shower | NPR 300 – 700 |
| Battery Charging | NPR 100 – 500 / per hour for mobile charging |
| Everest Link Wifi Cards | NPR 600 (600 MB Wifi card) and NPR 2000 (10 GB Wifi card) |
Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek for Nepali
The most demanding trek in Nepal is the Everest Region Trek. Your biggest threat is altitude, even though the trails are not exceptionally hard. You will be sleeping at an elevation of more than 5000 meters, where there is almost half as much oxygen as at sea level. At this altitude, a normal human body is not meant to sleep.
No companies will provide travel insurance for Nepalese trekking in Nepal. However, international trekkers arrive well-prepared with proper insurance covering emergency rescue and medical expenses. In an emergency, the region around Everest can only be evacuated by helicopter.
Trekkers, particularly those from Nepal, should use extra caution when trekking in the Everest region given the current circumstances. Following the acclimatization guidelines and being aware of how to prevent altitude sickness is crucial.