Nepal Trek Budget Guide

# Nepal Trek Budget Guide

Trekking in Nepal is affordable compared to elsewhere, but costs add up. Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a 14-day Everest Base Camp trek.

## Permits (USD)
– Sagarmatha National Park: $30
– TIMS Card: $10–20
– **Total permits: ~$50**

## Flights (USD)
– Kathmandu–Lukla round-trip: $180–360
– **Total flights: ~$270**

## Teahouses (USD per day)
– Room: $5–15 (often free if you eat there)
– Meals (3x): $20–40/day
– **Total teahouses (14 days): ~$350–550**

## Guide (USD per day)
– Licensed guide: $25–40/day
– **Total guide (14 days): ~$350–560**

## Porter (USD per day)
– Porter (carries 20–25kg): $15–25/day
– **Total porter (14 days): ~$210–350**

## Gear Rental (USD)
– Down jacket + sleeping bag + poles + duffel (14 days): ~$50–70
– **Total gear: ~$60**

## Miscellaneous (USD)
– Hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi: $30–50
– Drinks, snacks: $30–50
– Tips (guide + porter): $80–150
– **Total misc: ~$200**

## Total EBC Trek (14 days)
– **Budget (no guide/porter, basic):** $800–1,100
– **Standard (guide + porter):** $1,300–1,800
– **Comfort (good teahouses, tipping well):** $1,800–2,500

## Money-Saving Tips

1. Rent gear in Kathmandu instead of buying ($60 vs $450)
2. Trek in a group to share guide/porter costs
3. Eat local dal bhat (cheap, filling, often unlimited)
4. Avoid hot showers and charging fees in lower teahouses
5. Consider Annapurna Circuit (no Lukla flight, cheaper)