Cheap Everest Base Camp trek | Budget Everest base camp trek

Day 01: Fly to Lukla 2860m and trek to Phakding 2610m 4hrs, BLD, Teahouse

After early morning breakfast, we will get to the airport to have a scenic flight to the most adventurous airport in the lap of the Himalayas, LUKLA. This short flight is so breathtaking (as well as a bit thrilling) that you feel you are already at the destination, but “NO,” the journey has just begun. The beverages are waiting for you when you touch down so you can talk about how the short flight has blown your mind. As in all games, the first steps are easy, so we trek slowly toward Phakding village. Well, the journey to find yourself begins now.

Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3440m 5hrs, BLD, Teahouse
On this day, we will enter the World Heritage-listed ‘Sagarmatha National Park’. The walk follows the DUDH KOSHI River upstream, and crossing several bridges time and again, we will climb to the last town in the region called Namche Bazaar. Pass through beautiful villages like Toktok, Monjo, Benkar and Jorsale. In the midway, after crossing the Hillary bridge in Larja Dobhan, you will see the first view of Mount Everest from Topdanda. We will take a short hike and explore around after arriving in Namche Bazaar.

Day 03: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, BLD, Teahouse
Chilling day to enjoy the beautiful views of different mountain ranges. We will take a short uphill walk to the NATIONAL PARK HEADQUARTER, which is our magnificent viewpoint for Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kwangde, Khumbila, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse & many more peaks. More excursions will be done, like hiking up to Syangboche airport, Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde to enjoy the panoramic Khumbu Himalayas once again.

Day 04: Trek to Tengboche 3860m 5hrs, BLD, Teahouse
We know you cannot wait to get closer to Mount Everest. What about taking the blessings from the HIGH LAMA (priest) for the successful journey ahead? We can do it after arriving at Tengboche monastery,  where the holy priest resides. Easy flat hill walk will be there for a couple of hours until Kyangjuma; then, you go downhill long until Phunki Thanga. After your permit check and some rest, we take a steep ascent to Tengboche for 2 hours. 

Day 05: Trek to Dingboche 4410m 5hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Stone steps lead down through rhododendron and pine forests, and after crossing a bridge, we will leave the tree lines behind to reach an exposed area for the SUPERB VIEWS of Mount Ama Dablam from up close. First, you will arrive in Pangboche (which has a route to Ama Dablam base camp), then Shomare and to Dingboche. Reasonably easy day hike with little up and down. Dingboche is one of the main highlights of our journey, where the mountain views are just extraordinary.

Day 06: Rest and acclimatize in Dingboche, BLD, Teahouse
OPT TO HIKE to Chukhung or Nangkartshang Peak on this acclimatizing day. As the altitude gains rapidly from here onward, we’d like you to take it slow and enjoyable. The way towards Chukhung is relatively easy and slightly up, which leads to Island peak and many other peak summits, also towards Kongma La pass. At the same time, the Nangkartshang peak trail goes straight up to the viewpoint from the village, which takes about 4-5 hours both ways.

Day 07: Trek to Lobuche 4940m 5hrs, BLD, Teahouse
The morning walk continues for an hour to Thugla, the summer pastures and meadows and continues toward the end of the Khumbu glacier. You will walk side by side with Mount Taboche and Cholatse until you arrive in Thugla or Dughla. You’ll find the stone monuments ON THE MEMORY of various mountaineers and climbers after completing Thugla pass at Everest Memorial. Continue towards Lobuche village, from where the MAGNIFICENT SUNSET can be observed.

Day 08: Trek to Gorakshep 5170m and Everest Base Camp 5364m 6hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Be prepared for the challenging yet wonderful trekking day through the once-vast Gorakshep Lake. After a couple of hours through the rocks and moraines, you will arrive in Gorakshep. With the gradual walking and rest, you’ll adjust to continuing to EVEREST BASE CAMP, the main highlight of our adventure. After some respite, continue for the base camp since you don't want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime. Even though the walk is strenuous for an hour or so, you will lose the fatigue after seeing Nuptse, Changtse, Khumbutse and Pumori from the base camp. Get surrounded by the Khumbu Himalayan giants once you're in the base camp. Congratulations!

Day 09: Hike to Kala Patthar 5545 m and trek to Pheriche 4371m 6hrs, BLD, Teahouse
It's time to conquer the highest point in our journey, which is also one of the best viewpoints in Nepal, Kala Patthar "black stone." You will see a 360-degree view of the Khumbu Himalayas from the top. Shining bright and elegant, you will see the true beautiful face of Everest in the stone throw distance after hiking early to KALA PATTHAR. Though the walk is strenuous for two hours, it’s worth it since the view from the top is mesmerizing. Descend towards Pheriche for the overnight stop. Retrace the way back to Thugla and take a detour to Pheriche.

Day 10: Trek back to Namche Bazaar 6hrs, BLD, Teahouse
It’s time we start getting back to Lukla. This day we shall enjoy the panoramic mountain vistas again but from another direction. Though most of the ways are downhill, we also climb at some points. While descending, with the swift downhill through the forests, look out for the colorful pheasants and mountain goats since it’s a UNIQUE AND RARE THING to be missed. We will again come down to Dudh Koshi Valley and ultimately to Namche Bazaar.

Day 11: Trek back to Lukla 5hrs, BLD, Teahouse
It was like yesterday since we began this journey, and we’ve already come to the FINAL DAY of our memorable adventure. Retrace the way back. After the rigorous experience for several days, we’ve come to the pleasant walking day to continue. We ultimately arrive at Lukla to spend the last night in the Everest region. Say goodbye to your local porters and enjoy the final night in the lap of the Khumbu Himalayas.

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu, B.
Say goodbye to the Everest/Khumbu region from your heart which has given you the best memory. We go to the airport early morning, after breakfast. Another short and fascinating flight to get BACK TO KATHMANDU. We go to the hotel and gather for the last time to bid goodbye to each other. End of the journey. Thank you and NAMASTE.

COST INFO

Cost for 1 PAX: $999 /-
Cost for 2-4 PAX: $850 per person
Cost for 5-10 pax: $750 per person
Cost for 10+ pax: $700 per person
Note: Trip cost varies with the group sizes.

Cheap Everest Base Camp Trekking Cost Breakdown

• -All private ground transfers
• -Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu, both-way flight
• -11 nights teahouse lodges during the trek
• -Full board meals, i.e., Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, during the trek
• -Tea/coffee in cups
• -Clean drinking water
• -Fully licensed, qualified English-speaking trek guide (leader) and assistant Sherpa as per the group
• -All the staff's expenses, including flight, salary, food, accommodation, equipment and insurance
• -Sagarmatha National Park fee
• -Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance fee
• -Complimentary company T-shirt/route map/certificate of appreciation
• -First Aid Medical Kit Bag with a pulse oximeter
• -All the government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

• -Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule
• -Porter service
• -Travel and emergency rescue insurance
• -Personal expenses like hot shower, hot water, wifi, battery charge, laundry, chocolates and beverages of any kind during the trek
• -Gratuities to the field staff (highly expected)
• -Optional supply if necessary; sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bags, walking sticks (can be hired in Kathmandu at minimal cost)

Budget Everest Base Camp Trekking Useful Information

Cheap Everest base camp trekking departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available selected departure groups if you are a solo or small group traveler if you wish to when the trips cannot be customized.

But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable, so you need to choose your dates and packages when you can customize the trek as per your travel needs. For further information, please contact your friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.

Accommodations during trek
You will be staying in the teahouse lodges or guesthouses during the trek.

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best accommodation arrangement for you from the beginning to the end. After a tough walking day, everyone deserves the proper rest and the right ambience to relax and chill. Therefore, our choice of accommodation is the best for the trekking days. The rooms will be clean and comfy. As you can see, our entire accommodations will be on a twin-sharing basis, so you have to let us know if others; let’s say if you want triple or quadruple sharing or a double bed, etc. There will be an extra charge for the single supplement.

Route Map and Company T-shirt
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers complimentary trekking maps and company t-shirts.

Safe Drinking Water during budget Everest base camp trek
Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the trek. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid altitude sickness and other health issues. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. You can even buy mineral water or boiled water at an extra cost.

Your trekking guides and porters
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best guides and porters in the tourism industry. We can guarantee you that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured, and are they paid well? Well, they are the staff of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours, so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.

Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have significant knowledge in climbing and trekking so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trekking guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are thoroughly trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone a lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and make your journey smooth and pleasant.

Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone does. Some of the things they tell you might even be hard to find in the travel guidebooks. Depending upon the situation and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly; when this happens, they will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexible and ready to accommodate your guides’ instructions. Let them know if you have any health problems as well since they will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.

Our porters are always fully equipped with the gear they need. As per the company policy, they are always insured and thoroughly looked after. They are our backbone. We allow a maximum weight of 25/30 kg to be carried by one porter. They are the strongest in our group, with fewer communication skills. We also closely work with IPPG {International Porter Protection Group} and follow their ethics and guidelines.

Solo traveling in the Himalayas
We have had many solo travelers in the past. Nepal is safe to travel even in the Himalayas, even though you are alone. Whether a lone female or a male traveler, you can hike in the Himalayas doubtlessly with our experienced guide.

Your safety
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you with our comprehensive first aid medical kit bag and a professional team of guides and porters. To keep track of your safety and concerns, we communicate with our field team members. We will monitor your entire journey and ensure you enjoy your trip at full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during the Everest base camp trek.

Extra personal expenses during and after the trek
The clients are responsible for their personal expenses during or after the treks, like buying beverages and snacks, WiFi, doing laundry, buying souvenirs & personal equipment, tips for the field staff, etc. Therefore, we recommend you bring extra cash (in dollars or euro, etc.) of about $300-400, and change it into Nepali Rupees since only NPR are accepted in most Nepali markets.

Shower during the trek
It's an important matter to discuss. After a day-end, you might feel like showering and getting fresh. It's a good idea on the lower altitudes, but if you're on the higher altitudes (more than 3500m), we recommend showering on intervals. People seem to catch a cold easily after showering, which can lead to altitude sickness. Teahouses in the lower elevation offer you a hot shower, but a bucket of hot water is provided in the upper elevation. They charge a little extra for the hot water bath ($3-5).

Laundry on the trail
Some teahouses offer laundry services, and you can use their service during the acclimatizing days. However, most of the lodges don't have laundry service, and you might have to either wash your clothes yourself or postpone until you arrive in Kathmandu. Please plan about it in advance.

Urgent point to Note
We suggest you keep an extra one or two days in your trek since we take domestic flights from/to Lukla. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change drastically, so your flight can be delayed or, at worst, canceled and postponed for the next day. Therefore, this goes to all the Everest base camp trekkers that extra days are needed if you wish to take flights from/to Lukla.

Everest Base Camp Trekking Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of the cheap Everest base camp trek varies depending on the number of days you choose. The longer the trek, the more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the accommodation choices also. Typically, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package that is inclusive of all the costs and expenses for the entire journey. However, you could also choose to buy only a service-based package from us when we will provide you only the supporting field staff plus trekking permits, and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.

Can I use my debit or credit cards during the trek?
In general, most places in Nepal don't accept the card payments as they are remote and of limited use to them. So, we recommend you withdraw cash before departing for the journey. ATMs will charge you minimal service fees for withdrawing money, and you will also get good exchange rates from the banks.

How is the Accommodation during the budget Everest base camp trek?
In the budget Everest base camp trek, we will provide you the teahouse accommodations. A teahouse is typically a mountain lodge, a combination of a lodge or a guest house and a restaurant or a café with basic furniture and interiors suitable for the social hangout. Many teahouses even have some attached bathrooms and a central heating furnace. Most of the teahouses provide European toilets these days, while Asian-style of toilets are available in every teahouse. Hot showers are available but at an extra cost. The same goes with hot drinking water since they use gas or solar to boil it. Sleeping blankets are usually provided, but we recommend you carry your sleeping bags for hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to have your own toiletries, including the towels.

What are the permits that I need for budget Everest base camp trekking?
For the budget Everest base camp trek, you will need to make two permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entrance fee {can be made in Nepal Tourism Board at Kathmandu or Monjo} and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance fee {obtained in Lukla}.

How does this tipping system in Nepal works, and do I have to tip?
Tipping is not compulsory for cheap Everest base camp trekking however, tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staff in the fields, so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected. The amount of gratuities can be determined by you. Normally, a guide and a porter expect around $10 or more per day.

Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in the cheap Everest base camp trek?
You can easily charge your electronic devices during Everest base camp trek by paying small amounts or fees for charging. Don’t forget to buy a plug adaptor or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu. Mostly, all of the teahouses have power strips with different outlets. Either a C or D type of outlet is also suitable for this trek.

Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Everest Base camp trek?
Cheap Everest base camp trekking route has good mobile network coverage these days, thanks to Nepalese telecommunication companies called Ncell and NTC. You can buy one of these Sim cards from any local phone shop in Kathmandu. We shall provide you with one SIM for free if you need it.

WiFi is readily available on purchase in the Everest base camp trekking route. There are some internet cafes along the route where you can use WiFi to communicate with your loved ones which are comparatively cheaper than buying the WiFi packs. However, the signal varies from place to place and please don’t expect to receive fast data coverage on the trek.

How much weight of luggage can I take during the trek?
Our porter is allowed to carry a maximum of 25 kg so, since 2 clients will share one porter, your combined weights shouldn't be more than 20kg. We care about our porters; he also has his personal belongings to carry.

You might have to carry your own backpack for the important things and your personal items. But please, only carry the essentials, and you will have to leave the rest of the unimportant items in the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.

Is there any age limit for cheap Everest base camp trek?
Not at all. Whether you're 5 years old or 85, you can trek as long as you can. The children seem to adapt to high altitudes faster than an adult. So, as long as you're willing to hike the Himalayas, you can hike no matter your age.

When is the best time to trek to Everest base camp?
Cheap Everest base camp trekking can be done throughout the year. However on average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek to the Everest base camp. Spring and Autumn are the Peak or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons, and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed, while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} seasons, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, a less busy season can also be the right time to do Everest base camp trek. The problem is the weather is harsh cold in winter, and there’s snow everywhere while the summer has rainfalls and clouds obscuring the mountains and the views are not so great most of the time.

Do I have to worry about altitude sickness in the budget Everest base camp trek?
The itinerary of our Everest base camp trekking is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours. It has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact, can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level, so it is vital to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming budget Everest base camp trek.

Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for the cheap Everest base camp trek?
When it comes to trekking in the mountains, the health and fitness of a person play a vital role. Suppose you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, the Everest base camp trek is for you, but if you have any sort of medical issues, please consult your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining a high altitude of 5545 m above sea level, which is not a joke. People usually start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Regarding the fitness level required, the Everest base camp trek does not demand high physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents, which means you need at least some practice before you start the trekking journey. You will be traversing through the glaciers and high passes. If you do not have previous trekking experience, that’s fine but obviously, if you have previous experience, it will be a lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least 2 months before your departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go trekking to Everest base camp.

What food items or meals can I eat on the cheap Everest base camp trek?
Full board meals or full meals are included during the trek. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the trek, you will have breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse where you spend the night, while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. There are varieties of choices to choose from; Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, etc.

The most common and highly recommended food during the Everest base camp trek is typical Nepali Dal Bhat {rice and lentil}; even better without meat, it means Nepali Vegetarian Dal Bhat. You can also eat other food items such as seasonal vegetables, noodles and spaghetti, pastas, pizzas and French fries, soups, etc., depending on availability. For the beverage, you can choose either warm, hot or cold beverages; soft drinks, beer and hard drinks. For breakfast, you can order cereals, bread, noodle soups, egg dishes, etc.

Do I need travel insurance for cheap Everest base camp trekking?
Travel insurance is a must when you trek to Everest base camp. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out insurance which covers any medical risks up to 5500 meters and the medical evacuation from the mountains.

How do you take the remaining balance on arrival in Kathmandu? Do I need to pay you in cash or can I use my card?
On arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance in cash or by card. We prefer to be paid in cash (it doesn't matter which currency) rather than by card; however, you can also swipe your card, which will incur an extra 3.5% charge from the bank.

How big should my backpack be?
It all depends on what you wish to carry on your day pack. We recommend a backpack between 20-40 liters or roughly the size of a school bag.

If I have to use a restroom during the hike or trek, where can I use the bathroom?
You can easily access the restrooms of any teahouses on the trail. If it's urgent and you cannot find any teahouses around, you can always go off the path to ease yourself.

Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu?
You can leave your excess stuff in Kathmandu. You can leave them in the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.

What about extra days and nights in Kathmandu?
For any extra days and nights in Kathmandu which is outside of your schedule, you can let us know beforehand, and we can book the hotels for you and also other add-ons or activities as you may like. If you get extra days in Kathmandu after the trek under unforeseen circumstances, we shall work out the right solution for you.

What if I get sick or injured during the trek?
Like we said earlier, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. Our professional team is always with you and monitoring you to ensure your wellness and safety. Our experienced and well-trained guide will use his skills in case of emergency, either if you get injured or get sick. If it's a symptom of altitude sickness or AMS, you will have to go down to the lower altitudes as fast as possible to regain your energy. You can always continue in the latter days or retreat as per your choice. In case of necessity, he will arrange the rescue helicopter for you to get quick medical attention in Kathmandu.

How cold is it during the budget Everest base camp trekking?
The places in the mountainous region are always cold. no matter which season or time. But the temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude. You can get more details about how hard it gets in here.

What gear and equipment do I need to pack for the cheap Everest base camp trek?
Choosing the right gear and equipment is also important for the successful trek to Everest base camp. Pack the right gear and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when trekking to Everest base camp. It will help if you read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry to get to Everest base camp and back.