Trekking in Nepal costs is cheap but at the same time adventurous. It is economical and budget-friendly to trek in Nepal. Nepal offers a wide range of easy to moderate to strenuous trekking options which can be tailored depending on your preference.
Nepal is a paradise for trekkers blessed with stunning scenery and exotic view of the Himalayas. Besides the spectacular scenery, it also offers a chance to discover the rich culture. Often you meet local people from different ethnic groups and communities.
You can go trekking at any season in Nepal. Every season has its own advantages and offers a unique experience. And, there’s still something new and exciting to offer.
Nepal can be a cheap trekking destination. However, the prices are comparatively higher during the busy season than in off-season.
However, there are several other factors that increase the cost of trekking in Nepal.
For example, the following are some of the factors that affect your total trekking costs in Nepal, which you might have to consider.
- The destination that you are planning to visit
- The seasons you would like to visit
- Trekking length and duration of your trip
- The cost of the trek permits
- The guide and porter costs
- Type of Accommodation
- Type of transportation
- Food and drinks
- Other miscellaneous costs
If you are planning on going independent adventure or trekking in Nepal, you are no longer allowed from April 1st 2023. Nepal’s new rule banned solo travel and requires a guide for any trekking or expeditions. Buying a package tour is the most comfortable way to trek within a budget in Nepal.
Here are few cost ranges for the most famous treks in Nepal:
- 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek – USD 1390 p.p.
- 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek – USD 895 p.p.
- 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek – USD 790 p.p.
- 7-day Langtang Valley Trek – USD 490 p. p.
- 14-day Upper Mustang Trek – USD 1880 p. p.
- 11-day Everest Gokyo Lake/Ri Trek – USD 1290 p.p.
Now, let’s get into detail about the cost of Nepal trekking.
Trekking in Nepal Costs
There are several options available such as tourist coaches, local buses, private jeeps, cars and flights.
Among other means of transportation, the local buses are the cheapest. So, to minimize the travel costs, you can go for public transportation. Nevertheless, Nepal’s public transportation is a unique experience in itself.
A local bus will cost you between USD 2 to USD 8. But you can choose tourist buses or jeeps for better comfort and services.
The tourist bus will cost approximately USD 8 to USD 30. The cost of the jeep is around USD 45 to USD 65 per person and the cost of a flight is USD 120 to USD 187 per person for one way.
The cost can vary depending on the distance you are traveling in or the destination you plan to visit.
Trekking in Nepal Permits Costs
While trekking in Nepal, you will need a trekking permit. You will need two permits for every trek in Nepal, a national park permits and a TIMS card (TIMS: Trekker’s Information Management System).
And most often, depending on your trekking route, you will even need more than two permits.
There are two different types of TIMS cards (green and blue). The green which cost is USD 20 for independent trekkers. And the blue cost is USD 10 for trekkers who are part of a group with a guide.
Here below are the permit costs for foreign nationals to enter National Parks / Conservation Areas:
- Sagarmatha National Park permit cost: USD 40
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit cost: USD 28
- Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit cost: USD 28
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit cost: USD 28
- Langtang National Park permit cost: USD 40
- Makalu-Barun National Parks permit cost: USD 40
- SAARC nationals permit cost: USD 2
Additionally, you will need special trekking permits before trekking to the restricted areas of Nepal. The local trekking companies can easily obtain these permits. The amount of the permit cost for restricted areas depends on the duration of your stay and the season of the year.
The Upper Dolpo, Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, and Kanchenjunga are some of the restricted areas.
For the first 10 days you need to pay USD 500 per person for Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo. Afterwards, you have to pay USD 50 per person per day.
If you are planning to climb the Himalayas or some peaks in Nepal, you will need a special climbing permit.
Trekking in Nepal Accommodation Costs
Accommodation costs varies along with the altitudes, seasons and trekking routes.
Most the tea-houses offer standard comfort and services on popular routes. Most rooms include twin beds with showers available.
Tea-houses cost is anywhere between USD 3 to USD 5 per night. And the same rooms cost just about USD 2 to USD 3 a night during the off-season.
The accommodation costs are higher during the peak seasons (March to May and September to November) than in other seasons.
The price can go up to USD 10 per night at higher altitudes.
While trekking to Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, you can find luxury lodges. These luxury accommodations provide a higher level of comfort and will cost you about USD 100 to USD 300 per night.
Trekking in Nepal Food and Drinks Costs
Most tea-houses sell local basic meals. It also provides a variety of breakfast and dinner options including tea and coffee.
At higher altitudes, food prices are generally more expensive. Transporting the food up to higher altitude is difficult. As several parts of Nepal is not easily accessible to transportation.
At the beginning of the trek, the food cost is about USD 3 per meal, and at the higher altitude this price can go up to USD 10 per meal.
So, the higher you go the prices becomes more expensive. One liter of bottled water can begin at USD 0.40 cent and cost up to USD 2+ at high camp.
The prices also vary from high to peak trekking seasons.
Trekking in Nepal Guide and Porter Costs
When you trek to higher altitudes, guides and porters are extremely important for your safety. Don’t skimp on your guide if you want a great trekking experience in Nepal.
The costs for guides and porter vary according to season and region of the trek. Everest guide charge a bit more than Annapurna guide. The remote region, Far west Nepal trekking guides also charge more.
Generally, low-end guides price starts at around USD 25 to USD 30 per day. A good guide’s average cost is USD 35 to USD 40. A high-end guide will cost you about USD 50+ with additional language skills as per your preferences
Porters cost you between USD 20 to USD 25 a day. The porter will carry about 20 kg of the load.
Miscellaneous Costs of Trekking in Nepal
Charging electronics (e.g. camera, computer, back-up battery etc.) will cost you between USD 2 to USD 4 at a time. Bring with you a portable solar charger or a power bank. It helps to reduce some of the costs.
Hot showers may cost you around USD 3 to USD 5, especially at the high altitude. In the mornings and afternoons, you can use wet wipes or a small towel to refresh you.
Additional costs for using WIFI in some regions are also included. WIFI cards cost around USD 3 for 1000 MB as in the Everest region. And you can get a one-time charge USD 3 to USD 5 for WIFI access on the Annapurna Circuit.
You may show your appreciation by a little tip if you are satisfied with the services provided by the guide and porter.
Whereas visiting monasteries, Gombas or stupa, you may find donation boxes. A small amount can be donated here, and this is absolutely up to your choice.
Tips to Reduce the Costs of Trekking in Nepal
Trek with friends/group. The price is always cheaper with more people. If six people are trekking, for example, everyone can share the cost of the guide or transportation. This makes it considerably cheaper than hiking with just two people. Instead of a flight, take a bus.
You have to fly in and out of Lukla while trekking in the Everest region. Moreover, you will have to pay to enter the National Park, add additional days depending on where you begin.
Trekking is indeed more expensive in the Everest, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu regions than in the Annapurna region. And if you trek in the Annapurna or other areas such as Langtang, Mardi Himal, Pikey Peak, Indigenous People Trail a bus will add time to your journey, but it will cost you slightly less.
Avoid fancy hiking gear. The latest high-tech equipment is not required for most treks in Nepal. Most of the equipment can be easily bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara at cheap prices. You may also rent equipment.
Leave most of your stuff at the hotel so you don’t have to need porter. By leaving most of your stuff in a hotel you can save a lot – they do not charge as long as you stay.
Eat on a trek like a local. It is the cheapest food out there that is most nutritionally rich. Also, bring your own chocolate bar if you have a sweet tooth.
Don’t stay at the famous lodge. Stay along the trails in lesser-known locations. There won’t be that much of an accommodation difference, but the price could be much cheaper.
A package trip in Nepal. This can keep prices as low as it can.
Final Say,
Trekking in Nepal costs mainly depends on your choices. The prices change with your choice of destination, duration and length of the journey. Plus, extra shopping plan, souvenirs, even charities.
Finally, you should get is good travel insurance for your journey. Make sure that your policy includes both your trek and the altitude you cross on your trek.
General Nepal Travel FAQs
What dates does the trek start?
Your trek begins on the date that works best for you, because all our trips are customized to your travel dates by our specialists. In Kathmandu, you usually need at least 1-2 day before you trek to arrange the trekking permits.
Where do I store my luggage while trekking?
You can leave your extra luggage at your Kathmandu hotel or at our office. So, when you come back from your trek, your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel.
What types of boots do I need for treks?
You should bring comfortable and good trekking boats. There can be some snow especially when crossing high passes so it is important to be prepared for a variety of conditions.
Your shoes do not have to be warm but strong and durable. It must have a chunky sole — ideally made of Vibram or another durable material and must also protect your ankles.
How much should I tip the guide & porters?
Tipping is not mandatory but is expected, and depends on your satisfaction with the service. Guides, porters and drivers (both for trekking and cultural tours) are typically provided with a tip at the end of your trip.
How difficult are the treks in Nepal?
Classification of the difficulty of a trek is quite tricky as it depends on your physical fitness and your mountain hiking experience. The difficulty of a trek in the Himalayas depends on the steepness, altitude and duration of the trek.
Generally, the higher you go the more difficult the trek is. It is fairly moderate trekking, but in some days, it is more difficult than other treks in the lower foothills (Poon hill, Mardi Himal and Pikey Peak). Treks in higher altitudes (Everest Three Pass, Manaslu Circuit, Everest Gokyo Ri, Annapurna Circuit and Nar Phu Valley), as you pass 5000m, and longer days, are more challenging.
What does ‘teahouse’ trekking mean?
Teahouse hiking refers to staying at night in a small local lodge. The lodges have 5 – 10 rooms and a common area for dining and hanging out. In Nepal, the most treks are teahouse treks where local people run their lodges.
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