Cost of Trekking in Nepal
- Accommodation: Basic teahouses cost $5-$15 per night; luxury lodges can be $40-$130.
- Food & Drinks: Meals cost $3-$7 in low altitudes, and $7-$12 at higher altitudes.
- Guides & Porters: Guides charge $25-$40 per day, porters $20-$30 per day.
- Permits: TIMS card (~$10-$20) and conservation area permits ($20-$50). Restricted zones like Upper Mustang cost $500 for the first 10 days.
- Transportation: Buses cost $8-$30; flights like Kathmandu-Lukla are around $187 one way.
- Extra Costs: Showers ($2-$5), charging devices ($1-$3/hour), gear rental ($1-$5/day), and travel insurance ($50-$100).
Average Costs by Trek
| Trek Route |
Duration |
Approximate Cost (per person) |
| Everest Base Camp |
12-14 days |
$700 - $1,200 |
| Annapurna Base Camp |
10-12 days |
$600 - $1,000 |
| Langtang Valley |
7-10 days |
$450 - $900 |
| Mardi Himal |
6-8 days |
$400 - $700 |
| Poon Hill (Ghorepani) |
4-6 days |
$300 - $600 |
| Upper Mustang |
10-14 days |
$1,500 - $3,000+ |
| Manaslu Circuit |
14-18 days |
$1,200 - $2,000 |
Sample Daily Budget
- Backpacker Budget: $20-$30/day (basic lodges, simple meals, no guide).
- Mid-Range Trekker: $50-$80/day (guide included, decent teahouses, mix of local and Western food).
- Comfort Trekker: $100-$200/day (luxury lodges, domestic flights, private guide and porter).
Tips to Save Money
- Travel in a group to split guide/porter and transport costs.
- Carry water purification tablets instead of buying bottled water.
- Rent trekking gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara instead of buying new.
- Choose bus transport instead of flights if time permits.
- Stick to local meals instead of Western food in teahouses.
Note: Costs vary by season (spring & autumn are peak trekking times), region, and comfort level. Always budget extra for emergencies, weather delays, and personal expenses.