Nepal is one of the best-value trek destinations in the world — but "how much does trekking in Nepal cost?" is a question with a highly variable answer. Your budget depends on your route, travel style, season, whether you hire a guide, and dozens of small daily decisions. This guide gives you clear, honest numbers for 2025 so you can plan without financial surprises.
The Core Cost Categories
Every Nepal trekking budget is built from the same fundamental components. Understanding each one independently lets you build a personalised budget.
1. International Flights (Not Included in Trek Budget)
International flights to Kathmandu from major cities:
| Departure | Low Season | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|
| London | USD 500–750 | USD 750–1,100 |
| New York | USD 700–1,000 | USD 1,000–1,400 |
| Sydney | USD 600–900 | USD 900–1,200 |
| Delhi | USD 100–200 | USD 150–280 |
| Dubai | USD 200–400 | USD 300–500 |
Book 3–4 months in advance for the best rates on autumn (October–November) bookings.
2. Permits
Permit costs are government-set and non-negotiable.
| Permit | Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| TIMS Card (Independent Trekker) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) |
| TIMS Card (Organised Group) | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) |
| Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) |
| Sagarmatha National Park (Everest) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Permit | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) |
| Kanchenjunga Restricted Area | USD 10–20/week |
| Manaslu Restricted Area | USD 70–100/week |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area | USD 500/10 days |
| Langtang National Park | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) |
Budget tip: Most permits are purchased in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office. Bring 2 passport photos.
3. Domestic Flights (Where Required)
| Route | Cost (one way) |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu–Lukla (EBC access) | USD 180–225 |
| Ramechhap–Lukla (seasonal alternative) | USD 100–130 |
| Kathmandu–Pokhara | USD 80–110 |
| Kathmandu–Tumlingtar (Makalu/Eastern Nepal) | USD 100–120 |
| Kathmandu–Biratnagar | USD 80–100 |
| Jomsom–Pokhara (circuit exit) | USD 90–120 |
Helicopter evacuation (emergency): USD 2,000–5,000 — this is why insurance is non-negotiable.
4. Accommodation
Tea houses (the standard on most routes):
| Location/Altitude | Price per night |
|---|---|
| Lukla–Namche (below 3,500 m) | NPR 200–600 (USD 1.50–4.50) |
| Namche–Tengboche (3,500–4,000 m) | NPR 300–800 (USD 2.25–6) |
| Above 4,000 m | NPR 400–1,200 (USD 3–9) |
| Gorak Shep / High EBC | NPR 500–1,500 (USD 3.75–11) |
Note: On some routes (Manaslu, Eastern Nepal), camping is required — factor in tent/sleeping gear rental at NPR 150–400 per item per day.
Luxury lodges (Yeti Mountain Home, Everest View Hotel or similar): USD 80–300 per night — dramatically inflates the budget but a very different experience.
5. Food and Drinks
Daily food cost estimates on trail:
| Style | Daily Budget |
|---|---|
| Budget (dal bhat + water + tea) | NPR 1,000–1,500 (USD 7.50–11) |
| Mid-range (varied menu + occasional treats) | NPR 1,500–2,500 (USD 11–19) |
| Comfortable (western dishes, coffee, snacks) | NPR 2,500–4,000 (USD 19–30) |
Typical menu prices (above Namche):
- Dal Bhat (unlimited): NPR 600–900
- Fried rice/noodles: NPR 500–800
- Momos: NPR 400–650
- Omelette + toast: NPR 400–600
- Bottle of water: NPR 100–250
- Hot lemon ginger: NPR 150–250
- Chocolate bar (Snickers, etc.): NPR 200–400
- Beer: NPR 500–900 (gets pricier at altitude)
6. Guides and Porters
| Role | Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Licensed trekking guide | USD 25–40/day |
| Assistant guide | USD 18–25/day |
| Porter (up to 20–25 kg) | USD 14–22/day |
| Porter-guide (combined role) | USD 20–30/day |
Agency-organised guides cost slightly more due to agency margins. Hiring directly through a guest house or trusted referral saves 20–30% and ensures the worker keeps the full amount.
Important: Always pay for your guide/porter's insurance, food, accommodation, and return transport — these are your ethical responsibility and are standard practice.
7. Miscellaneous Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hot shower at tea house | NPR 200–500 |
| Device charging at tea house | NPR 100–300/hour above Namche |
| Wi-Fi per day | NPR 200–500 (often slow above 3,500 m) |
| Hire a down suit/sleeping bag (Kathmandu) | NPR 200–400/day |
| Hire trekking poles (Thamel) | NPR 100–200/day per pair |
| Luggage storage in Kathmandu | NPR 100–200/day per bag |
Full-Trip Budget by Route
These estimates include permits, accommodation, food, guide + porter (shared between 2 people from a couple), and domestic flights, but exclude international flights, travel insurance, and pre/post-Kathmandu expenses.
| Trek | Duration | Budget Total (per person) | Mid-Range Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poon Hill | 5 days | USD 250–400 | USD 400–700 |
| Langtang Valley | 9 days | USD 450–700 | USD 700–1,200 |
| Everest Base Camp | 14 days | USD 1,100–1,600 | USD 1,600–2,500 |
| Annapurna Circuit | 16 days | USD 900–1,400 | USD 1,400–2,200 |
| Manaslu Circuit | 14 days | USD 1,200–1,800 | USD 1,800–2,800 |
| Kanchenjunga Circuit | 18 days | USD 1,500–2,200 | USD 2,200–3,500 |
Travel Insurance: The Non-Negotiable Cost
Do not trek in Nepal without insurance that covers:
- High-altitude helicopter rescue (up to at least 6,000 m)
- Medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation
Recommended providers: World Nomads, True Traveller, SafetyWing, Battleface. Cost: USD 80–200 for a 3–4 week Nepal trekking trip depending on your nationality and coverage level.
How to Reduce Your Nepal Trekking Budget
- Travel shoulder season — March or November (not peak October) for lower tea house prices
- Eat dal bhat every day — nutritious, cheap, and comes with unlimited refills
- Carry a water filter — saves NPR 200–400 per day on bottled water
- Book flights to Lukla early — prices rise significantly within 2–3 weeks of departure
- Share a guide and porter with other trekkers you meet in Kathmandu — halves the daily cost
- Skip the espresso and chocolate bars — these rack up fast on a 14-day trek
- Walk rather than fly out — returning on foot from Namche to Lukla instead of a helicopter saves USD 150–200
The Bottom Line
A Nepal trek is genuinely affordable. For USD 1,200–1,600 all-in per person (including international flights and insurance) you can complete the Everest Base Camp trek — one of the world's great adventures. No comparable experience exists anywhere at this price point.
The mountains are not expensive. The only cost is getting there.
Start saving. The Himalayas are worth every rupee.