Financial Guide
Everest Trek Permits & Cost Breakdown
Everything you need to know about permit fees, Lukla flight tickets, guide & porter wages, teahouse expenses, and personal budgets for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Required Permits for the Everest Region
Trekkers visiting Everest Base Camp require two main permits. Since 2018, the old TIMS card is replaced by the Khumbu Rural Municipality entry permit.
NPR 3,000 (~USD $23)
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Entry Permit
Issued by the local government at Lukla or Monjo checkpoint. Replaces the old TIMS card for all foreign nationals.
📍 Obtainable in Lukla / MonjoNPR 3,000 (~USD $23)
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Entry ticket into the UNESCO World Heritage protected area. Tax used for park conservation and trail maintenance.
📍 Obtainable in Kathmandu / MonjoRealistic Everest Base Camp Trek Budget
| Expense Category | Estimated Price (USD) | Details & Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Full Package Price (14 Days) | $1,075 - $1,510 | Includes KTM-Lukla flights, permits, guide, porters, 3 meals/day, lodges, and hotel in KTM. |
| Nepal Tourist Visa | $30 / $50 | 15 days ($30) or 30 days ($50). Payable on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. |
| Helicopter & Medical Insurance | $100 - $220 | Mandatory insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m & emergency air evacuation. |
| Gear Rental (Thamel) | $40 - $90 | Down jacket and -20°C sleeping bag rental available in Kathmandu for ~$1.50/day each. |
| Hot Showers & Charging | $30 - $60 | Teahouses charge ~$3-$5 per gas shower and ~$2-$3 per powerbank/phone battery charge. |
| Wi-Fi Airlink Cards | $15 - $30 | Everest Airlink prepaid Wi-Fi cards (10GB) work in teahouses up to Gorak Shep. |
| Guide & Porter Tipping | $100 - $180 | Customary tip given to your Sherpa guide and porters at the end of the trek in Lukla. |
Independent Trekking vs Agency Package
Independent Trekking
- ✕ Flight cancellations cause manual chaos in Lukla
- ✕ Teahouse rooms fill up early in peak season
- ✕ No oximeter monitoring or altitude emergency plan
- ✕ Total out-of-pocket: ~$1,100 - $1,300 with zero backup
Agency Package (Everest Itinerary)
- ✓ Priority Lukla flights & pre-booked teahouse rooms
- ✓ Licensed Sherpa guide + porter (carrying 15kg bag)
- ✓ Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included daily)
- ✓ Emergency oxygen, oximeter, and 24/7 Kathmandu office support
Ready to Plan Your Everest Budget?
Compare costs across our 14-Day EBC Trek, 7-Day Short Trek, Cho La Pass Trek, Three Passes Trek, and Lobuche Peak Climbing. Learn more about mandatory Travel Insurance and Altitude Safety.