Trekking in Nepal Costs: How to Plan Your Budget!
The question I always get from my friends and readers: “How much does trekking in Nepal cost”?
The total cost of trekking in Nepal depends on the number of trekking days, whether you trek solo, hire a guide and porter, or if you book a trek package through a trekking agency.
The good news is that the cost of trekking in Nepal doesn’t have to be too expensive, and you can go trekking in Nepal even if you are on a budget.
If you trek solo, the average cost is around Rs. 2,500-3,500 (USD 20-25) per day which includes accommodation, meals, transportation and permits.
In addition, if you hire a guide or porter, then you should budget around USD 30 per day for a guide, and USD 20 per day for a porter. If you trek with friends, these costs are split between the members of the group.
Booking a trek package through a trekking agency is also an option. The trek packages cost between USD 600-2,200 and it includes everything from airport transfer, accommodation and meals to guide and porters.
Here is how to plan your budget for trekking in Nepal!
Total Cost of Trekking in Nepal
The total cost of trekking in Nepal is generally between USD 210-2,200 depending on whether you book a trek package, hire a guide, porter, or trek solo.
If you go on shorter treks (3-4 days) and trek solo, the price can be as low as USD 150.
| Trekking Options | Cost | What it includes | Excludes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trek Package with a Trekking Agency | USD 600-2,200 depending on the trekking route and number of days | – Accommodation – All Transport – Permits – Guide and porter fees – Meals and accommodation during the trek | – International flight to Nepal – Travel insurance – Extras during the trek: e.g. beer, snacks |
| Trekking with a guide (+ optional porter) | USD 560 (7-day trek with a guide & porter) | – USD 30 per day for food, room, transport, permit, and extras (hot shower, wifi, charging) – USD 30 per day for a trekking guide – USD 20 per day for a porter | – International flight to Nepal – Travel insurance |
| Solo Trekking (no guide, no porter) | USD 210 for a 7-day solo trek | USD 30 per day for food, room, transport, permit, and extras (hot shower, wifi, charging) | – No guide, no porter – International flight to Nepal – Travel insurance |
Trekking in Nepal Costs
When planning your budget for trekking in Nepal, you have to consider the costs for accommodation, food, permit, transport, amenities (wifi, hot shower), and whether you hire a guide or porter.
Trekking in Nepal costs higher if you go on a trek organized by trekking agencies, however, if you trek solo, or only hire a guide, then the costs are much lower.
Accommodation Costs
The accommodation on trekking routes is in basic teahouses in Nepal. The teahouse rooms are generally twin rooms, but there are also some single and dormitory style rooms with 3-4 beds.
The rooms in a teahouse cost around Rs. 500-1,500 (USD 3.50-11) per night, but in higher altitudes rooms can cost up to Rs. 2,000 (USD 15).
In some cases, you may also be able to negotiate a free room as long as you eat all your meals at the teahouse.
Some teahouses also offer “package deals” that include breakfast, dinner (traditional Nepali meals), tea, hot drinking water, wifi, charging, hot shower and room.
The package deal was mainly started to cater to Nepali trekkers, but some places also offer it to foreigners. For example, a package deal at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meter /13,550 ft) is Rs. 2,500 (USD 18).
There is also luxury accommodation available in lower altitudes on popular trekking routes, such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. The luxury accommodation is offered by the Mountain Lodges of Nepal, and it costs around USD 40-70 per night – some also including breakfast.
Food Costs
As for food, teahouses serve traditional Nepali and international dishes, such as dal bhat, momo, thupka, fried rice, pizza, pasta and pancake.
The prices get higher as you go higher up in altitude. It is due to that teahouses have to spend more for the food ingredients being delivered to higher altitudes, thus the cost of food also goes up.
On average, it costs around Rs. 2,000 (USD 15) per day for food, but it can be cheaper in lower altitudes and a bit more expensive in higher altitudes.
If you also like to have a beer in the evenings, then it is best to budget an extra USD 10 per day.
Food and drink prices on trekking routes in Nepal include:
- Dal Bhat: Rs. 600-900 (USD 4.50-6.50)
- Fried rice: Rs. 500-800 (USD 3.50-6)
- Thupka: Rs. 500-900 (USD 3.50-6.50)
- Pizza: Rs. 700-900 (USD 5-6.50)
- Omlette: Rs. 300-450 (USD 2-3)
- Tibetan bread: Rs. 400-500 (USD 3-3.50)
- Pancake: Rs. 400-600 (USD 3-4.50)
- Tea: (1 cup): Rs. 120-170 (USD 1), Black Tea (Thermos): Rs. 1,100-1,300 (USD 8-10)
- Beer (1 can): Rs. 750-900 (USD 5.50-6.50)
Trekking Guide and Porter Fees
Trekking solo in Nepal is still an option, however, if it is your first time trekking, it is best to hire a guide.
Guide fees typically range around USD 30 per day, and if you are trekking in a group, then the total cost is split between the group members.
Hiring a porter is also optional, and it is a good option if you don’t want to carry all your items throughout the trek. While generally you can fit everything into a 30L backpack for a trek, a porter is a good option if you want to have more comfort.
Hiring a porter usually cost around USD 20 per day, and if you are in a group, the cost is split between the group.
I organize treks in Nepal:
✔️ Everest Base Camp
✔️ Annapurna Base Camp
✔️ Langtang Valley Trek & more!
Permit Costs
You also have to get a permit for most of the trekking routes in Nepal such as the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang Valley Trek.
Some trekking routes are in Restricted Areas, which need a special permit, for example, the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
There are also some trekking routes in Nepal that you can trek without permit, such as Pikey Peak Trek, Panchase Trek and Australian Camp Trek.
Here’s a breakdown of the main permits and their costs:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (USD 22): Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, Lower Mustang.
- Langtang Valley National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 (USD 22): Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda, Tamang Heritage Trail, Helambu.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 (USD 22): Everest Base Camp, Three Passes trek. + you also have to get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit which is NPR 2,000 (USD 15).
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit: NPR 3,000 (USD 22): Manaslu Circuit Trek (+ you also have to get a Restricted Area Permit and you need to get a guide for the Manaslu Trek).
You can get the permits at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at the permit office in Pokhara.
Nepal has recently also established an online system for buying the permits. At the moment, you can get the permits online only for the Annapurna, Gaurishankar and Manaslu regions.
Transportation Costs
When planning your budget for trekking in Nepal, you should also consider transportation costs.
The transport costs vary whether you go by bus, jeep, or flight to the starting point of the trek. Bus tickets tend to be the cheapest, then the jeep is a bit more expensive, and ultimately flights are the most expensive.
Bus tickets in Nepal cost around Rs. 1,500 (USD 11) for routes between Kathmandu and Pokhara, Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, and Kathmandu to Salleri.
Jeep tickets cost between Rs. 1,500-2,500 (USD 11-18) for sharing jeeps. For hiring a private jeep, the cost is around Rs. 10,000-15,000 (USD 70-110).
Flight tickets cost around USD 100 on the routes between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and if flying to Ramechhap or Lukla, the tickets are around USD 220 one-way.
Other Costs
You should also consider additional costs for trekking in Nepal. Most teahouses charge extra for the use of wifi, charging, hot shower, and hot drinking water which can add up quickly.
Additional costs in teahouses:
- Hot shower: Rs. 300 (USD 2)
- Wifi: Rs. 300 (USD 2)
- Charging: Rs. 200 (USD 1.5)
- Hot drinking water (refill for 1 litre water bottle): Rs. 200 (USD 1.5)
Plus, when preparing for your trek, you should also budget the costs of getting a travel insurance, and clothes and items you may need for trekking.
Nepal Trekking Package Cost with Trekking Agency
Booking a trek package with an agency is a good option if you don’t want the stress of organizing the trip for yourself. They arrange everything on your behalf, from the moment you land at Kathmandu airport to the day of your departure.
The trek packages generally include airport transfers, transport in Nepal, hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara, food and accommodation on the trek, guide, porter and permit fees.
The trek packages are more expensive than if you planned it on your own, but it is perfect if you don’t have time to plan your trip or feel stressed about having to plan it yourself.
The prices of trek packages vary depending on the route, number of trekking days you wish to undertake, and the level of luxury.
Typical Trekking Package Cost Range
The cost of trek packages vary depending on the trekking routes, transport and service included.
- Everest Base Camp Trek Package Cost: USD 1,200-1,500 (14 days)
- Three Passes Trek Package Cost: USD 1,400-2,200 (18 days)
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package Cost: USD 800-1,300 (14 days, with Poon Hill)
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Package Cost: USD 1,000-2,100 (12 days)
- Langtang Valley Trek Package Cost: USD 600-900 (10 days)
- Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost: USD 1,000-1,900 (15 days)
Pros of Booking a Trek Package
Less Stressful
You don’t have to worry about organizing the permits, navigating the trails, or booking accommodation. The agency takes care of everything so you can just enjoy the trek.
Cultural Insights and Knowledge of the Area
Not only do your guides take you where you want to go, they know the culture, the climate, the best places to see, and how to handle unexpected situations.
Having a local guide provides you information about the culture, traditions, and special spots that you would probably not discover on your own.
You Are Not Alone If Something Goes Wrong
Did you sprain your ankle? Are you ill due to the altitude? Should things not go as planned, a guide can advise on safety.
Cons of Booking a Trek Package
Higher Cost
The trek packages cost higher than if you organized the trip on your own, however, having a trek package can save you a lot of time and stress of having to plan it yourself.
Limited Freedom
The majority of packages come with a preset itinerary, and sometimes they also join you together in a group with other people.
When you are trekking in a big group, it can make the experience more stressful as everyone in the group walks in a different pace (faster or slower), but in a group you have to stick together.
Generally, what happens is that people who prefer to walk slowly, end up going faster then what feels best just to keep up with members of the group who go faster.
If you prefer trekking on your own and going at your own pace, joining a group package trek may not be the best option.
Nepal Trekking Costs by Hiring a Guide (+ Optional Porter)
If you don’t want to book a trek package, but would still like to trek with a guide, it is possible to just a hire a guide. Guides typically cost USD 30 per day and the price is split between the group.
In addition, you can also hire a porter to carry your backpack. Hiring a porter cost around USD 20 per day, and the same goes that if you trek in a group, then you can split this cost.
If you only hire a guide, then you pay for your meal and accommodation during the trek as you go.
Average costs to consider when trekking with a guide:
- National Park Permit Fees: Rs. 3,000 (USD 22)
- Guide fee: USD 30 per day
- Accommodation in teahouse: Rs. 500-1,000 (USD 3.50-7) per night
- Meals in teahouses: Rs. 2,000 (USD 15) per day for food on average, but it can be cheaper in lower altitudes and a bit more expensive in higher altitudes. If you also like to have a beer in the evenings, then it is best to budget an extra USD 10 per day.
- Transportation (to/ from trek): Bus ticket Rs. 1,500 (USD 11), sharing jeep ticket Rs. 1,500-2,500 (USD 11-18), private jeep Rs. 10,000-15,000 (USD 70-110), flights USD 100-220 one-way.
Pros of Hiring a Guide
If it’s your first time trekking, having a guide not only ensure safety but you can also learn more about Nepal, Nepali culture and trekking.
Nepal Solo Trekking Costs
If you have experience trekking, then trekking solo in Nepal is also an option. Nepal tried to implement a ban on solo treks in 2023, however, it is not enforced in reality, and solo trekking is still possible on the majority of trekking routes.
Solo trekking in Nepal typically costs between Rs. 2,500-3,500 (USD 20-25) per day which includes food, accommodation, transport, permit, and extras like wifi and hot shower.
Pros of Trekking Solo
Freedom and Flexibility
One of the best thing about solo trekking is the freedom it allows. You can set your own pace, take unplanned side trips, or to stop and enjoy the views whenever you wish.
Cost Efficiency
Let’s get real, trekking in Nepal does not have to be expensive. Being a solo trekker means you do not have to pay for a guide or porter, which saves you quite a lot of money.
If you’re traveling to Nepal on a budget, this is the way to make your travels more affordable.
Meeting New People
You may be trekking alone but you meet many other trekkers on the trail, both solo trekkers or those in groups. It is easy to make friends along the way, so you never really feel on your own.
Cons of Trekking Solo
The trekking routes in Nepal are generally easy to follow and navigate, especially the most popular ones like the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or Langtang Valley Trek.
However, in case you get sick (stomach bug, altitude sickness), then it is better if you are trekking with friends or a guide. It is best if you carry medicines with you, and also have insurance to cover for your trek.
Tips to Reduce Nepal Trekking Costs
Trek with a small group of friends
If you trek with a small group of friends (2-4 people), you can split the cost of accommodation which can reduce the total costs. Additionally, if you hire a guide, then the guide fee is also split among the members of the group.
Save on Wifi and Charging
Most teahouses (especially in high altitudes) charge extra for access to wifi and charging.
Pack a power bank so you don’t have to rely on charging at the teahouses, plus if you are fine to go 2-3 days without internet, you can also save on paying for wifi.
Generally, Nepal Telecom has better network coverage in the mountains in Nepal but there’d still be some days when there is no network.
Take the Bus Instead of Plane
Bus travel is considerably cheaper than flights in Nepal. Taking a flight can save you time, however, sometimes flights are delayed due to bad weather, so even flying is not always guaranteed.
Trek on Less Popular Routes
The most popular trekking routes (EBC, ABC, Langtang) tend to be more expensive then less popular ones.
Treks such as Pikey Peak Trek, Panchase or Panch Pokhari tend to be cheaper as not as many trekkers visit and prices remain low.
Trek in Less Busy Times
The main trekking season in Nepal is in the Autumn and Spring, however, the prices are slightly lower in off-season. There are less trekkers in off-seasons and teahouses sometimes offer free rooms if you eat your meals there.
If you want to avoid the crowds, some of the best time to trek in Nepal is in early winter (beginning of December) and early Spring (February to mid-March).
I don’t recommend treks in proper off season (monsoon, winter) as weather can be unpredictable. During monsoon, the trails can have landslides and leeches due to the rain, while in the winter, it is extremely cold and there can be lots of snow.
Things to Do After a Trek
There are so many things to do in Nepal apart from trekking. If you have some extra time before or after going on a trek, here are some of my recommendations:
- Relax at a spa and get a massage
- Explore the Nepali culture and history in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan and Pokhara
- Go paragliding
- Go on a jungle safari
- Shop for souvenirs
- Go on a free walking tour
FAQS: Trekking in Nepal Costs
How much does a trek in Nepal cost?
The cost of a trek in Nepal depends on the trekking route, number of days, whether you trek solo, hire a guide or a book a trek package.
If you trek solo, you can budget around USD 30 per day, meaning USD 210 for a 7-day trek. Additionaly, if you hire a guide, add an extra USD 30 per day for guide fees. The guide fees a split within the group.
For trek packages, they can cost between USD 600-2,200.
Why is trekking in Nepal so expensive?
Trekking in Nepal is only expensive if you book a trek through a trekking agency. If you trek solo or only hire a guide, then the costs can be kept to minimum.
On average, if you keep the costs to a minimum, you can trek in Nepal on USD 30 per day. I did a 7-day Annapurna Base Camp solo trek and only paid USD 22 per day.
How much money to bring on a Nepal Trek?
If you are trekking solo, you should bring at least USD 30 per day which is sufficient for accommodation, meals, transport, permit costs, and some extras like wifi and hot shower. If you want to have beer in the evenings, it is good to budget an extra USD 10 per day.
If you are trekking as part of a trek package, the price usually includes 3 meals and accommodation during thre trek. However, if you want to have extra snacks, beer or wifi, you’d have to pay for those separately. So, it is good to carry around USD 20 per day.
How much does it cost to hire a Trekking guide in Nepal?
Guide fees are typically around USD $30 per day, but it can vary depending on the experience of the guide.
How much to tip a trekking guide and porter in Nepal?
Tipping is customary and appreciated in Nepal’s trekking industry. You can tip around 10% to 15% of their daily wage. The total tip is split between the members of the group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, trekking in Nepal is not necessarily expensive. Every budget and travel preference can be accommodated, whether you decide to go alone, hire a guide, or book a trek package.
If you trek solo, the average cost is around Rs. 2,500-3,500 (USD 20-25) per day which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and permits.
In addition, if you hire a guide or porter, it is best to budget around USD 30 per day for a guide, and USD 20 per day for a porter.
Booking a trek package through a trekking agency is also an option and the packages generally include everything from airport transfer, accommodation and meals to guide and porters. The trek packages cost between USD 600-2,200 depending on the trek. Trek packages may cost more but it has the advantage that everything is organized for you.
This post was written in collaboration with Ramchandra Thapa. Ramchandra is the owner of Ayurveda Spa & Salon in Pokhara and has spent years trekking in Nepal, helping travelers explore the Himalayas while promoting wellness through nature.
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