Budget Everest Base Camp Trekking  |  11 Days

Bunk off the city and weave your way around the Himalayas for the relentless adventure and most picturesque views. If not, rove for the jaw-dropping vista of Mount Everest or the visionary valleys and magical forests that allures travelers.

The Himalayas boasts numerous trekking destinations that stand out with its hovering mountains, medieval villages, and thriving forests putting forth lovely sights. Nevertheless, Everest Base Camp tops the chart for most trekked destinations following a majestic view of snow peaks and diverse landscapes.

Even on the gloomiest day, Everest Base Camp continues to ablaze with its brightly colorful valleys, glimmering glaciers, and towering mountains. Its electrifying trails with vivid green meadows add further charm to its beauty.

Budget Everest Base Camp Trekking is the smartest choice for any day backpackers who wants to offset the costs and explore the base camp with ease. The package is dedicated to keeping the trip under budget without hurting the bank account of hikers.

The trip to Everest Base Camp starts with an easy flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek to Phakding. The trail from Phakding winds through the juniper forests and Dudh Koshi River valley to reach Namche Bazaar.

Passing over the sanctuary, you can see quite a few Himalayan wild animals and birds. The trail from Sherpa village till Everest Base Camp is mostly uphill with a rugged surface. With the start of the trail from Namche, the path rises and winds its way into Tengboche and Gorak Shep.

The course has you walking over the old wooden bridge, upland, and rocks, emerging above the foothills. After Gorak Shep, the trails are a bit rugged with stones and cliffs but rewarding. It provides a mesmerizing view of soaring peaks, traditional Nepali villages, and a luminous terrace.

Trip Highlights of Budget Everest Base Camp Trekking

  • Aerial view of snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and landscapes
  • Series of ancient monasteries, beautiful Chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags
  • Varied species of wild animals to explore including Himalayan thar, serow and musk deer 
  • Sweet taste of Nepalese culture and tradition alongside interaction with local Sherpa people 
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery and offer prayers to divinity
  • Breathtaking sunrise view from Kala Patthar at 5,643 meters

Outline Itinerary:

  • 1Day 1: Fly to Lukla, Trek to PhakdingMaximum Altitude: 2,610 meters Flight Distance: 138 km Flight Duration: 40 minutes Trek Distance: 9 km Trek Duration: 4 hours  
    We’ll take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which lasts about half an hour or so. The helicopter takes off from Tribhuvan International Airport before flying over the rolling hills and steep rock face, and mountains. Thanks to the nice and clean morning air, we get an unobstructed view of snow-capped mountains and the archaic villages. Once we land at Lukla and have our breakfast, the trek to Phakding starts with an uphill climb. The trail scrambling beside the mountain and on the left bank of Dudh Koshi River provides a riveting view. After a hike of almost 4 hours, we’ll finally reach Phakding, sitting at an elevation of 2,610 meters. For your viability and comfort, we’ll spend the first night of budget Everest Base Camp Trekking in a lodge at Phakding.
  • 2Day 2: Trek to Namche BazaarMaximum Altitude: 3,440 meters Trek Distance: 7.4 km Trek Duration: 5-6 hours  
      After breakfast, we’ll gently walk the trail running through the pine forest and follow Dudh Koshi River valley below. After crossing the suspension bridge, our trail incessantly ascends uphill. From up here, the path unfolds an astounding view of Thamserku for once during the trip. Leaving behind Manjo, we scramble the steep slopes that walk all the way to Sagarmatha National Park. Strolling through the sanctuary and across the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we head off to Jorsale. The last 2 hours of walking from Jorsale to Namche is extremely strenuous with an endless steep trail. But it’s also gratifying with beautiful landscapes, flaky ridges, and dramatic views. At Namche, we’ll stay overnight in a tea house.
  • 3Day 3: Rest day at Namche BazaarAfter the hectic day, it’s time for us to get a little easy on ourselves and take the day off, before coming at a more rapid pace. Since the trail above Namche is steeper, the chances of getting altitude sickness are unusually high. Therefore, to adapt to the varying atmosphere, we’ll take a quick tour of Syangboche and also enjoy the impressive scenery. The trek to Everest View hotel will take 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace. Seen from the ridge is the towering Mt. Everest that rises all the way up to 29,028 ft. high. We’ll also get to witness the breathtaking landscapes, idyllic Sherpa village, and rolling farmland. Once done with the sighting, we’ll return back to the village following the same course.
  • 4Day 4: Trek to TengbocheMaximum Altitude: 3,870 meters Trek Distance: 9.2 km Trek Duration: 5-6 hours  
      With the sunup, we’ll continue our Budget Everest Base Camp trekking. Since the terminal point is Tengboche, we’ll leave for the trail immediately after having breakfast. Today’s expedition will cost us between 5-6 hours of maximum time with the most section tilted up. The trek runs over a rugged trail unraveling the soul-stirring view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Mount Everest. Over the period, we’ll steer the meandering trail that’s vertically moving. After arriving at Kyanjuma, our trail paves its way through the pine forest to reach Phunki Thenga. Even though the view is amazing for the rest, the trek gets a bit daunting at the end with a constant uphill walk till Tengboche. Overnight stay in a guest house at Tengboche.
  • 5Day 5: Trek to DingbocheMaximum Altitude: 4,360 meters Trek Distance: 12 km Trek Duration: 5-6 hours  
      After breakfast, we let the trek to Dingboche get going by coming off the village. The journey from Tengboche starts with a precipitous climb up to Pangboche village. Along the route, we’ll encounter many ancient Tibetan monasteries, beautiful Chortens, and mani walls. After getting lunch, we’ll resume our trek by following the trail foregoing Imja Khola. Next, we climb down the hill and take a small ascend up the rocky track to reach Dingboche. Sitting at 4,410 meters, Dingboche is a coveted Sherpa village in Chukhung Valley. It has a terrific sight to offer with eye-striking terrain of barley and potatoes. Dingboche is a hidden jewel with overwhelming landforms, rippling hills, ruined mills, and green meadows. Tonight we’ll stay in a local tea house at Dingboche.
  • 6Day 6: Trek to LobucheMaximum Altitude: 4,940 meters Trek Distance: 10.7 km Trek Duration: 4-5 hours   
    It’s the sixth day of Budget Everest Base Camp Trekking and we’re all ready to precede Lobuche. Stretching 6.6 miles from Dingboche, the trail walks over the edge of the steep hill and rocks above Chukhung Valley. Once we reach Thukla, the trail forges ahead to the terminal moraine of Khumbu Glacier which provides an exquisite view of Everest’s natural landscape, primeval monasteries, and pretty villages. You shall also spot the memorials in the area which serves as a center for the memory of lost souls in Everest. After traversing the rugged trail on to the ridge for almost an hour, we’ll finally reach Lobuche. The walk surely comes with a fascinating view of Island Peak, vibrant valley, and cirque. Overnight stay in a tea house at Lobuche.
  • 7Day 7: Trek to Gorak Shep, hike to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak ShepMaximum Altitude: 5,364 meters Trek Distance: 6.9 km Trek Duration: 8-9 hours   
    The trek to Gorak Shep really takes some serious beating and ample time. Therefore, without messing around, we’ll start walking the moraine in the wee hour. Of course, it’s tedious roving the path to Gorak Shep but with the dramatic scenery and mountain pass, we’ll be able to enjoy ourselves. The journey from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp has a wild mountain track, full of boulders and rocks. After turning up at Gorak Shep, we’ll stop by the tea house and have brunch before continuing the excursion. An hour-long trip to Everest Base Camp includes a steeper trail that ascends up to 5,364 meters. After the long trip, you’ll eventually get to sight the imposing Mt. Everest as well as Nuptse and Cho Oyu. As long as we’re at the campsite, you can scout the realm and also catch a glimpse of Khumbu Glacier.
  • 8Day 8: Hike to Kala Patthar, trek to PhericheMaximum Altitude: 5,643 meters Trek Distance: 15.2 km Trek Duration: 7-8 hours  
    After the hearty breakfast in the tea house at Gorak Shep, we’ll set off for the hike to Kala Patthar. The hike is about 1-2 hours long with a vertical ascent over the crags and cobblestones. At Kala Patthar, you’ll get the most impressive and closeup view of Changtse and the north face of Lhotse. After exploring the scene, we’ll take a switchback down the mountain and over a steep path to Gorak Shep. A quick stop at the tea house for lunch and we set off on the trip to Pheriche, which passes beautiful villages, ancient Chortens, and memorials. The trek to Pheriche is relatively easy compared to others with most of the trail walking lowland. The village provides a postcard view of a range of snow-capped mountains, vivid green alpine forests, and monasteries. Overnight stay in a tea house at Pheriche.
  • 9Day 9: Trek to Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche BazaarMaximum Altitude: 3,440 meters Trek Distance: Trek Duration: 5-6 hours   
    Following the successful ascent of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, it’s time for us to return back to Namche Bazaar. Hence, after having breakfast, we’ll follow the trail out of Pangboche and continue walking through the rhododendron forest. Traveling a few miles further, we’ll reach Pangboche where we’ll stop for a moment to have lunch. After retrieving the energy to take up the trail again, we’ll resume the trip. The entire walk from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar takes about 4-5 hours, passing Phunki Thenga. Next, we’ll cross the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River and sail across the pine forests up below up to Kyanjuma. From here, the trail descends the hill, going all the way to Namche. Overnight stay in a lodge at the Sherpa town.
  • 10Day 10: Trek to LuklaMaximum Altitude: 2,860 meters Trek Distance: 13 km Trek Duration: 4-5 hours   
    For the last day of Budget Everest Base Camp trekking, we’ve fascinating trail moving Namche Bazaar to Lukla. The hike is a lot easier this time with most trails walking downward. Following the rocky path, we’ll walk towards Dudh Koshi River and then over the suspension bridge. From the other end, our trail continuously rambles downhill to the level ground. As we move forward, the course delves through the pine forests and rhododendron. In the last few hours of the trek, we’ll walk the flat terrain and pass a few Sherpa settlements before reaching Lukla. The village provides a magnificent view of gentle hills, lush green forest, and tempting waterfalls. Today we’ll spend the night in a guest house at Lukla.
  • 11Day 11: Fly back to KathmanduMaximum Altitude: 1,400 meters Flight Distance: 138 km Flight Duration: 40 minutes   
    Unfortunately, it’s the end of our Budget Everest Base Camp trekking as we’re all set to take our flight back to Kathmandu. After enjoying the typical Nepali breakfast in the town, we’ll take a short walk up to Lukla airstrip. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu lasts nearly 40 minutes during which we get to sight the cascading waterfalls, majestic hills, and lustrous pastures. Once we land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will drive you back to the hotel where you can get some rest.

Cost Includes

Transport

  •  All Airport and Hotel transfers with  vehicles.
  •  Both way (Round Trip) flight fare KTM –Lukla-- KTM and domestic airport taxes in Kathmandu and Lukla.
  •  Drop and pick up to Nepali restaurant.

 Accommodations

  •  Everest Base camp Trekking (11Ns): Best Available Lodge Accommodation during treks on twin sharing basis room.

Meals

There are multiple selections in meals item in Everest region trekking. But, it can be basic and may not have choices in menu some of the rest places.

  • Breakfast: Inculde full trip.
  •  Lunch: Include full trip
  •  Dinner: Include  full trip

Mountain Guide and Potter

  • Trekking Guide leader in mountains.
  • 1 Sherpa potter for 2 trekkers in mountain.

Trekking Package

  • Best Lodge Accommodations Mountain, all necessary staff with experienced leader (guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.

Taxes and Entrance Fees

  • All the applicable services charges, government taxes and vat, all necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIM’s card).

Others

  • Good Vibe Adventure’s t-shirt,
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.

Cost Excludes

Travel insurance (compulsory), personal expenses, tips, drinking water, cold drinks, hot drinks, shopping, laundry, internet, phone, bar bills.

Trip Note

Arrival in Nepal

According to your arrival itinerary in Nepal, Good Vibe Adventure welcomes you at the entry point or at the airport and takes you to the hotel. We also brief you in short about the programs.

Transportation

Tourist vehicle to airport drop and pick up/ round flight trip KTM - LUKLA - KTM.

Food/ Water and Accommodation on Everest Base Camp Trek

During the trekking, we bring to breakfast and dinner at the lodge and lunch on the trekking trail. We recommend you to bring water purification pills, but you have options of buying bottled water or boiled water as well. And best available lodge in the trekking. Lodges with basic facilities are available in Everest Base Camp trekking.

Luggage on Everest Base Camp Trek

During the trekking, your bag pack will be carried by the porter and you can use your belongings at your desired time. You can just carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. Except the necessary things, you can deposit your belongings to the hotels locker.

Communication, Electricity and Battery Charge on Everest Base Camp Trek

Despite some areas, there is network coverage of mobile phone in almost the places. The landline phones are also available for the communication. Electricity or solar powers are available for the mobile charge. It is better to have a spare battery.

Health Issues

It is better to consult with your doctor before going to the Everest Base Camp Trekking. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)/ High Altitude Sickness can occur during the trekking so proper acclimatization is needed. Please, take your required medicine with you.

Insurance/Rescue

Insurance help you to get a quick rescue and the medical expenses. It is an expensive operation from the higher altitude in helicopter. It cuts your economic burden if some accidents happen. Insurance should be done by you.

Best Trekking season for the Everest Base Camp

Autumn and spring are the best seasons for Everest Base Camp Trekking. Days are warm and nights are chilling. Mornings are usually clear and fine weather. It can be cloudy around the afternoon and evening. The winter season is more challenging due to the heavy snow fall.

Booking and Payment procedure

10% payment should be paid in advance while you book the trip. It should include Passport copy and flight detail. The rest of 80% payment is payable at your arrival in Nepal. You can pay by your credit card and deposit into the bank account of Good Vibe Adventure from your country and can pay cash after your arrival.

Trip Extension

In addition of Everest Base Camp Treks, we can also extend the trip to jungle safari, Lumbini Tour, Nepal Tour, Rafting along with tour activities in Tibet and Bhutan. Please, let us know earlier if you want to extent your trip either inside Nepal or outside of it according to your time management.

General Cost Details During the Trek

The cost of Everest Base Camp Trek relies on the itinerary you pick and the service you preferred. The longer you decide to stay in the region, the more it’s going to cost you which can put a lot of pressure. However, with budget Everest Base Camp Trekking, you won’t have to be deeply concerned or bother thinking about it.

Following the Budget Everest Base Camp Trekking, we get to explore the campsite at a fair price. The cost of an Everest Base Camp trek typically ranges from US$9,00 to US$1,500 based on the length of your stay.

Food and Accommodation

Accommodation in Everest Base Camp trek varies from extravagant hotels to lodges and guest houses right around the corner. However, after coming high above the lowlands, the accommodation option prunes with mere some tea houses and trekking lodges available

Tea houses are increasingly common on the way to Everest Base Camp as they’re more comfortable, cozy, and best-priced. Its service may not meet those standards of a high-quality restaurant but the facilities provided cover the bare necessities.

At the cost of US$3 to US$5, you’ll get a good set-up room with a single or double bedroom. Along with it comes a wooden bed, a clean bed sheet, a pillow, and a bedsheet which is optional in some places.

Food items, especially for dinner, don't have much variety. You’ll often have to settle for the typical Nepali food, rice, vegetables, pickles, and a few other side dishes. The is believed to be more healthy and supply more energy as compared to other food items to walk the steep trail.

Every day trekkers are provided 3 meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner which costs between US$25 to US$30. You can also have other savory dishes like flatbread and curry, noodle soup, and pizza in western cuisine.

Guides and Porter Cost

It’s really hard to put up with the trail of Everest Base Camp without being rightly guided and backed. Therefore, hikers entrust themselves with the local guides and porters in the region who are always forward to assisting every guest.

They make the travel incredibly easier and comfortable for trekkers by carrying the weight. While the trekking guide helps guests in navigation and discovery of new places, porters as well as serve hikers by carrying as much weight as possible.

Guides in Lukla cost around US$20 to US$30 per day whereas the porters charge US$20-US$25 depending on the weight. Usually, a porter helps two trekkers at a time with no more than 30 kg weight which means each person can scrap up to 15 kg load.

Transportation cost

Budget Everest Base Camp trek also includes transportation cost which includes

Excluding the international flight, you have to pay for the domestic airfare to and fro Lukla. You’ll be charged around US$140 however, the price may change over the course of time.

Cost of trekking gears

Everest Base Camp trek is multi-day hiking from plains to mountain sitting at 5,364 meters. With the rising altitude, the temperature varies and so does the weather. This is why you'll need appropriate trekking gear for the base camp hike.

Winters are tremendously cold at the campsite thereupon urging you to get warmer clothes. Insulated mountaineering boots with puffy jackets, woolen gloves, and winter caps well-tuned to impede the frigid weather of Everest Base Camp.

You might also need crampons to walk the snowy terrains in winter. It provides a good grip so that you can easily walk on the trail without slithering. The approximate cost of trekking gears for Budget Everest Base Camp trekking can be somewhere between US$1,500 to US$2,000.

However, if you want to minimize the cost and keep it as low as possible, then better rent the equipment. There are lots of shops in Thamel that lease every hiking gear including tent, sleeping bag, trekking poles, and climbing backpack. Some of the hiking equipment you’re going to need for Budget Everest Base Camp trekking are.

Clothing & Footwear

  • Waterproof breathable down jacket to avoid cold
  • Lightweight wool t-shirt both full and half sleeves
  • Lightweight trekking pants (waterproof)
  • Water-resistant camp shoes
  • Well-suited hat for both summer and winter weather

Other Accessories

  • Water purification tablets
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • Daypack for snacks and jacket
  • Reading materials and journals

Travel Insurance Cost

It may not be legally mandated but it’s always better to have travel insurance for your own security and self-assurance. It’s done to protect yourself from unforeseen mishaps including emergency flight, immediate medical service requirement, and stealing.

Given the steep trail of Everest Base Camp, there is a real possibility of altitude sickness. In that case, the travel insurance will cover your cost for aero-medical evacuations. The cost of an insurance policy varies, pricing from US$150 to US$200.

  • Trip Duration 11 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Style Trekking
  • Accomodation Lodge Trek
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