Everest Base Camp Budget Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is a stunning adventure hiking destination that offers captivating landscapes, majestic mountain views, rich Sherpa culture, and exotic flora and fauna. The world’s leading trekking route provides a life-changing experience for nature and adventure lovers globally. The picturesque Budget Everest Base Camp Trek leads you to the homeland of Sherpa, the world’s highest mountain, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other stunning white capped peaks. There are numerous trails to reach the ultimate destination at Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Kalapathar (5545m), and these include the Everest Three Pass Trek, Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, Everest Base Camp Via Island, and Everest Base Camp Via Lobuche Peak. The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek is a budget and short package of the EBC Trek. Book the Everest Base Camp Budget Trek with Himalayan Trekking Path at a reasonable cost along with top-notch service.
Highlights of Budget Everest Base Camp Trek
- Embark on a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Lukla aboard a small aircraft, enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, river valleys, and lush green hills.
- Begin the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, which stands at an elevation of 5,364 meters, a popular route among trekkers.
- Experience the diverse flora and fauna found at altitudes ranging from 2,600 to 5,000 meters.
- Stay in local Sherpa and Rai villages, allowing for an immersive experience in their rich culture and traditional cuisine.
- Explore Namche Bazar, a key highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local markets.
- Hike to the Everest Views Hotel, recognized as the highest luxury hotel in the world, as noted by Guinness World Records.
- Everest View Hotel Hike Allow time for acclimatization to prepare for the increasing elevation.
- Traverse multiple suspension bridges throughout the journey, adding to the adventure.
- Visit ancient monasteries such as Tengboche and Pangboche, which offer insights into the region's spiritual heritage.
- Reach Kalapather at 5,500 meters and Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, capturing stunning views of the world's highest peaks before returning to Lukla and concluding the trek with a flight back to Kathmandu.
Budget Everst Base Camp Trek Itinerary
The Budget Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the best budget-friendly packages and itineraries of the globally famous, top-rated, challenging yet rewarding Everest Base Camp Trek that begins in Kathmandu with the airport pickup and then heads to the trailhead at Lukla by scenic flight with a tiny twin Otter plane. As long as the flight takes time, you will have an amazing view of the valley, snowcapped peaks, river valley, and green hills. The flight is like a bird and feels like a great adventure. Landed in Lukla at the Hillary Airport, then trekked forward to Everest base camp (5364m) and Kalapather (5545m) along the Phakding, Manjo, Namche Bazar, Tenboche, Dinboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. Additionally, successfully summited the final destination and then retreated to Lukla and vice versa.
Everest Base Camp Trek offers vast flora and fauna
Everest Base Camp Trek offers great chance to witness the mind-blowing scenery, charming Sherpa villages, ancient Tibetan monasteries, the world's highest peaks, great river valleys, gigantic waterfalls, the sight of the Himalayans presents, Yak, horses, black bears, tahrs and blood pheasants, there are plenty of wild and domesticated animals as well as beautiful birds to see along the Everest Base Camp trek. The vegetation is fir, Himalayan birch, and rhododendron; Juniper and rhododendron. It hosts 208 bird species, including the Impeyan pheasant, bearded vulture, snowcock, and alpine chough. It has been designated as an Important Bird Area. The world animals are Himalayan tahr, Himalayan serow, musk deer, and Himalayan Leopard.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
Like other trekking routes in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp Trek requires choosing the best time to go. Generally, there are two main trekking seasons: autumn and spring, while winter and the rainy season are considered off-season. During the main seasons of Autumn (mid-September to mid-November) and Spring (March to mid-May), the flight operates only between Ramechhap and Lukla. Let's join the Himalayan Trekking Path Company, the local expert trekking company, and enjoy your trek in the best way. The Everest Base Camp trek, like other trekking routes in Nepal, is best undertaken during the Autumn months (September to November) and Spring (March to May). During these periods, temperatures remain stable, offering stunning views, clear skies, and comfortable weather. This is an excellent time to experience the diverse scenery, flora, and fauna, as well as local festivals. The colder months of January and February are generally not advisable due to low temperatures; however, with proper preparation, travel is still possible. Additionally, June and July are characterized by heavy rainfall and cloud cover, which can disrupt flights, but if you have ample time, exploring Everest Base Camp during the off-season is feasible. We also recommend considering December, August, and February as alternative months for trekking, as they tend to have fewer fellow trekkers.
How do I reach Lukla from Kathmandu?
Lukla is a tiny Sherpa village, which is the gateway to the entire Everest Region treks and expeditions. Lukla Airport was established in 1964, and it was paved in 2001. The entire region is connected by flight; however, now, road access reaches close to Lukla Village. This year, the road has connected to Surke Village, which is just a foothill from Lukla Village. Since last year, the road was connected to Thamdanda. Therefore, you can choose either overland or air as your preference. Here is the breakdown of the transportation routes that connect Kathmandu and Lukla.
- Kathmandu to Lukla Flight: It is the classical way to travel between Kathmandu and Lukla. It takes 30 minutes, and it costs USD230 per person per way. During the season (mid-September to mid-November and mid-March to mid-May), the flights will not operate due to air traffic. Therefore, the alternative Ramechhap airport will be used for the flights to Luka. Ramchhep is 135 km from Kathmandu, and to travel it takes 4 to 5 hours in a Car.
- Helicopter ride: A helicopter is the most convenient transportation on Everest due to the unstable weather, and it can operate in any conditions. It works to the rescue mainly. However, if you want to try a Helicopter, that is possible at USD600 to USD700 per person per way. If you would like to book the shared helicopter, contact Himalayan Trekking Path. We offer you the best cost and anytime.
- Kathmandu to Thamdanda or Surke by Jeep: This is one of the cheapest ways to reach the Trail Head Thamdanda/ Surke village. But that journey is 300km; it takes more than 13 hours of driving. The cost is about USD80 to USD90 per person.
- Ramechhap to Lukla: During the main seasons (Autumn and Spring), the flight between Kathmandu and Lukla is not functioning because of the air traffic. Therefore, Ramechhap is the alternative airport to reach Lukla. It is a very short flight, and it can operate all day; that is the reason it was chosen. Flights between Lukla and Kathmandu are delayed due to weather, and a long hold might affect the traveler's schedule. The main hindrance of the Lukla flight is cancellation due to weather, so that comes with some spare time to find a solution in the difficult situation.
Kalapathar (5545m)
Kalapathar (Black Rock) is the major highlight of the Everest Base Camp Trek, standing at 5545m above sea level. It is the finest view point of Mt. Everest (8848.86m), the roof of the world and epicentre of the nature and adventure lovers across the world. Therefore, most of the trekkers go for the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Pumari, Lhotse, Nuptse, and others. The Kalapathar hike starts from Gorakshep and takes 3 to 4 hours round trip. It is ideal to go early for a better view with the glorious sunlight on the entire Himalayan range.
Everest Base Camp (5545m)
Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the ultimate destination of the Everest Trek. It is located on the foothill of Mt. Everest (8848.86m) and offers superb views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The Everest Base Camp Hike takes 4 to 5 hours round trip between EBC and Gorakshep, which is the last teahouse of the Everest Base camp Trek. The Everest Base Camp is located above the glacier; that is the reason the teahouse is not available there. However, if you would like to stay overnight on the base camp, that is possible with the Himalayan trekking path at an extra cost. The elevation of EBC is 5364m above sea level, offering a captivating scenery that has never been seen before in your life. Come and book the Everest Base Camp Trek at a low budget, but do not forget that our service is always top-notch.
Can I hire a porter from Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, it is possible to hire a porter in Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Hiring a porter for your trek means you travel with much more freedom than with a heavy backpack. Due to the high elevation, walking in less air and a tired body and mind cannot enjoy much. Therefore, a porter can help make your trip interesting, enjoyable, and worry-free. If you are fit and fine, that is no problem; however, a porter makes your journey very different from what it would be without. The cost of the porter is USD20 per person, including all the expenses except Tips. Moreover, a porter can assist 2 clients' backpacks and assist up to 20 kg in total. Book a helpful porter with Himalayan Trekking Path and enjoy your trip to Everest Base Camp Trek without worrying about the bag and its weight.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Of course, the Everest Base Camp Trek is challenging due to its high mountain passes, rugged terrain, difficult geography, and thin air. Therefore, preparation and physical fitness are a must. For the preparation, you need to participate in cardiovascular-related workouts like hiking, trekking, cycling, and other activities. If you are seasoned trekkers, this is the best destination; however, if you are beginners, you need ample acclimatization and good preparation. Every day, you need to walk about 6 to 7 hours, and the trek starts at 2880 m and brings you to the glacier at 5545m. Physical fitness helps to adjust your body to high elevations and different climates.
Everest Base Camp Trek: Permits and Costs
The Everest Base Camp trek necessitates several permits, specifically the Sagarmatha National Park permit, the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, and the Pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit. The associated permit fees are outlined below. These permits are essential for the regulation and conservation of the Everest region. To obtain these permits, a passport is required, and local fees can be paid in Lukla, while the National Park permit is issued in Manjo village.
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) cost is USD20 per person
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit cost is USD 30 per person
- Pasang Lhamu Permits fees is USD30 per person
Budget Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Guide for 2025-2026
The budget for the Everest Base Camp Trek starts from USD 800 and goes up to USD 5000, depending on your preferred services and duration. With Himalayan Trekking Path, you will always receive better service at a very reasonable cost. Please note that our service will consistently be top-notch.
The cost of the 12-day Budget Everest Base Camp Trek ranges between USD 900 and USD 1,200 per person, depending on the group size. If you are solo, the cost will reach USD1200, but if you are in a small or large group, the cost will be discounted. Please check our inclusions and exclusions section to learn about the services that come with the package. Generally, our Everest Budget Trek package includes a round-trip flight (Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu), mountain meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), mountain accommodations, permits, a guide, etc. Here is the breakdown of costs for the Budget Everest Base Camp Trek, depending on the number of trekkers for 2025-2026.
- The price for the budget Everest Base Camp trek is USD 1,200 for individuals traveling alone.
- For groups of 2 to 6 participants, the cost of the EBC Trek is USD 1,000 per person.
- For larger groups of 7 to 10 individuals, the price of the EBC Trek is USD 900 per person.