Everest Base Camp Trek Cost for Nepali – My First Budget Trek to the Himalayas
Before my trip, I kept wondering, “What is the Everest Base Camp trek cost for a Nepali?” As a first-time trekker, I wanted the best experience without spending too much. The good news is that Everest Base Camp (EBC) is much cheaper for Nepali citizens compared to foreigners. I spent around NPR 25,000 to 40,000 for the full trek, depending on the route and how simple I kept it.
I didn’t need to pay for expensive permits like tourists do. For Nepali citizens, the local entry fee to Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is just NPR 100. No need to pay for the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, which usually costs foreigners NPR 3,000. I also skipped the flight to Lukla and took a cheaper jeep ride to Salleri, which saved money and added more walking days.
During the trek, I stayed in budget tea houses where food and rooms were simple. A basic dal bhat meal cost me around NPR 350–500, and a bed for the night was around NPR 300–500. Since I carried my own bag and didn’t hire a guide or porter, I saved even more. The whole trip took me 14 day, and the views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam were worth every rupee.
If you are a Nepali planning your first big trek, EBC is totally possible on a budget. Walk slow, eat simply, and carry only what you need. The trail is long, but the experience is rich. I returned home with tired legs, a happy heart, and unforgettable memories.
