In the past few years, the passion for traveling and trekking among people has surged surprisingly. While some are attracted by the beauty of a specific place, some try to find the cheapest yet rewarding holiday around the World.
To those wondering where to travel in the most budget-friendly way, we welcome you to the land of the Himalayas, Nepal. As Nepal is renowned for being the cheapest country to travel to, anyone can travel around Nepal by staying within the allocated budget. Although the tag of being cheapest may sound funny, but trust us, Nepal won't disappoint you with the unadulterated natural scenery, friendly Nepali people, scrumptious cuisines, and unique cultural values.
Since we have already mentioned that Nepal offers budget-friendly trips and trekkings, so why not get the details of the Trekking costs in Nepal for your next visit? Read the full blog, estimate your budget and get your customized trekking itinerary including the best services with the Trekking Guide Team Adventure.
Transportation costs
No matter where you are trekking to, to arrive at the starting point of the trek, you either need to drive or fly to the destination. If you are trekking to the Annapurna region, driving to Naya Pul, Kande or Ghandruk is a compulsion. However, if you are trekking to the Everest region flying to Lukla is the ideal option.
Talking in brief about the transportation costs, choosing local buses is the best option for you if you want to cut off your extra expenses. Hiring a jeep or flying out to the destination is only preferable if you have limited time in Nepal and have loaded money on your purse.
Kathmandu to Pokhara (Annapurna Region Trekking)
There are plenty of tourist buses in Nepal that will charge between USD 8 to 30 per person for the one-way drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The price discrepancies are because of the services offered during the trip by the tourist buses. The VIP and super VIP deluxe charge around 25 to 27 USD per person for one way.
- However, if you choose to fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu, it will cost you around 120 USD per person for one way.
- In case, you want to travel with the locals in the local bus, it will cost you around 3.5-5 USD
- And similarly from Pokhara to Nayapul, it will costs you around 1-2 USD.
Kathmandu to Lukla Everest Region Trekking
Trekkers have always loved the idea of enjoying the incredible sights of the Himalayas on the Kathmandu-Lukla flight. Flying to Lukla is the best option for anyone who desires to summit the base camp. But don’t you think, you will eventually see these views once you summit the base camp and Kalapathar at the end of the trek. If this thought ever crossed your mind, we will offer you another best alternative for the trek which will also cut off the extra expense.
- While the Kathmandu-Lukla flights cost you around USD 160 to 190 per person for one way.
- Driving to Jiri or Shivalaya to start your EBC trek will cost you around 45 to 60 USD only per person. Isn't that cool? Easy on the purse, adventure on the way.
Book your Jiri to EBC trek now with us: Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
Langtang Region Trekking
As the Langtang valley is the closest trekking destination to the capital city, the transportation costs are relatively much lower than other trekking routes. The details are mentioned below:
- Public Transport: 3.5-6 USD per person
- Jeep: 8-10 USD per person
- Tourist Bus: 10-15 USD per person
Manaslu Region Trekking
The Manaslu trek starts from Soti Khola which is an hour drive from Arughat, Dhading. One can drive on the local bus from Kathmandu to Arughat which will cost around 10 USD and from Arughat it will approximately cost around 1-5 dollars.
However, if you choose to travel via jeep, it will cost you around 150-200 USD.
Trekking Permit costs
The government of Nepal has issued certain permits for trekking in various regions of Nepal. Since during the trek, you will traverse through the different conservation areas, you will have to pay a certain amount to enter and trek through the area.
The permits are namely the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, Sagarmatha National Park permits, Langtang National Park permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and likewise. Apart from these, there are some special permits required to trek through the restricted areas like the Tsum Valley, Manaslu, Upper Mustang Nar-Phu, and Kanchenjunga. Along with the Trekking permits, you will also require the TIMS for trekking in Nepal.
The cost of each of the Permits are mentioned below:
| Code/Short Name | Full Permit Name | Price ($ USD) |
| TIMS | Trekkers Information Management System | 20 |
| SNP | Sagarmatha National Park permit | 35 |
| ACAP | Annapurna Conservation Area permit | 20 |
| MCAP | Manaslu Conservation Area permit | 20 |
| TSUM | Tsum Valley Conservation Area permit | 35 |
Cost of Guide and Porter
Commencing on a solo trek is safe in Nepal. However, if you are trekking for the first time in Nepal, having a guide will help you a lot during the trek. A guide not only makes sure that you reach the destination safely but also makes sure that you stay at comfortable tea houses, and elaborate the history and background of every stop you stay at. Having a guide who can navigate properly will help you skip all the hustle and makes your trek a lot more convenient and easy.
Apart from the guide, if you have packed a lot of stuff for the trek, having a porter will help you walk freely throughout the trek. Since packing is vital for the trek as you have to carry a lot of things, hiring a porter is the ultimate choice if you don’t want to get tired and enjoy the scenery during the trek.
- A guide will charge between 20 to 25 USD per day
- And porter will charge around 15 to 18 USD per day.
Cost of Accommodation
Most of the treks in Nepal are tea house trekking and the trekkers will have to stay in the tea houses during the trek. The price of the tea houses may vary according to the region you are trekking to and the season you are trekking. In the peak season, there is a high chance that you will not find a cheaper room, however, in the off-season the same room can be found at half prices.
Typically a tea house accommodation costs you around 3-5 USD. However, the price of EBC and ABC trek might highly vary.
There are also some luxury lodges in the Annapurna and Everest Region that will charge you around 100-300 USD per night.
Apart from the tea house accommodation, you can also opt for Camping, and Homestays according to your desire.
If you choose to trek in the peak trekking season, the accommodation in the popular trekking regions will cost you around:
- Annapurna region trekking: 5-25 USD per night
- Everest region trekking: 10-35 USD per night
- Manaslu circuit trekking: 6-15 USD per night
- Langtang valley trekking: 12-15 USD per night
Food and Drinks Costs
Apart from the accommodation, food and drinks are the next important thing you will be spending your money on during the trek. as the altitude increases the food variety becomes scarce hence, you will mainly depend on the staple Nepali cuisine Dal, Bhat, Tarkari served along with the pickle. However, if you are trekking at a relatively lower altitude, you can also enjoy some continental items including spaghetti, noodles, dumplings, and even pizza in some tea houses.
Along with the food, you can also choose your drink among, tea, coffee, beer or just the water.
The full board meal in the tea houses comprises Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner and will cost you around 15-30 USD. However, the cost may vary according to the food or beverages you order.
The drinks in the higher altitude will cost you around:
- Tea: 1.5 to 4 USD per cup
- Coffee: 2 to 4 USD per cup
- Beer: 5 to 10 USD per bottle
- Water: 0.5 to 5 USD per bottle
Miscellaneous Costs
Along with the cost of accommodation, transportation, and food, it is very important to note that, you will be charged for almost every service you use during your stay in the tea houses. For example, if you stay in the tea house and want to take a hot shower, you will have to pay some extra amount for it.
Similarly, if you want to charge your camera or power bank, an extra amount will be charged by the tea house for that too. Hence, it's not the transportation cost or accommodation costs only that makes you lose money during the trek, but it’s the miscellaneous costs that make your trip expensive.
Some of the general miscellaneous costs during the trek are:
Charging your electronics
As mentioned above, you will be charged extra money if you choose to charge any kinds of electronics in the tea house. The tea house will charge you around 2-5 USD per hour for each device you are charging. The device may be your mobile phone, camera, or even the power banks.
Hot shower
Your sweaty body may desire a hot shower every day after the trek. taking a hot shower in the tea house may cost you around 3-5 dollars. It may sound impracticable but packing wipes and cleaning your body will be the best option if you want to feel fresh without even showering. Pack some wipes and dry shampoo and skip the shower routine.
Wifi
Just like the shower and charging electronics, you will also have to pay an extra amount for WIFI if you choose to use the service. some of the tea houses in the trekking trail have access to the WIFI and will charge you around 3-5 USD. However, in the EBC region, you can use the prepaid WIFI cards that will cost you around 3 USD for 100 MB.
Tips to reduce the cost
Most of us might not think about money while trekking to the beautiful hidden regions of Nepal. However, if you are looking for ways to reduce the cost the below-mentioned points will at least help you save some dollars which you can use for city sightseeing and adventurous activities after completing the trek.
- Accommodate in local tea houses in the trail
- Travel in Local buses instead of Tourist bus or flight
- Trek in Groups
- Pack your Snack, Toiletries, and water purifying tablets
- Use wipes instead of showering
- Don't charge your device in the tea house instead carry power banks
The above-mentioned are the basic points to reduce your cost during the trek. If you want to get full details, please read our blog Smart Ways to Save Money While Trekking in Nepal
Saved some money by following the tips? Join us for some adventure in the lap of the Himalayas.
✔ Bungee Jumping Nepal
✔ Paragliding in Nepal
Conclusion
Trekking in Nepal is an exhilarating experience as you get a chance to get a peek at the cultural values of the local community while you enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas from your breakfast table at the same time.
Trekking in Nepal is fascinating, so don’t let the trekking costs fool you. Plan your next trek with us and we will make sure you enjoy every bit of Nepal.
If you want to know more about the popular treks of Nepal, please have a look at the below-mentioned packages:
✔ Everest Base Camp Trekking
✔ Annapurna Base Camp Trek 10 Days
✔ Langtang Valley Trek 9 Days
