Breaking Down the Cost of Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal is indeed an unforgettable adventure. It offers everything from breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences to the thrill of conquering challenging trails. However, to fully enjoy this experience, planning well while breaking down the cost of trekking would be best.

Planning your budget prevents unusual surprises and ensures a smoother and happier trek. The Condé Nast Traveler has listed Nepal as one of the 21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024. It isn’t very easy to determine the exact cost of trekking, but it can take approximately 1,000 USD to 2,500 USD for 7 to 14 days. This may go higher, up to 6,000 USD, depending on the type of service you choose.

Many factors must be considered when planning a vacation. From finding cheaper flight tickets to safe and quality accommodation to local transport, the cost will differ depending on the location, season, number of pax, and personal preferences.

Let’s discuss how one can efficiently break down the trekking cost in Nepal.

New Rule Set by NTB

The Nepal Tourism Board has prohibited all tourists from traveling to National parks since March 2023. They must trek with a licensed trekking guide. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses you should consider when trekking in Nepal.

Services included in a trekking package by a trekking agency

Trekking companies generally include the following services in the package:

• Accommodations in the city
• From and to airport Transportation
• Teahouse accommodation and three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
• Trekking Guides and Porters
• Trekking permits

Services excluded in a trekking package by a trekking agency in Nepal

• Visa
• Any food and beverage not included in the three-time meal.
• Gear and equipment
• Hot showers
• International flights
• Tips for guide and porter
• Travel Insurance
• Wi-Fi and electricity to charge your phone and gadgets
• Any contingency charge arising from bad weather or natural causes.

Breaking Down the Cost of Trekking: Visa and Permit Costs

Before stepping onto Nepal’s trails, you’ll need a visa and proper permits to travel to certain areas in Nepal. The Immigration Department of Nepal issues visas to foreigners traveling to Nepal as an entry visa (On-Arrival Visa) at the port of entry at TIA and other customs ports of Nepal. The tourist visa can be extended to not exceed 150 days of stay in a single visa year (Jan-Dec).

The visa fees are listed as:

• For 15 Days – US $ 30
• For 30 Days – US $ 50
• For 90 Days – US $ 125

The visa can be extended for 3 US$ per Day for a minimum of 15 days. An additional 5 US$ is charged daily as a delay or late fine. You get an extra 25 US$ for a multiple-entry visa facility.

In addition to a visa, you need specific permits to trek in the serene land of Nepal. Not all the places in Nepal need a permit to travel, but there are certain areas where you need to get a permit. Here is a breakdown of the licenses you may need for a joyful trekking.

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

TIMS is required for most treks, and the cost is NPR 1,000 for SAARC citizens and solo trekkers, while for others, it is NPR 2,000.

Here is the list of the trekking regions where TIMS is compulsory before trekking:

Conservation Area Permits

All kinds of travelers, including FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in-group travelers, are allowed to trek in Nepal. However, the government of Nepal highly regulates certain regions in Nepal where FIT is prohibited.

Only Authorized agencies can apply for trekking permits for at least two trekkers. This must be done from the official site of the Department of Immigration.

Specific regions like the Annapurna and Manaslu areas require permits costing NPR 3,000. For places like Upper Mustang or Dolpo, the Restricted Area Permits range from USD 50 to USD 500 depending on the trek duration and location.

Seasonal Considerations

The peak seasons are a bit crowded in almost all the trekking routes. Autumn (Sep-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May) are a bit busy seasons, but they are also good for the weather. To outrun any kind of hurdle, bookings are preferred. Ensure to arrange your permits from Kathmandu or Pokhara before beginning your trek.

Breaking Down the Cost of Trekking: Transportation Costs

The cost might vary depending on the route you choose. You can travel by plane, bus, or private jeep in Nepal.

Local Bus

This is the cheapest means of transportation to Nepal. Any place close to Kathmandu or Pokhara, you can grab the local bus and travel with the local public, sharing their stories and learning about their way of life and communication.

Nepalis love to talk to foreigners, though some do not understand English or any other language. Be aware of the situation of the road you are traveling on. Some of the roads are very risky, especially in the rainy season.

Tourist Bus

Traveling by a tourist bus with a green number plate is mainly preferred and recommended for tourists. This vehicle is cozier and more convenient.

Jeep

If you do not want to travel on a sharing basis, jeeps like Scorpio and Bolero are the best choice. The price is slightly higher than the local bus as you can enjoy your privacy and time.

Domestic Flights

You can enjoy scenic flights from Kathmandu to major cities in Nepal, such as Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, and so on. Various service providers, such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Simrik Airlines, and Shree Airlines, are always there to assist you with the cheapest flight fares.

Helicopter Charter

If you are on a time-bound trip with a loaded pocket, you can charter a helicopter to make a luxury trip to Base Camps, observe the beauty of ice giants, and return. Some of the helicopter companies of Nepal are listed below:

• Air Dynasty Heli Service
• Altitude Air
• Annapurna Helicopter
• Fishtail Air
• Heli Everest
• Kailash Heli Service
• Manang Air
• Mountain Helicopter
• Mustang Helicopter
• Prabhu Helicopter
• Shree Airlines
• Simrik Air

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a contract between you and your agent to protect you as a traveler from unexpected events and financial losses that may occur during your trips. It acts as a safety net, providing compensation or assistance due to problems arising due to uninvited situations that may occur due to challenging terrains, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather. The insurance gives you protection and peace of mind in case of emergencies.

Why is Travel Insurance Important?

Cost: Policies covering trekking and helicopter evacuations range from USD 100-150 for a standard trek.

Coverage: Ensure your policy includes medical emergencies, altitude sickness, and evacuation up to 6,000 meters.

Treks can be disrupted by unforeseen events like sickness, political vandalism, or natural disasters (e.g., landslides or avalanches). Travel insurance compensates for non-refundable expenses like trek permits, guide fees, and accommodations. It also covers loss, theft, or damage to items such as expensive gear, cameras, trekking poles, and boots during the trip.

Flights to remote areas like Lukla are often delayed or canceled due to bad weather. Travel insurance compensates for additional accommodation and transportation expenses.

Emergency Medical Coverage in trekking regions like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna often involves high altitudes, where altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a common threat.

Foreigners may face expensive medical bills if they undergo treatment at local clinics or hospitals. In such a scenario, immediate evacuation is impossible due to terrain land and the absence of vehicles. Then, it would help if you had an emergency evacuation by helicopter to get medical attention quickly.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation includes hotels in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara and tea houses on trekking routes like Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley Trek. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the trek and altitude.

• Tea Houses and Lodges: The price of tea houses and lodges starts at NPR 1,000 per night at lower altitudes but can go up to NPR 2,000-2,500 at higher elevations.
• Luxury Options: Premium lodges on popular routes like Everest offer upscale amenities at USD 100 or more per night.
• Camping: Not all trekking routes have tea houses. Such routes require camping, and the additional costs of tents, sleeping bags, guides, and porters add significantly to your budget.
• Additional charges like hot showers and WI-FI take additional charge.

Food and Beverage Expenses

In cities, you get all the varieties of food at a reasonable price. However, the cost of food and drinks rises as you ascend. Expect to pay NPR 500-700 per meal at lower elevations and NPR 800-1,200 at higher altitudes.

Bottled mineral water costs NPR 50-200 depending on the altitude. You can carry your own water filters or purification tablets to reduce expenses. Tea, coffee, snacks, and bakery can add to your choices. Stick to simple, local dishes like dal bhat to minimize the costs while enjoying nutritious meals.

Guide and Porter Fees

Always hire a Licensed guide if you are traveling to a new place. For your convenience, you can hire a porter to assist you with the luggage and supplies.

• Guides charge 35 USD to 50 USD per day, depending on experience.
• Porter Rates: 25 USD to 35 USD per day.
• Tipping: Allocate 10-15% of the total trip cost as tips for their invaluable assistance.

Gear and Equipment Costs

Do not compromise on investing in buying or renting quality gear. You should purchase trekking boots, poles, jackets, trousers, crampons, rain ponchos, and backpacks.

You can always buy them in thrift stores in Thamel and Pokhara. They can cost USD 200-500. More expensive items, such as sleeping bags or down jackets, are available for 1 USD to 5 USD per day in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Always make a checklist before traveling. For more insights, check our blog on “How to Pack for Trekking in Nepal.”

Miscellaneous Costs

You might require a SIM card in Nepal to communicate effectively. You get a sim card from either Nepal Telecom or Ncell for NPR 100 as soon as you enter the airport. You will be provided a walkie-talkie of Satellite Phones for remote or high-altitude regions. But if you are a FIT, get a satellite phone or GPS. Most of the tea houses are equipped with Wi-fi routers.

Just pay a few bucks and enjoy the WIFI on your phone. Due to the terrain and land structure, charging your phone may take an extra NPR 200-500 per hour, as direct power lines are not available in the high altitudes of mountains.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Trekking in Nepal

Do you want to enjoy the adventure without overspending? Here are budget-friendly tips for trekking in Nepal, which will help you dive into nature and save your budget.

• Trek during the off-season (monsoon or winter) for discounts on accommodations, guide services, and flights.
• Choose a shorter trek, such as Ghorepani, Langtang Valley, Mardi Himal Trek, or ABC trek, that requires fewer days to complete, requires fewer gear, and lowers the cost of Food and Beverages.
• Better travel in groups to share transportation, guide costs, and keep you safe.
• You can rent gear instead of buying to save money.
• Pack only the essential items to cut off the porter charge, but the guide is recommended.
• Eat local foods instead of Western foods and carry water purification tablets to reduce food and drink expenses.
• Where possible, use public transportation instead of flights. This will also allow you to get involved with the local culture.
• Get your supplies like snacks, medicine, and toiletries in advance from the city instead of remote villages, as the cost will hike as the altitude rises.

Wrapping Up the Cost of Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal with a properly planned budget is a life-changing experience. Breaking down the cost of trekking is necessary to enjoy exploring Nepal without any funding issue.

From the stunning landscapes to the cultural richness, the adventure is worth every penny spent. Plan, prepare, and pack thoroughly to embark on your trek.

You can experience the beauty of Nepal’s trekking trails without breaking the bank!