Nepal Trekking Costs

Nepal is one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the world. You can do so much in this little country without burning a hole in your pocket. Conde Nast Traveler has picked Nepal as one of the "21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2023".

With eight of the fourteen highest mountains in Nepal, tourists mainly visit this country for outdoor activities like trekking and mountaineering. This tiny Himalayan country, surprisingly, has good trekking infrastructure in place and is a sheer paradise for trekkers. The friendly and hospitable locals, diverse culture, and breathtaking scenery make Nepal a must-visit destination.

If you are planning a trek to Nepal and are wondering how much budget to set aside for your trek, we have you covered. We have collected the latest information about permits and the tentative costs of food, accommodation, transportation, and logistics that you will need during your trek.

Nepal Trekking Cost

Your Nepal Trekking Cost will depend on whether you will use the services of an international or local agency or go solo, the duration of your trek, the number of people in your group, the type of accommodation you will use, your personal expenses, and the length of your stay in Nepal. Taking this into consideration, you can fix your budget.

It is difficult to get an exact figure; however, an approximate figure would be around USD 900 to USD 1800+ for 7 to 14 days of trekking. It may cost less if you spend frugally on food and drinks. There are also short treks close to the major trails that can cost as little as USD 490.00

New Guidelines for Trekkers: Know Before You Go

Before we delve deep into this topic, let's shed some light on the new directives issued by the Nepal Tourism Board for trekkers in early 2023. As of March 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board has issued a new guideline for trekkers and trekking agencies. As per the new directive, solo or independent trekking has been banned in all the national parks (except in the Sagarmatha National Park or Everest region), wildlife reserves, and conservation areas. Now, foreign trekkers will have to trek with a licensed trekking guide.

Freelance trekking guides are also not allowed to operate

TIMS has been made mandatory on most of the major trekking routes: https://ntb.gov.np/en/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/tims-card

This new guideline has been issued to generate employment for local guides and to improve the safety of the trekkers on the trail. While this rule was supposed to come into effect in April 2023, it has not been strictly implemented yet.

What are the services included in a trekking package sold by a trekking company?

Trekking agencies normally include the following services in the total cost of the package:

• Trekking permits
• Trekking Guide
• Porters
• Transportation to and from the trailhead
• Accommodations in the city
• Teahouse accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek

Some companies also provide gear like sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, crampons, etc. for use during the trek. These items have to be returned to the company after the trek.

International companies include international flight tickets in the package cost.

What are the things not included in a packaged trip?

You will pretty much have to take care of everything that's not included in the cost of your trip. Things you will have to pay for are:

• Nepal Visa
• Hot showers
• Wi-Fi and electricity to charge your gadgets
• Bottled drinking water, drinks, beverages, and any items not included in the three set meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) provided by the company
• Gear and equipment
• Tips for guide and porter
• International flights
• Travel Insurance
• Any extra costs that may arise due to a change in the itinerary owing to bad weather or any calamity.

Most trekking agencies are flexible and may offer you the choice of buying the whole package or the services of their guides and porters only. In such cases, you will have to pay for only the guide and porter and take care of the rest of the details by yourself (accommodation, food, and transportation). This will no doubt bring down the cost of your trek, but you will have to deal with the hassle of finding accommodation and arranging for your meals by yourself. Searching for a good place to stay and eat can be quite frustrating when you are exhausted after walking for several hours.

How much do the trekking guide and porter charge for their services?

For a trekking guide, the prices range from USD 25 to USD 40+ per day. The harder the trek, the higher the guide's fees. A porter can charge anywhere between USD 20 and USD 30 per day.

Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Both cities offer a range of accommodation options: budget-friendly hostels, mid-range or tourist-standard boutique hotels, or premium 4- and 5-star establishments. Most of the hotels have registered their businesses online, and you can make an online booking of your hotel accommodation in advance before arriving in Nepal.

Accommodation on the trail

Do not expect anything fancy, like the hotels in the city. Most teahouses along the trail offer basic amenities: a room partitioned with thin ply boards, a bed with a mattress, blanket, and pillow, and an attached or shared washroom. You will have wifi and electricity, but you will have to pay extra for Wi-Fi and for charging your electronic gadgets. Hot showers are also not included in the room rent and should be paid separately.

Luxury Trekking in Nepal

On well-developed trails like the Everest and Annapurna Regions, one can enjoy luxury treks. Luxury treks offer premium accommodation at luxury mountain lodges and a fine dining experience. Luxury treks may also come with comfortable helicopter charters to and from the trailhead. Depending on the services included and the duration of the trek, a luxury trek in Nepal can cost anywhere between USD 1500 and USD 6,000.

Some of the luxury mountain lodges in the Khumbu Region include the Yeti Mountain Home, Hotel Everest View, Everest Summit Lodge, and Rivendell Lodge.

Yeti Mountain Home has a chain of deluxe lodges in Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche, Debuche, Thame, and Kongde. You will find premium accommodation at the Everest Summit Lodges in Lukla, Monjo, Mende, and Tashinga.

Hotel Everest View is the first luxury mountain lodge in Nepal and is situated in a beautiful Himalayan viewpoint above Namche. The Rivendell Lodge offers a comfortable stay in Deboche.

On the Annapurna trail, luxury lodges run by Yeti Mountain Homes can be found in Landruk, Ghandruk, Birethanti, Majgaon, Tomijong, and Dhampus. Additionally, a few new luxury lodges have opened along the Annapurna Circuit route.

Some of the popular luxury treks include the Luxury Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, the Everest View Heli Tour, and the Annapurna Luxury Trek.

Nepal Trekking Costs: How much budget should you set aside?

Here we have a region-wise rundown of the tentative cost of trekking in Nepal. Please note that the amount quoted below is tentative and likely to change. The permit fees given below were applicable at the time of posting this article (September 2023).

Everest Region

The most popular trek in the Everest or Khumbu Region is the EBC Trek. Most trekkers visiting Nepal choose to do this trek as it takes you to the base of the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest.

Everest Base Camp Trek can cost anywhere between USD 900 and USD 4,500, depending on the duration of your trek, services included, route, and outfitter with whom you book your package.

This is the only trekking region where independent trekking is still allowed. So, if you don't want to book a package or hire the services of a guide, you are free to trek solo or independently with your group.

While teahouse accommodation costs are reasonable, the price of food spirals the higher you go. This is largely due to the difficulty of transporting food supplies on the mountain trails. Everything needs to be transported by mules, yaks, or porters. So this costs a lot of money for teahouse owners.

In the Everest Region, teahouses usually charge USD 5–10 for a room with a shared bathroom during the low season. The rate goes up as you go higher. In Gorak Shep, shared rooms cost USD 10–15. Rooms with en suite bathrooms cost USD 20 to 40.

During peak seasons, you can expect the prices of shared rooms to go as high as USD 10.

Hot showers cost USD 5 at the lower reaches and USD 7 at the higher reaches.

The price of charging your devices starts at USD 3 and goes up to USD 5. The charge for using Wi-Fi could be anywhere between USD 5 and 7. You can get network coverage on Ncell and NTC SIMs at some of the stops en route.

Food, as already mentioned, can get really expensive. The most filling and inexpensive item on the menu is Dal-Bhaat, which costs around Rs. 600 in the lower reaches and Rs. 1000+ in the higher reaches. Western items like spaghetti, pizza, macaroni and cheese, sizzlers, etc., have very small portions and cost much more.

A cup of tea or coffee costs Rs. 200 to 400, soft drinks Rs. 200 to 500, and a 1 liter bottle of mineral water costs Rs. 100 to 400, and hot water costs around Rs. 100 to 300 per liter.

If you have a limited budget, you can set aside Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 per day for meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

The cost of Lukla flights also adds heavily to the cost of the Everest Treks. If you are trekking during peak season, you can expect to pay USD 200+ for a one-way flight ticket.

You can cut down on our transportation costs by choosing the classic route and trekking from Shivalaya or Jiri. This will extend the number of trekking days, but you will save a lot by choosing to skip the Lukla flight.

Permits

While the TIMS card was not deemed mandatory for the Everest Treks, a new directive by the Nepal Tourism Board posted in March 2023 has made it mandatory.

Here are the permits needed for a trek in the Everest region:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:

• SAARC Nationals (per person): Rs. 1500, plus 13% VAT
• Other Foreigners (per person): Rs. 3000 plus 13% VAT
• Nepali (per person): Rs. 100 plus 13% VAT
• Children under ten years old: Free Entry

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

2000 per person for the first four weeks and Rs. 2500 for more than four weeks of trekking.

If you are taking the classic route to Everest Base Camp from Jiri, you will have to pay an additional fee to enter the Gauraishankar Conservation Area. The entry permit costs Rs. 3000 (including VAT) per person.

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Region is the oldest commercial trekking region in Nepal—most of the trekking routes cut through the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trails are well-facilitated, with teahouses at every stop. There are more villages along the trails in this region than in any other region. Walking through the villages of different communities makes for a rich cultural experience.

Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek are the most popular treks in this region.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - If you book a package, you will be charged anywhere between USD 900 and USD 1200. The total costs depend on the outfitter you choose, the services they will provide, and the transportation cost. If you choose to take a flight to and from Kathmandu and Pokhara, your trip cost will be higher.

Annapurna Circuit Trek – The Annapurna Circuit Trek package ranges from USD 1100 to USD 1300+. The package price depends on the itinerary, transportation costs, and the services provided by the agency. There's a rough jeep track leading right up to Manang. If you take a Jeep ride, you can cut down on your trekking duration. However, if you wish to relish the natural beauty of the Annapurna Circuit, you can take the classic route and start your trek from Besisahar.

Ghorepani - Poon Hill Trek – The Ghorepani- Poon Hill Trek is one of the shortest Himalayan treks in Nepal. It is also one of the most affordable Nepal treks. With new roads leading up to Ulleri, it's possible to complete the Ghorepani trek within two days. The cost of this trek ranges from USD 450 to USD 700.

The Annapurna Luxury Trek can cost anywhere between USD 1,500 and USD 2,000. The cost will depend on your itinerary and the package you choose. There aren't many luxury lodges on the trail. The primary luxury lodges in the Annapurna Region are operated by Mountain Lodges of Nepal and are located in Birethanti, Ghandruk, Dhampus, Majgaun, and Landruk. Additionally, there are a few luxury lodges on the Annapurna Circuit, including Tanpopo in Marpha, the Farmhouse Hotel in Upper Pisang, and Ngawal Mountain House in Ngawal. These lodges offer services that are significantly more premium than those of standard teahouses.

Accommodation, food, electricity, and wi-fi

The trekking trails in the Annapurna Region are pretty well-facilitated. You will find villages en route with plenty of teahouses and lodges catering to tourists. So you won't have to worry about spending the night in the wilderness while trekking in the Annapurna Region.

Teahouses charge around Rs 500 to Rs 700 per night for a single room. For a shared room, you will be charged Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per bed. Expect to pay anywhere between Rs. 1500 and Rs. 2500 daily for food and drinks. You can cut down on the price of the food if you choose the items wisely.

The teahouse charges Rs 100 to Rs 300 extra for using their charging ports. Wi-Fi costs around Rs. 200-300. Hot water per liter costs Rs. 100 to Rs. 200, while RO-filtered drinking water is sold at around Rs. 50 per bottle.

A trekking guide charges USD 30 to 40 each day, while porters charge USD 20 to 30.

Permits

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
• SAARC National -Rs. 1000 per person
• Other foreigners -  Rs. 3000 per person
• Nepali - Rs. 100 per person
• Children under10 years - Free

For treks in the Nar-Phu Valley, you need to get a restricted area permit in addition to an ACAP permit and TIMS.

Restricted Area Permit

• September to November - USD 100 per person for one week and USD 15 per person per day after one week
• December to August – USD 75 per person for one week and USD 15 per person per day after one week

Langtang Region

Langtang Region lies very close to Kathmandu. Trekkers prefer this trek as it allows you to get close to the Himalayan mountains without gaining much altitude. The trails are gradual and filled with breathtaking views of 7000 and 6000-meter peaks, glaciers, and roaring rivers.

The Langtang Valley Trek is the most popular trek in the region—the trek costs between USD 600 to USD 1000. Although teahouses are basic en route, Langtang Village and Kyangjin Gompa have many newly constructed lodges with modern amenities.

If you are trekking independently, you can expect to spend around USD 25 each day on food and accommodation. A trekking guide may charge you around USD 30 or 35 depending on his experience and guiding skills, while a porter may charge USD 20 per day.

If you book your trek with an agency, they will take care of your trekking permit, food, accommodation, transportation, guide, and porter services.

Wi-Fi and electricity - Some teahouses offer free usage of their Wi-Fi hotspot, while others charge extra money. You can expect to pay around USD 4 for using the internet at teahouses.

At the lower elevations, teahouse owners allow free use of their electrical charging ports, while at the higher reaches, you may have to shell out USD 5 to charge your devices.

Nepal Telecom's SIM works fine along this route. While the reception gets sketchy in some places, the SIM works quite well in Langtang Village and Kyangjin Gompa.

Transportation – To reach the trailhead you will have to take a drive.  The trailhead of most Langtang treks, Syabrubesi, is situated at a distance of 122 km from Kathmandu.

Due to the mountainous terrain, it takes approximately 7-9 hours to travel the distance by road. You have the option to rent a private jeep (costing USD 100–200) or take a bus ride ( USD 10-12 per person).

Permits

• Langtang National Park Entry Permit:
• SAARC Nationals – Rs. 1500 per person
• Other Foreigners – Rs. 3000 per person
• Nepalis – Rs 100 per person
• Children under ten years: Free entry

To participate in the Gosainkunda Trek, you must pay an additional fee for the rural municipality area, which is USD 20 per person. If you plan to trek through Shivapuri National Park, you'll need to buy a park ticket as well.

Shivapuri National Park Entry Fee (per person)

• SAARC Nationals- Rs. 600/-
• Other Foreigners – Rs. 1000/-
• Nepali- Rs. 100/-
• Children under 10 years: Free entry

Manaslu Region

In the Manaslu Region, individual trekking is not permitted, so it's important to book your trek through a trekking agency. The Manaslu Circuit Trek, the most popular trek in the region, costs around USD 950 to USD 2500. The cost is based on your itinerary and the services provided by the agency.

As the Manaslu Region is quite remote, accommodations on the trail are basic. The teahouses offer very basic amenities. Like other remote mountain trails in Nepal, food and drinks along this route are also pricier. Per-day costs for accommodation and food could range from USD 30 to 40.

You won't require a flight to reach the trailhead. Roads have been built till Soti Khola and Arughat, from where the treks to the Manaslu region usually start. You can easily find a bus or a private or shared jeep heading to Machha Khola from Kathmandu.

While a journey on a bus may cost around USD 15 to 20, a drive via a private jeep will be costlier (USD 170 to 250). The cost will be low if you share the ride with other passengers. Expect to pay around USD 50 per person for the shared ride from Kathmandu to Macha Khola.

In the lower elevations, some teahouses offer free internet and charging (electronic gadget) facilities. As you go higher, you will be charged USD 4-5 for using the internet hotspot as well as for charging your devices. The teahouses, which run on solar power, may turn off their power at night. Therefore, don't forget to carry a head torch with you. You will need it for nighttime toilet breaks.

Regarding mobile networks, NTC has better connectivity on this route. Your SIM will work until Samagaon or Samdo. Beyond that, you may have to rely on a satellite phone to connect with the outside world.

Permits

Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit

• SAARC Nationals- Rs. 1000 per person
• Other Foreigners – Rs. 3000 per person
• Nepalis – Rs. 100 per person
• Children below 10 years: Free

Restricted Area Permit

• September to November – USD 100 per person for one week and USD 15 per person per day after one week
• December to August – USD 75 per person for one week and USD 10 per person per day after one week

For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will need to pay the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit, the cost of which you can find above in the Annapurna Region trekking permit section.

For the Tsum Valley Trek, you will be required to pay a special Tsum Valley Area Permit in addition to the other permits.

The cost of the Tsum Valley Area Special Permit:

• September to November – USD 40 per person for 1 week and an additional USD 7 per person each day after 1 week.
• December to August – USD 30 per person for 1 week and an additional USD 7 per person each day after 1 week

Upper Mustang

Trek to Upper Mustang can cost anywhere between USD 1500 and USD 4,000 per person. This includes agency fees, permits, wages of the guide and porter, transportation costs, accommodation, and three meals a day. As independent trekking is not allowed, you will have to book your trek with a licensed trekking agency. Only group trekking (not less than two people) is allowed in the region.

As Upper Mustang lies in a remote mountain region, the internet connection is erratic or nonexistent. People mostly rely on solar power for their energy needs. Carry a good power bank, as you may have to struggle to charge your electronic gadgets.

Permits

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit –
• SAARC Nationals- Rs. 1000 per person
• Other Nationals- Rs. 3000
• Nepalis - Rs. 100 per person
• Children below 10 years old: Free

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

USD 500 per person for ten days and USD 50 per person per day after ten days.

Dolpo Treks Costing

Dolpo, like Upper Mustang, is one of the most remote and rarely visited trekking regions in Nepal. Dolpo, divided into Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo, offers an authentic Himalayan trekking experience to trekkers. The trekking route inches close to the Tibetan border and showcases incredible Tibetan Buddhist and Bonpo cultures.

Independent trekking is banned in this region, so you will have to trek with a guide. Local companies sell Lower Dolpa Trekking packages for USD 2500 to USD 3500. The cost of your trek mainly depends on your itinerary and the duration of your trip.

The cost of Upper Dolpo trekking packages ranges from USD 3500 to USD 4500. The cost includes your permit, guide, and porter fees, local transportation, food, and accommodation.

There are very few accommodation options available on this route. At stops where there are no lodges or teahouses, you will have to camp out in the open. The guides and trekking crew will set up tents and prepare food for you.

Permits

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Fee
• SAARC Nationals- Rs. 1500 per person
• Other Foreigners- Rs. 3000 per person
• Nepalis – Rs. 100 per person
• Children below ten years: Free

Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

• USD 500 per person for ten days and USD 50 per person per day after 10 days

Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

• USD 20 per person for 1 week and USD 5 per person per day after one week

Kanchenjunga Region

The trekking trails in the Kanchenjunga Region take you through a pristine and uninhabited area. The trails lie nestled beneath the third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the most popular trek in this region.

Since this is a restricted area, independent trekkers are not allowed. You will have to book your trek with a licensed agency and trek in a group. The agency will take care of your permits, transportation, guide, porter, accommodation, and food.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek package can cost anywhere between USD 2000 and USD 4000. Accommodation will be at rustic teahouses that serve Nepali as well as Western dishes. Since this is a remote mountain area, internet and mobile phone connectivity remain erratic. This is a great trek if you want to disconnect from the rest of the world and enjoy a digital detox.

Permits

• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
• SAARC nationals – Rs. 500 per person
• Others – Rs. 2000 per person
• Nepalis – Rs. 100 per person

Restricted Area Permit

USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks and USD 25 per person per week after four weeks.

Makalu Region

A trek in this region will let you experience some of the best Himalayan landscapes in the Nepal Himalayas. The most popular treks in the Makalu Region are the Makalu Base Camp Trek and the Makalu Barun Valley Trek.

Since independent trekking is not allowed along this route, you will have to book your trek with a trekking agency that will arrange the logistics of your trek. Makalu Base Camp Trek packages can cost around USD 1600 to USD 3500+.

The trail traverses isolated places with no sign of human habitation. You can expect to stay overnight at tented camps at stops where there are no teahouses. Internet connectivity is almost zero, and the same goes for the mobile phone network. Teahouses mostly depend on solar power. Solar power has very limited power, and teahouses use the power generated from their solar panels sparingly. Therefore, you may not get an opportunity to charge your devices. If you want to go on a wilderness trek amidst raw nature, then you should choose this region.

Permits

• Makalu Barun National Park fee
• SAARC Nationals – Rs. 1500 per person
• Other foreigners: Rs. 3000 per person
• Nepalis – Rs. 100 per person

Makalu Rural Municipality Area Permit

USD 20 per person per week for four weeks and USD 25 per person per week after four weeks.

Special Note about Nepal Trekking TIMS Card

All foreign trekkers entering Nepal's magnificent landscapes must get a TIMS card. This card is required regardless of your trekking route, along with any other main trekking permits. Trekkers are registered and accounted for with the TIMS card for safety. And TIMS card fees are as follows.

• SAARC Nationals – Rs. 1000
• Other Foreigners – Rs. 2000

Travel Insurance

Make sure that you have travel insurance before leaving for your trip to Nepal. In addition to the coverage for the mishaps that one can expect while traveling, your insurance should also offer coverage for trekking and hiking activities. If you are doing a high-altitude trek, make sure that your insurance policy covers helicopter rescue and evacuation above an altitude of 5,000 meters.

Keep Enough Cash

Before embarking on your trek, make sure to have enough cash in local currency to last you through the trip. There are hardly any banks or ATM kiosks along the trail, and card payments are not accepted at teahouses. Most of the items you will buy will require payment in cash. If you're going with a guide and porter, remember to save the necessary amount for tipping at the end of the trek.

Frequently Asked Questions - Cost of Trekking in Nepal

Q1. What are the documents needed to obtain trekking permits?

Ans. You need to provide a copy of your passport, passport-sized photographs, and the details of your trek (entry and exit points, itinerary), home address, and contact information.

Q2. From where can I get my trekking permit?

Ans: You can pay for all your trekking permits (National Park/Conservation Area Fee, TIMS, etc.) at the Tourist Service Office at the Nepal Tourism Board's Office in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can also pay them at the tourist checkpoints on the trail.

The restricted area permits, or special permits, are to be obtained from the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. Only a licensed trekking agency is allowed to obtain a restricted-area trekking permit. The fee for the area's rural municipality can be paid at the offices of the rural municipality, which are usually located at the trailhead.

Q3. What happens to the amount collected from the permit fees?

Ans. The revenue generated from the trekking fees goes towards the development of infrastructure and maintenance of the trails, garbage disposal, and insurance for the local workers. The sum collected is also used for the management and administration costs of check posts along the trail and the printing of tickets and forms.

Q4. Can I get a Nepal Trekking Permit during off-seasons?

Ans. Yes. Regardless of the season, trekking permits are issued at any time of the year. Some of the regions also offer discounted permit fees during the off-season.

Q5. From where do I get the restricted area permit for my trek?

Ans. The restricted area trekking permit is issued by the Department of Immigration, whose headquarters are at Kalikasthn in Kathmandu. Please note that restricted area permits are only issued to licensed trekking agencies and not to individuals. https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/about-trekking-permit

There should be a group of at least two trekkers to obtain a permit. Documents needed for a special permit are:

• Nepal visa and valid passport
• Names of Trekkers
• Trekking itinerary, route
• Entry and exit points

Q6. What are the benefits of buying a trekking package from a company?

Ans. By purchasing a package from a trekking agency, you can avoid the headache of organizing your trek. From accommodation to transportation, everything will be handled by the agency. The teahouse accommodation will be reserved in advance, guaranteeing a bed for you even during the high season. You won't have to worry about getting lost in the mountains, as a guide will be there to assist you. It will also be easier and more comfortable for you to walk on the trail with a porter carrying your heavy luggage. The agency will arrange the permits, which will save you a lot of hassle.

Q7. How much tip should I offer to the guide and porter?

Ans. For each day's trek, consider offering a tip of USD 10-20 to the guide and USD 10-15 to the porter, depending on your satisfaction. You can also tip the driver a similar amount. This is a general guideline; in our experience, there are no set limits on tipping amounts.

Q8. What will happen if I leave the trek halfway? Do I get back a part of the payment from the agency?

Ans. The cost of the trip is non-refundable once you join, even if you leave the trek without completing it. Some agencies offer an alternative activity or trek if the client desires an easier and less challenging hike.

Q9. How much do air evacuation and rescue costs in the mountains?

Ans. The cost of rescue and evacuation in the mountains of Nepal is high due to the use of air ambulances or helicopters for rescue operations. The helicopter companies charge over USD 1000 for a rescue operation in the high mountains. Therefore it's crucial to have travel insurance while trekking in Nepal.

Q 10. What is the difference between a trekking guide and a porter guide?

Ans. A trekking guide is a trained professional who has received training in first aid and wilderness survival and has vast knowledge of the local culture and flora and fauna of the region. His communication and leadership skills are much better than those of a porter.

A porter guide will carry your luggage, which a trekking guide doesn't. He will also show you the way. But that's about all you can expect from a porter-guide. There will be fewer interactions with him as he may lack language skills. He may also not be able to share information about the culture and vegetation that a trained guide can.

Tips to minimize your Nepal Trekking Costs

• Travel in a group. If you travel in a group, you can split the cost of your guide and porter.
• Plan your travel during the shoulder seasons or off-seasons. Peak seasons (spring and autumn) are when things get really expensive and crowded on the trail. Trails are less crowded, and things are less expensive during shoulder seasons (before the start or end of peak season).
• Be frugal and choose basic accommodations.
• Carry your snacks. Be mindful of spending too much money on food and drinks. Due to the high transportation rates, food and drinks are very expensive in the mountains.
• Refrain from buying bottled water. Apart from being pricey, it adds to the trash in the mountains. Get water from a local source and use steripen or filtration tablets to make it drinkable.
• Sweets, chocolates, and carbonated drinks cost more on the trail. So refrain from buying any of those.
• Choose vegetable thali (dal-bhaat) to bring down your daily expenditure. Dal-Bhaat, the staple food of Nepalese, which includes rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles, and poppadum, is very filling and energy-giving. It costs less than the fancier dishes, and you will get to enjoy unlimited refills.

Conclusion

Himalayan trekking in Nepal can be one of those great travel experiences that you will cherish forever. However, proper planning is needed to make your trek an unforgettable experience. Nepal has innumerable trekking routes for people of all ages and fitness levels.

There is no dearth of trained manpower in the tourism sector in Nepal, and accommodation is readily available on the major routes. From easy short treks to medium and long-duration treks, you can choose any route that is ideal for you. With so many options available, you can plan your travel as per your interests, needs, and budget.

Trekking in Nepal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You sure get to experience a slice of heaven without draining your bank account.