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Everest Base Camp without a guide: what it really costs

Khumbu

Twelve days, two permits and a lot of dal bhat. A day-by-day budget for trekking to Base Camp on your own.

Since 2023 Nepal has required trekkers in most national parks to hire a guide, but the Khumbu region, home to Everest, is run by its local municipality and still lets you walk on your own. That makes it one of the last big Himalayan treks you can do independently.

We flew into Lukla (bring earplugs and a strong stomach), then took twelve days up to Base Camp and Kala Patthar and back. Teahouses charge little or nothing for a bed as long as you eat there, so food is where the money goes: prices double between Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep.

The numbers

Two permits (the Sagarmatha National Park fee and the local Khumbu entry) came to about $50. Flights were $190 each way. On the trail we spent $30 to $40 a day each, including hot showers, charging and far too much milk tea. Budget extra days for weather: Lukla flights are cancelled often.

Everest Base Camp without a guide: what it really costs | Lost Backpackers