This post is for all of those people who will be talking about what is the reasonable cost to do EBC trek through an outfitter in KTM/Nepal.
Couple of friends of mine will be doing EBC trek this April. A decent trekking outfit in KTM that I have used in the past quoted them $1150 per person ($2300 total for two) for a trip lasting two weeks => 3 nights in KTM 12 nights on the trail. Price includes everything – TIMS, Airfare to Lukla and back, all the trekking meals and lodging, all the airport pick ups and drop offs, hotel in KTM (3 star range), a day trip in KTM with a guide, welcome dinner, porter and guide. What the price does not include is beverages during the trip, phone calls and two days worth of meals in KTM-.
Does the quote look like a "sticker shock" for an average traveler? Because of you add the airfare from let’s say Europe or Americas we are talking close to $5000 for a trip for two lasting couple weeks hiking through bunch of villages.
But I wanted do a quick match on how it looks for the outfitter’s standpoint in terms of what he will be making on this deal. Well I am here to tell you that outfitter dude probably will be making $15-18/day per person as an income at most. Here’s how –
Lukla Flight $275 each => ~$550
Hotel in KTM 3 nights => ~$150
Transportation in KTM for 3 days => ~$90
TIMS and ENP Permit $35 each => ~$70
Meals $15 per day x 12 days x 2 person => ~$360
Lodges $8 per day x 12 days => ~$100
Guide $15 per day x 12 days + tips => ~$200
Porter $15 per day x 12 days + tips => ~$200
Welcome Dinner => ~$80
Total expenses => ~$1800
Difference so far => ~$550
Now after paying for insurances, TAAN fees and his overhead costs it will leave him with about $15-18 per person/per day as an income for his efforts.
(Notes - all the costs above are approximate figures based on the going rate in Nepal now a days offering and “average” “standard” services – figures are rounded to nearest $20 or so btw - one cost that can probably be reduced above is if you take one person who acts both as a guide and a porter. In such case you might pay little more than $15 per day.)
I was curious as to what would be your feedback?
- Daang!!! I didn’t realize it adds up quickly – expensive – let me rethink the trip idea!!
- That’s reasonable price. What’d you expect – we are talking Himalayas here - Will be happy to pay.
- I still want to do it but that quote’s to steep - I know can do better. Here’s how.
- Oh my – those poor guys - they should charge more!!!
One more thing I want to be clear - Please do not send me any PM asking for names of any trekking agencies. My intention is to inform fellow trekkers about the costs not to promote any agencies.





