How Much Does Trekking in Nepal Cost? (2026 Complete Price Guide)

So, how much does trekking in Nepal cost? The short answer it depends. Budget trekkers spend as little as $500. Others spend $2,000 or more. This guide breaks down every cost so you can plan the right trek for your budget.

Quick Answer – Average Trekking Cost in Nepal

The average trekking cost in Nepal for a 12-day trip falls between $500 and $1,500. Your total depends on your trek route, travel style, and the season you go. Here are the three main price tiers:

Budget: $500–$800 | Standard: $900–$1,500 | Luxury: $2,000+

Budget trekkers stay in basic tea houses and hire a local guide. Standard trips include a reputable agency, better accommodation, and all permits. Luxury treks add private lodges, helicopter options, and premium service.

Trekking Cost Breakdown in Nepal

Understanding each cost category helps you plan smarter. Here is what you will actually spend on a Nepal trek.

Trekking Permits Cost

All trekkers in Nepal need at least one permit. Most popular treks require two or more. Get them in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start.

Note: The TIMS card requirement has changed in recent years. Always check the current rules with the Nepal Tourism Board before your trek.

Guide and Porter Cost Per Day

Hiring a licensed guide is now mandatory on most Nepal treks. Guides provide safety, navigation, and local knowledge. Porters carry your load, a big help at altitude.

Tip: Always include food, accommodation, and insurance costs for your guide and porter. Budget an extra $10–$15 per day per staff member for these expenses.

Accommodation Cost (Tea House vs Hotel)

Tea houses are the most common accommodation on Nepal treks. They range from basic bunk rooms to cozy private rooms with attached bathrooms. Prices rise with altitude and remoteness.

On the Everest Base Camp trek, rooms near Namche Bazaar and Tengboche cost more than those in lower elevations. On Annapurna, tea houses in Ghorepani and Poon Hill are well-developed and affordable.

Food and Drinks Cost Per Day

Most trekkers eat all meals at their tea house. It is the most convenient and economical option. Expect simple but filling food: dal bhat, pasta, noodles, eggs, and soup.

Hidden cost alert: Boiled or filtered water at tea houses costs $1–$2 per liter but saves you money over bottled water over a two-week trek. Budget drinks and snacks carefully; they add up fast.

Transportation Cost

Getting to the trailhead is a major expense. The Lukla flight is the most famous and most costly leg of any Everest trek.

Helicopter rescues or early exit flights can cost $1,000–$5,000. Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is essential. More on that below.

Travel Insurance

Do not skip travel insurance for Nepal trekking. If you go above 5,000m, you need high-altitude helicopter evacuation coverage. This is non-negotiable.

World Nomads, SafetyWing, and True Traveller are popular among Nepal trekkers. Always read the altitude limits and helicopter evacuation terms carefully.

Trekking Gear Rental Cost

You do not need to buy everything new. Thamel in Kathmandu has hundreds of shops renting quality trekking gear.

Cost of Popular Treks in Nepal

Knowing how much trekking in Nepal costs per route helps you pick the right one for your budget. Here is a price guide for the five most popular treks. Prices include permits, guide, porter, accommodation, food, and local transport. International flights and travel insurance are excluded.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

• Duration: 12–14 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

• Budget (independent + guide): $1,000–$1,400

• Standard (small group agency): $1,500–$2,200

• Luxury (private + premium lodges): $3,500–$6,000+

Key costs include: Lukla flights ($300–$400 return), Sagarmatha National Park permit ($34), and TIMS card. Altitude sickness risk is real above 5,000 m. A proper acclimatization schedule is vital. Learn more about the Everest Base Camp Trek package options to find the right fit.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

• Duration: 7–12 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Budget: $500–$750

• Standard: $800–$1,300

• Luxury: $1,800–$3,000

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs $30. No flight is needed; you can take a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara for $10–$15. This is one of the most affordable base camp treks in Nepal.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

• Duration: 14–21 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

• Budget: $700–$1,100

• Standard: $1,200–$2,000

• Luxury: $2,500–$4,000

The circuit crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Cold-weather gear is essential. Road development has shortened many itineraries, but the full route remains Nepal's most scenic long-distance trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

• Duration: 14–18 days

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Budget (minimum, with mandatory guide): $1,200–$1,600

• Standard: $1,800–$2,500

• Luxury: $3,000–$5,000

Manaslu is a restricted area a licensed guide is mandatory by law. You also need a Restricted Area Permit ($70–$100/week) plus the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. It is more expensive than Annapurna but far less crowded.

Langtang Valley Trek Cost

• Duration: 7–10 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Budget: $400–$650

• Standard: $700–$1,100

• Luxury: $1,500–$2,500

Langtang is the closest major trekking region to Kathmandu, just 7–8 hours by bus. It is the most affordable multi-day trek in Nepal. The 2015 earthquake devastated the valley, but tea houses have been rebuilt, and the route is fully open.

Budget vs Luxury Trekking in Nepal

Here is how the experience differs across each budget tier.

Independent Trekking vs Trekking Agency Cost

Independent trekking costs less on paper, but the gap is smaller than most people expect. And the risks are real.

From April 2023, solo trekking without a licensed guide is banned on most trails. This rule was introduced after a series of trekker disappearances. Hiring through a registered agency is the safest and most reliable option for most visitors.

Bottom line: An agency saves you hours of planning, removes language barriers, and provides real backup if something goes wrong. The extra cost is usually worth it.

How to Reduce Trekking Costs in Nepal

Now that you know how much does trekking in Nepal cost, here is how to spend less without sacrificing the experience.

• Trek in shoulder season (March–April or October–November) to avoid peak-season surcharges.

• Choose a shorter trek, Annapurna Base Camp or Langtang, which are both under 12 days and cost less than EBC.

• Rent gear in Thamel rather than buying new. You can outfit yourself for under $30 for a two-week trek.

• Drink boiled or filtered water instead of bottled water. Save $1–$2 per liter.

• Share a guide and porter with one or two other trekkers to split daily costs.

• Book domestic flights early. Lukla flights fill up fast during peak season, and prices rise.

• Eat dal bhat. It is cheap, filling, refills are often free, and it is the best trekking fuel in Nepal.

• Avoid luxury lodges at famous viewpoints like Poon Hill; they charge a premium for the same rice and noodles.

• Compare at least three trekking agencies in Kathmandu. Prices vary widely for nearly identical services.

• Using a reusable water bottle with a filter (Sawyer or LifeStraw) saves money and reduces plastic waste.

Why Trek with Overland Trek Nepal?

There are hundreds of trekking agencies in Nepal. Most offer similar packages. But few deliver what they promise. Here is why trekkers choose us and keep coming back.

• Fully Licensed. We are registered with the Nepal Government, NTB, NMA, TAAN, and KEEP. Every trip meets Nepal's official safety standards.
• 90% Repeat Clients. Our success rate is one of the highest in Nepal. Most clients return. That says more than any ad.
• Local Nepali Team. Our guides grew up in these mountains. They know the trails, the weather, and the tea houses. That local knowledge keeps you safe.
• Honest Pricing. No hidden fees. Permits, guide, porter, and accommodation are all included. Find a better price for the same service? We will match it.
• 24/7 Support. Our team is reachable day and night. Before your trek. During it. And after. You are never alone on the trail.

Ready to plan your Nepal trek? Contact our team today and get a free custom itinerary.

FAQ – Trekking Cost in Nepal

Still wondering how much does trekking in Nepal cost? These are the most common questions we get.

Is trekking in Nepal expensive?

Nepal is one of the most affordable trekking destinations in the world. A budget trekker can complete a 12-day trek for around $500–$800. This includes permits, a guide, accommodation, and food. It is far cheaper than similar treks in Patagonia, the Alps, or New Zealand.

Can I trek in Nepal without a guide?

Solo trekking without a licensed guide is banned on most trails since April 2023. You must hire a guide through a registered trekking agency. The exception is some easy day hikes around Pokhara. Always check the current rules before you plan your route.

How much money do I need per day for trekking in Nepal?

Budget trekkers spend $40–$65 per day, covering basic accommodation, food, and a shared guide. Standard trekkers spend $75–$125 per day. This includes a private room, better food, and a vetted agency guide. Luxury travelers can spend $175–$300 or more per day.

What is the cheapest trek in Nepal?

The Langtang Valley Trek is the cheapest major trek in Nepal. It costs $400–$650 for a budget trip and is just 7–10 days long. Transport from Kathmandu is cheap (bus for $10–$20), and permits are affordable. It is also far less crowded than the Annapurna or Everest regions.

When is trekking cheapest in Nepal?

The off-season (June to August, and December to February) offers lower prices. Tea houses offer discounts, and agencies compete harder for bookings. However, monsoon season brings heavy rain and trail risk. December to February is cold but dry, ideal for budget trekkers who do not mind low temperatures.
 

Last updated: February 2026. Prices are based on current market rates in USD and may vary by 10–15% depending on season, group size, and operator. Always confirm permit fees with the Nepal Tourism Board before your trip.