Why prices vary for Everest base camp trekking?

• Sushant Lama

The Everest base camp trek is the most sought after an adventure that every travel lover wants to complete from their bucket list. It is the adventure of a lifetime where one can enjoy the majestic views of Solukhumbu and its mesmerizing rivers and lakes.

It is the golden chance to experience the Himalayan peaks, unique culture of Sherpas and much more. It is an unforgettable journey which is perfect in every way for vacations and holidays.

The Everest base camp trek is the journey that begins from Kathmandu to Ramechap via the main road by vehicle and then takes flight from Ramechap airport to Lukla airport for trekking up to the Everest base camp.

There are many tour agencies in Nepal which provide the Everest base camp trek with trip prices ranging from 990 USD to 3,220 USD and trip durations varying from 8 days and to 31 days. Travelers can choose according to their needs.

One might ask the same trip but why is there a huge price difference. The simple answer to this question is what kind of facility do you want?

If you want a very simple trip without a lavish facility then there are cheap ones to choose from and if you crave for high-quality food, and accommodation then you can choose from high priced tours.

But does low price means you are not going to have any fun? No, it depends on the agency you choose for your travels.

You can enjoy an adventure at a low price also. You may also go for expensive trekking for more amenities including the foods, trekking gears of international standards and logistic facilities.

“Ours is an international trekking company. So we charge up from 800$ to 2500 $ per package for trekkings depending upon the choice of our clients. We use trekking gears of international standard and book standard hotels and food for the clients during trekking. Besides our company price depends on polices also,” said Sagar who is a trekking expert at Himalayan Glacier Adventure and Travel Company, Thamel.

First, let’s talk about the 990$ package. It includes airport pick up, hotel airport transfer service, an experienced, English-speaking licensed trekking guide & and all his charges, duffle bags, and sleeping bags, Sagarmatha National Park entrance fees, Local government charges, accommodation during the trek, emergency assistant arrangements and all government taxes & VAT.

The 3220$ package includes 4 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners, all airport/hotel transfers, five nights in luxury lodges and six nights in best local lodges in the mountains, Hotel Yatri suites & spa in Kathmandu, all meals during the trek, welcome and farewell dinners, domestic flights and airport departure taxes (with a maximum of 15 kg luggage, including backpack and day bag), guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle, entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits, an  experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salaries, down jacket, four-season sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map, all necessary paper works such as National park permit and exclusive medical kit.

As you can compare from above and can find the differences yourself. First, one is a cheaper one but includes all the basic needs you may require during the period of trekking.

The second one is expensive and has more than basic facilities like luxury lodges, extra guides and porters, domestic flights and many more. The destination is the same but the way you will reach there and the standard of services you will enjoy is going to make a difference.