The Everest Base Camp or EBC trek is one of the most luxurious treks in Nepal, costing you a budget heavy for your wallet. The famous trek is available on budget for people who want to accomplish trek by spending less than usual. On the specific low-budget EBC trek, you have the outstanding opportunity to explore the same beauty and thrills of the 14-day Everest Base Camp trek in just 12 days. With less money, you can still appreciate rewarding views of natural beauty and Sherpa culture of the EBC trek, but in a challenging way. Since this trek covers accommodation and a guide at a low cost, it’s perfect for young backpackers with tight budgets. The fact does not necessarily imply that you compromise on the service quality and rewarding views of the EBC trek.
difference from the Usual Everest Base Camp trek
The aim of trekking to Everest Base Camp on a budget is to arrive at the lap of Mount Everest at 5364m within 12 days, encompassing a total distance of 130 km. Besides shorter duration and lower cost deemed for the budget Everest Base Camp trek, the trek is slightly different from the usual Everest Base Camp trek in terms of route or itinerary. Following list is what makes it different from a regular Everest Base Camp trek:
- No need of staying in Kathmandu; saving of money
- A bit more challenging but still rewarding
- Accommodation in budget-friendly guesthouses or teahouses, instead of pricey lodges.
- No-guide or porter, or cheap guide or porter from a budget-friendly company
- Exploring decent food like millet, corn, local barley, buckwheat, tea, coffee, bakery, noodle soup, Sherpa stew, momos or dumplings, soups, spaghetti, pizza, sandwiches, rice, hamburgers, and spring rolls at affordable cost
- Walking up to 10 kilometers per day, 5 hours at minimum
- Trekkers need to be in good physical condition to hike for several hours’ daily
- Trekkers need to be more flexible with the trekking plan
- Trekkers can bring their own meals and camping gear for a more economical EBC trekking experience
- Budget EBC trek is often done during the off-season, December-February, when meal and accommodation costs are lower than in peak season.
Note: The major highlights or attractions of cost-effective Everest Base Camp trek remain the same as in the regular Everest Base Camp trek.
Major Highlights/Attractions
- An intimate view of the spectacular Mount Everest
- Low-budget EBC trek is a boon for people who want to spend less
- Explore the diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park; a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Crossing high suspension bridges and passing by cool waterfalls
- Exploration of Sherpa village and their culture
- Spiritual experience on visit to Buddhist monasteries in Namche, Khumjung, Tengboche, and Pangboche
- Outstanding views of rich and green forest, and panoramic views of captivating mountain ranges during the trek
- Bird-eye view of the beautiful mountains and other natural sceneries while flying in/out of Lukla
- Incredible view of sunrise along with Mount Everest, Pumari, Nuptse, and Lhotse, among many others via Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek
- Arriving at the destination, Everest Base Camp, where ambitious mountaineers prepare to climb to the peak of Mount Everest
- Enjoyment in the striking views of Khumbu icefall and glacier
- Similar rewards as in regular EBC trek, at an affordable cost and with a bit more challenges
- The rewarding experience of the trek is too exceptional for the low-budget
Total Budget Estimation
- When you trek Everest Base Camp on budget, the focus will be on the group trek to minimize the cost. This option is suitable for the beginners, and the budget may range from $800 – $1000. You may opt for a more affordable trekking company to reduce the budget cost.
- Independent or solo EBC trek is also affordable when the budget is limited to food, guesthouses or teahouses, flights, and permits in this trek. The budget for this challenging trek may require around $650, excluding guide or porter cost.
How to prepare for an affordable Everest Base Camp trek?
You may ask, “How to prepare for an affordable Everest Base Camp trek?”, as the trek is slightly more challenging than the normal one due to the tight budget. The answer to your question comes in the following list:
- Work to boost your stamina and immunity before you start the EBC trek
- Participate in the Everest Base Camp Training and fort-nightly body strength training as you require
- Get Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS card from Kathmandu
- Make sure to align your backpack upwards so you’re not hurt on your back due to carrying heavy load for a long walking distance
- Pack all the essentials: a sleeping bag, down jacket, water purification tablets, oximeter, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
- Get a complete medical checkup before you go.
- Be prepared mentally and keep your spirits high. But don’t worry about having prior experience as long as you have good preparation and planning
- Never underestimate the possibility of unpredictable circumstances.
- Opt for a guide with first aid instead of doing an independent trek.
- Prepare a budget in the range of $650-$1000. The cost may vary depending on the services you choose, and not choose as well as the quality of those services. The budget excludes Wifi costs, data plan, battery charges, hot shower charges, etc.
Challenges and tips/tricks to overcome them
Accommodation: Choose a budget-friendly guesthouse and teahouse for accommodation, and not an expensive lodge in a budget-friendly Everest Base Camp trek. A homestay per night is available for $10 for a single bed and $15 for a double-bed. Teahouses are much cheaper, costing a dollar or two per night, with fundamental facilities like comfortable mattresses with pillows, warm blankets, and hot and cold showers. However, you may or may not find an attached bathroom.
Food: On a budget Everest trek, you will compromise with taste and limited food options. However, remember to opt for local food items like lentils, beans and pulses that suit your daily need for carbohydrates and protein. Nepalese Dal Bhat is a suitable option to consider. Eat foods such as: fresh vegetables, hot lemon, ginger tea, and soups with garlic as much as possible at greater heights. Avoid dairy, chocolates, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and junk food, which drain your energy. Never smoke during the trek, and take warm water to stay hydrated. Don’t skip meals.
Health and fitness: The low-cost Everest Base Camp trek walks you through the coarse paths at times, including steep routes, deep valleys, boulder-filled roads, cliffs, etc. You might even suffer from altitude sickness. So, prepare your mind and body to walk for at least 5-6 hours for up to 12 days. Moreover, remain flexible to give yourself enough time and rest for proper acclimatization.
Travel Insurance: For safety reason, invest in a reliable travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to high elevations and medical treatment. The insurance will add a protection shield to your risky trip, and you will enjoy the Everest Base Camp trek with a peace of mind at higher level.
Mental Health: The Everest Base Camp trek is daunting, and it can leave you frustrated and lonely due to unfavorable circumstances. Try to remain happy and cheerful at all times for minimizing and even preventing hardships and illnesses. Take delight in the magnificent view of the beautiful surroundings. A good mood or attitude definitely makes the challenging Everest Base Camp more enjoyable.
Packing List: The backpack for budget EBC trekking should include a trekking suit, sleeping bag, walking boot, fleece, socks, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. While a heavy backpack might be burdensome in a porter-less trek like a budget Everest Base Camp trek, it is possible to minimize the weight by choosing thin, portable, and light-weight clothes, and other equipment.
Conclusion
If you want to plan the Everest Base Camp trek on a limited budget, you have answers to the most frequently asked questions in the above section. The cost-effective budget trek is of moderate level, which any adventurous soul with sound physical and mental condition can easily accomplish.
Do you need further guidance or actionable tips for an affordable EBC trek? Feel free to let us know.
