How to find the best deals online for Trekking in Nepal

Posted by Imran Jameel on December 18th, 2020

For every traveler who wishes to ascend to the greatest heights and gain an immersive experience amidst the jaw-dropping scenery and cultural ethos, Nepal is the standalone option! Featuring the highest Himalayan peaks that touch the sky and the spectrum of natural splendor that adorn the rest of the country, Nepal ranks high for its cultural, religious, and spiritual diversity as well. 

With the Trek to Annapurna Base Camp being in the itinerary of most adventure junkies for its splendid views of the Annapurna Massif, Nepal is also the home of other renowned treks and high altitude climbing. The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of those grand and awe-inspiring adventures that offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to every trekker and traveler who pulls up his socks to brace the mighty heights of Everest. Suppose you have the resources, a relaxing itinerary, and the determination to pull it off. In that case, the Everest Base Camp Trek will remain forever etched in your memory as a great accomplishment!

A brief overview of the Everest Base Camp Trek:

The entire Everest Base Camp Trek has a moderate difficulty level and is achievable by people willing to invest a little effort to acclimatize themselves above 5000 meters. Although harsh weather conditions often make this trek more challenging than other trekking expeditions, it is not at all intimidating. Following some basic fitness levels and having basic mountaineering training could be a bonus that would help your endeavors thoroughly!

The total distance to the Everest Base Camp from Lukla and back will be roughly 130 kilometers, and the entire itinerary fits into 12 days. The total ascent will be approximately 6065 meters, whereas the total descent (alternative route) is around 5370 meters, with the highest point being Kala Patthar at 5643 meters. Though it is advisable to trek in groups or with trekking guides and porters, a skillful and experienced trekker can do the EBC Trek alone.

Grabbing the best deals for the Everest Base Camp Trek:

If you are venturing on the EBC Trek independently, you might be able to cover the entire itinerary economically. Cramming up the entire expenses within 650 USD is quite possible. Besides, you will find numerous deals online offered by tour operators and trekking agencies. But before you zero in on any of those deals, be wary of specific factors that will help you distinguish the best deals amidst a flurry of options present online. 

Cost:

• Tickets and permits:

The plane tickets from Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu to Lukla are quite expensive, and the cost depends on your respective citizenships, though it starts from 140 USD and could go higher up to 320 USD. You can take a detour via a jeep to Salleri and walk on foot for a couple of days to Lukla to reduce traveling expenses. 

The Everest Base Camp Trek comprises two permits- a TIMS that costs 20 USD in Lukla and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit that costs 30 USD and an additional 13% tax. Both these costs are for a single person, and you need to spot the booth at Monjo to acquire them carefully. If you are narrowing down online deals, do a detailed survey on the ticket price and permit cost breakdowns provided by tour operators and agencies. 

• Accommodation and food:

The accommodation during the entire EBC Trek will comprise of warm and cozy tea-houses that make very little profit on your lodging and dining expenses. Without much bargaining, you will be able to land the best prices on your comfy stay at just 4 to 5 USD for a double bedroom equipped with enough blankets. Charging your devices will cost around 1 to 2 USD per hour, whereas if you want to enjoy a hot shower on your way down, that will take the prices higher!

Some villages even have expensive lodging facilities these days at a rate of 20 to 40 USD per night. The food is exceptionally cheap, with just 7 to 8 USD on average for a single meal. Thus, you can safely consider 25 USD to be your daily expenditure on food. The porters and the yak will carry your food and water up the mountainous trail; hence it is wise to stock your supplies at the foothills. Water costs around 1 USD for 1.5 liters, whereas the same cost rises steeply to 4 USD once you start ascending. Do extensive research on the accommodation and fooding options provided by your tour operator to avoid getting duped. 

• Guides, porters, and others:

You can either look for local guides or hire them via an agency in Kathmandu or Lukla. Adding a porter with you will increase the cost by 285 USD, whereas having a licensed EBC Trek guide alongside will amp up the price by more than 400 USD. If you are looking to hire them independently, keep the requisite cash ready in local currency as it is the preferred means of transaction up in the mountains!

Experience:

Of course, when you are looking to embark on such an exciting trek of a lifetime, try to select your travel and touring agency that is quite renowned and has quite a few years of organized traveling experience under its belt. Though renowned and experienced agencies will charge you a notch higher than others, you can stay relaxed as they will carry every essential and ensure your trek is a memorable and safe one. 

Licenses and registrations:

Do a little bit of personal research when you confirm the licenses, registrations, and affiliations of the local or international trekking agency that you are selecting for your Everest Base Camp Trek. Though most renowned agencies maintain consistency in their licenses and collaborations, it never hurts to do a bit of a survey on your own to compare their competencies and authentications.

Trekking itinerary:

Since the entire Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary comprises 12 days from Kathmandu to Lukla to the EBC and back, feel free to research the schedules provided by your tour operator. Walking an average of 15 kilometers per day, for 4 to 6 hours, is common if you have moderate fitness. There should be an adequate gap for a day or two to accommodate high-altitude acclimatization. Probe into your travel plan and schedule and try to understand how your trekking operator throws in the trekking hours and the resting periods to have a proper foresight before you start your journey. You can start your travel and fitness preparations likewise. 

Final thoughts:

With all these factors in mind, it will be comparatively easier to grab a better deal amongst others for your Everest Base Camp Trek. You can consider going through the options listed by www.reccytravel.com for the Everest Base Camp Trek as these guys have a fair bit of name for presenting the best trip and adventure options provided by top-rated operators.