Everest Region of Nepal is one of the most wonderful places to visit in the world. Having the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest within itself, this region calls the global trekkers every year. Trekking destinations inside the Everest region is challenging. Whether it is Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, or Three Pass Trek, the difficulty level is somehow higher than that of Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Base Camp, or others.

So, preparation is one of the vital things to consider before embarking on these treks. Considering the Three Pass Trek, preparing with the budget, physical, and mental mindfulness is needed. When it comes to budget, there are several stratas where you need to allocate money. Here, we have prepared some lists with the average budget essence.  

Cost of The Everest Three Pass Trek Package [Magical Summits]

At Magical Summits, we are offering a 16 days package for the Everest Three Pass Trek. Concerning the cost, this package is labeled at USD 1570 per person, which includes the services like guides, porters, permits, accommodations, domestic transportation, basic trekking gears, and many others.

However, the package cost does not include the fees of international flights, personal medical or evacuation fee, international travel insurances, and tips for guides and porters.

Detailed Breakdown of The Everest Three Pass Trek Cost

Visa Cost

Nepal offers various visa options for foreign visitors, with the tourist visa being essential for those planning to embark on this trek. Obtaining this visa is possible at Tribhuvan International Airport or other cities such as Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, Mahendranagar, and Kodari. For a hassle-free start to your journey, it’s advisable to secure the visa at the airport in Kathmandu.

The Nepal tourist visa caters to different durations, allowing trekkers to choose between 15, 30, and 90 days, each with varying fees. A 15-day visa is priced at approximately USD 25, while the 30-day option costs USD 40. For a more extended stay, the 90-day visa is available at a fee of USD 100.

Transportation Cost

The easiest and quickest means of transportation during the Everest Three Pass Trek is flight. The 35mins flight will take you from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla, and the cost varies depending on the season, group size, and more.

The average cost of a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla ranges from $210  to $225  per person, with pricing influenced by factors such as the time of year and weather conditions. Regular airline fare for this route is approximately USD 217 per person, but Indian travelers enjoy a discounted rate of only NRs. 14700 per person. Nepalese travelers have additional benefits, with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla priced at only Nrs. 6500  per person for them.

If you plan to reach Lukla by bus, it is indeed feasible, but be prepared to sacrifice both comfort and time. The journey typically begins from Tham Danda Buspa or Ramechaap. Alternatively, you can choose the route from Phaplu and Salleri or take the Jiri to Sotang route leading to Lukla. The transportation cost by bus or jeep averages between NRs. 8,000 to 12,000.

Accommodation Cost

There are three forms of accommodation you find during Everest Three Pass Trek. Accommodating at tea houses, hotels, and camping contribute highly on the overall Everest Three Pass Trek Cost.

Tea houses, priced at approximately $7 per night, provide economical lodging with shared dormitories and bathrooms. Some tea houses even offer additional amenities such as western-styled latrines, 24/7 electricity, and internet services. 

However, hotels, concentrated in Namche Bazaar, are generally more expensive, costing between $10 and $15 per night. These hotels in Namche Bazaar boast various amenities, including western-styled bedrooms, attached bathrooms, restaurants, and bars.

Camping is another accommodation option during the journey, incurring no direct cost. However, individuals opting for camping should be aware that additional expenses may be required for food and catering services. 

While tea houses offer a budget-friendly choice, hotels in Namche Bazaar provide a more luxurious and comfortable stay for those willing to spend a bit more. Camping, on the other hand, offers a cost-free alternative, albeit with potential supplementary costs for necessary services.

Food Cost

The average meal cost for the Everest Three Pass Trek ranges from $7 to $10, and breakfast typically costs $3 to $5 per session. Combining the daily total for two meals, the average cost is approximately $15  to $20 per person. Additionally, the overall food expenses amount to about $30  to $35

In terms of beverages, the price of drinking water ranges from NRs. 150  to 400 per bottle. Tea and coffee during the trek cost around Rs. 250  to 350 per cup, while soft drinks like Coke and Sprite are priced at approximately NRs. 300  to 500 per bottle.

Permit Cost

To embark on the Everest Three Pass Trek, trekkers need to acquire the same permits like Everest Base Camp Trek. There are two essential permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit. 

These permits are mandatory, and without them, trekkers cannot proceed with their journey to the destination. To obtain these permits, trekkers can visit the Nepal Tourism Board in Kamaladi, Kathmandu, or the Monjo Checkpost in Monjo Village in the Everest Region, providing the necessary documents, such as permit fees, photographs, and visa.

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is priced at NRs. 3000 for foreign trekkers, NRs. 1000 for trekkers from SAARC Nations, and NRs. 100 for Nepalese trekkers. Children under the age of 10 are exempt from permit charges. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit costs NRs. 2000 per person for foreign trekkers.

For those embarking on the Everest Three Pass trek from Jiri to Lukla, an additional optional permit (Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit) is required, with a cost of NRs. 3000 per person. This permit can also be acquired at the Nepal Tourism Board.

Guide Cost

Hiring a guide for the Everest Three Pass Trek is a mandatory requirement, offering valuable assistance in navigation, communication, cultural immersion, and overall support throughout the journey. While their services enhance the safety and enjoyment of the trek, they come at a cost. Trekkers are obligated to pay fees for the assistance provided, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.

The average cost of hiring a guide for this trek ranges from $33 to $40 per person daily. This cost is subject to variation based on the size of the trekking group. For a group of one or two individuals, the guide fee is approximately USD 35 per day. Groups consisting of 3 to 5 people are charged USD 32 per person, while a group of 5 to 10 individuals incurs a fee of USD 35 per person daily.

Porter Cost

Porters play a crucial role in remote trekking, assisting trekkers in navigating the challenging multi-day itinerary. Porters take responsibility for carrying all backpacks, gear, and essential items, relieving trekkers of heavy loads. To acknowledge their vital support, it is customary to pay porters a fair fee, typically ranging from USD 25 to 35 per person daily, depending on the weight they carry. Trekkers are advised to respect the porters’ efforts and compensate them appropriately.

The porter’s fee structure is determined by the weight they carry, with charges escalating for heavier loads. While porters are permitted to carry a maximum of 25 kg, trekkers with lighter belongings can opt to share a porter. However, the combined weight must not exceed the limit of 25 kg to ensure the well-being of the porters during the trek.

Tips to Minimize the Everest Three Pass Trek Cost

Off Season Treks

Off season treks are one of the means to minimize the cost of Everest Three Pass Trek. However, it is not recommended to travel during the off seasons in the Everest Region because of the extreme climate.

During off seasons like monsoon and winter, the cost of the overall package drops, which comes to be relatively cheaper than the regular package. It is because the trail will not be overcrowded and the access to accommodation and transportation will be abundant due to this. With less traffic into the package, the travel agencies often offer huge discounts and deals during the off-season time.

Renting Gears

Renting gears is another efficient way to minimize your cost during this trek. If you look at the price chart of trekking gears like backpacks, trekking poles, and hiking shoes, they come anywhere over USD 100. And not many trekkers can afford it.

So, renting them from the stores in Thamel will be an ideal choice. While you rent your necessities, you don’t have to pay full amount for the gears, where your savings will boost. Especially, if you get involve in trekking once in a blue moon, then renting gear will be the best idea.

Camping

Camping is an alternative for overnight stay during the Everest Three Pass Trek. Most of the time, trekkers stay at a tea house and hotels, which charge more than USD 10 per night. But if you camp in a tent with your crew, the cost will automatically be less.

However, you must prepare your own food, carry essential gears for camping, and compromise on the basis of safety during camping.