There are also extra charges for internet usage, hot water, charging of phone, and others. Trekking and travelling around in Nepal is quite affordable in comparison. Hence, Nepal is a perfect trekking destination for budget travellers. Read further for the detailed cost breakdown of the Everest Gokyo lake trek for your ease.

The trekking package will include accommodation, meals, and transportation costs. Other miscellaneous costs including visa, international transportation, travel insurance cost, tipping costs are generally not included.

The Everest Gokyo lake trek cost depends on various factors. Your travel package will include most of the charges except for some personal expenses. However, it is always a good idea to find out where are you spending on the trek.

Allocating the right budget should be on top priority of all the trekkers taking this exciting off-the-beaten trek. The physical fitness and mental preparation along with proper budget allocation, will help you to trek without any hassle.

Everest Gokyo lake trek is an astounding trek in the remote landscapes of the Everest region . The spectacular glacial Gokyo lakes, serene mountain trails and awe-inspiring panoramic views of the mountains is the major highlight of the trek.

Cost Breakdown of the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

Accommodation cost

The Everest Gokyo lake trek will take you to the cosy tea houses along the trail. The tea houses along the path have limited facilities as it is an off the beaten path. The facilities at lower altitudes, on the other hand, can get very luxurious depending upon the cost.

The higher you move up along the trail, the more basic the facilities get. Most trekking packages include accommodation costs. The stay at the teahouses in the Everest Gokyo lake costs around USD 3 to 5 per person. The rooms are on a twin sharing basis with a shared bathroom.

The open kitchen spreads into a common dining hall. The heaters of the oven keep your warm. Trekkers can rest near the oven to brave the frigid conditions. In the night you get two single beds with a warm and fuzzy blanket. If that is not enough, you can also use a sleeping bag, and extra blankets might not be available during peak seasons.

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Guide and Porter Cost



Trek guide and porter

The Everest Base Gokyo lake trek is quite challenging and hiring a guide, and a porter is a right choice. The difficult trek is steep and dangerous at places. Walking for 5 to 6 hours every day with luggage is not a walk in the park.

A local guide provides you with all the needed information regarding the trek and keeps you safe. They can also give you local insights about the local people so that your actions and words do not offend the locals.

A porter carries all your luggage safe and sound and relieves the burden off your back. Some guides also work as porters. The cost of a guide in the Everest region is around USD 20 to 30 per day on average, whereas the cost of hiring a porter is approximately USD 15 to 20 per day on an average.

The general rule on hiring a guide and porter is that you have to pay the entire trek in case you fall sick or cannot complete the trek. But if the guides fall sick or cannot complete the trek, you will have to pay for the completed trek only.

Food and Drinks Cost

The tea houses on the Everest Gokyo lake trekking trail provide basic food and drinks. The meals are hygienic and nutritious nevertheless. The cost of food and drinks rise along with the elevations. At the lower regions, the price is the least, and you also get varied options of cuisine.

The remote trails also add transportation costs and hence the foods and meals get priced higher in the mountains. Donkeys and Yaks carry the food and ingredients on their back, hence they are more expensive in higher elevations. For breakfast, you will get toast, boiled egg with either tea or coffee.

For lunch and dinner, you will get the typical Nepali cuisine of “Dal Bhat” which consists of rice, dal, vegetables, lentils, meat, and pickles. A single plate of “Dal Bhat’ costs around USD 5 to 6. You total food costs around USD 15 to 20 for the day. For drinks, you will be spoilt for choices as there are varieties of tea like mint tea, apple tea, peach tea, butter tea, rhododendron tea, herbal tea, and others.

You can also get a hot mushroom and garlic soups. These drinks have varied costs. The cost of bottled water will cost more as you go higher in the trek. You could also carry water purifying tablets to save cost.

Transportation Cost (Kathmandu To Lukla Flight, Jeep Drive)

The most convenient transportation from Kathmandu to Everest region is the adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The scenic flight provides us with spectacular views of the incredible Himalayas and the verdant landscapes.

The quick flight to Lukla takes just 30 to 45 minutes. The cost of the flight is around USD 150 one way. The cost varies according to the seasons as in the peak season the cost is slightly higher due to higher demand. On the other hand, the flight costs you less in the off-seasons.

The long jeep drive is taxing and uncomfortable. It costs around USD 150 jeep ride or USD 10-12 on a local bus reserved in advance. Hence, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a favourite among the trekkers.

Travel Insurance Cost

Without a doubt, travel insurance is one of the most important things that you consider as you are going over 5000 meters during the Everest Gokyo lake trek. Most insurance packages only cover up to a height of 4000m.

Be careful to get the right insurance package that covers emergency evacuation over 5000 meters. The basic travel insurance costs around USD 120 per person. The amount depends upon the duration of the insurance and the company’s policies.

Visa Cost

There is the facility of visa to arrival available at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You can also apply for a visa online before arriving in Nepal if you like to come prepared for the trek.

The Nepal government issues visas for 15, 30, and 90 days with the cost of $15, $40, and $100 respectively. The Nepal government’s Department of Immigration has detailed information regarding the visas on its official website.

Permit Cost



Gokyo lake trek permit

You can get the TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) permits from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu. The local area permit costs USD 20 per person. The cost of Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is USD 30 per person.

These are VAT included fees, and you can obtain these permits at the Monjo village in Khumbu or Nepal tourism board office in Kathmandu. The TIMS permit for foreign nationals is US $10 (for group travellers) and the US $20 (for individual travellers).

The TIMS permit for SAARC nationals is US $3 (for group travellers) and the US $6 (for individual travellers). For the Everest Gokyo lake trek you need these permits:

Permit Fee Local Area Permit USD 20 per person Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit USD 30 per person TIMS permit for foreign nationals US $10 (for group travellers) US $20 (for individual travellers) TIMS permit for SAARC nationals US $3 (for group travellers) US $6 (for individual travellers)

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Trekking Equipment And Gears cost

You need a lot of trekking equipment, especially if you are trekking for the first time. Since the trek does not involve any technical climbing sections, you can only the necessary trekking gears and equipment like clothing, backpack, trekking boots, and others.

Buying this equipment will cost you more. If you want to save some money, you can also rent these gears at some shops in Thamel. The rent costs of these trekking gears and equipment are around USD 1 to 10 per day.

Miscellaneous Costs

There will be various extra expenses in your trek, and for that, a separate miscellaneous heading get separated when allocating the budget. All these should be a part of your budget.

Tipping Cost

Tipping is not a mandatory custom in Nepal. However, the guides and porters expect you to tip so you can always tip a small amount if you like their services. The same goes for tipping in hotels and restaurants as well.

Tipping means the local people can get extra income. Hence, tipping is a generous act in the mountains. You can tip whatever you feel like; however, the general custom is to tip USD 15 for guides and USD 10 for porters per day.

Wi-fi Connectivity and Sim-card cost

Some lodges offer wi-fi facilities at around USD 2 on average per hour. Furthermore, you can also get a sim card and various mobile data package. The cost varies upon the packaging and the data you use.

A local sim card is your best option as it just costs around USD 1 to 2 and a couple of dollars more if you wish to use the internet.

Water Facility Cost

A small flask of boiled water in the high mountain trails costs around USD 1 to 3. If you wish to use the mineral water, it will cost you USD 1 in lower altitudes and USD 2 to 3 in higher elevations.

If you are a budget traveller and want to save costs, then you can take the reusable water bottle and water purification tablets. Hot water showers cost you an additional USD 2 to 3.

Charging Cost

You will carry some gadgets along with you like a mobile phone, camera, etc. For charging these gadgets, it costs around USD 2 to 5 per hour. These are only valid for remote areas. In the lower regions, you won’t require these extra costs.

Personal Cost

Besides these, you might want to go souvenir shopping for your closed ones. You might want to celebrate and eat out after the trek. Hence, you need to allocate a budget for these costs too.

Total Overall Cost

Overall, the total cost of the Everest Gokyo lake trek is around USD 2000 to 2500 per person excluding your international flight cost. The once in a lifetime Everest Gokyo lake trek is affordable and worth every penny.

How to Save Money in the Trek? Essential Tips for Budget Travellers

If you are a budget traveller or want to save money on the Everest Gokyo lake trek, then these essential tips will help you much.

Hire trekking equipment that you won’t use more than once

Carry a solar charger as it costs a lot to charge in the mountains

Pack sufficient stuff that you might use frequently

Find a great trekking package

Carry lightweight snacks and protein bars, and energy drinks along the trek

Conclusion

Allocating the budget for the trek is a must. By early budget allocation, you can enjoy the trek freely without any hassle and invest your time travelling and exploring new places.

The surreal Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri give you a sense of added adventure. The turquoise lakes are awe-inspiring. The affordable Everest Gokyo lake trek provides you with an opportunity to explore the beauty of the Everest Gokyo region.

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