Travelers from all over the world congregate yearly in Kathmandu to make the challenging trek to Everest Base Camp. It’s a bucket list item for thousands of outdoor and photography enthusiasts, all of whom want to set eyes on those soaring peaks. Despite the call of the mountains, some feel like this trip is just out of reach.
Do you dream of completing the Everest Base Camp Trek but feel held back by a tight budget? This doesn’t have to be the case! With some careful planning and prep, you can make the journey of the lifetime without going broke. Keep reading for 5 tips to save money on your way to Base Camp.
Pack portable chargers and extra batteries
Even though you probably won’t be surfing social media, you’re likely to use electronics on your trip. You might bring cameras, smartphones, or other portables to add a few creature comforts. These will infallibly run out of juice along the trail.
You can absolutely purchase more batteries along the way, but they come at steep prices. Likewise, tea houses are happy to charge your electronics for a fee. You can avoid those incidental costs by planning ahead and tucking extras into your pack. As an added tip, make sure to keep your electronics, batteries, and chargers close to your body. The cold will sap the lifespan of these items in record time.
Buy teahouse meals for free lodging
There’s no wrong way to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can travel with a guide company, in an organized group, or even brave the mountain passes alone. If you’re wary of the cost of lodging at tea houses throughout your trip, buying meals can help.
This option works with organized groups or solo travel. All teahouses you encounter along the way are owned and run by local families. If you plan to eat your evening and morning meals with them, many teahouses are willing to let you stay the night without charging you a fee for a bed.
Shop for gear in Kathmandu
If you’re travelling into Nepal from outside of the country, airline fees are almost unavoidable. However, you can limit those costs by packing light. If you don’t have the ideal pack, jackets, or other gear for the trip, don’t feel pressured to buy it all at home and lug it onto the plane. You’ll face steeper prices for the gear itself and added fees for additional bags.
Shopping in Kathmandu is a great option for international travelers. Due to the sheer number of people who live in and tour this area of the world, there are dozens of high-quality gear shops. Most offer rock-bottom prices in order to stay competitive in the market. You can expect to purchase the same (or better) gear that you would at home for a fraction of the price.
Bring snacks and sweets
Trekking across thousands of kilometers is tough work. Most trekkers realize quickly that they need snacks and crave a treat of some sort when they finally settle down for the night. Don’t underestimate the sudden desire for your favorite snacks and sweets from home.
You can absolutely purchase plenty of chocolate bars and savory snacks along the trail. But like everything else, the cost of these items grows exponentially as you approach Base Camp. Take care to bring these treats along with you from home or from Kathmandu.
Sanitize your own water
Staying hydrated is a major concern in any adventure setting. Even if you aren’t sweating, you’ll still need to drink plenty of water to keep your body running and combat the altitude. Disposable water bottles are available for purchase along the route, but they are costly and not the best choice for the environment.
Bring iodine tablets or another contained method for cleaning water along the way. You can gather plenty of water from running streams and public drinking hoses throughout your entire trek, which will keep you healthy and save you money.
About the Creator
Ahil Khan
Reccy Travel is an adventure search engine, where users can compare & book the Best Adventures Worldwide
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