The bilateral relationship between the neighboring countries of Nepal and India, sharing an open border, gives an edge to both Indian and Nepalese tourists traveling to each other's countries. Keeping in mind the increasing popularity of the Everest Base Camp Small Group Trek among Indian tourists, we've designed an EBC trek package with a revised cost dedicated to Indians.
Due to a noticeable price difference in domestic flight tickets, entry permits to national parks, and visa-free entry, the total cost of the Everest Base Camp small group join trek for foreign tourists.
Before shifting our focus to the price, let's get acquainted with the Everest Base Camp small group join trekking journey. Because that's the sole reason you're here, to trek to the foothill of the giant Mt. Everest. Some refer to the Everest Base Camp small group join trekking route as "the steps to heaven." There's no denying that. Each step you take along the rugged Himalayan trail leads you close to the heavenly beauty that the Everest Region is known for. The trial can get tricky with uneven terrain, but it's worth it in the end.
Surrounded by giant mountains, you'll feel like you're at the top of the world. The serene beauty of snowy mountain peaks, Khumbu glacier, and icefall will, no doubt, take your breath away. The fresh wind swiftly passing through the prayer flags makes the scenery even more fascinating. Once you're at the top, you won't feel like coming back.
A brief summary of the trek to Everest Base Camp
As soon as you land in Lukla, you'll be welcomed by the astonishing vistas of the Himalayas. The scenery improves as you trek to Namche Bazaar, Tyangboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorekshep, and Everest Base Camp. Well, the journey doesn't end here. In the following early morning, you'll head to Kala Patthar from Gorekshep to experience the spectacular Himalayan sunrise casting golden hues against Mt. Everest and surrounding mountains. The panoramic mountain views from the highest point of the trek, Kala Patthar, at 5644 meters, look like something out of a fairytale.
To acclimatize well to the increasing altitude and the decreasing oxygen level, we take two rest days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche during our ascent. You can explore the Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries and learn about their culture during your leisure time. It is a must to pay a visit to the ancient Tengboche Monastery, which has gained the name of the "Spiritual Centre of Khumbu." The overall experience feels like a dream.
Reach out to us to turn your dream of conquering the Everest Base Camp into reality. The entire team of Outfitter Nepal is working day and night to provide you with an excellent trekking experience. You can rely on our years of experience in the Nepalese Himalayas.
What makes the Everest Base Camp Trek cheaper for Indians?
How much to spend on a particular travel journey is entirely upon you. However, some determining factors make the trip to the Everest base Camp cheaper for Indians as compared to other nationalities due to the friendly diplomatic relationship between Nepal and India.
Although the cost of accommodation and meals is equal for all, the trek to Everest Base Camp is cheaper for group join due to the following reasons.
No Visa requirement to enter Nepal
Due to the open border between Nepal and India, the citizens of both countries can travel to the other country without acquiring any visa. With no visa requirement to enter Nepal, Indians can save the visa fee, which is not a lot of money but still minimizes your total expense on your trek to EBC.
Cheaper domestic flight to thrilling Lukla airport
Brace yourself! You're going to board a flight to one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing Hillary Airport, has a small runway of 450 m in length and 20 m in width and lies at a frightening hillside slope of 12% grade, making the landing experience such a thrill. But worry not; the airplane captains are well-trained to ensure a safe landing.
The flight ticket to Lukla from Kathmandu/Ramechhap is cheaper for Indian tourists than for other nationalities.
Note: The flights to Lukla usually take off from Kathmandu. However, during peak seasons, the Lukla flights take off from Ramechhap Airport, which is 125 meters drive from Kathmandu. Outfitter Nepal will take care of your airport transfers.
Inexpensive entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been home to endangered animals and birds for years. During your Everest Base Camp hike, you'd walk through the deep forests, the natural habitat of unique animals like Red Panda and Snow Leopard. If you're fond of birds, it would be a pleasant bird-watching hike for you.
Being a member of SAARC countries, Indian citizens have access to the discounted entry permit cost (NPR. 1500 ~ INR. 937.5) for Sagarmatha National Park.
Note: Tourists no longer have to issue TIMS cards to trek in the Everest region. However, there's a requirement for a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit to enter the Khumbu region for NRs. 2000 for all nationalities except for Nepalese.
Multiple ways of entering Nepal (flights, busses, private vehicles)
In addition to flights, you can enter Nepal by road. Nepal shares its border with India in the East, West, and South, so you can enter Nepal through several entry points. All you need to do is show your identity proof to the border officials, and you're good to go.
You can cross the border in your private vehicle after issuing a driving permit, or you can travel by bus, cross the border and catch another bus to Kathmandu. You can as well board a direct bus from Delhi to Kathmandu.
All these alternative travel options cost you way less than flights. Even the flights aren't that expensive as it's just a 2 to 3 hours flight from major cities of India to Kathmandu.