The Hidden Cost of Trekking in Nepal

A trekker’s paradise country, Nepal has a lot of trekking trails to offer you.

From easier and short trek of 3/4 days to long and challenging month-long treks are possible in Nepal.

Most of the time, while planning for a vacation, we will always think about the cost of transportation, food, accommodations, etc. But there will be a lot of other hidden expenses which we have to do while either travelling or trekking. Today I am going to mention some of them.

Here are some of the hidden costs of trekking in Nepal.

1. Cost of Insurance while Trekking in Nepal

Travel insurance is almost compulsory for trekking in Nepal Himalayas. And the insurance costs according to the height it needs to cover. Also, insurance must cover the helicopter rescue and medical experience of the trekker so that it costs more.

The regular travel insurance for trekking in Nepal starts from USD 100 to even USD 500 in some cases.

Various travel insurance companies like World Nomad, Cover-More travel insurance offers the best coverage for hiking in Nepal. They are also cheaper than other companies. I recommend World Nomad travel insurance for Nepal.

2. Cost of Electronic Items Charging

Visiting the Himalayas without electronic devices such as Smart Phone, Camera is not good. We have to keep our memory via Photos and videos. In mountains and remote areas, it’s not like cities where you can charge your gadgets immediately after entering the room.

On lower elevations like around less than 3,000 meters, it is almost free to charge your devices. When you cross the altitude over 3,000 meters, you might need to pay about USD 2 to 5 at a time, and during peak season, they can charge you more around USD 3 to 5.

3. Cost of Hot bucket shower

Mountains are cold, so you might like to take a hot shower, and these things also cost while trekking in Himalayas of Nepal.

Hot showers are not available in most tea houses. Only luxury hotels or newly built medium range hotels have hot shower facilities in trekking trials.

If you are trekking in a remote region of Manaslu and Kanchenjunga, the chances of getting a hot shower are almost no. However, they will provide you with hot bucket water for the cost of USD 3 to 5.

4. The cost of the Internet (WiFi)

In today’s world, we have to be updated on social media and even other internet platforms. Also nowadays most of the business will be via the internet so that the internet is one of the most needed things while travelling and trekking.

The cost of the Internet is different on all the trekking trails. On lower elevations, WIFI is free everywhere, but on the high altitude, you have to pay on tea houses to use the WiFi.

You can buy the “Everest Link” WiFi card in the Everest region, which has a range on almost all places above Namche Bazaar. Its cost varies on how much of Gigabytes you want to use. You can buy from USD 5 to 25. USD 25 will give you 10GB, which will be enough during your trek.

Likewise, in the Annapurna region, It costs around USD 1 to 2 per night on tea houses.

This is the most important thing to remember and the hidden cost of trekking in Nepal.

5. The cost of Tipping for Your Trekking Partner

You can trek, individual, without a trekking guide and porter in Nepal. But in case If you hire someone, you need to give a tip to show your gratitude towards their work. It’s not necessary to give a tip, but your guides and porters always expect it.

You can give around 10 to 15% of the total amount you paid to the company. Also, while visiting monasteries and temples on the way, you will find small donation boxes where you can donate a small amount.

Conclusion

The cost of trekking in Nepal depends on the price of necessary permits, travel package buying, international flight tickets, and visa for the country.

It would help if you thought while planning for your budget for the trek in Nepal among those mentioned above miscellaneous hidden expenses.