A guided package costs a known amount up front and removes the paperwork and flight booking. Doing it yourself can look cheaper on paper, but it adds the permit, guide, flight and delay risk to you. This page sets the two side by side.
What you take on yourself
If you book each part separately you arrange the Lukla flights, the permits, your lodging and the guide, and you carry the risk when a flight is cancelled. Our package puts those in one price and one point of contact. See permits, guide and TIMS card for what the paperwork involves.
Where the price differs
- Flights. The Lukla flights are one of the biggest items and are easier to secure inside a package.
- Guide and porter. A licensed guide is needed for the permit. A package prices the guide and porter wages in advance.
- Meals and rooms. Prices climb with altitude. A package fixes meals and teahouse nights.
- Extras. Both routes need insurance, tips and pocket money.
Where doing it yourself can suit you
If you have trekked at altitude before, have flexible dates and are happy to handle delays, a lighter arrangement may suit. Many first-time Everest trekkers, and anyone with a fixed holiday, prefer the certainty of a package.
Our package
The Everest Base Camp trek, 14 days is ₹85,000 per person for Indian travellers and USD 1,699 per person for other nationalities. See what is covered in the inclusions guide.
Time and energy
Planning your own Everest trek means comparing flights, lodges, guide rates and permit rules, then fixing problems on the way. A package moves that work to your operator, which leaves you more energy for the walking itself.
Safety and backup
On a managed trip a licensed guide watches your health, makes route calls and arranges evacuation if needed. If you go alone, you carry that responsibility yourself, and a small mistake high on the trail can become serious quickly.
A simple way to decide
Ask what you value most. If it is cost and flexibility and you have trekking experience, independent travel can work. If it is certainty, support and a smooth schedule, a package is usually the better fit.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“Everything was handled professionally and with great attention to detail, from permits to on-ground support.”
