Trekking to Everest on a Shoestring

Nepal 

(Budget adventure travel, affordable trekking, solo travel tips)

---

 

 

It began with a crazy idea—and a bargain flight to Kathmandu. The Himalayas had haunted my dreams forever, but I figured Everest Base Camp was for rich mountaineers. Then I scored a round-trip ticket cheaper than a new phone, and I was in. I landed with a backpack, a rough plan, and a wallet on a leash. First stop: a Thamel guesthouse—8 bucks a night for a bed, a shared bathroom, and a rooftop view of the chaos. I roamed markets, dodged rickshaws, and sipped chai with locals arguing politics. The gem? A plate of momos—steamy, delicious dumplings—for under a buck. Eating local was my budget’s best friend.

I craved the peaks, so I nabbed a bus to Lukla. Solo travel tip: skip pricey flights for the bus-jeep combo. It’s cheap, and the ride’s a thrill. I shared it with trekkers and locals hauling goods, bouncing over sketchy bridges. Lukla hit me with its tiny airstrip and yak-dung fires. I hired a local guide—way cheaper than big tours—and we trekked to Base Camp. Teahouses were basic but warm, 5-10 bucks a night, and dal bhat—rice and lentils—fueled me for pennies.

The trek was brutal—legs screaming, lungs clawing for air—but the views? Insane. Suspension bridges with prayer flags, stupas spinning in the breeze, yaks plodding by. I took a wrong turn once and landed in a village where a family offered tea. We sipped butter tea on the floor, laughing at my awful Nepali. Those random moments? Pure gold. Nepal proved budget adventure travel can be epic. From Kathmandu’s buzz to the Himalayas’ hush, I left with chapped cheeks, a mountain-high heart, and cash left over. Craving adventure on a dime? Nepal’s your pick—pack light, hire local, and chase the peaks.

 

 

---

Click here to gear up for your adventure

---