Nepal is one of the best-value destinations in Asia. You can eat well for a few dollars, sleep in a friendly guesthouse for little more, and walk among the highest mountains on Earth. Prices have risen over the years, and trekking rules now require a licensed guide, but with some planning, Nepal is still very affordable. Here's how to make your money go further, and where not to cut corners.
Quick answer: a backpacker can travel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on roughly US$25–40 a day; a comfortable mid-range trip costs around US$60–120 a day. On a trek, teahouse rooms and meals cost roughly US$25–40 a day plus guide and porter fees, permits and transport. Save money with tourist buses, dal bhat, shorter or lower treks and shoulder seasons. Don't skimp on insurance, a licensed guide or acclimatisation days.
Daily budgets
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (city) | US$8–20 guesthouse | US$40–90 hotel |
| Food | US$8–12 | US$20–35 |
| Local transport | US$2–5 | US$10–20 |
| Sightseeing | US$5–15 entry fees | US$15–30 with guide |
| Total per day | About US$25–40 | About US$60–120 |
These are rough figures that vary with season and your style; see our money guide and trekking cost guide.
Save on accommodation
- Stay in family-run guesthouses in Thamel, Lakeside or Patan.
- Travel in shoulder seasons (late September, early December, February) for lower prices.
- Try a homestay for an authentic, affordable experience.
Save on food
- Eat dal bhat: filling, nutritious and refillable.
- Try momos and local eateries instead of tourist restaurants.
- Refill a water bottle with treated water instead of buying bottles.
- Watch for 10% service charge and 13% VAT on menus in tourist restaurants.
Save on transport
- Use tourist buses between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan instead of flights. See our Kathmandu to Pokhara guide.
- Use ride-hailing apps (Pathao, inDrive) in cities.
- Walk; the old cities are best explored on foot.
Affordable treks
You don't need to fly to Lukla to have a great trek. Cheaper options start by road and avoid expensive permits:
- Australian Camp, Ghandruk and Panchase from Pokhara (2–3 days).
- Poon Hill and Mardi Himal (about a week).
- Helambu and Chisapani–Nagarkot from Kathmandu.
- Annapurna Base Camp short trek from Pokhara.
Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu and Dolpo have higher permit fees and cost more.
On the trek
- Teahouse rooms are cheap; lodges make money on food, so eat where you sleep.
- Food prices rise with altitude; dal bhat is the best value.
- Charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi cost extra; bring a power bank.
- Share a guide and porter with friends to split costs.
- Rent gear in Thamel or Pokhara instead of buying. See our gear guide.
Where not to cut corners
- Insurance covering altitude and helicopter evacuation.
- A licensed guide from a registered company; it's required, and it keeps you safe.
- Acclimatisation days; skipping them is a false economy.
- Fair pay for porters; very cheap treks often cut staff wages.
- Warm gear for high altitude.
Summary
With guesthouses, dal bhat, tourist buses and a well-chosen trek, Nepal can be very affordable. Spend where it matters, on safety, and save everywhere else. Contact us for a budget-friendly itinerary.