Which place is cheaper, Mount Everest or Kathmandu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kathmandu or Mount Everest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kathmandu and Mount Everest can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Kathmandu or Mount Everest?
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.
Mount Everest
More commonly known as Mount Everest, Qomolangma is the highest mountain in the world with a peak reaching 8,848 meters above sea level. Pilgrims trek long distances to worship its divine aura, climbing enthusiasts run great risks to challenge its high altitude, and visitors from all over come to see where the tallest reaches of earth meet the heavens.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Nepal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nepal.
-
Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesMount Everest Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $59Mount Everest $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $59, while the average daily cost in Mount Everest is $56. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kathmandu and Mount Everest in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $38Mount Everest $6.46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $76Mount Everest $13
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Mount Everest
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Mount Everest? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kathmandu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $6.56Mount Everest -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:
-
Taxi Ride$1.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:
- Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $15
- Private Airport Transfers – TIA Kathmandu Arrival & Departure: $15
- Mount Everest Scenic Tour by Plane with Transfers: $15
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu Hotels to Domestic Airport Vehicle: $20
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle : $20
- Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V. : $22
- Rent a Private Car with Driver for Kathmandu City Transfer : $25
- Private Arrival Transfer Kathmandu Airport to Kathmandu, Nepal: $45
- Kathmandu to Namobuddha Transfer by Private AC Car One Way: $50
- Chandragiri Hill Cable Car Tour with Hotel Transfers from Kathmandu: $60
- Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Private AC Car One Way: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Mount Everest?
Prices for flights to both Mount Everest and Kathmandu change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayKathmandu $14Mount Everest $43
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
-
Dessert$1.28
-
Dinner for Two$2.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $8.00
- Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
- Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights in Kathmandu: $27
- Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu in Peace & quiet place: $30
- Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
- Kathmandu Food Tour : $32
- Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $34
- Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
- Cooking Class with Vyas: $49
- Half Day Nepal Cooking Class in Thamel: $60
- Cooking Class with HSJ: $60
- Local Cooking Class in Chitwan with Local Style Wood Fire: $65
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $7.58Mount Everest $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:
-
Monkey Temple for Two$1.42
-
Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two$3.54
-
Swayambhunath Stupa$1.42
Tours and Activities in Kathmandu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
- Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu: $5.00
- Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $5.00
- Full Day Private Tour of Seven World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu: $5.00
- Bhaktapur & Nagarkot Day Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $5.00
- Scenic Swayambhunath & Chandragiri Cable Car Tour: $5.00
- Chandragiri Cable Car Ride & Monkey Temple Tour - Private/Group: $5.00
- Nepali Tea Tasting Lifetime Experience : $8.00
- Kathmandu Durbar Square Walking Tour: $10
- Private World Heritage Sites Tour/ 4 UNESCO Tour. : $10
- Walking Tour from Bazaar to Hippie Hub Ason and Freak Street: $10
- Privet Day Tours in Kathmandu Nepal : $10
- Private Kathmandu City Tour/ 7 UNESCO World Heritage Tour : $10
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $5.45Mount Everest -
Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kathmandu:
- Local Food and Wine Tasting in Kathmandu : $65
When comparing the travel costs between Kathmandu and Mount Everest, we can see that Kathmandu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kathmandu Expensive? and Is Mount Everest Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.