Managing Your Money in the Khumbu Region

Managing your finances while trekking in the Khumbu region is an important consideration, especially given the remote nature of the area. Understanding where to exchange money, how to access funds, the monetary system in Nepal, what the rules and regulations regarding money are, and what the local costs are like can make your trek smoother and more enjoyable.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). It’s important to carry enough cash with you for your trek, especially if you’re heading into more remote villages. ATMs in the Khumbu region are limited to larger towns, with the most reliable ones located in Namche Bazaar. You can withdraw cash in Namche, but keep in mind that ATMs may not always have sufficient funds or be operational due to power outages or network issues. Always carry enough cash with you, especially for the last leg of your trek, where ATM access becomes increasingly scarce.

Likewise, credit cards are generally accepted in higher-end lodges or larger shops in Namche, but not in the smaller villages along the trail. However, sometimes you might face some unexpected issues with international credit cards.

In the last few years, Nepal has seen a surge in mobile banking. Even the remote areas of Nepal offer you the option to pay by phone. You can see QR codes available for scanning in most shops, hotels, and restaurants. So now it has become a viable option for many travelers traveling in Nepal. But beware that due to connectivity issues and also banking issues, relying on mobile banking for your trek might not be a wise thing to do.

The cost of trekking in the Khumbu can be quite high compared to other regions of Nepal, especially in terms of food, lodging, and services. The cost of a standard room usually ranges from Rs. 500 to 1500. Your food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) should cost you a minimum of Rs. 2000-3000 per day. Your guide cum porter usually costs about Rs. 2000-3000 per day. This brings your total to around Rs. 5000-7000 per day. A normal Khumbu trek usually takes about 14 days. Therefore, your total cost for the trek will be around Rs. 70,000 to 120,000. Remember that this is the bare minimum cost. The actual cost usually is much higher than this (Please read our previous post for detailed information on the estimated total cost for trekking in the Khumbu region.)

If you’re carrying foreign currency, you can exchange it for Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu before starting your trek. Several money exchange offices in Kathmandu offer competitive rates. You can also exchange currency in Namche Bazaar, but the rates may be less favorable compared to the cities. Avoid exchanging large sums in smaller villages, as options for currency exchange are very limited.

 Note: The monetary rules in Nepal keep changing all the time. So make sure to keep yourself updated. Double-check and reconfirm everything with your trekking company and/or with the banks and government offices in Nepal before coming to Nepal.