On the last evening of a Khumbu trek, the whole team usually comes together in the lodge dining room in Lukla. Porters who have carried your bags for ten days or more are often from the lower Solu or other hill districts, and this is the one night where everyone sits at the same table. Many lodges have a sound system and a small dance floor, and it is normal for Nepali songs and Sherpa dances to start once dinner is done.
Tipping is customary and forms an important part of crew income. We suggest pooling tips as a group, placing them in envelopes and handing them over personally, with a short thank-you. A common guideline is roughly 10 to 15 percent of the trek cost shared across the team, with porters receiving a fair portion. Pay in Nepali rupees. Good boots, jackets or headlamps you no longer need are also welcome gifts.
Keep the evening reasonable, because your flight check-in is often around 6 am. Pack your duffel before dinner so the porter can take it to the airport early, and keep your passport, flight ticket and permit in your daypack. If the weather looks uncertain, your guide will talk through backup options for the morning, such as a helicopter seat or an extra night in Lukla.
Good for
- Groups
- Families
- Solo
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
How much should I tip on an Everest Base Camp trek?
Many trekkers tip around 10–15 percent of the trek price, shared between guide and porters. For a 12-day trek, that often works out to roughly US$ 120–200 per trekker in a small group, or more for a private trip. Pay in Nepali rupees and hand tips directly to each person.
Is there nightlife in Lukla?
Lukla has a few bars, pool tables and lodges with music, busiest in October and April. It is relaxed rather than lively, and most trekkers go to bed early because flights leave around 6:30–7 am. Alcohol hits harder at 2,860 m, so drink water as well.
What should I do with gear I no longer need?
Ask your guide whether a porter needs it. Warm jackets, boots, gloves and headlamps in good condition are useful to porters who work high in the Khumbu. Avoid leaving broken items or batteries, as waste must be carried out of the national park.
