2009 expedition to Baruntse (7129 m)
Trekking agency costs
The trekking agency was responsible for all logistics. They charged us for:
- local flights
- transport from airport to hotel in Kathmandu
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu
- wages 2 English speaking Sherpa guides
- wages porters
- wages cook and cook helper
- wages liaison officer
- insurance for all staff
- proper clothing and shoes for all staff
- trekking tents, group tent, tables, chairs, pots & pans, climbing equipment
- all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and coffee/tea during trekkings, up to BC, and high altitude food above BC
- medical kit
- expedition permit
- evacuation plan
The price for this was $ 22,000, which was equal to € 18,500 at the time of writing.
Tips and bonusses
It is custom to pay some tips and bonusses to the trekking staff. A rule of thumb is to pay a porter one day's wage for each week. So that comes to 10-15%. For example we tipped our porters who went back in Makalu BC some 2,000 rupees each.
A good tip for the cook is $ 100 and for the kitchen boy $ 50. We decided to give them both a tip of $ 150.
The 2 guides were given a summit bonus of $ 500 each.