The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of the most popular and mesmerizing trekking routes in Nepal, attracting adventurers from around the world. This trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the thrill of reaching the base camp of one of the highest peaks in the world, Annapurna I (8,091 meters). Situated in the heart of the Annapurna region, the trek takes you through lush rhododendron forests, charming Gurung villages, and terraced farmlands, all while providing breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges.
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost, in general?
When planning for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, understanding the cost involved is crucial. The total cost of the trek can vary depending on several factors, such as the route you choose, the season, your preferences for accommodation and food, and whether you appoint a guide or you choose an independent trek. Expenses typically include trekking permits, transportation, accommodation, food, gear, and other essentials.
On average, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,200 per person, making it accessible to a wide range of trekkers. Depending on the trek route you choose the price range can vary. And also trekking independently or trekking with a trekking guide is also a major factor affecting your trekking cost to Annapurna Base Camp.
Transportation cost to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Pokhara is the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Even though Pokhara has an International Airport, international flights are not operated there to date so, you have to go to Pokhara from Kathmandu. There are two ways to reach Pokhara, either by road or by air.
By road:
Via car: If you hire a personal car from Kathmandu, it will offer you 3 comfortable spaces and enough room for the luggage as well. Which will cost around NPR 15000 to NPR 16000 (140$-150$).
Via jeep: If you hire a personal jeep from Kathmandu for your group, it will offer you 5 comfortable spaces and enough room for the luggage as well. Which will cost around NPR 18000 to NPR 19000 (170$-180$).
Via Hiace: If you hire a personal Haice from Kathmandu for your group, it offers you 8 comfortable spaces and space enough for your luggage as well. It will cost around NPR 24000 to NPR 26000 (230$-240$).
By air:
Via domestic flight: Flight from domestic airport Kathmandu to Pokhara will cost you around NPR 4500 to NPR 6000 (40$-50$)
These prices can vary according to the season.
As we know, The trek can be done via two main routes: one through Poon Hill and the other being direct from Jhinu Danda. Here is a breakdown of the costs to be incurred when following each of the paths:
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Costs
Regardless of the route you choose, you’ll need two main permits: Regardless of the route you choose, you’ll need two main permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 25 or NPR 3,000
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card:
For independent trekkers: This was NPR 2,000 (USD 15)
For group trekkers: NPR 9,207 (USD 93)
Total Permit Cost: About thirty-five to forty US dollars for a person approximately.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Lodging Costs
The cost of accommodation varies based on the altitude and location: The cost of accommodation varies based on the altitude and location:
- Poon Hill Route:
- Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani: Lodging costs around NPR 500-800 per night.
- Ghorepani to Tadapani: Accommodation here is similar, ranging from NPR 500-800.
- Tadapani to Chomrong: Expect to pay about NPR 500-800 per night.
- Direct Route from Jhinu Danda:
- Jhinu Danda to Chomrong: Lodging costs are similar, around NPR 500-800 per night.
- Chomrong to Bamboo: Accommodation prices range from NPR 500-800.
- Bamboo to Deurali: Expect lodging costs of NPR 500-800 per night.
At Annapurna Base Camp, prices can be slightly higher, ranging from NPR 800-1000 per night due to its remote location.
Total Lodging Cost (10-12 days trek): USD 70- US130.
Annapurna Base Camp trek food cost.
As we can see from these situations, food remains one of the biggest expenses to cater for. As you go higher, food costs increase due to transportation challenges: As you go higher, food costs increase due to transportation challenges:
Breakfast: NPR 400 – 700 / USD 3 – 6
Lunch: NPR 500 – 800 (USD 4 – 7)
Dinner: NPR 500-900 (USD 4- 8)
A cup of tea, coffee, and snacks are available for NPR 100 – 400 (USD 1 – 3) per piece.
Total Food Cost (10-12 days trek): USD 200 – 300
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Gears and Equipment Cost
Appropriate trekking equipment will be required to do the ABC trek. You will probably have thought of these already but if not, it is possible to either purchase or hire these in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Trekking Boots: USD 50-USD 150
Down Jacket: USD 50 – 200
Sleeping Bag: USD 30 – 100 (Online rental: USD 1- 3 per day)
Trekking Poles: USD 20 – 40
Backpack: USD 50 – 100
Total Gear Cost: USD 150 – 600 based on what is already available
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide and Porter Fees
A guide to the Annapurna Base Camp trek is not mandatory but, is surely recommended. A guide will guide you to the ultimate destination, while a porter will assist with your bag and luggage.
Guide: NPR 3,000 to 4,000 per day for USD 25 to 35.
Porter: On average NPR 2,000 – 3,000 per day (approximately USD 18 – 25) is charged.
Total Cost for Guide/Porter (10-12 days trek).
The total guide and porter cost is estimated to be around USD 250 to USD 420.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Miscellaneous Costs
Hot Shower: NPR 200 – 500 or about USD 2 – 4 for each shower.
Charging Electronics: NPR 100- 400 (USD 1 – 3) per device
Wi-Fi: NPR 200 to 500 (USD 2 to 4) for a day.
Tips: It is customary to tip guides and porters who are offered at a standard rate. Normally, the tip is usually 10 percent of the total price of the meal.
Total Miscellaneous Costs: USD 50- 100
Annapurna Base Camp trek cost with agencies
Since there are two routes to choose from. If you choose to trek from Jhinu Dada to Annapurna Base Camp then the Annapurna Base Camp trek is offered between the price range of $400-$550.
Similarly, if you choose to trek from Ghorepani poon hill then the Annapurna Base Camp trek is offered between the price range of $800-$950.
Generally, facilities like three times foods (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner) Guide to assist with the trek, and a porter with your load are provided by the agencies.
FAQ
Can I bring my own food during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
No. It is a policy of the Local Hotel Management Committee that trekkers are required to eat (dinner & breakfast) at the hotels where they are staying. Besides, you will find teahouses throughout the ABC trail and there won’t be any necessity to bring food by yourself.
Although you can carry snacks and water by yourself for immediate use.
Tipping cost for guide and porter.
Although there is no fixed tipping rate for the guide and porter, 10-15% of the overall trip price is expected. Matter of fact it is your choice to tip them as much as you like or want to. You can either tip in USD or Nepali Rupees.
Note: Tipping is a generous way to express and thank the team for making your trip successful and memorable. Generally, tipping is done on the last day of the trek.
