The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is considered one of the most adventurous and picturesque treks in Nepal. Composed of towering snow-capped mountains, green forests, and rural Gurung settlements, this trek welcomes thousands of hikers each year. Although it’s within reach for most physical capabilities and worth the experience of a lifetime, for many travelers, the big question remains: “How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?”
This blog will keep you informed of all costs incurred, ranging from permits and transport to food, accommodation, and guide fees, so that you can plan your trek with surety and spend correctly.
Average Cost Overview for Annapurna Base Camp
The total cost of the ABC trek varies based on your travel style, group size, and services used. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated cost for a 10–12 day trek:
| Trek Style | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $500 – $700 | NPR 67,000 – 94,000 |
| Mid-range | $700 – $1,000 | NPR 94,000 – 135,000 |
| Luxury | $1,200 – $1,800+ | NPR 160,000 – 240,000+ |
Budget travelers can manage the trek independently or with basic support, while mid-range trekkers might prefer guided tours with porters. Luxury trekkers opt for premium lodges and private transport.
Transportation Costs for ABC Trek
From Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara is the starting hub for the Annapurna trek. You’ll first travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara using one of these options:
Tourist Bus: Costs around NPR 1,500 – 3,000 ($10 – $25) and takes 7–8 hours. Buses depart early morning from Sorhakhutte or Gongabu.
Private Jeep: If you’re in a group, a jeep costs around NPR 20,000 ($150) and offers a smoother ride.
Domestic Flight: It’s a 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu that costs NPR 14,000 – 18,000 ($100 – $125) and offers speed and views.
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour
📅 Duration: 1 Day
🥾 Best For: Those who don’t want to trek but still want to witness the ABC
💰 Price: 2500 USD Only
🎒 Includes: Heli Flight from to Kathmandu or Pokhara
Pokhara to Trek Starting Point (Nayapul/Jhinu)
From the trailhead, most trekkers take a local or private jeep to Pokhara:
Local Bus/Jeep: NPR 500 – 1,500
Private Taxi/Jeep: NPR 4,000 – 6,000 depending upon destination
Local tip: Flights save time but eat into the budget. If time isn’t a problem, the bus is a great scenic option.
Permits and Entry Fees
To enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and legally trek, you’ll need two permits:
ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
- NPR 3,000 (Foreigners)
- NPR 100 (SAARC nationals)
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
- NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers
- NPR 1,000 for trekkers with a guide
You can get these permits organized in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you book with a company, they’ll organize this for you.
Total Permit Cost: Around NPR 4,000 – 5,000 (i.e., $30 – $40)
Suggested Read: What are the Best Places to visit during the Annapurna Circuit trek?
Accommodation Cost on the ABC Trail
Most residents stay in teahouses, which are simple lodges with such facilities as a bed, shared toilet, and dining area. At lower elevations, rooms are cheaper and may cost as low as NPR 500 – NPR 700 per night. At higher elevations like Deurali or Annapurna Base Camp, the cost may be up to NPR 1,200 per night. Rooms are generally twin-share. A free room is at times offered if you eat all your meals at the lodge.
Total Accommodation Cost (10 nights): NPR 6,000 – 10,000 ($45 – $80)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package
📅 Duration: 13 Days
🥾 Best For: Adventure Seekers & Culture Lovers
💰 Price: 875 USD Only
🎒 Includes: Transportation, Accommodation, Guide, TIMS & Permits
Food and Drinks Cost
Food costs vary with altitude. The more you ascend, the more expensive it is because everything is carried up by porters or mules.
A meal a day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner:
- Dal Bhat (limitless): NPR 500 – 800
- Momos/Noodles/Soups: NPR 400 – 700
- Breakfast Set (toast, egg, tea): NPR 500 – 700
- Bottled Water: NPR 100 – 300 per liter
- Tea/Coffee: NPR 100 – 250
If you consume three meals a day and snacks and hot drinks occasionally, your food budget will be around NPR 2,500 – 3,500/day.
Total Food Budget (10 Days): NPR 25,000 – 35,000 ($200 – $300)
Tip: Bring a refillable bottle and water purification tablets rather than buying bottled water.
Guide and Porter Cost
Having a local guide enhances your experience and offers safety, orientation, and cultural exchange support.
- Guide: NPR 3,000 – 4,000/day ($25 – $35)
- Porter: NPR 2,000 – 3,000/day ($18 – $25) – carries up to 20–25 kg
For a 10-day trek:
- Guide Cost: NPR 30,000 – 40,000
- Porter Cost: NPR 20,000 – 30,000
You can even divide the portering cost between two individuals. Employing locally creates Nepali job opportunities, improving your overall trekking experience.
Trekking Equipment & Rentals
If you do not have equipment yet, you can rent all of it in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Shared items and their daily rental fees:
- Sleeping Bag: NPR 200/day
- Down Jacket: NPR 200/day
- Trekking Poles: NPR 100/day
- Raincoat: NPR 100 – 200/day
Estimated Total Equipment Rental (10 days): NPR 2,000 – 4,000
Tip: Buy small items such as gloves, socks, sunscreen, and a hat in Thamel or Lakeside prior to leaving.
Miscellaneous Charges
Some other expenses are as follows:
- Hot Shower: NPR 200 – 500 per use
- Wi-Fi Access: NPR 200 – 500 (teahouses have some with session-wise pricing)
- Powering Devices: NPR 100 – 300/hour
- Tissue, Soap, Snacks, etc.: NPR 1,000 – 2,000
- Tips (Guide/Porter): NPR 5,000 – 10,000 based on quality of service
- These would add another NPR 5,000 – 8,000 ($40 – $65) along the trek.
Sample Cost for 12 Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Category | Cost (NPR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu–Pokhara Return | 15,000 | $110 |
| Permits | 5,000 | $38 |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | 8,000 | $60 |
| Food & Drinks | 30,000 | $225 |
| Guide (10 Days) | 35,000 | $260 |
| Porter (Optional) | 25,000 | $185 |
| Gear Rental & Misc. | 5,000 | $38 |
| Total (w/ Porter) | 123,000 | $916 |
| Total (no Porter) | 98,000 | $730 |
How to save money during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
- Go on a group trek tour to split the cost of guides and porters.
- Eat Dal Bhat, it’s filling and refills for free.
- Pack reusable water bottles and a water purifier.
- Buy snacks and essentials in Pokhara.
- Rent gear instead of buying unless you’re trekking often.
Summary
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is worth every penny, and you don’t need to spend a fortune in order to do it. Budget backpacker tours and luxury guided treks are both available, so you can set the price according to your desires and budget. You’ll still get stunning Himalayan views, friendly local warmth, and safe, guided travel even on a mid-budget budget.
Are you ready for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
If you require a reliable trekking agency in Nepal to help organize your trip with guide, permit, transport, and accommodation included let us help you. Contact us today for a tailor-made ABC trek package at a great price.