Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
- Friday July 3, 2020
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Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of the high-altitude treks in Nepal that takes us from the base camp to the world’s tenth-highest mountain, Mt. Annapurna (8091m). Every year thousands of trekkers visit Nepal to embrace the beauty of the Annapurna region.
Most trekkers who plan to trek here are usually concerned about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost. The trek is friendlier than the majority of other classical treks.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost is reasonably priced, making it accessible to any trekker. And the money you spend on this trek will reward you with a lifetime experience.
ABC Trek is Nepal’s second most famous trekking destination after Everest Base Camp Trek. Machhapuchhre Base Camp lies on the route of this trekking. The trek takes you to the lap of the world’s tenth-highest mountain, Annapurna I (8091m).
Thus, you can suffer from altitude sickness, so you should be medically prepared. During the trek, you will walk through the beautiful villages enriched with diverse cultures and religions and witness the diverse landscape, rich biodiversity of the Annapurna region, and views of this region’s mountains.
Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, etc., are the mountains you can see during trekking.
The mix of mountain vistas, traditional mountain village life, and thick rhododendron forests will melt your heart. A trekking experience at the Annapurna Base Camp is something you will cherish all your life.
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost?
How much does it cost to trek to Annapurna Base Camp? Well, it is pretty tricky to answer straightforwardly. The cost of the trek depends on various factors.
How do you want to travel? How many days do you want to spend on this trek? – it usually takes 12 days or 10 to 14 days. At what time of the year are you planning to trek? – Spring (March-May) and Autumn ( September-October) are the best times to trek, but they are costlier during these times.
Do you buy a trekking package? If yes, who are you buying it from? A travel agent? an online agent? or an international travel agency? Local travel agency? Local guide? Along with that, what kind of trek do you want to do – all-inclusive or guide-only?
The ABC Trek packages usually cost around $900 to $1200 if you book it from a local travel agency. You can also book the container through an international travel agency, which will cost much more.
As you may know, a local travel agency is an expert in trekking and can arrange the trek perfectly. So, choosing a local travel agency over an international one is better. As I mentioned, choosing the package with a local travel agency is much cheaper and helps the local economy.
If you plan to trek with a local trekking agency, please get in touch with Peregrine Trek. We offer a 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek at just $1250.
However, if you plan to trek solo, here is the detailed breakdown of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost that you will be spending during the trek.
1. Permits Cost for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trekking permits are the essential paperwork required while trekking in Nepal. You will require two trekking permits in the Annapurna region: the TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). Here are the cost details of the Annapurna Trekking permits:
Cost for TIMS per person:
- SAARC Countries: NPR 600; approximately US $6
- Other Countries: NPR 2000; approximately US $20
Cost of TIMS for Group:
- SAARC Countries: NPR 300; approximately US $3
- Other Countries: NPR 1000; approximately US $10
Cost for ACAP per person :
- SAARC Countries: NPR 200; approximately US $2
- Other countries: NPR 3000; approximately US $30
Individuals planning to go trekking without joining the trekking company can purchase these trekking permits from Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu.
If you are in Pokhara, you can get them from Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside or at the ACAP entry permit counter in Besisahar, Lamjung. TIMS cards can also be purchased from the TAAN Lakeside office in Santi Patan, Pokhara.
Also, see:
2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost of guide and porter
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderately difficult trek. Having a guide or a porter is not mandatory for this trek. However, having a licensed trekking guide or porter will make your trek much easier and more comfortable, and you can enjoy the trek to the fullest.
A licensed trekking guide will help you with the trekking permits, help you navigate through the trail, and find food and accommodation.
I know you must think that you can do it yourself, but these things can come in the way of your fun and adventure. Plus, having a guide during the trek will keep and safe and secure.
Having a porter will make your trek much more accessible and enjoyable as you won’t have to carry your luggage burden. Your porter will help you carry your luggage and also help you navigate through the route. A porter can carry up to 15 kg of weight.
The cost of the guide and porter are given below:
- Cost of a guide: US $20-30 per day
- Cost of porter: US $15-20 per day
3. Accommodation Cost for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular teahouse treks. Thus, many teahouses and lodges along the trail provide food and accommodations for the trekkers.
The accommodation cost varies according to the remoteness and altitude of the place. As you go higher up, the cost of accommodation also rises.
The teahouse’s standards and services in the Annapurna region have significantly improved in the past couple of years. Due to this, trekking in this region is more convenient.
Such tea houses are available at every step. However, it would help if you remembered that single rooms might not be as readily available in higher altitudes as in Kathmandu or lower elevations.
The accommodation fees can cost you USD 5 to $10 per night.
Also, see:
4. Meals Cost for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You no longer have to carry your food as tea houses are available at every step. While on your journey into the mountains, you can enjoy the best local Nepalese Food. You can enjoy local mountains and other Indian, Italian, and Continental cuisines.
You can choose your food preferences from the food menu available there. Likewise, you can also get selected farewell dinners. You can enjoy your breakfast and dinner at the same tea house where you stay at night.
After breakfast, you can eat your lunch at the next destination that you move to. It usually can cost you up to USD 3 to $5 per meal daily.
Of course, this price can vary according to your choice of appetite. The Annapurna Region is well established in terms of tourist structure. Therefore, you can enjoy lower-quality food than in the Everest Region.
5. Transportation Cost for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The ABC Trek starts and ends in Pokhara. Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost highly depends on the way you travel. You have two options: traveling via a flight or by land via a local bus, a private jeep, or a tourist bus.
If you are planning to travel by flight, then the cost of the flight differs depending on the trekking season. During the peak trekking months, which are March-May and September–November, the flight costs are comparatively higher than in the offseason, i.e., December-February and June-August.
However, booking well before the trek might get a cheaper flight.
- Flight Cost from Kathmandu to Pokhara (two-way): approximately $240
- Local Bus from Pokhara to Nayapul(starting point of the trek): approximately $3
- Local Bus from Nayapul to Pokhara (return): approximately $3
- Private Car from Pokhara to Nayapul is Approx. US$ 30
- A private car from Nayapul to Pokhara is Approx US$ 30
But if you choose to travel by land, it will cost you much cheaper.
- Local Bus from Kathmandu to Nayapul (one way): approx $8 to 10
- The private car from Kathmandu to Nayapul (one way): approx $150 to 170 (good option if you are traveling with a group)
Also, see:
6. Trekking Equipment Costs
It is tough to estimate trekking equipment costs as the cost varies from person to person. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost highly depends on how much equipment and gear you own and how much you are willing to buy or rent.
If you are not a regular trekker, you should consider renting the trekking equipment as it may not be of much use later. It will help to minimize your trekking costs.
You can easily rent trekking gear and equipment from Thamel or Pokhara.
You will need various gear and equipment for the trek. Some of the essential item on the packing list is:
- A warm sleeping bag
- Duffel bag and a day pack
- Warm and waterproof jacket
- Trekking trousers and shirts, including a base layer and second layer of fleece
- A lightweight, high-quality trekking boots
- Pair of regular shoes for when you want to take a stroll
- Warm gloves, inner and outer, and warm thermal socks
- Trekking Poles
For more details, please check our blog on “Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing List.”
7. Other Expenses
Along with these costs, other expenses may add up to your ABC trek cost, which is as follows:
Charger for your gadgets
Your portable solar battery charger or power bank is more convenient while trekking. It will come in handy while charging your electronic gears.
If you choose to charge your gadget in the teahouse, it can cost up to a few dollars. They will charge you about US $3-5 per hour to charge your gadgets.
Hot water
It is not even practical to get a shower during the trek. So, you can use wet wipes.
But if you want a hot shower, you will have to pay about $1-$3 for a bucket of hot water. The teahouse will charge you around US $1-$3 for a flask of hot drinking water.
Tips for the guides and porters
Concerning the guides and porters, they always expect tips from you. Although it is not mandatory to tip them, you might want to thank them and show gratitude for their service.
Thus, it would help if you prepared yourself for these additional costs that may come along the way. Since you will be in remote and higher altitudes, preparedness makes your trek the most comfortable.
An average rate is between US $8-$10 per day for your guides and $6-$8 per day for porters.
Ways to reduce your Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Cost
- Join a government-authorized adventure travel company
- Trek in the low season.
- Travel by land instead of air.
- Rent the trekking equipment rather than buy them.
- Carry water purifying tablets for drinking water.
- Carry some snacks with you as it gets much more expensive in higher altitudes.
Conclusion
Trekking in Nepal is a lifetime experience for trekkers all around the world. So, to make the journey memorable, convenient, and accessible simultaneously, you must plan the trek according to your budget.
The cost depends on how you want to travel and the services you choose. Along with that, the cost also varies depending on the route you choose. Furthermore, please contact us if you have more questions or queries regarding this trek or any other treks in Nepal.
