Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is located in the Annapurna Region and is one of the most famous trekking destinations in the world. The trail takes trekkers through lush forests and traditional Gurung villages. This moderately difficult trek allows trekkers to witness the majestic Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Therefore, we understand why you chose ABC for your trek. But have you decided on your budget yet? How much will it cost to reach the base camp and return?
Understanding the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost is one of the most crucial steps in preparation. It allows you to separate the budget and escape the financial stress. Expenses vary based on factors like trekking duration and the choices you make while you trek. These articles break down each cost factor and provide you with the estimated price for budgeting.
How Much Does it Cost to Trek Annapurna Base Camp?
The price for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package usually starts at USD 725. However, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, trekking style, accommodations, and food. For example, if you decide to do the ABC Trek With Helicopter Return, the price will range between USD 2,200 and USD 3,000 per person. There is also an 8-day ABC Trek available at USD 550.
The ABC Trek is one of Nepal’s cheapest treks. Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek, the cost of food and accommodation on this trail is very reasonable. Moreover, since taking the flight to Pokhara is optional, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost is flexible and affordable. Hence, you can easily save some money.
Transportation Cost
The total Transportation cost for Annapurna Base Camp ranges between USD 20 and USD 150, depending on your transportation mode. The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara costs about USD 115. The cheaper option is a local bus that costs about USD 10 and a tourist bus that costs USD 15 to 20. You can also get a private jeep for the exact cost of the flight
The ride from Pokhara to Nayapul (the starting point of the ABC Trek) costs USD 20 for a private vehicle and USD 2 to USD 3 per person for a local bus. Since it’s a short journey, a local bus can also be a reasonable choice. After completing the trek, the cost to return to Pokhara from Jhinu Danda/Potuhana via local bus is USD 6.
Permit Costs
The ABC Trek permit costs range from USD 16 to USD 40, depending on your nationality. The table below showcases the cost breakdown of the two permits you need for this trek.
| Type | Cost (Foreigners) | Cost (SAARC Nationals) | Where to Obtain |
| ACAP Permit | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) | NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) | Nepal Tourism Board, National Trust for Nature ConservationEntry Gate |
| TIMS Card | NPR 2,000 Per person (~USD 15) | NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) (through a registered trekking agency) |
Food Costs
The cost per meal in the teahouses and lodges along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek ranges from USD 5 to USD 10. So, three meals will cost anywhere between USD 15 and USD 30. However, this is the estimated price, which can vary. Also, note that the price of food increases as you ascend.
The table below showcases the prices of different food items in this trek.
| Category | Price Range (USD) |
| Dal Bhat (with refills) | 5 – 7 |
| Snacks (e.g., Momo) | 4 – 6 |
| Hot Drinks (Tea/Coffee) | 1 – 2 |
| Bottled Water (1L) | 1 – 2 |
| Soft Drinks (Coke, etc.) | 2 – 3 |
| Beer | 5 – 8 |
Accommodation cost
Simple teahouses cost around USD 5 for an overnight stay. The prices go up when the altitude increases. However, the accommodation cost varies depending on the kind of lodges or hotels you choose. It can range between USD 5 and USD 15. The luxury options are also available, charging around USD 80 to USD 125 per person for a night.
You have to note that low options are available as you ascend toward the base camp. Not only that, but the amenities decrease as you ascend. Also, you might have to pay for services like Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging.
Note: Not every teahouses or lodge charges for the extra services. In many cases, they are included in the price.
Miscellaneous Costs
The miscellaneous cost includes extra expenses like drinks, hot showers, additional food, internet, and charging fees not included in the package. It also consists of the tips you give to your guide and porter. The miscellaneous cost ranges from USD 5 to USD 25 per day. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- Hot shower: USD 2 to 3 for a single hot shower
- Internet: USD 2 to 3 on the trekking trail
- Gadgets Charge: USD 1 to 1.5 USD per hour (might be included in the accommodations package in many places)
- Drinks and Foods: USD 10 to USD 15 per day
- Tips for Gauide and Porter: Depends on you.
Guide and Porter Cost
A licensed, experienced guide will cost you around USD 25 to USD 35 per day. On the other hand, a porter will cost you USD 15 to USD 20. The price can go down depending on their experience. On average, it will cost you about USD 45 for both the guide and the porter. However, you don’t have to pay for the guide’s wage as their salary is included in the package. You just have to pay for the porter if you decide to hire one.
Note: The price mentioned above is the guide’s and the porter’s daily wage, which doesn’t include the tips. Tipping them is entirely up to you, as is the amount you tip.
Gear and Equipment Cost
If you don’t have the gear and equipment, it will cost around USD 300 to USD 500. It costs relatively less if you already have a few items with you. There are also budget-friendly rental options that can save you money. The table below compares the purchase price versus the rental cost for different gear and equipment.
| Gear/Equipment | Purchase Cost (USD) | Rental Cost (USD/day) |
| Trekking Boots | 50 – 150 | – |
| Down Jacket | 50 – 100 | 1 – 3 |
| Sleeping Bag | 30 – 100 | 1 – 3 |
| Trekking Poles | 20 – 40 | 1 – 2 |
| Backpack | 20 – 30 | – |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost Breakdown
In the previous section, we discussed the various factors that influence the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We have summarized those prices and organized them in the table below, which presents the price ranges for each factor.
| Expense Category | Cost Range (USD) |
| Transportation | 20 – 150 |
| Permits | 16 – 40 |
| Food (per day) | 15 – 30 |
| Accommodation (per night) | 5 – 125 |
| Miscellaneous (per day) | 5 – 25 |
| Guide & Porter (per day) | 40 – 55 |
| Gear & Equipment | 300 – 500 |
Note: The above price is an approximate range, not an actual price. The exact cost can vary.
Factors Determining the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
We discussed how certain factors can determine your Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost. But what are those factors? Let’s find out.
- Trek Duration: A longer trek means higher expenditures on food, accommodations, guides, porters, and extra services.
- Accommodation Type: Basic teahouses are cheaper than starred hotels.
- Transportation: The mode of transportation you choose significantly affects the expenses. For example, buses are cheaper than flights.
- Trekking Season: Trekking in peak seasons is often more expensive than off-season.
- Personal Preferences: Luxury options like private rooms, jeep rides, and extra services will increase prices.
- Foods and Drinks: The extra snacks and drinks you consume at teahouses will increase your overall price. Such items can be alcohol and additional snacks.
Money to Carry During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The tour package doesn’t cover the prices like extra services during the trek, the wage of the porter, tips for the guide and porter, and the additional food and drinks. So, you need to carry the price to cover those expenses. You also need to carry cash during the ABC Trek because a) there aren’t any ATMs on the trail, and b) the teahouses might not have card-swiping machines.
But how much should you carry? Assuming you will spend approximately USD 30 to USD 50 daily, carrying from USD 300 to USD 500 is a good idea. You can exchange your money either at Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Tips for Saving Money on the Trek
- Consider traveling on a tourist bus. It is more affordable than flights. Also, traveling in a larger group is always cheaper than traveling alone.
- Choose budget accommodations like lodges and teahouses instead of starred resorts and hotels.
- Rent trekking gear and equipment instead of buying them. You can rent them in Thamel, Kathmandu, or Pokhara.
- Carry chocolate bars, juice, energy drinks, cookies, and instant coffee to save money on food.
- Ensure you carry your water bottle and sterilizing tablets to refill the bottle in natural springs.
- Instead of ordering multiple meals, order one high-calorie meal rich in carbohydrates.
- Limit spending on extra expenditures like hot showers, wi-fi, and charging.
- The prices of flights and accommodations usually go down during the off-season. So, consider trekking in either summer or winter to save money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on factors like your trekking style and the expenses you incur while on the trek. However, the price can be tailored to your style, as both budget-friendly and luxury ABC Trek packages are available. You can also save money on transportation, accommodations, and food.
If you are planning this trek and working on your budget, please contact us with any questions. We would be more than happy to guide you.
