Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

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.

Annapurna Base Camp ABC

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. 

I had the best adventure with my friends doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. When the manager from My Everest Trip picked us up at the airport, we were so excited about Nepal and our trek. We had a few days in Kathmandu before our tour, and Puru was very helpful in ensuring the taxi drivers would not cheat us, showing us good places to eat and shop, and helping with everything we needed. Before the trek, he made sure we had an excellent briefing, and we were amazed to hear he would guide the tour himself and his assistant…

I had the best adventure with my friends doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

When the manager from My Everest Trip picked us up at the airport, we were so excited about Nepal and our trek. We had a few days in Kathmandu before our tour, and Puru was very helpful in ensuring the taxi drivers would not cheat us, showing us good places to eat and shop, and helping with everything we needed. Before the trek, he made sure we had an excellent briefing, and we were amazed to hear he would guide the tour himself and his assistant guide Ratna.  

The trek was hard work and great fun. All the staff joining in on tour was passionate about their work. Some of the porters did not speak much English, but we communicated the best we could and laughed a lot because one of my friends is a bit of an actor and always tried to act out what she wanted to tell them. Puru was the whole trek present and kind, not only to us but to everybody we met; one day, we walked with a group from another company, and Puru noticed that one of the girls was struggling a bit and without a word, he just took her backpack so she could walk more accessible. 

I do not doubt that the people at My Everest Trip, led by Puru, represent modern Nepal with deep roots in tradition, culture, and humility. They are modest people with excellent knowledge of their country.

After the trek, we had plans to stay a few days on our own in Pokhara to relax and do paragliding. Before Puru returned to Kathmandu, he arranged for a nice hotel and our bus ticket back to Kathmandu, where he would meet us and go for dinner.

We are very thankful for the personal service we received; we could not have wished for anything more, except maybe for more time in Nepal, so I think we need to go back and meet all the good and warm-hearted people again.   

I give you my warmest recommendation.

Jan

Netherland

Jan

Netherland

My Everest trip is a top professional and highly valued Trekking agency. Due to my work as a teacher on a Danish “Højskole”, I go every second year to Nepal for trekking. I started to work with My Everest Trip 6 years ago and I appreciate the hard work they put into making our stay in Nepal pleasant. I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek twice with different groups of students both times with the guide Yam, who always does a great job connecting with the young people, leading the way, and spreading happiness when they struggle on the trails. Many years…

My Everest trip is a top professional and highly valued Trekking agency. Due to my work as a teacher on a Danish “Højskole”, I go every second year to Nepal for trekking. I started to work with My Everest Trip 6 years ago and I appreciate the hard work they put into making our stay in Nepal pleasant.

I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek twice with different groups of students both times with the guide Yam, who always does a great job connecting with the young people, leading the way, and spreading happiness when they struggle on the trails.

Many years of experience and good management place this agency among the top trekking agencies in Nepal and I will continue working with this agency in the years to come. 

Lars Frandsen

Denmark

Lars Frandsen

Denmark

I highly value the service offered by the staff at My Everest Trip. Friends recommended the agency and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and I understand why. All members of the team are responsible and polite people.  I always travel alone to meet new friends, so I specifically asked for a fixed departure where I would be grouped with other people.    Ratna, an experienced guide in the Annapurna region, led the group. This shows in the way he manages everything. Before starting the trek, any concern I might have had was blown away the minute I met the guide and…

I highly value the service offered by the staff at My Everest Trip. Friends recommended the agency and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and I understand why. All members of the team are responsible and polite people. 

I always travel alone to meet new friends, so I specifically asked for a fixed departure where I would be grouped with other people.   

Ratna, an experienced guide in the Annapurna region, led the group. This shows in the way he manages everything. Before starting the trek, any concern I might have had was blown away the minute I met the guide and the porters. I saw how well the manager treated them, and they were pleased and just as excited to go as I was. After a few days, I spent the evenings playing cards with the porters, who were great fun.

The days in these beautiful surroundings passed so quickly, and I was unfortunate when I had to say goodbye to all my new friends.

I hope to return to Nepal one day and meet all my new friends again. 

Thomas

Germany

Thomas

Germany

I had the privilege of spending four weeks in Nepal in the autumn of 2018. I wanted to do a long trek mixed with relaxation and cultural experiences. After my arrival, I aimed to leave Kathmandu as quickly as possible and start the tour. Puru put up a perfect schedule for me. The day after I arrived in Kathmandu, we took off for Pokhara, and on day 3, my trek started. This was a perfect option for me as I needed peace of mind, and this trek and the staff that followed me did a fantastic job. After the trek,…

I had the privilege of spending four weeks in Nepal in the autumn of 2018. I wanted to do a long trek mixed with relaxation and cultural experiences. After my arrival, I aimed to leave Kathmandu as quickly as possible and start the tour. Puru put up a perfect schedule for me.

The day after I arrived in Kathmandu, we took off for Pokhara, and on day 3, my trek started. This was a perfect option for me as I needed peace of mind, and this trek and the staff that followed me did a fantastic job.

After the trek, I spent a few days in Pokhara, visiting beautiful sights and enjoying life. Then I went by bus to Chitwan, where Puru had booked a room at a lovely resort and arranged for activities like jungle safari and bird watching.

After some quiet days in Chitwan, I was ready to face Kathmandu and spend a few days here visiting all the must-sees and shopping in Thamel.

Puru is an expert in organizing trips and reading his clients’ needs. Customizing this journey down to every little detail, like bus tickets, was just what I needed, and I left Nepal feeling like a new person.
I cannot thank Puru and all his employees enough, and I will return one day.

Cecilia

France

Cecilia

France

I understand why this trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and why My Everest is a favored choice among its clients. I enjoyed this trek with the guide Krishna, who did an excellent job. Puru took care of all aspects of the trek well, and I could enjoy every moment of my walk. If I faced an obstacle, Krishna would help me overcome it nicely and politely. This trek has a long daily walk, but in good company with friendly people, it’s not a problem. I would love to do another trek with all my new friends at My…
I understand why this trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and why My Everest is a favored choice among its clients. I enjoyed this trek with the guide Krishna, who did an excellent job. Puru took care of all aspects of the trek well, and I could enjoy every moment of my walk. If I faced an obstacle, Krishna would help me overcome it nicely and politely. This trek has a long daily walk, but in good company with friendly people, it’s not a problem. I would love to do another trek with all my new friends at My Everest Trip in the future, and I recommend the company to other trekkers who want good value at a reasonable cost.

Sue

Australia

Sue

Australia

This is a trek that should be on everybody’s to-do list. I did this trek with sine friends, Before, during, and after The trek, The team at My Everest Trip did a fantastic job making this an unforgettable trip. The trek is a bit hard but Our guide always makes it The Best way for us. I highly recommend this Company and will Absolutely to here again if I come back to Nepal In The future Thank you everybody at My Everest Trip. Hope we meet again.  

Christina

Spain

Best trip in Nepal. Puru is the best guide you could wish for. I went to Nepal alone for a trekking trip and to Anapurna with Puru. I was a little scared about the trip, but when I knew Puru everything relaxed. The best trekking with the best guide. It is recommended!

Sara

Italy

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends Nepal is an incredible country with many different layers and attractions. It’s no wonder this country that’s tucked away in the mountains attracts so many different kinds of people: hippies in hemp clothing with dreadlocks and ukuleles strapped to their hips, old retirees looking for adventure in their moonlight years, adrenaline junkies looking to challenge their selves and conquer some of the world’s most enticing and deadly peaks. Regardless of what sort of person you are when you arrive here, this place will change you! I’ve heard it being said…
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends Nepal is an incredible country with many different layers and attractions. It’s no wonder this country that’s tucked away in the mountains attracts so many different kinds of people: hippies in hemp clothing with dreadlocks and ukuleles strapped to their hips, old retirees looking for adventure in their moonlight years, adrenaline junkies looking to challenge their selves and conquer some of the world’s most enticing and deadly peaks. Regardless of what sort of person you are when you arrive here, this place will change you! I’ve heard it being said that you do not go to Nepal for a vacation; you go for an adventure. Any adventurer will tell you that if you’re setting out on an experience that’s going to be physically demanding and where you’ll know it will be pushing you to limits you hadn’t come close to yet, it’s essential to have a plan and understand what you’re getting involved with. That, my dear reader, is where my good friend comes to your rescue. Puru is a guide who I met during my first Nepal trek as we climbed up to Poon Hill and then up to Annapurna Base Camp. He was guiding a middle-aged Chinese woman, and our group of three finished our first day off at their heels, talking about the trek and our hopes for the weather. As the girls, he was very kind and patient with us from the beginning, and I asked him various questions about what we were getting ourselves into. Throughout the next week, our two groups were always around each other. Sometimes we stayed in the same lodges in the same towns; other days, we would catch each other on the trails and stop for water breaks. This was all very friendly and kind; Puru was highly knowledgeable about the mountains and willing to help us with whatever questions we had (while still having the self-confidence to laugh if we were asking stupid,  redundant questions and would tell us so). It wasn’t until the end of our trek that I realized what a fantastic man Puru is, what sets him aside from the several other guides I had already met. When we were all at the top of Annapurna Base Camp, we were caught in a heavy snowstorm with a mean wind. There was a group of us close to 10 people at the top, and we were all outside laughing and screaming into the wind that threatened our descent. I wrote about this situation in one of my previous blogs. Still, essentially Puru had taken me aside and, knowing that I was familiar with copious amounts of snow and being in the mountains, told me that it was up to the two of us to get the rest of the group down safely. The snowstorm had erased the trail we had used the day before, so we would have to create our new path down the mountain through the avalanche zone. Puru fearlessly leads the way through uncharted territory with enough confidence to make the entire group, including myself, feel just as confident as he. One of our group slipped from the edge of our path and began falling, but  Puru instantly jumped from the ledge and caught her from falling too far down the mountain face, me hot on his heels. We weren’t even part of his group, just a crew of tourists he had taken under his wing to ensure that we would enjoy our time and make it through safely. I contacted Puru once we got back to Kathmandu and asked him for advice on planning my hike up to Everest Base Camp. With a great smile and a cup of tea, he welcomed me into his office in the heart of Kathmandu and helped me plan everything I needed for this next adventure of mine. Puru and his team have trekked through all of the areas in Nepal and are apparent experts. He helped me customize my itinerary and helped arrange everything from the flights to what sort of clothing and snacks we should bring. As if that wasn’t enough, after we had booked flights, he could change our flight dates multiple times for us – free of charge. He even arranged for my friend and me to take a helicopter up into the mountains without additional cost – a scarce thing, I’m told! Puru was not just a man looking to expand his business but genuinely wanted to help you have the best time possible in his beautiful country. His company can help arrange any treks you are interested in doing. He is an excellent guide who can take the fittest of the fit and the frailest up these mountains. But most importantly, he is a great human with a kind heart. Over the few weeks that Puru and I came to know each other, I’m honoured to be able to call him a brother. If you ever go to Nepal and are yearning for adventure, look no further than Puru at My Everest Trip for all the help you could ever need. Check out his website for information on how to get a hold of him and what services he provides to his family. https://myeveresttrip.com.

Spencer Giese

Canada

Spencer Giese

Canada

Transportation Cost

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. 

TypeCost (Foreigners)Cost (SAARC Nationals)Where to Obtain
ACAP PermitNPR 3,000 (~USD 25)NPR 1,000 (~USD 8)Nepal Tourism Board, National Trust for Nature ConservationEntry Gate
TIMS CardNPR 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

Food Cost

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. 

CategoryPrice 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
Beer5 – 8

Accommodation cost

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

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/EquipmentPurchase Cost (USD)Rental Cost (USD/day)
Trekking Boots50 – 150
Down Jacket50 – 1001 – 3
Sleeping Bag30 – 1001 – 3
Trekking Poles20 – 401 – 2
Backpack20 – 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 CategoryCost Range (USD)
Transportation20 – 150
Permits16 – 40
Food (per day)15 – 30
Accommodation (per night)5 – 125
Miscellaneous (per day)5 – 25
Guide & Porter (per day)40 – 55
Gear & Equipment300 – 500

Note: The above price is an approximate range, not an actual price. The exact cost can vary. 

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Moderate 5.0 (8)

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

US$725

12 Days in Nepal

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Moderate 5.0 (2)

Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return

6 Days in Nepal

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Moderate 5.0 (1)

Short Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek

US$550

8 Days in Nepal

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.

FAQs

How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?

The 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts at USD 725. However, the price can be reduced if you choose budget-friendly trekking options.

What is the cheapest way to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Opting for a local bus, staying in basic teahouses, eating simple meals, and renting gear instead of purchasing can make the trek more affordable. A budget trek can cost around $600 – $800.

Do I need to hire a guide and porter, and how much do they cost?

A guide is compulsory for the ABC Trek, while a porter is not. A guide costs $25 – $35 per day, and a porter costs $15 – $20 per day.

Can I rent trekking gear instead of buying it?

You can rent essentials like down jackets and sleeping bags for $1 – $3 daily. Renting the gear will significantly reduce the costs compared to buying.

Do I need a permit for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and how much does it cost?

You need two permits: a) a TIMS Card and b) an ACAP for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The price of these two permits combined ranges from about USD 16 to USD 40, depending on your nationality.

Puru Founder of My Everest Trip

Puru Thapaliya

My name is Puru (Purushottam Thapaliya). Since completing the Government Guide Training from Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (KEEP and HRA), I have been a specialist in mountain trekking and peak climbing. With specific expertise in the Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan regions, I have now been a trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, and across the Himalayas, since 2012.