Do you want to know how much it costs to trek to Annapurna Base Camp? Are you unsure whether or not hiring a guide is a viable option? Don’t worry; we’ll go over everything you need to know about the Annapurna Base Camp trip cost, including a full breakdown of the total cost.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is undeniably one of Nepal’s best treks. It is also, undoubtedly, less expensive than the most popular Everest Base Camp Trek due to its average trekking length. The Annapurna Base Camp trip (ABC) can cost somewhere between US$ 500 and US$ 2500, depending on the route, service, and trek operator. You may personalize the trip, and add a luxury service like a helicopter ride from Base Camp to Pokhara. As a result, the price of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is dependent entirely on the preferences of guests.
So, what factors determine the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Cost Breakdown of Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp
It is crucial that you have a general understanding of the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost and the factors that affect it. From the international flight to the cost of a guide and porter, we’ll go over each component that contributes to the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost.
1. Pokhara Costs
The ABC Trek starts in Pokhara, and the cost of staying there includes airport transfer, hotel accommodations, and any additional sightseeing fees. Choose your hotel level to save costs on your trip, which ranges from $ 15-bed budget hotels to 5-star or luxury Heritage hotels that cost around US$450 to $500 per night or more. A day tour in your spare time could cost you around $50 to $100, depending on the services and activities you opt for.
2. Costs of Transportation
The cost of a round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around $150 per person. Private as well as local drive option is also available from Kathmandu to Pokhara. A private car can cost somewhere between USD 100 to USD 130. You can also get a tourist sharing coach which may cost USD 10 per person and for a local sharing vehicle, it may cost USD 6 per person.
3. Nepal Visa Fees
When entering Nepal, all foreign nationals (excluding Indian nationals) must provide a valid visa. Nepalese visas can be obtained at the individual country’s Nepalese embassy or upon arrival at Kathmandu’s International Airport.
VISA FACILITY DURATION FEES
| Visa Facility | Duration | Fees |
| Multiple Entry | 15 Days | US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency |
| Multiple Entry | 30 Days | US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency |
| Multiple Entry | 90 Days | US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency |
4. Cost of a Trekking Permit
For the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you’ll need two permits: TIMS and ACAP
Permit TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) Card for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
If you are trekking with a guide, the ACAP permit is Rs. 3000 (25 USD equivalent) per person, plus Rs. 1000 (9 USD equivalent) for a TIMS card.
5. Trekking equipment and gear
You must have all of the necessary trekking gear and equipment for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We’re certain you have at least a pair of trekking shoes, a trekking pole, a quality hiking bag, a water bottle, and some warm clothing. If not, you can buy or rent for as little as $1 per day in Kathmandu.
The Thamel area sells and rents many types of trekking gear and equipment, from trekking poles to down jackets. The streets are crowded with brightly colored businesses selling everything you need for a hiking or climbing trip.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on equipment. You can purchase pretty much everything you don’t already have in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
So, how much would it cost you to buy all of the necessary gear and equipment for the ABC trek? That is debatable. If we had to give you a figure, it would be in the range of $200 to $500.
6. Miscellaneous expenses
Did you know you’ll have to pay for Wi-Fi on the trails? Although Wi-Fi is easily available almost everywhere, certain tea houses may charge a certain fee.
They are anticipated to charge a small fee (US$ 5) per day or hourly for Wi-Fi, which is affordable. Please don’t expect fast or consistent signals. In Ghandruk and Ghorepani, internet and Wi-Fi are not a problem on the trip to Annapurna Base Camp.
You will not be changing your clothes every day. A hot shower is therefore a gift for your body. However, you will have to spend between $5 and $10 on it.
You can charge your electrical devices for free, but don’t be surprised if you see a sign that says “US$ 5 for mobile charging.”
In terms of sim cards, you can get them through NCell or Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For identification, you’ll need a passport-size photo and your passport. We recommend purchasing a Nepal Telecom sim card for your trip to Annapurna Base Camp because it provides greater coverage.
Nepal Telecom sim card costs US$0.80. Similarly, the Ncell sim card costs roughly $1.
7. The cost of food and lodging on the ABC
You’ll go to the mountains after spending a few days in Kathmandu and Pokhara, where teahouses and lodges are the only places to stay. The facilities are really basic up there. Expect a wooden bed, a wooden table, a pillow, a blanket, and squat or western toilets, which are usually located outside the sleeping room.
The amenities, on the other hand, are surprisingly good in the lower part of the trail. You might find yourself in a tea house with a hot shower, flush toilet, and free Wi-Fi. The facilities grow more rudimentary as you rise higher, and you may have to pay extra for basic service.
In the Annapurna region, a tea house offers a variety of food and beverages. During the trek, the average cost of lodging and meals would be roughly US$ 20-US$ 30 per day.
The cost of a room and dal bhat differs from one place to the other. Dal bhat may cost roughly US$ 4 in the lower stretch of the path, but it may cost up to US$ 6 farther up.
8. Guide and Porter Cost
The cost of a guide and porter for the Annapurna Base Camp trek is from US$ 20 to US$ 40 per day for the guide and US$ 20 to US$ 30 per day for the porter, respectively.
Throughout the trip, a guide will look after you and guide you. A guide with a thorough understanding of the trekking route and local culture will not only enhance your trekking experience. Hiring a guide means you’ll be helping to support the local economy as well as the guide’s livelihood.
A porter can also carry your extra luggage and equipment, which can weigh up to 25 kg, leaving you with only your light backpack. And this makes trekking much easier, especially at higher altitudes. By employing a porter, you are contributing to the local economy and assisting the porter in maintaining his livelihood.
9. Tips for Guides and Porters.
If your guide and porter provided excellent service and enhanced your trekking experience, feel free to tip them. When it comes to tipping your guide and porter, how much should you give? Although there is no set charge and tipping is not required, the common guideline is to tip the guide and porter at approximately 15% of the total cost.
However, it is entirely up to you; if you are completely delighted with your job, you can pay less/more. At the end of the trek, tips are usually given.
10. Travel Insurance Costs
The cost of your travel insurance would vary according to your age, country, and duration of the trek.
When visiting Nepal, you must have travel insurance, which should cover any expenses incurred as a result of medical illnesses or accidents. Traveling in the Himalayas is full of adventure, therefore having a decent insurance policy is a good idea. When choosing an insurance policy, make certain that it covers all of these unforeseen expenses. Your travel insurance must cover air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, airline delay, and cancellations.
You should make sure that the policy you purchase provides adequate coverage, is familiar with your itinerary, and covers the activities you will be participating in.