How Much Does Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek) is one of the most beautiful and popular trekking routes in Nepal. It takes you deep into the heart of the Himalayas, where you can see majestic peaks like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli.
But before you start planning, one of the biggest questions that comes to mind is:
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?
The cost depends on a few important factors like the duration, type of service, season, and whether you hire a guide or go independently.
In simple terms, the average cost for Annapurna Base Camp trek ranges between:
$500 to $1200 USD (per person)
Let’s break it down step by step to understand what makes up this cost.
Major Cost Factors
The total cost of the trek can vary depending on these key things:
a) Trek Duration
The longer you trek, the more you’ll spend on food, accommodation, and permits.
Typical duration: 7 to 12 days
Shorter treks cost less, but longer treks offer better acclimatization and comfort.
b) Mode of Trek
You can choose how you want to do your trek:
Independent Trek: You plan everything yourself, cheaper but requires experience.
Guided Trek: You book through a trekking agency; more comfortable and safe.
c) Trekking Season
Peak seasons (Spring and Autumn): Slightly higher costs due to more trekkers.
Off-season (Monsoon/Winter): Some discounts, but weather can be challenging.
d) Group Size
Solo travelers usually pay more for guides and rooms.
Group trekkers can share costs for guides and porters.
Cost Breakdown
Let’s understand each part of the cost in detail:
a) Trekking Permits
You need two main permits to trek to Annapurna Base Camp:
Permit Type
Cost (USD)
Description
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
$30
Helps preserve the environment and trails.
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
$20
Keeps record of trekkers for safety.

Total permit cost: Around $50 per person
You can get these from Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu/Pokhara) or through your trekking agency.
b) Transportation Cost
You’ll start your trek from Pokhara, which is about 200 km from Kathmandu.
Route
Type
Cost (One Way)
Kathmandu → Pokhara
Tourist Bus
$10–$15
Kathmandu → Pokhara
Flight
$100–$130
Pokhara → Nayapul (Trek Start)
Local Bus
$2–$3
Pokhara → Nayapul
Private Jeep
$20–$30 (shared)

So, total transportation (round trip):
$30–$250, depending on how you travel.
c) Accommodation Cost
During the trek, you’ll stay in teahouses — small local lodges offering basic rooms.
Place
Cost per night
Facilities
Lower region (Ulleri, Ghorepani)
$5–$8
Bed, blanket, shared bathroom
Higher region (Deurali, ABC)
$7–$10
Basic room, limited hot water

Average accommodation cost: Around $7 per night
For a 10-day trek, that’s about $70 total.
Most teahouses offer free or discounted rooms if you eat meals there.
d) Food and Drinks Cost
Food gets more expensive as you go higher because everything is carried by porters or mules.
Item
Average Cost (USD)
Breakfast (eggs, toast, tea)
$5–$7
Lunch (Dal Bhat or noodles)
$6–$8
Dinner (Dal Bhat, momo, pasta)
$7–$9
Hot drink / coffee
$2–$4
Water bottle (1L)
$1–$3

Average daily food cost: $20–$30
For a 10-day trek, expect around $200–$300 total for meals.
Tip: Carry a water purification tablet or bottle to save money on bottled water.
e) Guide and Porter Cost
Hiring a guide and porter makes your trek easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Service
Cost per day
Role
Trekking Guide
$25–$35
Helps with navigation, translation, safety
Porter
$20–$25
Carries your bag (up to 20–25 kg)

If you hire both:
$45–$60 per day
For a 10-day trek, total cost = $450–$600 (shared if in a group).
Tip: Always hire licensed guides through registered trekking agencies.
f) Equipment and Gear
If you already have trekking gear, that’s great!
If not, you can rent or buy in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Item
Rent (USD/day)
Buy (USD)
Sleeping Bag
$1–$2
$50–$100
Down Jacket
$1–$2
$50–$100
Trekking Poles
—
$10–$15
Backpack
—
$40–$70
Hiking Boots
—
$50–$100

Approximate gear cost: $50–$150 depending on what you rent or buy.
g) Extra or Hidden Costs
Here are a few small but important costs trekkers often forget:
Item
Cost
Hot shower
$2–$5
Phone charging
$2–$4
Wi-Fi (per day)
$2–$4
Snacks or chocolate
$2–$5
Tips for guide/porter
$10–$15 per day
Travel insurance
$50–$100

Always keep an extra $100–$150 for these small expenses.
Estimated Total Cost Summary
Category
Budget Trek
Standard Trek
Luxury Trek
Permits
$50
$50
$50
Transport
$30–$100
$100–$200
$200–$250
Accommodation
$50–$70
$80–$120
$200+
Food & Drinks
$200
$250–$300
$400+
Guide & Porter
Optional
$450
$600+
Miscellaneous
$50–$100
$100–$150
$200
Total (approx.)
$400–$600
$800–$1,000
$1,200+

So, the average cost for a normal, comfortable Annapurna Base Camp trek is around $700–$1,000 per person.
How to Save Money
Here are some simple ways to make your trek more affordable:
Trek in a group – share guide and porter costs.
Take public transport instead of private jeeps.
Bring refillable water bottles – avoid buying bottled water.
Rent gear instead of buying.
Eat local Dal Bhat – unlimited rice and lentils, great for energy!
Book directly in Pokhara – cheaper than booking from abroad.
Why It’s Worth the Cost
Though it might seem like a lot, the experience is priceless. You get to:
See world-class mountain views
Stay in peaceful villages
Walk through forests and rivers
Meet friendly locals and trekkers
Stand face-to-face with the great Annapurna massif
Every dollar you spend supports local families, lodges, and guides — helping preserve the region and its culture.
Final Thoughts
The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers amazing Himalayan views at a reasonable cost compared to other treks.
Whether you spend $500 or $1200, the experience is unforgettable.
With smart planning and good preparation, you can enjoy this incredible journey without spending too much.
So, if you’re dreaming of standing in front of the mighty Annapurna peaks — pack your bag, plan your budget, and make it happen!