Cost Of Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Jun 9, 2023
  • Rajesh Thapaliya

Annapurna Circuit trip is one of the most popular trekking destinations. This Trek has been on the bucket list of many enthusiastic trekkers. But Annapurna Circuit's Cost is the primary factor for a budget traveler. I will guide you through each expense that occurs during your Trek.

First, please tell me what you will see and experience during the Trek.

Throughout the Trek, you can enjoy the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with the scenic beauty of rivers, flora, and fauna.

In addition to this, you will also be able to explore Tibetan culture, social norms, and traditions.

Although this place's climatic and road conditions are much more challenging, it doesn’t stop people from exploring it.

You must walk at least 5 to 6 hours daily to complete the Annapurna Circuit within 20 days. So essential physical fitness is required. It might look hard but trust me, it's worth it.

Talking about the Annapurna Circuit Trek costs around $950 to $1500, depending upon the days you choose. We have a package of 1250 USD for 20 days trek. Our package includes all basic costs except for your expenses.

To know what’s included and what’s not, please visit our 20 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek package.

But booking from an international travel agency can cost about $2500 to $3500.

You can see the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost consideration below for further details.

Related:

Contact us if you have any information regarding the Trek.

Annapurna circuit trek
Annapurna I (8091m)

Table of Contents

Significant Costs for Annapurna Circuit 

The Visa Cost for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The length of your stay will determine the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost for the Visa. The current Visa cost for Nepal is:

  • 30 USD for 15 days
  • 50 USD for 30 days
  • 125 USD for 90 days

You can extend your Visa by applying for Visa extension fees. Your Visa can be expanded for 15 days with 45 USD and USD 3 per day for additional days.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits Cost

You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

  • $30 for non-SAARC personal
  • $2 for SAARC personnel.

You also require a Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card.

  • $20 for non-SAARC personal
  • $10 for SAARC personal

You can get these Permits at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu. But you must be present in person along with your passport.

Transportation Cost for Annapurna Circuit

You can catch a local bus or a van from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which will cost you around $7 (one way). If you are traveling in a group, the better option would be to take a private jeep to Besisahar. A private jeep can cost up to $150 or less, depending upon your bargaining skills.

You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara for around $100 (one way). Then travel from Pokhara to Besisahar for another $3.

While returning, it can cost up to $3 from Nayapul to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you have many options to return to Kathmandu. Buses range from $5 to $20 from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Food and Accommodation Cost 

Food and Accommodation Costs can vary from lodge to lodge or the type of package you take for your trip. A person is bound to spend USD 30 to 40 per day for basic Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Food:

Breakfast: Breakfast for a day typically costs $5 to $ 7. If you order a set breakfast, the cost can get cheaper, but ordering each food individually can cost you more.

Lunch: Lunch per day costs from $6 to $8, including tea breaks. But you can reduce your lunch cost if you are tight on the budget.

Dinner: Dinner can cost from $5 to $9 per day. Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari (Nepali food) are readily available. It has free refills, is very good for trekking, and is healthy. You may have the option of Eastern and Western foods as well.

Sherpa stew, Tibetian bread, yak cheese, and Champa (Tsampa) Porridge are some must-have foods while you are on this trek.

The price of food can increase with an increase in altitude.

Accommodation Cost

Accommodation is cheaper than food. The cost range can vary from $3 to 5$ per day. The basic accommodations include accommodation, a twin room, and a shared bathroom or attached in some places.

The accommodation increases in quality when you reach Ghorepani, Pokhara, and Kathmandu.

Packing Gear Cost for Annapurna Circuit

Trekking equipment needs to be carefully picked out. You cannot Trek without proper planning and buying appropriate Trekking Gear. You need to list the necessary equipment and ensure they are appropriately packed.

I suggest you hire staff from Kathmandu rather than buying your own. This way, you can save a significant amount of money. If you already have a few gears, the cost of trekking equipment decreases.

Season

The excellent season for this Trek is Autumn (from September to November) and spring (from March to May). If you visit the Annapurna Circuit in the offseason, food, and accommodation costs are relatively lower.

Annapurna Circuit Guide and Porter Cost

Guides for this Trek are available easily. Taking a licensed Guide will make it easier for you to find an appropriate place to stay. Guides know the safe route to the Circuit and can find accommodations cheaply.

But taking a local guide will make your Trek more fun, safe, and comfortable, and you will learn much about local culture. An experienced Guide can charge $30 per day. But it all depends on how you deal with your guide, to be honest. Check this for Guide Cost.

Similarly, a porter can charge about $15 to $20 daily. You can find porters for a lesser wage as well. Also, your Porter's cost depends on your packing. You can bargain your payment if you have a significantly lighter bag.

Related:

  1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
Contact us if you have any information regarding the Trek.
 

Trekking Annapurna Circuit Without a Guide 

Annapurna circuit trek
Throng La pass (5,416m)

Most people think the solo trek is impossible, but that is not true. You can go on a solo Trek without taking a Guide, but you must be extra prepared and cautious during your trip. If you are not taking a Guide, then it means that you're saving some money.

But the risk of not taking a Guide is too high, and you can be at a significant disadvantage, so you might not want to go on a Trek alone.

Especially the rookie trekkers must take a guide with them.

The additional cost of Annapurna Circuit

Hot shower: A hot shower can Cost $5 to $10.

Electricity to charge the phone: price can vary from $1 to $2 per hour.

Other Miscellaneous Costs 

If you increase the number of tips to guides and porters, your expenses can increase slightly. You might donate money while visiting temples, monasteries, and rural schools. The donation also makes slight changes in your Costs.

And if you choose to stay in Deluxe hotels and enjoy delicacies, your expense will increase automatically.

Annapurna circuit itinerary for 20 days

Here is the list of the route that is followed for 20 days trek to the Annapurna circuit trek;

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 02: Cultural tour in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive to Bhulbhule, walk to Ngadi

Day 04: Trek from Ngadi to Chamje

Day 05: Trek from Chamje to Bagarchhap

Day 06: Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame

Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang

Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang

Day 09: Acclimatization day at Manang

Day 10: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi or High Camp

Day 12: Cross the Thorung La Pass and Trek to Muktinath

Day 13: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha

Day 14: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani

Day 15: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani

Day 16: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani

Day 17: Hike Poon hill and trek to Tikhedhunga/Hille

Day 18: Trek from Tikhedhunga/Hille to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu

Day 20: Departure to the international airport

For a detailed itinerary, check the 20 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary.

Note: This itinerary is customizable; we will give you multiple options if you need shorter itineraries.

Many people who are not professional trekkers take the second day of acclimatization in Manang. You can go on a side trip to Tilicho Lake or Gangapurna Lake.

There are other beautiful places around Manang. Milarepa Cave and ice lake are popular destinations among tourists, as well.

It's worth adding a few days to explore some of these places. If you are going on a solo trek, you can make up your route depending on the time you've estimated. And you can stay longer or shorter than the given package days.

Some Basic Tips:

  • There are not any ATMs as you go to a higher altitude. So it is better to carry enough cash in dollars and Nepali rupees.
  • Like chocolate bars, high-calorie food is expensive at higher altitudes, so you can carry them from Kathmandu.
  • Carry a first aid kit with general medicine. These will come in handy in case of any medical emergency.

Conclusion:

The Annapurna Circuit Trek cost is quite reasonable. There are enough Trekking infrastructures built on the trail route. And there are many more in process. So, the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost has been reduced compared to the past years.

Contact us anytime if you want to go on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

FAQs:

Is Annapurna Circuit Trek Dangerous?

It depends on the route you take. If you trek through Thorong La Pass, one of Nepal's highest passes, that can be potentially dangerous.

But you can reduce the risks of danger by taking a guide and appropriate requirements.

How Many KM is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit is 131 miles (211km) and can take 16-21 days, depending on the walking speed and overall schedule.

How cold does it get on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

In September and November, in the lower region of Annapurna, Circuit weather is usually warm during the day but can get colder during night hours. From March to May, the average temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius in the lower regions, and nights are colder than days.

And the upper part remains cold in all seasons at night and the day.

Is there wifi on the Annapurna Circuit Route?

Yes, there might be a wifi facility, but you must pay. Wifi is generally available at the Cost of $1 to $2.

What should I take to the Annapurna Circuit?

The following things must be taken on this trek:

Accessories

  • Trekking poles
  • Day pack
  • Main pack
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

Clothes

  • Warm jacket
  • Thermal tops
  • Trekking Boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Wool or fleece gloves
  • Poly liner gloves
  • Hiking shorts or Hiking trousers
  • Seasonal thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool trousers
  • Waterproof shell pants
  • Breathable fabric
  • Lightweight inner socks
  • Heavy poly or wool socks

Is Annapurna Circuit Trek Hard?

It is one of the longest Trekking routes in the Annapurna Region. After seeing the walking hours, you might feel like this trek might be on a different level of difficulty for you. But if you try hard and believe in yourself, you can quickly go on this Trek.

Remember, self-motivation is the key.

Is It Possible to Trek in Rainy Season?

It is possible but not recommended. The mountains are not visible, and the sky is not clear most of the time.

Besides, landslides are possible, and the route might get damaged. And it would be best if you were prepared for rain at any time and carry the requirements accordingly.

Related:

  1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek 6 Days
Contact us if you have any information regarding the Trek.
Rajesh Thapaliya

Rajesh Thapaliya

Namaste! I am Rajesh, a Nepal travel blogger who provides Nepal travel tips to travellers who are planning to visit Nepal and know about Nepal.

I am a tourism service provider in Nepal So far, I have been to the Nepalese Himalayan base camps as a tour leader and collected lots of information about the Nepalese Himalayas. You can find my experiences in my travel blogs, so it may make it a lot easier for you to travel to Nepal.

You may find beautiful photos on Instagram,  Facebook and Twitter. I have worked very hard to be in this stage after high school and dedicated my experiences to the people who would like to know about Nepal and Nepal travel.