Annapurna Circuit Trekking Cost

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route was opened in 1977 for the foreigners after the settlement of conflict between local people, Nepal Army, and Khampa Guerillas. It is also believed to be the oldest trekking route of Nepal. In addition, the trek route is also among famous and commercial trekking routes of Nepal. Therefore, many trekkers from across the globe and Nepalese trekkers choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek route as their number one choice. As the interest in the trek route increases the inquiries about the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Cost also rises.

In this blog, we will breakdown various costs that incurs while trekking. We will include the permit cost, lodging cost, transportation price, meals cost and various miscellaneous hidden costs in today’s blog.

Understanding Annapurna Circuit Trekking Costs

Before understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Cost, you must know about the trekking itinerary. The cost is highly dependent upon the number of days and type of the itinerary that you follow for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. There are countless luxury resorts in some places on the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. These resorts charge more and also provide sumptuous services. If you are looking for the basic Annapurna Circuit Trekking cost then it starts from 750 $ per person to 950 $ but the luxury trekking may cost more than 1200 $ per person. The mode of transportation also increases or decreases the trek cost.

Trekking Permits and Fees

You need Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit to do the Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal. It is same if you add the Tilicho Lake in the itinerary or add the classical Ghorepani Poon Hill section upon crossing the Thorong La Pass. However, if you choose to add the Nar Phu Villages in the itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek then you need to buy the special restricted area permit. It costs additional 100 $ for seven days if you include Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Guest House Accommodation Costs

The cost of guest house and tea house ranges from 5 $ per night to 25 $ per night that depends upon the type of the establishment. Standard room with warm bed and beddings cost 5 $ per night without any meals. You can find quality lodging facilities in the places like Manang, Pisang, Muktinath, and Besisahar. In other areas, you will have to use the basic tea house facilities.

Local Transportation Cost

Kathmandu to Besisahar is about 175 kilometers and Besisahar to Chame is about 61 kilometers. Most of the trekking starts from Jagat which is about 28 kilometers from Besisahar. Once you cross the Thorong La Pass, you can get the jeep from Muktinath or flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The cost of private jeep starts from 250 $ to 350 $. Kathmandu to Chame local jeep costs about 350 $. You can get the local jeep in Besishar as well which costs about 85 $ to 100 $.

Food and Drink Expenses

The cost of food and drink is almost similar in all places of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost on food and drink is around 35 $ per person to 40 $ according to your eating pattern. If you eat normal set breakfast, one item from menu for lunch, and one item from menu for dinner then 30 $ is enough per day. Please note that you must not skip any meals during trekking in Nepal. Eating good carbohydrate means that you get energy trek in the high – altitude places that include uphill as well as downhill.

Mountain Guide and Local Porter Fees

Mountain Guides who have the trekking guide license cost about 30 $ per day to 55 $ per day. The English speaking guide is slightly lesser than specific language speaking guide. You can also get the porter guide who works as a porter also and a guide also costs about 25 $ per day. The local porter charges you 25 to 30 $ per day. He or she doesn’t carry more than 20 kilograms and if you want your trekker to carry extra then he or she charges 5 to 10 $ more. Carrying a kid can cost about 15 to 25 $ extra on porter salary.

Annapurna Circuit Equipment and Gear Costs

Renting equipment and gear for any kinds of trekking in Nepal is same. You can hire gear and equipment here in Thamel Kathmandu. There are many rental shops where you can rent from trekking shoes to trekking tents. Except for tents, other gear and equipment renting cost starts from 1 to 3 $ per day but tent renting costs about 5 to 7 $ per day. If you are on the Annapurna Circuit Trek then you can’t rent equipment and gear in Lamjung Besisahar because trekkers don’t return to this place. Therefore, you must hire in Kathmandu before embarking on a trip.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Besides food, drinks, room, guide/porter, transportation, and permit, you must consider other expenses too. Tipping is not compulsory but you must tip your staff members. Normally, you must tip around 50 to 100 $ to your porter and 100 $ to 300 $ to the trekking guide. However, it is your personal choice but the staff members expect. It has become custom even if it is not mandatory. Internet, hot showers, chocolates, drinking water, tea, coffee, etc. charge extra. You may want to donate or do local shopping in the trail.

Money-Saving Tips for Budget Trekkers

Plan the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost with the reliable trekking agency then you don’t have to worry about over paying for the trip. If you want to do frugal spending as a budget trekker then you must do certain activities. Trek solo independently that saves your porter and guide salary. Please note that it is not highly recommended. Don’t take hot showers and don’t buy beverages on the trail. Use purifying tablet and fill up the bottle from natural spring water. Use local bus for transportation or share the jeep with other trekkers.

Planning Your Annapurna Circuit Budget

If you are planning your Annapurna Circuit Budget then don’t forget to subscribe our blogs! You can find cost breakdown for the trek that helps immensely to make a budget. Your budget must include food, accommodation, guide / porter salary, permit, transportation, insurance, tips, and personal shopping costs. Don’t waste your time scratching your head while budgeting or understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost. Simply, contact the trekking agency like the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. Normally, you can get full inclusive package at just 990 $ per person!