Affordable Annapurna Circuit Trek: Cost and Itinerary

Most travelers ask about the Annapurna Circuit trek cost before they ask about the route. That makes sense, because the total changes a lot with your style!

A tea house trip on local buses costs far less than a private jeep and flight combination. In this guide, we list every cost factor, from permits to hot showers. We also show what our package covers at Everest Trekking Routes, so you can compare real numbers.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost in 2026: The Short Answer

On the trail, most trekkers spend USD 30 to 50 per day on a room, three meals, and small extras.

Over 14 days, that adds up to roughly USD 420 to 700. Transport, permits, and insurance come on top!

Packaged trips across the market range from about USD 700 to USD 2,500. Comfort level, group size, and side trips explain most of that gap.

Our standard package costs USD 950 per person, and it removes most of the daily money math.

Permits and Fixed Fees

Permit fees stay the same whether you walk 10 days or 20. You need two permits for the standard circuit:

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 for foreigners, about USD 23 to 25.
• TIMS card: NPR 2,000 for individual trekkers and NPR 1,000 for groups.

We arrange both in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the cost sits inside our package. Enforcement of TIMS varies, but we include it anyway!

Daily Trail Costs: Rooms, Food and Extras

Prices climb with altitude because porters and mules carry everything uphill. Above Manang (3,540 m), expect roughly 30% to 50% more for the same items.

Many lodges give you a cheap or free room if you eat every meal there. Because of this, food drives your budget more than the bed does. Dal bhat comes with free refills, so many trekkers order it twice a day.

Transport Costs Around the Circuit

A road now reaches Manang (but we still choose to trek from Jagat) on the east side. On the west side, it runs from Muktinath to Tatopani.

As a result, many trekkers skip the dusty lower valley by jeep and save days of lodging.

Expect these local prices:

• Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus: USD 8 to 15
• Besisahar to Jagat by shared jeep: USD 25 to 30
• Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus: USD 15 to 20
• Pokhara to Jomsom flight: USD 115 to 130 one way
• Private jeep hire: USD 150 to 200

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Styles and Their Costs

Your route choice changes the price more than any other factor.

The Tilicho Lake Trek leaves the main trail at Manang and climbs to 4,919 m. Each extra day adds lodge, meal, and guide costs. In return, you gain acclimatization before Thorong La at 5,416 m.

The Nar Phu Valley Side Trip needs a Restricted Area Permit. It costs USD 100 for the first 7 days from September to November and USD 75 from December to August.

Each extra day adds USD 15. A registered agency like Everest Trekking Routes applies for it, so we handle that step for you!

What Our Annapurna Circuit Package Includes

Our standard 14-night Annapurna Circuit package covers:

• Kathmandu to Besisahar by public express bus, then Besisahar to Jagat by shared local jeep
• Muktinath to Tatopani by local bus, plus local express or shared jeep from Marpha
• Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus, with 1 night in a Pokhara hotel including breakfast
• 14 nights in lodges or tea houses, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a cup of tea or coffee daily
• ACAP and TIMS permits, plus all paperwork
• A licensed, English-speaking guide, with salary, meals, lodging, and insurance covered
• One porter for every two trekkers (solo trekkers carry their own bag)
• An adventure certificate, government taxes, and service charges
• Emergency helicopter arrangement, paid by your travel insurer

We include a trekking guide for your safety. Your guide reads the weather, checks altitude symptoms, and makes the call on Thorong La day.

The package excludes Kathmandu meals and hotels (we can arrange them), flights, helicopters, private cars, personal expenses, and tips.

Hidden Costs Most Budget Guides Miss

Several costs fall outside any package price:

• Insurance: Premiums run USD 80 to 150. Make sure the policy covers trekking above 5,000 m and helicopter rescue, which can cost USD 1,500 to 3,500.
• Visa: Nepal charges USD 30 for 15 days or USD 50 for 30 days on arrival, paid in cash.
• Cash: No ATMs work between Manang and Jomsom. Carry NPR 30,000 to 40,000 for drinks, showers, and snacks.
• Tips: Many trekkers set aside USD 100 to 200 for the crew.
• Delays: Snow or landslides can add a night or a private jeep.

How to Keep Your Annapurna Circuit Budget Low?

First, avoid October if you can. Room prices rise in peak season, so March to May offers better value.

Second, bring a water filter, since bottled water reaches USD 3.50 at high camps.

Third, share rooms and eat dal bhat!

Finally, use a jeep for the lower road sections and save your walking days for Manang and the pass!

Final Thoughts: What You Should Know About Annapurna Circuit Cost 

If you use local transport, share rooms, and pick a compact itinerary, Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done in budget. Flights, private jeeps, and side trips push the total cost higher!

Most itineraries run 12 to 16 days on foot, and our standard package at Everest Trekking Routes covers 14 nights. Add 3 to 4 days for Tilicho!

Thiking when is the cheapest time to go? Well, October and November give the clearest views, but prices peak then. On the other hand, March to May costs less and stays fairly dry. 

Now, the final question: is the circuit still worth it after the road? Yes, absolutely! Thorong La and the upper Manang valley remain on foot.

Send us your dates and preferred style. We will price the trip around your plan!