Annapurna Circuit Trek cost breakdown with permits and guide

For years, Nepal has been the ideal destination for trekking activities. Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu regions are the cornerstone of the Nepalese trekking industry. Amidst all these frenzy atmosphere of trekking in Nepal, there is one trail which has seen all. As the oldest trekking route of Nepal, the trail has seen it and felt it all. From rugged tented trekking style to the tea house trekking, the trail has experienced everything since 1976. Today’s blog is about the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost breakdown with permits and guide. It is surely to improve the information on internet surrounding the most mesmerizing trekking trail of Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit Trek route with Thorong La Pass crossing.

Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Budget

Before we go deeper into the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost breakdown with permits and guide, let’s know about the overall cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Nowadays, the construction of the road in the Manang and Mustang has curtailed the itinerary of the trek. Therefore, the cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is also diverse. The cost starts from 950 $ for the standard trekking package. However, you can also choose to customize the trek according to your budget.

Total Estimated Cost for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

So, the estimated cost for the Annapurna Circuit Trek exceeds 1000 $ plus including lodging, transportation, meals, permits, miscellaneous amenities’ cost etc. The budget is always yours according to the preferences. Therefore, you can’t say about the exact cost for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Permit Costs: ACAP Explained; Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit Fees

Trekkers have to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit before the trek. The permit fee of the ACAP permit is NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. Please don’t skip to obtain the permit from the sustainable development of tourism industry in Nepal. Few years before trekkers had to take the TIMS permit but it is not in use.

Cost of Hiring a Licensed Trekking Guide in Nepal

The salary of the trekking guide ranges from 30 $ to 55 $ per day depending upon the language proficiency and experience. Specific language speaking guide costs more than the regular English Language Speaking guide costs around 30 $ per day too. Besides the cost of the salary, trekkers must also spend certain sum of amount on tips. Normally, tipping is not mandatory but it is customarily important. Allocate around 8 % to 10 % of the trip cost to tip your trekking guide. Normal tipping rate of a trekking guide is around 120 $ to 150 $.

Porter Charges and Optional Support Staff Expenses

Two trekkers are given a porter and he or she carries not more than 22 kilograms. The wage of a porter starts from 20 $ to 30 $ depending upon the difficulty of the trekking route. Other support staff members are Sherpa (Assistant Guide), photographer, cook, etc. These people charge you around 20 $ to 35 $ per day. The climbing crew members charge more but not the crew members of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Accommodation Costs in Teahouses along the Route

This is one of the best commercial trekking routes of Nepal which is also the oldest trekking trail. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about the availability of lodging facilities during the trek. Only in the places like Thorong Phedi and Thorong High Camp, you may have to compromise otherwise you can get wide choices of lodging options in the trail. From luxury mountain lodges to basic tea houses are in the trekking route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Accommodation costs around 5 $ to 1500 $ per night. For a standard lodging facility, you can allocate around 5 $ to 10 $.

Daily Food and Drinking Water Expenses on the Trail

Don’t worry about the availability of food and drinks in the trekking trail. Relish the cuisines of the world but the regular foods available in the trail are Nepalese local dishes including Dal Bhat. Daily food and drinking water expenses don’t exceed beyond 50 $. If you buy the trekking package, then the food is included and you can order single item from the menu. Moreover, you can get three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner) during the trek with additional tea or coffee in between. You may have to pay extra for drinking water.

Transportation Costs to and from the Starting Point (Besisahar/Chame)

The means of transportation to reach the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is by road. Until Besisahar, the road is well tarred and you can reach there with various options of car, jeep, and bus. From Besisahar to Chame Village or Manang Village, you have to use the services of four wheel jeep. It costs around 150 $ per jeep or individually it costs NRs. 3000 per person for the use of the local jeep from Besisahar to Chame.

Travel Insurance and Emergency Evacuation Budget

Insurance is compulsory for trekking in Nepal. Therefore, you must obtain the travel insurance that covers incidents above 5000 m above sea level that includes emergency helicopter rescue. The recent events of fake rescues have increased the price of the travel insurance. Nowadays, you may have to spend around 400 $ to 600 $ for insurance. Make sure that you consult with your travel planners and decide the terms of the insurance plan.

Additional Expenses: Gear Rental, WiFi, Charging, and Tips

Besides transportation, food, lodging, guide – porter salary, permit, you also need to allocate certain sum of money for gear rental, internet, battery charge, and tips. Tips amount is as mentioned above and as for the gear rentals, you can allocate 1 $ to 15 $ per item depending upon the gear. If you have mobile data purchased, then you can use it in most of the days.

Overall, the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost breakdown with permits and guide has helped you to understand and plan for this amazing journey. If not, always feel free to contact the blogger or the travel planners of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.