Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
Planning your Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with one practical question: how much will it cost?
The answer depends on your travel style, the season, your accommodation preferences, and more.
This guide breaks down every expense so you can budget accurately and avoid unnecessary expenses on the trail.
How Much Does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost?
The total cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek typically ranges from USD 600 to USD 1,500 or more.
The sections below cover each cost category in detail.
1. Transportation
The ABC Trek does not require a mountain flight. Most trekkers reach Pokhara by road from Kathmandu, then take a local jeep to the trailhead.
Kathmandu to Pokhara
| Option | Cost (One Way) | Notes |
| Tourist bus | USD 15–25 per person | Most popular and affordable; 6–8 hours |
| Private car | USD 100–150 total | More comfortable, flexible timing |
| Private jeep | USD 160–250 total | Best for groups or families |
Pokhara to Trailhead ( Nayapul /Birethanti /Tikhedhunga)
| Option | Cost |
| Shared jeep or local transport | USD 10–30 per person |
| Private jeep | USD 80–150 depending on route and vehicle |
Note: Shared jeeps keep the budget lower. Private vehicles cost more but offer better timing control and space for luggage.
2. Permits
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the primary permit and the main document checked at trail check-posts.
| Category | Cost | Payment Notes |
| Foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22–25) | Online payment adds a gateway fee |
| SAARC nationals | NPR 1,000 | Same payment options apply |
| Issued at the check-post | Double the standard fee | Avoid this — arrange in advance |
Where to obtain ACAP:
- Online via the NTNC e-permit system
- Nepal Tourism Board office, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
- ACAP/NTB permit counter, Damside, Pokhara
- Through any registered trekking agency
3. Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or through a Nepalese embassy in advance. Indian nationals do not require a visa.
| Visa Duration | Cost | Best For |
| 15 days | USD 30 | Short treks starting from Pokhara |
| 30 days | USD 50 | Most ABC trekkers (recommended) |
| 90 days | USD 125 | Combining ABC with other treks or longer Nepal travel |
Note: Most ABC trekkers apply for the 30-day visa, which allows time for arrival in Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara, the trek itself, potential weather delays, and a few extra days after the trek.
4. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. This is not optional. The trek reaches 4,130 metres at Annapurna Base Camp, and emergency helicopter evacuations can cost USD 5,000 or more without coverage.
Ensure your policy explicitly covers:
- High-altitude trekking to at least 4,200 m (5,000 m or higher is preferred)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation when medically necessary
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital care
- Trip interruption or cancellation
- 24-hour emergency assistance
Expected cost: About USD 80–150 for a standard 11-day trek.
5. Accommodation
Accommodation on the ABC route is teahouse-based throughout. Room quality and price vary considerably by altitude and season.
| Elevation | Route Section | Cost Per Night |
| Lower Elevation | Pokhara to Deurali | USD 7–100 per person |
| Higher Elevation | Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp | USD 25–30 per person |
6. Food and Drinks
Food prices increase steadily with altitude, as supplies above certain elevations must be carried manually or by mule.
Estimated Meal Costs
| Meal | Lower Elevations | Higher Elevations |
| Breakfast | USD 3–6 | USD 5–8 |
| Lunch | USD 5–8 | USD 8–12 |
| Dinner | USD 6–10 | USD 10–15 |
| Daily total | USD 20–35 | USD 35–50 |
Trail Prices in NPR (Reference)
| Item | Cost |
| Dal bhat (often with refills) | NPR 900–1,500 |
| Noodles, pasta, fried rice, momo | NPR 900–1,500 |
| Tea or coffee | NPR 150–250 |
| Espresso-style drinks (lower sections) | NPR 400–600 |
| Hot chocolate | NPR 200–400 |
| Cold drinks | NPR 200–350 |
| Snacks (bars, chocolate, biscuits) | NPR 100–300 |
| Boiled drinking water (per litre) | NPR 150–300 |
Dal bhat is consistently the best-value meal on the trail. Many teahouses offer unlimited refills at a fixed price, making it the most practical option for managing food costs on longer ascent days.
Plastic bottle ban: Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, plastic bottled water is prohibited to reduce trail waste. Bring a reusable bottle and purchase boiled or filtered water from teahouses throughout the route.
Budget tip: Buy snacks, chocolate bars, electrolyte powder, and personal drink mixes in Pokhara or Kathmandu before starting, as prices increase with altitude.
7. Guide and Porter
Guide support is strongly recommended for most international trekkers, and should be treated as part of a safe, well-organised budget rather than a cost to avoid.
| Licensed guide | USD 30–40 per day |
| Porter | USD 20–25 per day |
What a Guide Actually Does
Beyond navigation, a guide checks lodge availability at the next stop, monitors walking pace and altitude symptoms, judges incoming weather, helps choose safe start times each morning, and coordinates evacuation support if needed.
What a Porter Actually Does
A porter carries the main duffel bag/rucksack/bagpack (shared between two trekkers). The max weight of the luggage should be 18 kg per porter (9kg per trekker).
8. Trekking Gear
Packing Proper gear is essential for a comfortable trekking journey in the Annapurna Base Camp trail. Below are estimated costs for purchasing quality new items, followed by rental options.
| Item | Approximate Cost |
| Waterproof trekking boots | USD 100–250 |
| Down jacket | USD 150–350 |
| Sleeping bag (rated to -5°C to -10°C) | USD 80–200 |
| Trekking poles | USD 20–50 |
| Base layers | USD 30–80 |
| Fleece jacket | USD 50–120 |
| Waterproof shell jacket and pants | USD 80–200 |
| Trekking socks (per pair) | USD 10–20 |
| Gloves and a hat | USD 20–50 |
| Sunglasses | USD 30–100 |
| Headlamp | USD 20–50 |
| Daypack (20–30L) | USD 50–120 |
| Duffel bag for porter (50–60L) | USD 30–60 |
Total purchase estimate: USD 600–1,500 for a full new kit.
Gear Rental in Kathmandu (Thamel) and Pokhara (Lakeside)
Renting is practical for items like down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and backpacks. Buying is better for boots, base layers, and clothing that must fit correctly for comfort over multiple walking days.
| Item | Rental Cost Per Day |
| Down jacket | USD 1–2 |
| Sleeping bag | USD 2–3 |
| Trekking poles | USD 1 |
| Large backpack (50–60L) | USD 1–3 |
| Hiking boots | USD 1–4 |
| Crampons or microspikes | USD 2–3 |
Note: Discovery World Trekking provides a used duffel bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag in the package if you don’t own one.
9. Personal Expenses
These small daily costs accumulate quickly over days of trekking and are among the most commonly underestimated budget items.
| Item | Cost (USD) |
| Boiled or filtered water | USD 0.50–2.50 depending on quantity and altitude |
| Tea or coffee | USD 1–3 per cup |
| Device charging | USD 1.50–2.50 per session |
| Trail snacks | USD 0.75–2.50 per item |
| Hot shower | USD 1.50–3 |
| Wi-Fi access | USD 1.50–3 per session |
Situational Extras
| Expense | Cost |
| Jhinu Danda hot springs | USD 1–2 per person |
| Extra nights due to weather delays | USD 20–40 per night including meals |
| Souvenirs and shopping in Kathmandu/Pokhara | USD 20–150+ depending on spending habits |
Cash warning: ATMs are not available on the upper ABC trail, and card payments are unreliable in teahouses. Withdraw enough Nepali rupees in Pokhara before the trek begins.
10. Tipping Guide
Tipping is a meaningful part of trekking culture in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by guides and porters, whose income often depends on it.
Note: Tips are typically given at the end of the trek.
11. Flights
Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara take approximately 25 minutes, saving around 7 hours compared to road travel. Both directions are weather-dependent — build buffer time into your schedule to account for occasional delays.
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight
- One-way cost: USD 120–150 per person
- Flying is recommended when road construction between Mugling and Pokhara causes delays, or when you need to reach Pokhara quickly before the trek begins.
Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight
- One-way cost: USD 90–140 per person
- A popular choice after completing the trek to save time and avoid the 6–8 hour return road journey.
What Costs are Included in the Package?
- Transportation
Getting you to and from the trail is fully taken care of. Comfortable tourist bus travel connects Kathmandu and Pokhara in both directions, and private vehicle transfers handle airport pickups and hotel drop-offs in Kathmandu, so your journey starts and ends without hassle. - Accommodation
All accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trail during the entirety of the trekking days. - Food
Keeping your energy levels high throughout the trek is a priority. Three meals a day are provided across the full trekking period, each with one main course. Fresh seasonal fruits are served daily, and water purification tablets are on hand to keep you safely hydrated throughout the route. - Guide and Porter
An experienced, government-licensed trek leader accompanies your group for the entire journey, with a second guide joining for groups of 12 or more. Every expense related to your trekking staff — wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment — is fully covered within the package. - Trek Permits and Expenses
All official documentation required to enter and trek through the Annapurna region is arranged on your behalf. This covers the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and all associated government taxes and official fees. - Medical Assistance
Your safety at altitude is taken seriously throughout the trek. A well-stocked medical kit travels with the group, and an oximeter is used regularly to monitor blood oxygen levels as you gain elevation. - Souvenir
Every trekker receives a branded Discovery World Trekking T-shirt and cap — a small but lasting reminder of the journey completed. - Farewell
The end of the trek is marked with a proper celebration. A farewell is hosted by the team, bringing the group together one last time, and each trekker receives an official Discovery World Trekking certificate of appreciation to mark the achievement. - Equipment and Benefits
If you are not travelling with your own gear, sleeping bags, down jackets, and duffel bags are provided at no extra cost, with one duffel bag available per two trekkers. Your non-trekking luggage can be stored free of charge at the Discovery World Trekking office in Kathmandu for the full duration of your time on the trail.
What Costs are Excluded in a Package?
- International Flight
Airfare to and from Nepal is not covered under this package. International flight costs vary depending on your departure country, airline, and time of booking, and must be arranged independently before your trip. - Accommodation
Hotel stays in Kathmandu before and after the trek are not included. Any additional nights required in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or an early return from the trek will also be charged separately and are the responsibility of the trekker. - Food
Meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek fall outside the package. Similarly, any extra meals required in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or an early return from the trek are not covered. Lunch and dinner in Pokhara are also excluded and must be paid for independently. - Guide and Porter Tips
Tipping is not included in the package price. While entirely at your discretion, gratuities for your guide and porters are a valued tradition in Nepal and a meaningful way to recognise the effort and dedication of your trekking crew. - Nepal Entry Visa
A valid Nepal tourist visa is required and must be obtained independently. Visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport for most nationalities. - Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance must be arranged before arrival in Nepal and is not included in the package. Your policy must specifically cover emergency high-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation, as well as full medical treatment. Without adequate coverage, emergency evacuation costs alone can run into several thousand dollars. - Personal Expenses
Day-to-day personal spending on the trail is the trekker's own responsibility. This includes shopping, snacks, bottled or boiled water, hot and cold beverages such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi access, telephone calls, battery charging fees, and any additional porter support beyond what is provided. Personal clothing and gear purchased before or during the trek are also excluded. - Other Expenses
Excess baggage beyond the 9 kg per person limit will incur additional charges. Costs arising from circumstances outside the company's control, such as landslides, adverse weather, route changes for safety reasons, illness, government policy changes, or strikes, are not covered. Any expense not explicitly listed under the inclusions of this package should be treated as an excluded cost.
Note: All prices are approximate and subject to change. Exchange rates, seasonal demand, permit fee revisions, and individual spending habits will affect your final cost. Always confirm current permit fees, guide requirements, and package inclusions directly with your trekking agency before booking.