The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a legendary trekking trail loved by hikers around the world this trek has a trekking route that is highly recognized and stunning. With a unique landscape, spectacular Himalayan views and diverse culture, this trek appeals to all trekking enthusiasts.
Like any other trek, getting to the region and completing Annapurna Circuit trekking includes various costs such as transportation, permits, equipment, guides, lodging, food etc.
The trek cost generally depends on the duration of your holiday and how you trek and spend. However, with the Annapurna Circuit trek, you can be assured that you will have all of your money worth.
So, now let’s discuss in detail of the Annapurna Circuit trek costs to help you budget your trek.
How Much Does It Cost to Trek Annapurna Circuit?
The total cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek can range from USD 985 to USD 1500 per person, on average for a 12 – 18-day trek.
The western operator can charge anywhere between USD 1500 and USD 3000. And it’s good to have a guide lead your journey because of many intersecting routes in the region.
And when you’re hike with travel company, they’ll make all the arrangements necessary for your domestic travel, accommodation, food, permits, and guide.
When planning on trekking with tour operator, there are two options. You can either pick a local agent or a western agent.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Transportation Costs
There are two ways of choosing the transport. You can either take local buses or a private jeep by road.
And if you’re traveling in a group, you can hire a private vehicle to share the costs among the members of the group.
- Local bus to Besisahar from Kathmandu: approx. USD 5 to 7, one way
- Private Jeep to Besisahar from Kathmandu: approx. USD 130 to USD 160, one way
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Food and Drinks
With the increasing number of trekkers every year, the standard of the tea houses and the lodges have been improved.
Also, the quality of the food has improved, and more varieties you can find. Many tea houses also serve dishes such as spaghetti, pasta, sandwich and so on.
Yet Dal Bhat, the staple Nepali food, is the best value for money. It is delicious and cheap!
One thing you’ll notice when eating during the trek is that as you go higher, the food cost gradually begins to increase. Hence food costs can start at low altitude from USD 5. And at the higher altitudes, can go up to USD 8 per meal. As for drinks, the costs are as follows:
- Bottled drinking water: USD 1 to USD 4
- Tea/Coffee: USD 0,5 to USD 2,5 per cup
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Accommodation Costs
Accommodation on the route is cheap. For a double room with or without an attached bathroom the average price is around USD 5 to 8.
The tea houses are generally clean. The rooms are simple. They have power outlets, and bathrooms with Western or Squat toilets are sometimes attached
They usually have a comfortable common area with a good company and a fire Wifi is available in some guest houses although it is limited.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Guide & Porter Costs
A guide and a porter both play a major role during trekking. Having them ensures that you have a safe and relaxed experience on trekking.
You are safe with a guide as he leads you through the right routes
They are professionals with experience in the trails and know what to do in an emergency. They also provide you with the information you about the people and places etc.
Having a porter will also keep you free from carrying the heavy baggage. A porter is capable of carrying up to 25 kg. Hence the guide’s cost for the Annapurna Circuit trek is about USD 30 – USD 33 a day and USD 17 – USD 20 a day for a porter.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits Costs
For the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will need two permits, which you will use to check in at different checkpoints along the trek. Here below are the permits and costs:
- ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. USD 30)
- TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. USD 10)
Travel Insurance Cost
Mountain trekking also comes with its own set of risks and Annapurna circuit trekking is no different.
You never know what you might have to do while trekking. Anyone can experience acute mountain sickness, muscle sprain and general tiredness.
But having travel insurance is wise to stay on the safe side. Your insurance policy will cover any additional expenses that may result from various injuries, health issues, or accidents
It should also cover the cost of a helicopter rescue, the cost of treatment and also the cost of repatriation, including the cost of theft and liability, cancelation and misplaced luggage.
So, make sure the policy covers the altitude below 6000 meters, the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal goes over 5000 meters +.
With all of these, the average cost (not including mountaineering) for trekking insurance is USD 150 (based on 30 days coverage).
Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Make sure they are a member of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and a member of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal when choosing a tour operator. It is a governing body regulates the welfare issues of the guides and porters working in Nepal
- Although there are different views on tipping in Nepal, we recommend that you tip your guide and porter. Tipping about 10% of your trekking cost is the general rule of thumb. And if you want to pay more it’s up to you totally.
- Carry extra money for services such as wifi, electronic storage, hot showers, snack buy etc.
Annapurna Circuit Map
How Difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate trekking route and one of the longest in the region. So, without prior training and preparation, it can be a little harder for a beginner trekker to complete the journey. Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most inspiring and adventurous trekking experiences for any trekker.
How Long Does It Take to Trek the Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit Trek normally takes about 10 to 18 days, leaving Kathmandu before returning to the capital with a stopover in Pokhara. The trail is moderate to fairly difficult and crosses numerous rivers over steel and wooden suspension bridges.
Final Say
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a lifetime journey worth every single cent. Trekking in Nepal costs depend on how you trek, the facilities you use and the luxury you want.
It’s our pleasure to guide you and help you in planning this trek and make sure it’s a great and successful one.
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