So, you’ve saved up some money for your dream visit to Nepal and trek the Annapurna Circuit. But chances are you don’t have any idea how much the Annapurna Circuit Trek costs.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you all covered! We have thoroughly broken down all the costs of the trek from start to end. This article will definitely make it easier for you to explore the Annapurna region.
And do you know the best part?
Nepal is not an expensive country! So, even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still expect a lot from traveling here!
Accommodation and food are cheap, but keep in mind that these rates keep on increasing as you ascend to higher altitudes. The prices are still budget-friendly, though.
Annapurna Circuit trek is famous for the panoramic views of the stunning Annapurna Range. Also, you get spectacular views of peaks like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and many other peaks. The trail takes you through beautiful villages, monasteries, forests, and waterfalls; you name it!
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Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Thorong La Pass
Thorong La Pass is the vantage point for pristine views of the Himalayas. The place is the highest point of the trek, at an altitude of 5,416 meters! Buckle up for an amazing view from one of the highest viewpoints in the world.
Panoramic Himalayas
Annapurna Circuit is world-famous for the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Your trail lets you observe stunning peaks like Annapurna and its range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu along with many other mountains.
Muktinath temple
You get a chance to visit the Hindu temple- Muktinath. This temple of Lord Shiva is among the holiest temples for Hindus. You’ll get to observe the cultural and religious values of this place.
Kali-Gankadi Gorge
On the way, you get to see the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali-Gandaki gorge. The canyon is a staggering 5,571 meters deeper than the Annapurna-I that is just beside it. It is also known as the Andha Galchi.
Ethnic Villages
You get to see and experience the lifestyle of various local communities. You can have firsthand experience of ethnicities like Gurung and Magar along with Tibetan-influenced communities. You get to taste delicious cuisines and experience the amazing hospitality of these people.
Stunning Nature
The Annapurna Circuit’s natural beauty amazes every nature lover. You get to witness beautiful rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. The lush green forests make the hillsides lively and colorful.
You can see different species of birds and animals along the way as well. The diverse landscapes of the country literally make it a paradise on earth.
Tatopani Hot Springs
After the long, challenging journey, the hot springs of Tatopani help to relieve the pain and stress. It is like a gift from nature to all the visitors.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Besisahar and trek to Bhubhule
Day 02: Trek to Chamje
Day 03: Trek to Bagarchhap
Day 04: Trek to Chame
Day 05: Trek to Pisang
Day 06: Trek to Manang
Day 07: Acclimatization day at Manang
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka
Day 09: Trek to Thorong Phedi
Day 10: Over Thorong La to Muktinath
Day 11: Trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni
Day 12: Drive to Tatopani Natural hot spring
Day 13: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 14: Early morning trek up to Poonhill, trek down to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu
Note: This is a standard itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit route. You can customize the itinerary according to your desire and duration.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown
We have briefly broken down all of the expenses during a standard trek along the Annapurna Circuit. These rates can vary as trekkers can customize itineraries according to their preferences.
Visa
If you are a foreigner, you will need a tourist visa to come to Nepal. You can arrange the Visa before coming to Nepal, or simply receive it upon arrival.
Visa cost breaks down to how many days you spend in Nepal,
15 day Visa – USD 15
30 day Visa – USD 40
90 day Visa – USD 100
Daily expenses
Your daily expenses consist of things that you need on a regular basis. These expenses include food, accommodation, water, snacks, refreshments, and miscellaneous.
Food
Daily costs for food can range from USD 20-25 on average in a standard lodge or hotel.
Accommodation
You’ll stay at the teahouses or lodges during this trek. They charge anywhere between USD 7 to 15 per night. These rates may vary according to the seasons you travel.
Water and snacks
Drinking the tap water or water from the Annapurna circuit area might not be the best idea. We recommend buying mineral water or water purifying tablets.
The costs of water vary from USD 5-10. Also, you may spend anywhere between USD 4-8 on snacks here and there.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous expenses like charging your phones or batteries, hot-water baths cost extra. On average, you may spend around USD 7-13 in a day.
So, the total expenses per day sum to USD 40- 60 on average.
Transportation Expenses
You’ll need to spend some money on transportation on the 1st and the last day of this trek. You’ll need to reach Dharapani via roadways to begin the trek. And, while returning from Jomsom to Pokhara, you must select a bus or take a flight. The same goes for traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
So, if you intend on traveling via public buses, it can cost anywhere from USD 60-75. You can rent a jeep as well.
Flights may range anywhere from USD 175-200 per person. These rates also vary according to the season you travel in.
Trekking Permits
TIMS Card
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card is a must while trekking in Nepal. This card costs around USD 6 per person. You can easily receive this card from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
ANCAP
The Annapurna region is a conservation area. So, every trekker needs an Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit. National Trust for Nature Conservation manages this permit.
It costs around USD 20 per trekker.
Guides and Porters
Annapurna Circuit is confusing and difficult as there are a lot of connecting paths along the way. Many people consider going on a solo adventure, yet we recommend hiring an experienced and certified guide. Such guides know the region very well along with easier alternatives for the harder trails.
Likewise, carrying heavy loads for two weeks is not easy, even for an experienced trekker. Porters make trekking easy as they carry all your stuff. They are friendly and help you in every possible situation.
Guides charge around USD 30-35 per day, while porters charge about USD 18-25 per day.
Trekking Equipment
No matter which season you prefer to trek in, proper trekking equipment is always crucial. The complete packing list for Annapurna Circuit Trek includes,
Apparel/ Clothing
- A pair of trekking boots and trekking socks
- A pair of flipflops or trainers
- Woolen caps and scarfs
- Seven inner garments
- Four pairs of base layer clothes
- T-shirts and trousers (as per personal requirement)
- Water and windproof outer-layers (Jackets, pants, and gloves)
Trekking Essentials
- Trekking poles for support
- 100% UV protection sunglasses
- Caps, hats or any sort of sun protection headwear
- A comfortable and warm sleeping bag
- Long-lasting batteries, power banks, chargers
- Water bottle (for reuse)
- First aid and medicines
Daily Essentials
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towels, etc
- Sunscreen and lip balm (Very important)
- Napkins, tissues or toilet papers
All these stuff are necessary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can rent sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and a few other stuff.
The average cost for trekking equipment is anywhere from USD 600- 1200.
Travel Insurance
Trekking along the Annapurna Circuit may be exhausting and challenging for some. To avoid any problems during your trek, make sure you get travel insurance. Travel insurance covers all the basics while traveling.
Yet, most of the travel insurance companies don’t cover these policies above 4,000 meters altitudes. So, it’s best to make sure the company covers you above 4,000 meters altitude.
On average, it costs around USD 150-175 for travel insurance.
Factors Affecting Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost
The expenses while trekking in anywhere in Nepal varies on different factors. The same is the case with Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Trekking Season
The season during which you trek matters profoundly while calculating your budget. If you plan on trekking in Nepal during peak trekking seasons, expenses go high. Also, rates of food and rooms increase as you ascend to higher altitudes.
Yet, during the off-season, you can trek on a lower budget. Flights, rooms, food, and almost everything gets a bit cheaper. As you are among the few people trekking during this season, you get discounts, bargains and a lot more during the off-season.
Solo or Group Trek
You need more money if you wish to trek alone rather than in a group. Groups can share guides, transportation costs, and a few other things to reduce expenses.
Duration of Trek
Your expenses depend upon how long your trek takes. This is a no-brainer, shorter treks are cheaper compared to longer treks. You can customize the Annapurna Circuit Trek and make it shorter. It helps to cut out the additional daily expenses.
Personal Expenses
Some people spend a lot while others spend less. This factor is up to you, how much you spend depends upon you.
Personal expenses like beverages, souvenirs, tipping guides, and porters also affect your budget while trekking the Annapurna Circuit.
Final Thoughts
You can easily minimize the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost by planning your trek correctly. Making small changes helps a lot for a budget-friendly trek.
So, the total budget for Annapurna Circuit Trek is about USD 1800- 2800 excluding the plane tickets to and from your country.
The memories and experiences you will have during the Annapurna Circuit Trek are worth every penny. Just make sure you spend wisely and enjoy the Annapurna region.
