Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) is in northwestern Nepal, surrounded by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. This trek takes you to two base camps: Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. You need to know the cost required before going on any trek.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the majestic treks of Nepal, allowing you to experience the Himalayan life with beautiful destinations. This trek leads you to the route of typical Magar and Gurung villages.

You can set foot on the base of the world’s 10th-highest peak, Mount Annapurna, with an altitude of 8091 m. You pass through lush green Rhododendron, Bamboo, and alpine forests to the final destination: Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek lets you experience magnificent views of Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Hiunchuli, Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Tilcho, Pisang, and Pungda Danda. The breathtaking towns with diverse cultures, traditions, elegant climates, and amazing scenery melt your heart.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts in the tiny village of Nayapul, Pokhara. This trek is 10 days long and takes you to an altitude of 4130 m. You can also get a pit break at the astonishing Poon Hill viewpoint and relax in the natural hot spring bath in the famous Jhinu Danda.

Budget planning is the basic thing to do before trekking. You need to consider the cost required to complete the journey successfully. That’s why here we are with the details of the cost required to trek Annapurna Base Camp.

The total cost to trek Annapurna Base Camp Trek is $650 to $765 per person. You can book a package from a local registered travel agency for this trek. You can also trek independently. Let’s check the cost details of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Accommodation Cost

You must stay in Pokhara and other lodges along the trail to Annapurna Base Camp for accommodation. Your trek starts from Nayapul, a village near Pokhara. So, you have to stay in Pokhara overnight to start your trekking. The hotels in Pokhara cost from $5 to $500. You can choose basic to five-star hotels during your stay in this city.

This cost varies from city area to remote area. After you start your trek, the accommodation cost ranges from $3 to $5. The stays are cheaper in lower altitudes, while it gets costlier in higher altitudes.

Transportation Cost

After your flight lands in Kathmandu, you must drive to Pokhara to officially start your trek. You can choose different transportation modes to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. You can get the public bus, hire a tourist bus, or book a flight to Pokhara.

The cost of travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the public bus is $7 to $8. If you hire a tourist bus, then it costs $10. You can also take a flight to Pokhara. It costs $45 to $65. So, you can choose a transportation mode from cheap to expensive per your preferences.

The next day, you have to reach Birethanti to start your trek. You can go there by taxi, which costs $2 to $30. You can also hire a Jeep, which costs $10 to $15 per person. After that, your walking journey starts.

Food Cost

The cost of food varies according to altitude. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available—the veg-thali costs from $3 to $5. The non-veg thali costs from $5 to $7. This traditional food set of Nepal contains Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari.

In lower altitudes, foods are cheaper with many choices, while once you reach high altitudes, your choice is limited and quite pricey. But the authentic Dal-Bhat-Tarkari is available throughout the whole journey.

Permit Cost

Two permits are mandatory to complete the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You must get an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit.

Annapurna Conservation Area is a protected area by the Government of Nepal. So, to enter any part of the Annapurna Region, you need a legal permit. A TIMS card is mandatory for trekkers’ safety. It keeps records of trekkers to track their information during emergency cases.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit is available in the Nepal Tourism Board of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The cost of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP) Permit depends on your nationality.

If you are from a SAARC country, then it costs NRP 2000.
If you are from other foreign countries, then it costs NRP 200.

Once you get this permit, you can visit any part of the Annapurna Region. This permit is acquired for each person, and only a single entry is granted. You can stay there for as many days as you want. But once you depart to the starting point, the permit becomes invalid.

TIMS cards can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) of Kathmandu or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). If you apply for this permit through a registered Trekking Agency, then it will cost less.

The cost for TIMS varies in the following conditions:

It costs USD 20 for individual trekkers.
If you apply through the registered Trekking Agency, it costs only USD 10.
If you are a SAARC country resident, then it costs USD 6.

You must complete the form with the required documents in the NTB office. This permit is not available online. If you get a permit through an Agency, you only have to submit your documents, for the rest of the agencies are responsible.

Travel Insurance Cost

Travel Insurance is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. This service is not included in your package. You have to get travel insurance from a trustworthy travel insurance company. It is best to get from your country before your Nepal flight.

You can encounter many dangerous situations during this trek. So, your travel insurance must cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and elevations up to 6000 m. You can also check if it covers trip cancellation and luggage loss. The cost varies according to policy and length of the insurance. But on average, it costs around USD 120 per person.

Equipment Cost

Trekking gear is mandatory for any trekking. You can either buy it or rent it to save your money.

If you want to buy your trekking gear,

  • Hiking boots cost $80 to $150,
  • Backpack costs $35 to $50,
  • The sleeping bag costs $40 to $100,
  • Trekking poles cost $8 to $20 for each pair,
  • Hiking trousers cost $15 to $50,
  • Warm jacket costs $30 to $50,
  • Quick dry t-shirts cost $8 to $25.

You can also rent high-quality trekking gear from a reputable rental shop in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Equipment such as poles, crampons, weatherproof coats, tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags are available in rental shops. Renting these trekking gear costs USD 1 to USD 10 per day.

Ensure to buy other items like sunscreen, torch light, water bottle, first-aid kit, and snacks.

Conclusion

Hence, Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to the world’s 10th-highest peak base. This trek lets you enjoy magnificent mountains, beautiful landscapes, and Himalayan cultures.

You can enjoy this trek on a budget under $765. You can follow this blog to make it cheaper as well. Enjoy your trek and make great memories in this trek. All the very best!