Understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek
While doing the Annapurna Circuit, the trek usually starts from Besisahar and ends at Pokhara. This trek is approximately 200 km and takes 8 to 21 days to complete, depending upon your itinerary and preference.
That’s why it is crucial to plan accordingly and know how to budget for the Annapurna Circuit Trek so that you can have fun on your trek without these hassles. This is a complete guide for you about the costs involved and essential tips for budgeting your Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Costs
Understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek costs is important, so here are the details of the major costs involved during this trek.
Transportation Costs
The journey by bus costs around NPR 600 to 800 (USD 5 to 7) and takes about 7 to 8 hours. Private jeeps or taxis are more expensive but offer a quicker and more comfortable ride.
Many trekkers opt to take a jeep from Besisahar to Chame to save time and energy, especially if they are short on time. The cost ranges from NPR 2,000 to 3,000 (USD 17 to 25) per person.
After completing the trek, a bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu costs around NPR 600 to 800 (USD 5 to 7).
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation at Annapurna Circuit Trek, which is higher elevation, cannot be expected in city areas, as it is difficult to provide all facilities there. On the Annapurna Circuit, accommodation is in tea houses and lodges, which are simple guest houses offering basic facilities.
The cost per night ranges from NPR 500 to 2500 (USD 4 to 20) in lower elevations or higher elevations, depending upon the elevations and lodge facilities. Most tea houses provide basic rooms with shared bathrooms, though some may offer good facilities and attached bathrooms at a higher cost.
Food and drink costs
The daily expense on the trek is mainly food. You can expect to spend around NPR 500 to 1,000 (USD 4 to 8) per meal. One-time meal prices can range from NPR 1,500 to 2,500 (USD 13 to 20), depending on your appetite and choice of meals. The prices are higher as you move to higher altitudes due to the difficulty of transporting supplies.
Drinks such as bottled water, tea, coffee, and other beverages can add up quickly. The price of 1 liter of bottled water costs around NPR 100 to 300 (USD 1 to 2.5), and a cup of tea or coffee ranges from NPR 50 to 250 (USD 0.5 to 2). You can also save money and reduce plastic waste by considering the use of water purification tablets or a filter.
Trekking Permit Costs
Talking about trekking permits and trekking permit costs in Annapurna Circuit Trek, you have to take two permits, which are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- For foreign nationals, you need 3000 rupees, which is around 25 USD per person.
- For SAARC nationals, you need 1500 rupees, which is around 12 USD per person.
- For Nepali citizens, you need 100 rupees per person.
This permit can be obtained through the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- For foreign nationals, you need 2,000 rupees, which is around 15 USD per person.
- For SAARC nationals, you need 1000 rupees, which is around 8 USD per person.
- For Nepali citizens, no TIMS card is needed.
The TIMS Card can be obtained through the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Kathmandu.
Guide and Porter Costs
You should hire a guide or porter to make your trek easier and your trekking experience better. Guides can provide you with valuable knowledge of the place you trek to, including the cultures in the mountains, geography, and safety of the trek. Porters can help you carry heavy loads, which makes you trek with ease without the burden of a heavy backpack and allows you to enjoy the trek to the fullest.
To inform you about the guide and porter costs, here are the approximate costs.
Guide: NPR 2,000 to 3,000 (USD 17 to 25) per day.
Porter: NPR 1,500 to 2,500 (USD 13 to 20) per day. The prices may vary based on the guide's experience and the season.
Gear and equipment costs
You should plan and take the essential gear while you are going to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. If you can’t manage trekking gear, you can rent or buy the gear coming to Kathmandu or Pokhara once you come to Nepal. You need essential gear, which includes a sleeping bag, a down jacket, trekking poles, and gripped footwear.
You can rent the gear here in Nepal, either in Kathmandu or Pokhara; it can cost from approximately NPR 8000 to 15000 (USD 50 to 100). If you purchase new gear, it will be more expensive than renting, but it can ensure the best fit and good quality.
Insurance Costs
The trekking insurance costs are highly recommended and should cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. The cost of insurance varies based on the provider and coverage, but it can range from USD 100 to USD 150 for 30 days of coverage. You should make sure to read the policy details before you spend on insurance costs to make sure it can meet your needs.
Miscellaneous Expenses
You can tip guides and porters if you are interested in tipping them for their hard work and their friendly nature. Tipping guides and porters is customary and appreciated. A common tip can be 10 to 15% of their total earnings. For example, if a guide earns USD 350 for a 12-day trek, a tip of USD 35 to 45 is appropriate.
If you ever encounter the donation box at temples, monasteries, or local projects while trekking, you can donate there as per your wish, as donations are voluntary but appreciated, which can be a support to local communities and conservation efforts.
You can see handicrafts and souvenirs available in villages along the trek and also in Pokhara. If you wish to bring home some mementos of your journey or if you want to support local businesses, you might need a few budgets for these purchases.
Budgeting Tips for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Here are some budgeting tips for the Annapurna Circuit Trek so that you don’t have to pay more for your trek.
Planning a Trek in Off Season
You should plan your trek during the off-season. The trekking to Annapurna Circuit Trek during the off-seasons, which are from late February to early April and late September to early November, can save money on accommodation and flights as prices can be lower than during the peak season. You can also enjoy the trek as the trails are less crowded, which provides a more peaceful trekking experience.
Book accommodations in advance
Actually, it is common to book accommodation on arrival, but sometimes it is difficult to find a room, so booking in advance during peak season ensures you get a room and can sometimes lock in lower rates. It is better if you book through online platforms or trekking agencies that can help with reservations for your accommodation.
Use local transport
To save on transportation costs, go for local buses rather than taxis or private jeeps. Using local transportation can be a bit more uncomfortable than using private vehicles, but it is a cheaper means of transportation and provides an authentic travel experience.
Use reusable items
You can carry a reusable water bottle rather than buying a new one every time to save money and reduce plastic waste. You can also bring snacks and energy bars from Kathmandu or Pokhara to reduce food expenses on the trail while trekking to Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Sharing Costs
Traveling alone is more costly than traveling with a group, so traveling with a group can help share costs for guides, porters, and private transportation. Group rates are comparatively lower than individual rates. Plus, if you share a room in tea houses, you can reduce accommodation costs.
Bargain Wisely
In Nepal, bargaining is common when you buy anything or take services, and if you want to bargain, you always have to be respectful and fair. You should be disrespectful while you bargain. Remember that the money you spend contributes to the local economy.
Conclusion
You should budget for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with careful planning and consideration of various expenses. If you understand the costs and implement money-saving tips, you can ensure a fulfilling and budget-friendly trekking experience.
Whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-time trekker, this will help you prepare financially for one of the most adventurous and memorable moments of your life. The Annapurna Circuit Trek provides stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical challenge, which makes it a top destination for trekkers in Nepal.
Happy trekking!
