The cost of Annapurna Circuit

  • Karan Gurung
  • Last Updated on Mar 10, 2024

Nepal is the land of the mystical Himalayas that lies in South Asia and offers a wide range of trekking destinations for the real nature lover. Many travelers from different parts of the world visit and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature to get peace of mind from their busy schedules and to refresh. If you are stressed and tired of your daily work, hiking in the nature of Nepal is the best medicine for you to recover from it. 

Among the numerous trekking destinations in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit is one of them that offers a dramatic landscape and a marvelous glimpse of crystal-clear snow-capped mountains. The vibrant hills, lush landscape, rhododendrons, pine forests, towering waterfalls, prayer flags, and prayer wheels are the attractions that attract backpackers during this incredible adventure.

While the Annapurna Circuit route falls under Annapurna Conservation Area Projects (ACAP), a trekker has opportunities to encounter Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Langoor, Danphe, Monal, Yak, Rhododendron, Pine Oak, etc. 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Package is a perfect destination that can be modified as per the traveler's choice and can range from a budget trek to a private trip as per the budget situation. The cost of the trip also differs as per the itinerary of this tour. This adventure can be made from a short Annapurna Circuit Trek of 9 days to an 18-day Annapurna Circuit, including Tilicho Lake. 

Annapurna Circuit

 

Table of Contents

What is the cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Nevertheless, the itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit is as flexible as it can be, ranging from 9 days to 20 days. So, the cost of the Annapurna Circuit depends on the days of the itinerary and the choice of package. There is an Annapurna Budget Trek and an Annapurna Circuit standard itinerary, the Luxury Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Cost

What is the cost of the short Annapurna Circuit trek?

The short Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary is suitable for those travelers who have limited vacations. Normally, the actual hike starts from Chame and ends at Muktinath. Due to the minimum number of days compared to a long itinerary, the cost of this package is comparatively less than others.

Unlike this, the cost of the package also differs with budget, standard, and luxury packages. Whereas the budget trek ranges between USD 550 and USD 900, the standard package ranges between USD 900 and USD 1,200, and the luxury package ranges between USD 1,200 and USD 1,700. The amount mentioned above depends on the services and facilities you prefer.

Short Annanpurna Circuit

What is the cost of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake?

The Annapurna Circuit itinerary, including Tilicho Lake, is an 18-day trip, which is the best choice for a wilderness excursion. The journey starts with 8–9 hours of driving to Jagat from Kathmandu, starts hiking from Jagat, ends at Ghorepani Poon Hill, and drives to Pokhara. The budget for this excursion depends on the package you choose.

Moreover, the price of this adventure depends on the services and facilities you prefer. It is categorized into three divisions: budget trek, standard trek, and luxury trek. Whereas the budget trek ranges between USD 900 and USD 1,200, the standard package price ranges between 1,285 and 1,800, and lastly, the luxury packages range between USD 1,800 and USD 2800.

Tilicho Lake

What is the cost of the Annapurna Circuit trek?

The ideal Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular routes among the other alternatives during the Annapurna Circuit. More than fifty percent of travelers prefer it, and the rest choose other options. The itinerary starts in Jagat and ends in Muktinath; after passing Thorong La, drive to the hot spring at Tatopani and drive to Pokhara. The cost of this adventure differs as per the package style a traveler chooses.

Notably, the cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek package depends on the amenities and services that the traveler requests. Whereas the budget package ranges between USD 900 and USD 1,100, the standard package ranges between USD 1,120 and USD 1,600, and the luxury package ranges between USD 1,600 and USD 2,200.

What is a reasonable amount of money to budget for extra expenses such as drinks and souvenirs during my trip?

Planning an appropriate spending plan is essential while doing such a fantastic excursion in a remote, mountainous location. The cost of goods along the Annapurna Circuit is higher than in urban areas due to unforeseen costs associated with getting them to the higher altitude. 

The extra amount for the Annapurna Circuit differs depending on the services and facilities you will get from the agency you are traveling with. Normally, plan your budget around 15-20% of the total cost of the trip. For example, USD 150 to USD 200 for extra food, drinks, and other expenses. It also depends on what you buy or how often you go out for food and to purchase souvenirs. Nowadays, it's getting easier for travelers in the mountains because most of the places have an online banking system or swipe machine. 

What is the cost of accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit?

While traveling in a new place, it's common for all travelers to know the cost of the accommodation. The accommodation costs during the Annapurna Circuit trek depend on the lodges you stay at or the room you prefer to have. 

The available rooms during the Annapurna Circuit venture are common rooms, single rooms, attached bathrooms, or three-person sharing rooms. The price of the stay depends on the room you choose. Normally, attaching a bathroom costs a little more than the others.

In addition, while hiking in the mountains, the availability of rooms is not as fancy as in the city area. They are common, due to which the prices for accommodation are cheaper than in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The cost of a room per night ranges from USD 4 to USD 7. Whereas in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the accommodation ranges from USD 25 or above as per the services and facilities you prefer.

How expensive is the food?

Selecting proper food is a prior activity while doing such an adventurous hike in the Alps of the Annapurna Region. You will have many options for food on the menu. Dal Bhat is the most popular dish that you will get to taste during this entire adventure. It contains a good amount of protein and carbohydrates, which is best for such events and activities.

Eventually, a traveler will take three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). If a trekker plans to spend between USD 30 to USD 35 per day for food, that will be good enough for them. Foods are more expensive at higher altitudes compared to lower elevations due to transportation and the difficulty of resource availability.

Food during Annapurna Circuit

How much does mineral water cost?

Water plays a vital role in the human body. It is important to drink at least 2–3 liters of water as you are doing such an adventure hike in the Himalayas of Nepal. As you walk, you will lose water from your body as sweat. As a result, the chances of dehydration are very high, so a traveler needs to drink enough water every day. 

The price of mineral water during the Annapurna Circuit excursion depends on the place. At the lower elevation, mineral water costs around 100 rupees, whereas at the high camp, it costs 400 rupees per bottle.

Likewise, if you feel the amount is expensive, then there are other alternatives to save your money. Instead of buying a water bottle, use water tablets or do a purification process. Direct water from the source might not be suitable for travelers because they are not used to it, but local people drink water directly from the source.

What is the fare for transportation during the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Similarly, transportation is another factor that causes differences in prices for the Annapurna Circuit Odyssey. The fare of transportation during this incredible adventure depends on the mode of transportation you choose, whether it is local or private.

The Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Kathmandu using private or public transportation to Besisahar. Normally, the fare from Kathmandu to Besisahar is around USD 5 per person, but if you take a private one, then it might cost you around USD 150. The private ones cost more than the public ones because, in a public vehicle, you have to share with the locals, there won't be an A/C fitted, and it takes a long time to reach Besisahar, which might not be comfortable for travelers. Whereas a private vehicle is more reliable, neat, and clean with A/C fitted, and can reach more quickly than a public vehicle. 

Similarly, after ending the hike at Muktinath, a trekker has three options for which to use the means of transportation to reach Pokhara: local, private, and flight from Jomsom. The private cost is approximately USD 250, the public cost is USD 25 per person, and the flight cost is USD 170 per person.

What are the wages of Guide and Porter?

The guides and porters are the real heroes from the mountains who help trekkies to achieve their dream destinations. Guides lead the way and provide all the necessary information during the trip, whereas a porter helps carry luggage from one place to another. 

According to the government of Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board, and TAAN, they have estimated the per-day wages for guides and porters as a result of their hard work during the Annapurna Circuit as follows:

  • Guide: USD 30 per day
  • Assistant Guide: USD 28 per day
  • Porter Guide: USD 25 per day
  • Porter: USD 24 per day

Hence, the above-mentioned are the daily wages of guides and porters. If you are satisfied with their services and hard work, feel free to give them a tip as a thanksgiving for their dedication and hard work. 

What is the cost of a horse ride if I need to book?

While traveling around the Annapurna Circuit, riding a horse is an option for travelers. Specifically, it will be an option for those who are struggling with walking. The cost of horse riding per day is around USD 80 to USD 120 or above. There is no fixed price for the horse ride; it depends on how you deal with the horse owner.

How much do ACAP and TIMS cards cost?

Embarking into the Annapurna Circuit comes under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. A backpacker needs to get a permit and a TIMS card. Trekkers are not permitted to enter the valley without a permit because of the restricted area. The costs of the permits are:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) = UAD 30
  • Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) = USD 10 

Conclusion

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature around the Annapurna Circuit, preparing the proper budget required for the trip. It will be an ideal destination where a hiker gets to experience a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

 

Karan Gurung

Karan Gurung

Hello, I’m Karan Gurung, a passionate mountaineer from Nepal with over 15 years of experience exploring the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. I grew up surrounded by towering mountains; my love for adventure and the thrill of high-altitude trekking have shaped my life to the next level. For me, the mountains are more than just a place to trek, and I believe they are a source of inspiration, a connection to nature, and a way of relaxing your mind and soul with peace. I’m always here to share my experiences, travel tips, and stories from my adventures to help others appreciate the beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal through articles and blogs. Whether you're an experienced trekker or someone new to the mountains, I’m here to guide and inspire you for your first or next adventure in Nepal!

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