Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

“The Annapurna Circuit is not just a trek, it’s a journey through the heart of Nepalese culture and nature’s raw beauty.”

Understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost is essential for planning one of the best treks in the world. The legendary Annapurna Circuit Trek is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant and warming local cultures, as well as breathtaking mountain views, attracting thousands of adventure seekers every year. The Annapurna Circuit Trek packages are a well-crafted adventure suited for all trekkers.

While the Annapurna Circuit Trek experience is priceless and makes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, knowing the actual costs involved for the trek helps travelers budget wisely and avoid unexpected surprises along the way. The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the trek duration, route taken, trekking season, choice of guide or porter, and whether you’re trekking independently or with a group.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek stretches to about 160 to 230 kilometers (100-145 miles) and typically takes around 16 days to complete the journey. That is why you will have to consider everything, starting from the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost from Kathmandu, taking into account the necessary permits to be obtained, food, gear, and transportation. Each element plays a role in shaping the total expenses for the trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek can be the perfect trek for travelers looking to step into the world of trekking in Nepal and also help prepare for other adventurous and popular treks, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek. In this blog, we will cover all the necessary information, starting from the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost per day to the overall expenses on this famous trek that takes you to explore the raw beauty of Nepal and the Annapurna region.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost 2025/2026: Complete Guide

When planning a trip to the Annapurna region, one of the most common questions asked by travelers is about the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost. Typically, the total cost for the Annapurna Circuit Trek lies in the region of $1,500 per person. This cost, when broken down, gets divided into various factors, including costs such as transportation, full-board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), cost for guide and porters, accommodation services, and more.

However, due to the increase in expenses every year, the total cost for the trek is subject to change with the increase in services, pricing of food, accommodation, transportation, and guides, as well as porters’ charges.

Depending on the individual and their preferences, the cost can vary accordingly. When it comes down to estimating the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost, your travel style, budget, mid-range, or luxury also plays a crucial factor.

It is always important for trekkers to have knowledge regarding the pricing of the trek packages and expenses that may occur during the trek beforehand, to avoid any unwanted surprises during the trip. Knowing about the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost per day helps in allocating the budget according to the trekker’s needs and priorities. Also, there are not many ATMs in the remote parts of the Annapurna region; hence, knowing the costs assures you carry enough cash with you to cover all the expenses.

What are the factors affecting the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost?

Several factors play critical roles in determining the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost. Identifying these key factors is crucial in maintaining the budget for the trek and the overall trekker’s experience.

Trek Duration

The length of your trek is directly proportional to the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost. The longer you trek, the more you spend on food, accommodation, and guides/porters. A standard Annapurna Circuit Trek takes about 10 to 16 days to complete. However, some treks can extend to 18-20 days by adding side trips such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.

Longer treks naturally increase your daily expenses and financial burden as compared to treks with shorter itineraries.

Trekking Package

The type of trekking package trekkers choose to go with also determines the cost of the trek. Different trekking package has different costs. Annapurna Circuit Trek packages come with different options, including Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake for trekkers looking for a more immersive experience and a longer itinerary, and Short Annapurna Circuit Trek.

These different packages come with different itineraries and trek costs. Furthermore, depending on your trekking style, budget or luxury travel, the cost varies accordingly.

Season and Timing of the Trek

Planning your trek according to the trekking season can play a major role in determining the total Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost. During the peak trekking seasons, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), expenses generally go up due to the high demand for services like accommodation, food, transportation, and guides and porters.

Trekkers can expect lower pricing during the off seasons (Winter and Monsoon), as there won’t be as much ground as during the peak trekking seasons, and demand for services will be lower.

Medium of Transportation

The selected medium of transport matters in determining the overall cost for your trek. Choosing local buses is the most economical option; however, tourist buses or private jeeps offer faster transport and more comfort for a higher price. Similarly, you also have the option to choose a domestic flight. Flights are the most expensive option out of the three, but are the fastest medium of transport.

When choosing to go on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with a local trekking agency in Nepal, the cost for all of these services is included in the total pricing of the package. So you do not have to worry about any other additional charges.

Gear Purchase or Rental Service

If you’re not bringing your trekking gear and equipment, you have to either purchase or rent them from shops in Kathmandu, which can affect the budget on your Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost. Renting gear is comparatively a cheaper solution for temporary usage; however, buying gear can be more expensive initially but it is more suitable for longer treks and future uses.

Good quality trekking gear and equipment can play a huge factor in determining the overall experience of the trek. That is why investing in proper gear is necessary for any trek to go smoothly and safely. We advise you to bring your own trekking gear beforehand to avoid such expenses and reduce the cost of the trek.

Accommodation

Your preference for accommodation also directly contributes to determining the overall cost of the trek. While there are several budget-friendly teahouses along the trek, you also have the option of choosing luxury lodges to stay at for extra cost.

These luxury lodges provide a more comfortable stay with deluxe services as compared to basic teahouses, but are generally more expensive. Hence, choosing the right accommodation services to meet your preferences is also important for managing your budget on the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost.

Why Understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost Matters?

• Having knowledge and awareness of various costs and pricing helps compare the package options, making it easier for trekkers to choose the best package suited for them according to their budget.
• Understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost per day in advance can help allocate budget on various aspects like transportation, food, drinks, and personal expenses during the day.
• Knowledge of the total costs and pricing will help trekkers avoid any surprises during the trek in terms of expenses and help carry extra cash for any emergencies.
• There are not many reliable ATMs in the remote parts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek; hence, knowing the costs assures that you carry enough cash for all your expenses.
• Knowing the necessary permits and their costs saves trekkers any last-minute hassle.
• Understanding the detailed trek cost helps you avoid any reckless and unnecessary spending and keep expenses to a minimum.

Expenses Not Covered in the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost:

Visa Cost

The Nepali Visa travel fees and expenses are not covered in our Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost. You have to bear this expense on your own.

For visitors all around the world (except Indian citizens), you will require an entry visa. Most visitors can easily get a Tourist visa for Nepal. However, some Asian and African nationalities are required to apply for their visa in advance.

On-Arrival Visa Fee:

• 15 Days – USD 30
• 30 Days  – USD 50
• 90 Days – USD 125

Note: Regarding multiple entries, if you’re planning to leave and re-enter Nepal (side trips to Tibet or Bhutan), you’ll need a multiple-entry visa that costs USD 25 extra. And we advise you to carry some cash (US or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.

Your Visa can be obtained at Nepalese Embassies or Consulates in your home country or on arrival in Kathmandu. But we strongly advise you to fill out an online visa application for faster visa processing and avoid delays. You can apply through the Nepal Immigration Website before your arrival to save time at the airport.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Travel Insurance Cost

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is part of trekking in the Himalayas. And trekking in the Himalayas always comes with risks of injuries or altitude sickness. In case of an emergency, we have to use a helicopter evacuation for your safety. To provide such evacuations on time, you require getting yourself travel insurance that assures the expenses are covered in it.

For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we strongly advise our clients to get their travel insurance that covers high-altitude activities and rescue operations. Medical bills and Helicopter evacuation are a must that need to be included in your travel insurance. Similarly, you can also add lost baggage, as well as flight cancellation, and more in the travel insurance.

On average, travel insurance for trekking in high-altitude regions can cost around USD 150 per person for 30 Days. However, the cost can differ from one travel agency to another. These costs are not covered in our Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost and have to be paid at your expense. Make sure you read all the details and policies before signing the insurance papers.

Cost for International/Domestic Flights

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, we do not cover the costs for international/domestic flights to/from Kathmandu. You have to budget the cost for these international flights on your own expenses.

The price for the flights may vary depending on the trekking season and how early you book your flights. The sooner you buy the tickets, the cheaper the flight fares will be. The flights can cost around USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 per person for a round trip from Kathmandu, Nepal.

You also have the option of choosing the domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu to shorten the trek’s duration or for your ease of travel. The cost for the flight can range from USD 100 to USD 110 per person for a one-way flight back to Kathmandu.

Additional Expenses During the Annapurna Circuit Trek

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, our Annapurna Circuit Trek package covers all the major expenses. However, you have to separate out some costs for personal expenses. These additional expenses include costs for charging electronic devices, a hot shower, WiFi, additional snacks and drinks, and more during the trek. These are the extra expenses that are not included in our package.

• Electricity: Power is quite limited at higher altitudes, and charging devices is often not free. The locals rely on solar energy to charge devices. It can cost around $1- $2 to charge electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and batteries.
• Hot Shower: Hot showers can cost about $2-$5 per shower as the locals rely on gas or wood to heat water, which can be quite expensive, and their availability is very limited at higher altitudes.
• Wi-Fi: Many teahouses offer Wi-Fi services for free. However, in remote areas in high altitudes, it can cost around $2-$5 per day for Wi-Fi and Internet access.
• Boiled Drinking Water: At higher altitudes, the cost for boiled drinking water can range in the range of $1-$3 per litre.
• Local SIM Card: A local SIM card can cost around $5-$10 with enough data, and is a better alternative to Wi-Fi.

You can budget around $15 to $30 for the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost per day on the trail.

Tips During the Annapurna Circuit Trek

When it comes to allocating a budget for the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost, most trekkers often overlook tipping as a factor that can impact the overall cost. You have to plan wisely for the tips, as you may have to budget for the tips for guides, porters, and drivers.

Tipping is always a kind gesture and much appreciated among the hardworking guides, porters, and drivers who accompany you throughout the whole trek. We highly advise our guests to tip them at the end of their service as a thank you.

It is completely up to our clients to decide how much they wish to tip. However, a simple rule of thumb is to tip around 10% – 15% of the total cost of the package to our guides and porters.

Note: Tipping is completely up to you and it is not mandatory. 

How Difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, depending on your fitness level, prior trekking experience, and how well you acclimatize to the high altitude.

The highest point you reach on the trek is the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). If not for proper acclimatization, there are risks of altitude sickness in such high-altitude trekking. The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes about a total of 16 days to complete, covering around 160 to 230 km. You are required to trek for about 5-7 hours a day on average. Hence, proper physical fitness is crucial to do the trek smoothly.

The trek consists of a mix of steep ascents, descents, and rocky trails, requiring caution and proper stamina. Trekkers also need to have mental clarity and set realistic goals during the trek, as mental state and motivation play a huge factor in completing the trek safely.

While you do not need to be an elite athlete to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is recommended that you have basic physical fitness, along with mental preparation. With proper precaution and following acclimatization procedures, engaging in fitness activities to boost stamina, leg, and core strength, and with the use of proper trekking gear, most trekkers can safely do the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

What to Pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

While preparing for any trek, proper packing of essential items is key to determining the overall experience of the trek. What you choose to pack and bring along with you on the trek directly affects the outcome of your trek. You must not pack too heavily, making it difficult to trek every day on rough terrains, whereas packing too little can make you regret your choices.

Some of the packing essentials for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are:

• Backpack with Rain Cover: A good quality trekking backpack with at least 40-50L capacity is a must-have on your trekking journey to carry all the essential items you require during the trek.
• Layered Clothing: For the Upper body, you should carry 2-3 base layers (moisture-absorbing shirts/thermals), an insulating layer (fleece jacket), an outer-shell jacket, and some t-shirts. For the Lower body, it is advised you carry 2-3 trekking pants, thermals, and waterproof pants. Some of the must-carry accessories include a warm hat, a cap, gloves, and a scarf for the cold.
• Footwear: Trekkers must carry a high-quality, broken-in trekking boot with good ankle support for comfortable trekking. Carrying a slipper is also essential for walking around teahouses and resting. Also, carry a 4-5 pair of socks (wool or synthetic).
• Sleeping Essentials: Trekkers must carry a sleeping bag rated at -10°C to -15°C. Carrying a warm sleeping bag can help with getting a much-needed sleep in the Himalayas.
• Personal Items: It is essential that you carry personal items such as toiletries, hand sanitizers, sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, and water bottles for personal use.
• Electronics: Do not forget to bring a camera, a mobile phone, extra batteries, and a charger.
• Documents: Passport with photocopies, passport-sized photos, Nepal Visa, permits, insurance, and cash.

Do I Need a Guide to Trek the Annapurna Circuit?

As per the law introduced on April 1, 2023, it is mandatory to have a licensed guide to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Solo trekking without a guide is no longer permitted in many popular trekking regions in Nepal, including the Annapurna region.

This rule was introduced and implemented by the Nepal Tourism Board to enhance safety for trekkers due to the many past reports of trekkers going missing and lost during the trek. Also, this new law ensures proper monitoring of the trekker and rescue in case of any emergencies that can occur during the trek.

You can no longer get a TIMS card as an individual trekker for the Annapurna region and must book through a registered trekking agency that will arrange a licensed guide and necessary permits. Hiring a guide not only contributes to the overall safety but also provides employment opportunities for local communities and helps get local insight into the culture and history.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost

For trekking in the Annapurna region, you will be required to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit and a TIMS card. The cost for both of these permits will be covered in our Annapurna Circuit Trek Package Cost. Our team at Access Nepal Tour and Trekking will obtain the necessary permits on your behalf, saving you unwanted hassle and extra costs.

The costs for these permits are estimated as below:

ACAP Permit Cost:

• For Foreign Nationals: USD 25/NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC Nationals: USD 8/NPR 1,000 per person

TIMS Card Cost:

• For Foreign Nationals: USD 15-20/NPR 2,000 per person
• SAARC Nationals: USD 8-10/NPR 1,000 per person

Note: Children below the age of 10 are not required to pay any fee.

Cost for Accommodation and Meals on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The cost for the accommodation and meals can vary depending on the altitude and the package you have chosen to go with. Most of the teahouses on the trek offer basic accommodations with basic facilities and meals. However, the higher you go in altitude, the more expensive your accommodation costs and meals will turn out to be.

During your stay in Kathmandu, our Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost covers night stays in a 3-star hotel as per our itinerary. The cost of the meals during the whole trip will also be covered in our package.

However, to break down the individual costs, the cost for meals can range between USD 5 to USD 15, depending on the choice of restaurant and dining options.

In terms of accommodation, in lower regions, basic accommodation can cost around USD 5 per person and gradually increases with the higher altitude, and can reach up to USD 10 per person

Ground Transportation Cost on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

During our Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will use a private jeep and a tourist bus between your travels.

Our Annapurna Circuit Trek Package covers all the costs for ground transportation.

However, you can upgrade the drive to a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu for an additional cost of USD 110 per person on your own expense.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost for Guides and Porters

Another key expense covered on our Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost is the expenses for qualified guides and porters.

We provide one porter for every two trekkers. The limit we have set for carrying luggage is up to 20 kg, so 10 kg for each trekker. Similarly, there will be one guide in a group of 1-8 trekkers and an assistant guide to accompany you as well.

On average, the cost for guides can range from USD 20 to USD 40 per day. Whereas, porters can charge about USD 15 – USD 25 per day.

Note: Tips for guides and porters are not covered in our cost. If you wish to tip the guides and porters, you have to do so on your own expense.

How to Book the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

To book your 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, we request you to pay a 10% deposit of the total trip cost to confirm your booking. This is to help us arrange your accommodation, guides, permits, transportation, and other services in advance and confirm your seat at the table.

For the remaining amount, you can pay after your arrival, either in cash or with a credit card, before the start of your trek.
After booking a trip, send us a copy of your passport and travel insurance.

To book the Annapurna Circuit Trek package, select the desired trek date on the calendar to the right of your screen and click the “Book Now” option. You will then be taken to a page to fill out the rest of the details, such as contact information, number of travelers, extra services, and more. After filling out the details, press “Confirm Booking”. We will then receive an automatic email about your booking details and inquiry.

We strongly advise you to book such travel packages only through a Government-Licensed trekking agency, reading trekker’s reviews and confirming payment procedures before proceeding further with the bookings.

Benefits of Choosing Access Nepal Tour and Trekking for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• We provide trekkers with highly qualified Guides and Porters to accompany them during the trek.
• 24/7 support before, during, or after the trek.
• Stay at comfortable teahouses and lodges throughout the trek for a good night’s rest and recovery.
• Easy booking with no hidden charges.
• Flexible itinerary and customizable to meet your personal needs and requirements.
• Complimentary welcome and farewell dinners at a fine Nepali restaurant.
• Healthy and nutritious meals throughout the trek.
• Focus on safety with emergency medical help available at any moment.

Conclusion

Concluding the blog, the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost can vary depending on your personal preference and trekking style. From budget-friendly options with basic services at teahouses and simple meals to luxurious experiences with upgraded accommodation, there is flexibility for every kind of trekker. The key is to plan ahead by creating a budget wisely and sticking to it.

While the permit fees and charges for guides and porters are fixed in most cases, daily expenses such as food, accommodation, and transportation can fluctuate and are subject to change depending on the trekking season. Trekkers must also be aware of the additional costs, such as gear rental, hot showers, and tipping guides and porters.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost is relatively affordable compared to similar high-altitude treks, making it a great value for the experience offered. Ultimately, understanding the core breakdown of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost allows you to prepare financially and mentally for this unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.