How Much Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost?

For our itinerary, see the Annapurna Circuit Trek page.

Reported package ranges

This breakdown comes from one operator. Other listings we found include about US$1,200 for 14 days and about US$1,250 for 17 days, while another blog estimates about US$2,100 for a full package. Most are marketing figures, so use them only as a guide, and compare what's included.

What affects your cost

• How much you walk: roads now reach much of the old route, so itineraries differ widely in how far they drive.
• Length: trips run from under two weeks to well over that.
• Getting there and back: a shared jeep, private jeep or flight from Jomsom all cost different amounts.
• Season: one source reports that spring and autumn cost about 15 to 25% more than winter or the monsoon.
• Group size: sharing a guide and a porter lowers the cost.
• Add-ons: a side trip to Tilicho Lake adds days and costs.

Permits

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), widely reported at NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors, or about NPR 3,390 with VAT in some listings. A 2026 operator list gives TIMS at NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers and NPR 1,000 per person in a group. Whether TIMS is needed is disputed, so see our permit guide.

Guide and porter

Recent breakdowns give about US$25 to US$35 per day for a guide and US$20 to US$25 per day for a porter. These wages are generally included in a guided package, but tips are usually extra. Ask how staff are paid and insured.

Read about the rules on trekking with a guide.

Transport

This is the part that varies most. We couldn't find reliable current fares for the road sections or for the Jomsom flight, so ask for them in your quote. Road conditions change with the weather, and the UK government warns that monsoon landslides can make roads impassable. It also says mountain flights are often delayed or cancelled.

Many trips use a jeep to start higher up the valley at Chame or beyond. Our itinerary drives to Chame, walks across the high section, then drives from Marpha to Pokhara.

Food and lodging

Teahouses are simple and costs rise with altitude. We didn't find a reliable daily figure specific to this route, but one 2026 breakdown for nearby Annapurna Base Camp suggests about US$25 to US$40 per day for food and lodging. Use that as a rough starting point, and allow more near Thorong La.

What you'll still pay for

• Nepal visa: see our visa guide
• Travel insurance covering 5,416 m and helicopter evacuation. See our insurance guide.
• International flights
• Tips, drinks, hot showers, device charging and snacks
• Gear you don't already own
• Extra days for delays

A sample budget

Before accepting, check whether your package includes permits and all transport.

Quote checklist

1. Exactly which sections are walked, and which are driven?
2. Is there a rest day in Manang?
3. Are jeep transfers shared or private, and are they included?
4. Is the return from Jomsom or Marpha included?
5. What's the plan if Thorong La is closed by snow?
6. Which meals, permits and hotel nights are included?

The rest day in Manang isn't an optional extra. Crossing a 5,416 m pass without enough acclimatization is one of this route's biggest risks. Read our altitude sickness guide.

What our itinerary looks like

Our 13-day plan drives from Kathmandu to Chame, then walks from Chame over Thorong La to Muktinath, before driving from Marpha to Pokhara. That keeps the walking on the most scenic high section and avoids road-heavy stretches lower down. Others walk more of the old route and take longer, so a longer trip doesn't automatically offer better value. Compare what you actually do each day.

Where people overspend

• Bottled water: a filter or purification tablets are cheaper and create less waste.
• Last-minute transport: private jeeps are much more expensive if booked in a hurry.
• Buying gear at home: you can buy or rent much of what you need in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Keep your own boots, though.
• Extra days from poor planning: a rushed plan that leaves you sick can cost more than a well-paced one.

Where not to save

• Insurance: check that your policy covers 5,416 m and helicopter rescue.
• Rest days: skipping Manang can put you at much greater risk on the pass.
• Warm clothing: Thorong La can be very cold and windy before dawn.
• A licensed guide: see the current rules.

Common questions

Next steps

See the day-by-day Annapurna Circuit itinerary, compare the Manaslu Circuit, or ask us about current prices.