Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost 2026: Permits, Guide and Daily Budget
Short answer: the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek usually costs somewhere between USD 500 and USD 1,300 for the Nepal portion, depending on whether you hire a guide and porter and how comfortable your teahouses are. Permits alone are NPR 3,000 (ACAP) plus a TIMS card, for about NPR 5,000 in total for most foreign trekkers. Prices below come from the Nepal Tourism Board and trekking operators, so treat them as indicative 2026 figures, not fixed quotes.
ABC trek cost at a glance
| Item | Indicative cost | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) permit | NPR 3,000 per foreign trekker | Nepal Tourism Board |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000 independent / NPR 1,000 via agency (operator-reported) | Operators |
| Licensed guide | USD 20–35 per day | Operators (ranges differ) |
| Porter | USD 20–25 per day, often shared by two trekkers | Operator |
| Teahouse room | NPR 500–1,500 per night on the main trail | Operator |
| Food | About USD 20–30 per day | Operator |
| Pokhara to Nayapul | Local bus NPR 500–1,000; private jeep NPR 3,000–5,000 | Operator |
Permits for Annapurna Base Camp
The Nepal Tourism Board lists the Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee at NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors (NTB park entry fees). Operators report that SAARC nationals pay a lower rate and that children under 10 are exempt, so check the current rate at the permit counter if that applies to you.
The TIMS card is where sources disagree. One operator says it is still required for ABC, with checks mainly at Birethanti and Chhomrong, and lists NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers and NPR 1,000 through an agency. Another lists NPR 2,000 without the agency discount. Confirm the exact fee with your agency or the permit office before you pay. For the full permit process, see our guide to trekking permits in Nepal.
Operators also state that foreign trekkers must now use a licensed guide, a rule they say took effect on 1 April 2023. Our own trekking rules guide covers this in more detail; check it before assuming you can go solo, because it changes your budget.
Guide and porter costs
Published guide rates vary: one operator quotes NPR 2,500–4,000 (about USD 20–30) per day, another USD 30–35. Porters are quoted at USD 20–25 per day, and two trekkers often share one. Tipping is separate; operators suggest roughly USD 5–10 per day for a guide and USD 3–5 per day for a porter. Over a 10 to 12 day trek, the guide and porter are usually the biggest single cost after food and lodging.
Teahouse, food and daily costs on the trail
- Rooms: NPR 500–1,000 in lower villages, NPR 800–1,500 higher up, NPR 2,000–4,000 for upgraded lodges.
- Meals: breakfast NPR 400–700, lunch and dinner NPR 500–900 each, tea NPR 100–300 a cup.
- Extras: hot shower NPR 300–500, device charging NPR 200–400, wifi NPR 200–300.
Prices rise with altitude because everything is carried up on foot, so Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp cost more than Nayapul or Ghandruk. Carry cash in rupees; our guide on bringing cash to Nepal explains the currency rules.
Getting there: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nayapul
Operators quote Kathmandu to Pokhara at NPR 1,500–2,500 by tourist bus, NPR 10,000–16,000 by flight and NPR 9,000–13,000 by private jeep. From Pokhara, Nayapul is about 42 km away: a local bus is roughly NPR 500–1,000 and a private jeep NPR 3,000–5,000. A jeep to Ghandruk costs more, about NPR 3,000–6,000.
Total budget: three ways to do it
| Style | Operator-stated range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | 500–700 |
| Mid-range guided | 800–1,100 |
| Full guided package (about 16 days) | From about 1,275 |
Be careful with these totals. The same operator’s own worked examples came out higher than its stated ranges (about USD 763 for the budget case and USD 1,322 for mid-range), and its overall Nepal estimate was USD 800–1,300. Realistically, plan for the upper half of each range. These totals exclude international flights, and may or may not include insurance, gear rental (about USD 30–60) and your visa; see our guides to Nepal visa on arrival and travel health insurance.
How ABC compares with Everest Base Camp
ABC is generally cheaper than Everest Base Camp because it needs no Lukla flight and has shorter transfers. See our breakdown of the Everest Base Camp trek cost to compare, or read the full Annapurna Base Camp trek guide for the route and itinerary.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Trek in a small group so you share a guide and a porter.
- Take the tourist bus to Pokhara and a local bus to Nayapul.
- Eat the local dal bhat; it is often cheaper and refills are common on the trail.
- Rent gear in Pokhara instead of buying it.
Use our Nepal trekking budget estimator to turn these ranges into your own total.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?
Operators put it at roughly USD 500–1,300 for the Nepal portion, depending on guide, porter and lodging choices.
How much is the ACAP permit?
NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
Do I need a TIMS card for ABC?
Operators say yes, with checks at Birethanti and Chhomrong, but sources differ on the fee. Confirm with your agency.
Can I trek to Annapurna Base Camp without a guide?
Operators report that a licensed guide is now mandatory for foreign trekkers. Check the latest rule before you book.
Sources
- Nepal Tourism Board: park entry fees
- Nepal Intrepid Treks: ABC permit cost (operator, updated 1 Oct 2026)
- Mountain Hawk Trek: ABC trek cost (operator)
Operator prices change and are not official government figures. Verify permits and guide rules with the Nepal Tourism Board or your registered agency before you travel.
