Annapurna treks are generally cheaper than the Everest region, because the area is easy to reach by road and has a dense network of lodges. The total still varies a great deal with route length, group size and the level of support you choose.
Where the money goes
- Guide and porter: a licensed guide is now required on the main routes, and a porter is optional. Daily rates cover wages, food, lodging and insurance for the staff.
- Official fees: the Annapurna Conservation Area entry and the TIMS card, which the Nepal Tourism Board lists at NPR 5,000 combined for most foreign nationals and NPR 2,000 for SAARC nationals.
- Transport: road transfers from Pokhara or Kathmandu, jeeps on the Circuit and optional flights such as Pokhara to Jomsom.
- Lodging and food: teahouses are cheap and the menu is wide, though prices rise with altitude.
- Extras: hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi are often charged separately.
What changes the price most
Trek length is the biggest factor, because guide and lodging costs are daily. A short Poon Hill trek costs a fraction of a three-week Circuit with side trips. Group size matters because a single guide can be shared among several trekkers. Season has a smaller effect than in the Everest region, but peak months can push up transport and lodging.
Savings that make sense
Using jeeps on road sections saves days, which means lower guide costs, but it also reduces acclimatisation. Choosing a bus rather than a private vehicle to the trailhead is cheaper but slower. A group departure divides the cost of a guide and transport.
Savings that do not make sense
Skipping travel insurance, hiring an unlicensed guide or choosing the cheapest transport at the last minute can cost far more if something goes wrong. Ask exactly what is included, and who pays if the schedule changes.
Cash
Carry Nepali rupees. Larger villages such as Jomsom and Manang have limited banking services, and card machines are unreliable on the trail.
Costs of different routes
Price depends heavily on the route you choose. A short Poon Hill trek has few days and a low cost, while the Annapurna Circuit is much longer and costs more because of the additional guide days, lodging and permits. Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp sit in between. The most important variables are the number of days, the group size and the level of comfort at lodges and hotels. Always compare packages on the basis of the same route and the same inclusions.
Extras that are easy to forget
Budget for items outside the package, such as hot showers, battery charging, snacks, bottled water, laundry, tips and personal gear. If your itinerary includes an overnight in Pokhara before and after the trek, check whether hotels and meals there are included. Ask about the cost of a private jeep if you plan to use road sections, and about any additional charges for changes of date.
How group size changes the price
When more people share a guide and a vehicle, the cost per person drops, so a group of four or six is usually cheaper per head than a solo traveller. A private departure offers flexibility and privacy, while a shared departure brings savings and company. Ask for quotes for both options and compare them with your own priorities.
Red flags in a very cheap quote
- No mention of insurance or fair wages for porters and guides.
- Vague descriptions of the lodges and meals.
- Pressure to pay the full amount immediately.
- Permits left out without a clear explanation.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“They took utmost care of our group of 5 friends from Kathmandu airport upto the completion of the trek”
