The Annapurna Base Camp trek cost in 2026/27 depends mainly on where your trip starts, how many days you have, the size of your group and what your package covers. A price that looks cheap at first can become expensive if you still need to pay for permits, meals, guide and porter support, road transfers or accommodation. At Amigo Treks & Expedition, we prefer travelers to compare the actual services—not just a headline number.
Quick answer: Our 10-day Annapurna Base Camp trek starts at US$830 per person for 2–10 travelers. It combines six trekking days with the Kathmandu and Pokhara arrangements listed in the itinerary. The published package includes a licensed trekking guide, porter support, trekking permits, lodge accommodation, meals during the trek and specified transport. Single-traveler arrangements, upgrades and itinerary changes require a separate quotation. Alternatives start at US$635 for six days from Pokhara or US$1,020 for the 12-day Poon Hill route.
The trail reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m. A shorter trek can save time and certain travel expenses, but it also compresses the walking schedule and leaves less room to adapt to illness, poor weather or a slower hiking pace. If you’re deciding between price and comfort, this guide explains the trade-offs rather than assuming the shortest option is right for everyone.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost: Amigo’s 2026/27 Packages
| Amigo trek | Published starting price | Starts / ends | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-day Short ABC trek | US$830 per person | Kathmandu → Kathmandu | Six trekking days plus planned Kathmandu/Pokhara arrangements |
| 6-day ABC trek | US$635 per person | Pokhara → Pokhara | Short, focused itinerary; city hotels and meals are not included |
| 12-day ABC trek | US$1,020 per person | Kathmandu → Kathmandu | More time for a route through Ghorepani and Poon Hill |
Price reference: Amigo’s published tour catalog as checked in October 2026. Fares are starting-from amounts in US dollars per person. A customized departure, single traveler, additional nights, transport upgrades or a different number of trekkers can change the final quotation. The quoted amounts are not live seat-availability confirmation.
The prices should not be treated as three offers for an identical route. Our standard 12-day journey uses the Ulleri–Ghorepani–Tadapani approach, while the shorter program generally reaches the Annapurna Sanctuary more directly. Compare the actual walking days, night stops and route before choosing.
What Makes Up the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Price?
| Cost component | Why it matters | Included in Amigo’s current guided packages? |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna permits | Conservation-area entry and route-specific registration | Yes, listed as required trekking permits |
| Licensed trekking guide | Route knowledge, logistics, communication and support | Yes |
| Porter support | Assistance with trek duffel bags; weight limits apply | Yes, standard arrangement of one porter per two trekkers |
| Mountain lodges | Rooms become simpler and more limited near Deurali and ABC | Yes, with shared-room limitations |
| Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trek | Meals in remote teahouses, where transport raises costs | Yes |
| Water and selected hot drinks | Amigo packages specify treated drinking water and three cups of tea/coffee per trekking day | Yes, under the stated package provisions |
| Road transport | Kathmandu–Pokhara where applicable and jeeps to/from accessible trailheads | Yes, but the service changes for solo trekkers and between packages |
| Kathmandu / Pokhara hotels | Pre- and post-trek accommodation | Included in 10-day and 12-day packages; not in the 6-day Pokhara-only package |
| Personal insurance and rescue cover | Medical expenses, cancellation and helicopter evacuation | No, traveler arranges their own policy |
| Wi-Fi, hot showers and charging | Extras offered by some mountain lodges | Generally excluded |
On the trail, a room at higher elevation may be basic and more expensive to supply than one near the road. Food also travels longer distances to remote villages, which helps explain why costs often rise as you climb. However, that does not mean a published teahouse menu or every room has a universal price; rates vary by location and season.
Annapurna Base Camp Permits: ACAP and TIMS
The National Trust for Nature Conservation’s official ACAP permit service lists NPR 3,000 for non-SAARC foreign visitors and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, including tax. Nepal Tourism Board separately lists the conservation-area entry category for Nepali citizens and exemptions for children below age 10. Confirm your applicable nationality and age category before travel; the foreign-visitor rates in the table below are not a universal fee for every guest.
| Permit or fee | Non-SAARC foreign trekkers | SAARC nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,000 |
| Agency-issued TIMS eCard on applicable routes | NPR 2,000 | NPR 1,000 |
| Combined ACAP + TIMS, where both apply | NPR 5,000 | NPR 2,000 |
The Nepal Tourism Board’s revised TIMS guidance includes the Poon Hill–ABC trekking route among routes subject to licensed-guide and trekking-agency TIMS arrangements. Because practical rules and route definitions can be updated, ask your registered agency to confirm the documentation for the exact itinerary rather than using an old blanket statement that every independent trekker needs precisely the same paperwork.
ACAP permits can be arranged through the official NTNC online permit service or authorized counters. Payment detail: NTNC currently lists an additional 2.9% payment gateway charge for online ACAP payments, while counter payments have no additional gateway charge. This is a processing fee, not a separate trekking permit. The trekking-agency-issued TIMS process is separate. If you book one of the three Amigo ABC packages above, the required trekking permits are already listed in the inclusion section, so don’t automatically add the permit total or an online payment charge to your package cost. Confirm the final inclusions and any handling fees in your written quotation.
Guide and Porter Costs: What Are You Paying For?
A good guide does more than walk in front of the group. Guides help with daily pacing, lodging arrangements, weather decisions, trail alternatives and communication when something changes. A porter lightens your backpack but is not a replacement for an experienced guide. Both services should be planned with proper wages, meals, accommodation and insurance.
Amigo’s published 6-, 10- and 12-day ABC packages all include a government-licensed, English-speaking guide and one porter for every two trekkers, together with their stated expenses and insurance. They also publish a guide-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:6. An additional porter or a private guide arrangement can change the price.
If you compare a cheaper independent quotation, ask whether it really includes the guide’s insurance, daily expenses, accommodation and return transport. A per-day guide wage quoted without those services is not directly comparable with a supported package. We do not advertise a single fixed guide or porter daily rate as a universal cost for all trekking dates.
Food, Water and Accommodation on the Trail
The Annapurna Base Camp route uses teahouses and mountain lodges, not a chain of hotels. Lower down, trekkers may find a wider choice of rooms, meals and facilities. Higher up, especially around Deurali and base camp, rooms are limited and sometimes shared between guests even when the rest of the itinerary uses twin-sharing rooms.
All three current Amigo ABC packages list breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking section, three cups of tea or coffee per day, seasonal fruit after dinner and treated drinking water. That is a meaningful difference from bare-bones quotes that include only a guide and a bed. Check exclusions before ordering bottled drinks, beer, snacks, extra hot drinks or special meals, because these usually remain personal expenses.
Ask about room availability if you’re traveling alone. A private room or single supplement in Kathmandu does not guarantee a private room at Annapurna Base Camp. Likewise, hot showers, internet access and charging are not available everywhere and are generally extra-charge items when offered.
Transport Costs: Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Trailhead
For most international travelers, the trip begins with travel to Kathmandu, then onward to Pokhara before taking a jeep to the trek’s walking start. A Kathmandu-to-Pokhara tourist bus is normally cheaper than flying or a private car, but road traffic and conditions affect the journey. Domestic flights save road time, yet baggage allowances and weather must be considered.
Amigo’s 10- and 12-day published packages include Kathmandu–Pokhara transfers, with different transport arrangements for solo bookings. Domestic flights are generally optional at an extra cost. The 6-day ABC trek begins and ends in Pokhara and does not include city accommodation or meals, so your international journey and Pokhara hotel nights need to be budgeted separately.
Road transfers to the trekking start differ by the route. The longer trek uses a jeep approach towards Ulleri; the shorter programs typically begin via Ghandruk or an accessible approach towards Jhinu Danda. Jeep access near Jhinu can change after rain, road works or landslides, so neither drive times nor vehicle drop-off points should be treated as fixed all year.
Is the 6-Day, 10-Day or 12-Day ABC Trek Better Value?
- Choose the 6-day Pokhara trek if you already have accommodation and transport arranged in Pokhara, have good walking fitness and accept a faster ascent with little schedule flexibility.
- Choose the 10-day Kathmandu trek if you want a Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu package with city hotels, road transportation, guide, porter and the core base-camp route organized.
- Choose the 12-day route if you have time for the Ghorepani–Poon Hill side of the region and prefer a more varied itinerary before reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The cheaper package is not necessarily the one with the lowest cost per trekking day. For someone landing in Kathmandu and needing city hotels, the 10-day package may be more convenient than buying a Pokhara-only trek and separately adding flights, transfers and nights. On the other hand, travelers already based in Pokhara may not need the extra Kathmandu services.
Additional Expenses to Budget For
- International flights to Nepal and any domestic flight chosen instead of a road transfer.
- Travel medical insurance, especially cover that explicitly includes trekking to at least 4,130m and emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Nepal visa where applicable, passport-related costs and extra nights before or after your tour.
- Hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, snacks, bottled water or beverages beyond what your package includes.
- Trekking clothing, footwear and optional gear rental not included in the agreed quotation.
- Tips for the guide and porter, personal purchases and optional visits or activities.
- Costs resulting from itinerary changes, early return, additional transport or accommodation that are not covered by insurance or the booking terms.
There is no single accurate amount of spending cash for every trekker. Someone who uses the included meals and treated water, travels by scheduled road transport and already owns suitable gear may spend much less than someone who prefers extra drinks, charging, upgrades and frequent snacks. We recommend carrying a reasonable reserve in Nepalese rupees and checking which services accept electronic payment; do not depend on card facilities in the higher villages.
Insurance, Altitude and Weather: Costs Not Worth Cutting
Annapurna Base Camp reaches 4,130m. Even though the route does not require climbing equipment or technical mountaineering, altitude-related illness can affect fit hikers. A six-day itinerary also leaves less time to adjust than a longer trip. The CDC’s high-altitude travel guidance explains why a healthy person can still develop altitude symptoms and when descent is essential.
Choose a travel-insurance policy that covers trekking above your route’s maximum sleeping and walking elevations and clearly includes medical treatment, emergency evacuation and helicopter rescue where needed. Check exclusions for pre-existing conditions, delays, route changes and cancellation. Amigo arranges trip logistics and has guides with basic first-aid equipment, but that does not replace personal travel insurance or guarantee an evacuation in unsafe flying weather.
Snowfall, high winds, monsoon rain or road blockages may lead to alternative trailheads, slower walking or extra nights. Cost comparisons should leave enough room for responsible decisions; no one should push a group uphill simply to protect a tightly scheduled budget.
What About the Cost for Travelers From India or the United States?
The published Amigo package prices are in US dollars. If you are traveling from India, calculate the final cost from your departure city rather than only converting the trek package to INR. Your journey to Nepal, visa or identity documentation as applicable, exchange rate, insurance and personal spending may differ from a traveler arriving from the United States or Europe.
Permit fees may also differ by nationality: SAARC citizens pay the applicable SAARC ACAP and TIMS rates, where those documents are required, while other foreign nationals pay the published non-SAARC rates. Because the Amigo packages already list required permits as included, do not assume a separate permit discount applies to the advertised package price without checking the quote.
How to Keep Your ABC Trek Budget Under Control
- Compare itineraries by inclusions and walking days, not only by the headline price.
- Travel with a suitable group if you want to share some fixed guiding and vehicle costs; ask for the real group-size price tier.
- Choose road transfers when time and conditions make them practical instead of automatically paying for domestic flights.
- Bring properly fitting boots and essential cold-weather clothing to avoid emergency or poor-quality last-minute purchases.
- Use included meals and treated drinking water rather than relying on frequent bottled drinks and extra snacks.
- Leave a buffer day and plan your insurance properly; aggressive scheduling can be more expensive if conditions change.
- Book through a registered operator and check guide and porter welfare rather than trying to reduce cost by excluding essential staff expenses.
For additional planning, see our Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2027 first-timer guide, the detailed Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide and the practical Annapurna Base Camp useful information article. These cover route choices, preparation and accommodation questions beyond the prices discussed here.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost FAQs
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost in 2026/27?
Amigo’s published prices currently start at US$635 for a 6-day Pokhara-based trek, US$830 for a 10-day Kathmandu itinerary and US$1,020 for a 12-day Kathmandu itinerary. The final quote depends on the group size, date and customization.
What is the cheapest guided Annapurna Base Camp trek Amigo offers?
The listed 6-day trek from Pokhara has the lowest starting price at US$635 per person. It excludes Pokhara hotel accommodation and city meals, so compare your full holiday costs before choosing.
What is included in the 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek price?
The current package lists Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel nights, specified transfers, a guide, porter support, trekking permits, lodge accommodation, three daily trek meals, treated water and certain other services. Always check the latest itinerary inclusion list.
How much is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit?
The official NTNC fee is NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors outside SAARC and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, including tax. A separate category applies to Nepali citizens.
Do I also need a TIMS card for ABC?
Nepal Tourism Board lists the Poon Hill–ABC route under the revised agency TIMS and licensed-guide system. TIMS is NPR 2,000 for other foreign visitors or NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals where applicable. Confirm the actual route with your agency.
Are permits included in Amigo’s ABC packages?
Yes, required trekking permits are listed as inclusions in the currently published 6-, 10- and 12-day packages. The precise documents must match the final trekking itinerary.
How much do guides and porters cost?
Amigo includes a licensed guide and generally one porter for every two trekkers in these packages, together with stated staff expenses and insurance. A standalone day-rate quote depends on dates, route and services; request an itemized price.
How much does food cost on the trek?
Teahouse menu prices vary by village, season and supply conditions. Amigo’s guided ABC packages already include three meals on trekking days, so your main food extras are snacks, beverages and other orders outside the inclusion list.
Can I trek Annapurna Base Camp without a guide?
Nepal Tourism Board’s published revised rules include the Poon Hill–ABC route among those requiring a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS. Verify the current rules for your exact route before attempting an independent trip.
Are Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels included?
The 10-day and 12-day Amigo packages list specified hotel accommodation in both cities. The 6-day Pokhara-to-Pokhara trek does not include city hotels or meals.
Does the ABC trek price include an airport pickup?
The 10-day and 12-day packages list airport transfers as inclusions. The 6-day package is organized around Pokhara and focuses on trekking and road transfers to the trail.
Is travel insurance included in the trek price?
No. Travelers should purchase suitable medical, high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation coverage separately, with clear limits and exclusions.
Why do some 12-day packages cost more than shorter routes?
The extra Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu services, city nights, transport and additional trekking days add costs. Amigo’s 12-day route also includes the Ghorepani–Poon Hill approach, rather than only the most direct trail.
Can I pay in Indian rupees?
Discuss the payment currency and accepted method with Amigo before booking. Published package prices are in US dollars; do not assume a fixed INR exchange rate or payment arrangement.
What is the single-room supplement on the ABC trek?
It depends on room availability and the confirmed package. Private rooms are especially limited around Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp, so a supplement cannot guarantee an individual room at every stop.
Are hot showers, Wi-Fi and phone charging included?
These are generally personal extras rather than standard inclusions. Availability varies by teahouse, especially at higher elevations.
When is the best-value season for ABC?
Spring and autumn are generally the main trekking seasons. Shoulder periods may suit some travelers, but lower crowds or a different month do not guarantee discounts, safe weather or availability.
Can the 6-day ABC route be too fast for a beginner?
Yes. It has several substantial walking days and relatively little acclimatization time before reaching 4,130m. A longer itinerary or adjusted daily pacing may be more appropriate for a first-time high-altitude trekker.
Get a Clear Annapurna Base Camp Trek Quote From Amigo
Before booking, send our Kathmandu team your travel dates, number of trekkers, starting city and preferred itinerary. Let us know if you want private rooms, a single traveler arrangement, extra rest time, different road transfers or a flight to Pokhara. We’ll explain which items are included, which are optional and what changes with your group size.
You can compare the published 6-day ABC trek from Pokhara, 10-day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek and 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek directly. Our goal is to help you choose a realistic walking plan at a clearly explained cost, not simply the cheapest price on a page.
