ABC trek is one of the most famous and thrilling treks that has been in the Nepal Himalayas. Having great views of the beloved Annapurna and the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), this trek is ideal for those who cannot get enough of nature and are looking for a thrill.
This will take you through forest, countryside, and the region of terrace farming which offers the cultural and natural scene. As always, it is to be mentioned here that if one is ready for a dose of the Himalayas for the first time, then the ABC trek is better for any 'first-timer' who wants to do it.
Annapurna base camp trek cost varies depending on the season of the trek, the number of people in the group, and the options for transport and services that are considered in the package. The price for the trek varies between $600 and $1,500 per person for the whole trek, depending on the hike. Here's a breakdown of the key expenses:
The 12-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is the one that is more suitable for clients who wish to spend more time seeing the area and still wish to include all the attractions of the Annapurna region.
This package involves graded hikes through terrific tracks for professional trekkers as it comprises a beautiful mixture of different terrains along with the exploration of the beautiful local and infectious culture of the Annapurna region.
You will cross such places as picturesque villages, dense forests, and terraced fields with mesmerizing views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. The 12-day ABC Trek package costs $1,199 per person, including accommodation, meals, guides, porter, permits, domestic flight and more, which is perfect for those who would like their trekking package to be a complete one.
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek, which is an 11-day package, is a relatively easy trek, but it still holds the majesty and excitement of trek. The Annapurna Trek package is most suitable for someone who has little time to walk to Annapurna but who also wishes to appreciate the beauty of Annapurna.
A high number of highlights can be found in this list, among which are picturesque villages like Chhomrong, dramatic landscapes of the Annapurna Sanctuary, and so on. The cost of this package is US $1249 per person, with currently discounted US $999 per person, providing a fantastic value for money.
However, for individuals who spend less time, the 9-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is the answer. This package is for anyone seeking to complete the trail a bit faster than is currently possible, but with the understanding that it requires forfeiting some aspects of what makes the trail the trail, etc.
The Annapurna Trek itinerary is packed with some of the most visited places tourist attractions, such as Jhinu Danda.
The cost of Annapurna Base Camp Trek is US $999 per person, which has now been dropped down to US $799 per person.
First views of the Annapurna from Pokhara
The Annapurna Base Camp trekking is started by an international flight to the capital city of Kathmandu, Nepal.
In general, flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu range from US $700 to US $1,500 per return. Airfare is high for North American/European tourists, typically US $1,200 to $1,500, with the most expensive fares in the trekking season high season (spring and fall).
In an effort to save money, a ticket purchase is recommended several months before the actual event, and attendees are advised to also take into account the airfare (and the whole range/discount scheme) in the ticket.
International air carriers, such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates, regularly fly to Kathmandu. Time of overlap must be indicated in the flight itinerary when it starts with the trek commencement, both before and during some time available for acclimatization out of Kathmandu before entering the Annapurna area.
To enter Nepal, one needs to obtain a visa that can be easily obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport or from Nepalese embassies/consulates of a prospective tourist's country. The amounts due to visa fees are also the same, but they can be limited by the duration of stay:
A 15-day visa might be sufficient for the most popular Annapurna Base Camp itinerary. However, if you wish to spend longer there in Nepal (e.g. (Nationally and elsewhere in the United States), the 30-day visitor is proposed.
The visa fee can be paid in cash (US dollars or any other foreign currency) and occasionally with a card if there is one in the airport terminal.
Group of 13 trekkers during the ABC Trek
When considering the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you have to be familiar with the concept of travel insurance. Evacuation to the hospital is not possible in hiking in the Himalayas which has very limited medical amenities, and mode is by helicopter only.
The price range for travel insurance is relatively average and ranges from US $130 to $180, and the price will depend not only on the duration of the holiday but also on the specific type of insurance. Specialized and reliable insurers for adventure-related programs, which include World Nomads, Allianz, and IMG, provide links to adventure activities insurance.
At the time of purchasing the plan, the coverage should include a medical evacuation, medical expense, and trip interruption. Photocopy your insurance card and all your details from your insurance card in view to have them handy during a hiking trip.
So that trekking to Annapurna Base Camp can be safe and comfortable, appropriate trekking gear will need to be brought out. The majority of the necessary gears are available for purchase or rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara and are useful for reducing equipment costs if they are not felt to be necessary investments.
The following is a list of required personal equipment items, and their estimated costs are provided here.
Rental equipment in Nepal can be an inexpensive form of travel for the light-footed walker. To rent trekking boots, sleeping bags, and jackets will cost US $1–$2 per item each day, which is an inexpensive option for equipping oneself for the trek without breaking the bank.
In Kathmandu, you will be able to choose among many types of food, from street food to fine dining. Lunch and dinner prices vary in Kathmandu, depending on the menu and the establishment.
The average cost is approximately US $7–$15 per meal. As an option for those who have a tendency toward Nepali home cooking, dal bhat [lentil soup and rice and vegetables] is, in general, satisfying and cheap, US $4–$6, from its neighborhood cafeterias.
Western food (e.g., pizza, pasta) is normally more expensive and can range from US $8–$15. Restaurants and tourist destinations, such as Thamel, are expected to see food price increases. US $15–$30 per day is an average budget for food in Kathmandu, depending on the option you select.
Teahouses in ABC and Mount Fishtail in the background
There are very few days that an extra day is needed in Kathmandu or Pokhara because of flight delays, itinerary changes, and/or exploration of the city.
In terms of the amount of cost for one additional night staying in Kathmandu, it depends on the type of accommodation (i.e. Budget accommodation such as hotels is available for around US$35–$50/night (based on basic rooms and shared bathrooms).
Mid-range accommodation costs will be US $60–US $80 per night on average, which will be provided with comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, and facilities such as Wi-Fi and breakfast. Luxury hotels and boutique houses cost US $120 a night or more but provide a premium product and acceptable quality of service.
A common sightseeing area for accommodation in Kathmandu is Thamel, which is a good base for tourists and has a variety of accommodations at various prices. In particular, preservation is reasonable during the high trekking season at any stage of the trek to avoid it being excessively crowded.
The Internet is available in the tea houses and lodges on the Annapurna Base Camp trekking trail, but Internet access is provided at some cost.
At low levels, e.g., Ghandruk and Chhomrong, more dense connectivity can be achieved for a US $2–$5/hour. For such low signal strength, e.g., at Deurali or Annapurna Base Camp (i.e., local camps).
Therefore, the Wi-Fi cost can increase to US $5–$7 per hour. Going on a hike, it is wise to buy a natively provided local SIM card (e.g., Ncell, NTC) with a data pack prior to leaving. It may be used, e.g., to keep a link where the signal is, for example, at high altitudes.
Evening views of the Annapurna massif
It includes power socket provision for mobile phones, cameras, power banks, etc., at teahouses on the wayside. However, this is done at a price, and that price rises as you go up.
In the lower village could incur a cost between US $1-2 per unit of device, whereas trekkers in the higher villages, such as Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) or Annapurna Base Camp, could be charged up to US $4-5 per hour of usage.
Boiled water for drinking that can be obtained from most tea shops on the route relieves thirst. The cost usually ranges from US $3–$4 per liter. You can get a refilled water bottle for your convenience.
Hot showers are available in tea houses but at a price. The cost is typically between US $3–$5 per shower. In some places, bucket showers are offered instead. Always ask in advance about availability.
Tipping is one of the ways to show gratitude to them, guides, and porters for the time and energy they supplied during your Annapurna Base Camp trek. Despite there being no obligation to tip, it is standard practice and most definitely welcomed as it, in essence, is a local wage income.
All men involved as watchmen of your safety, welfare, knowledge of site culture, geology, and history are required to give out between US $15‐$25 per day as a custom. Therefore, a piece of tip can be from US $180-US $300 for a 12-day backpacking trip.
It is usually provided at the end of the trek. However, a few trekkers have a desire to provide a portion of the tip during the trek itself if their guide has truly outdone them by providing them with an excellent amount of support and detail.
Payment can be made in Nepalese rupees or US dollars, but US dollars are the currency preferred by international trekkers. Porters are both the ones who bear your heaviest loads and shoulder your luggage, as well as the ones who help lighten your luggage and actually guide your journey. It can be, in fact, very demanding. They are commonly observed to carry loads of between 20 - 30 kg for long distances.
In porter, the standard tip that many recommend per porter is $10-$15 daily; therefore, for a 12-day trekking activity, the amount tipped ranges between $120-$180.
Sunset over the Annapurna Mountains
Total Estimated Cost
The overall cost of the Annapurna base camp trek is around $2800 to $3500 including all-inclusive ABC Packages, international flights, Visa Fees, Personal trekking gear, Travel insurance, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Wifi, Device charging, Hot drinking water, Hot water Shower, and Tips for trekking guide and porter.