The Annapurna Circuit trek cost starts at USD 828 per person for groups of 8–10 and USD 1,198 for solo trekkers — covering the full 15-day guided circuit from Kathmandu to Pokhara with all transport, teahouse accommodation, meals, guide, porter, and permits included. Furthermore, the circuit is one of Nepal’s most flexible treks — you can shorten it by flying from Jomsom to Pokhara (saving 4 days), extend it with Tilicho Lake (+2–3 days), or add Upper Mustang for a restricted-area adventure north of Jomsom. Consequently, this guide covers every cost category honestly — the standard package, every variation, and what international trekkers from Europe, North America, Australia, and beyond should actually budget for the full trip.
What’s Inside This Guide
- Total Cost Summary 2026
- Package Prices — Mountain Hike Nepal
- What Is Included and What Is Not
- Variation Costs — Tilicho, Jomsom Flight, Upper Mustang
- Permit Costs 2026
- Daily Trail Expenses
- Gear Costs
- Helicopter Options — Return or Emergency
- Circuit Cost vs Other Nepal Treks
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Planning Guides
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost — 2026 Total Budget Summary
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trek package (guide, porter, accommodation, meals, transport) | USD 828 | USD 1,198 | Per person — varies by group size |
| Permits (ACAP — TIMS suspended) | USD 23 | USD 23 | Included in all MHN packages |
| Domestic flight (Jomsom–Pokhara — optional) | USD 0 | USD 120–180 | Optional — saves 4 days, not in standard package |
| Nepal visa (30 days) | USD 50 | USD 50 | On arrival at TIA — not included |
| Kathmandu hotel (pre/post trek) | USD 40 | USD 120 | Not included |
| Pokhara hotel (at trek end) | USD 30 | USD 80 | Not included |
| Gear (buy/rent) | USD 80 | USD 350 | Higher than ABC — Thorong La demands cold-weather gear |
| Daily trail extras (showers, charging, snacks) | USD 120 | USD 220 | Over 13 trekking days |
| Tips — guide and porter | USD 100 | USD 200 | Cash at end of trek |
| Travel insurance | USD 60 | USD 140 | Must cover trekking above 5,000m + helicopter evacuation |
| International flights (return) | USD 650 | USD 1,400 | Varies significantly by origin country |
| Total excl. international flights | USD 1,331 | USD 2,381 | Per person, 2–3 pax package |
| Total incl. international flights | USD 1,981 | USD 3,781 | Per person from most origins |
Most trekkers from Europe, North America, and Australia budget USD 2,500–4,000 all-inclusive for the Annapurna Circuit. Furthermore, the circuit is a 15-day expedition — longer than EBC or ABC — which adds more daily trail expenses but keeps the package cost competitive per day. Consequently, the total Annapurna Circuit trek cost per trekking day runs USD 55–80 all-inclusive — excellent value for one of the world’s great long-distance routes.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost — Mountain Hike Nepal Package Rates 2026
| Group Size | Price Per Person | Saving vs Solo | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo trekker | USD 1,198 | — | Independent travellers, flexible dates |
| 2–3 trekkers | USD 998 ⭐ | USD 200/person | Couples and friends — most popular |
| 4–6 trekkers | USD 898 | USD 300/person | Families and small groups |
| 8–10 trekkers | USD 828 | USD 370/person | Large groups and corporate treks |
Why the Annapurna Circuit trek cost drops significantly with group size
Moving from solo to 2–3 trekkers saves USD 200 per person — the largest single saving of any group-size step on this route. Furthermore, guide fees, transport costs from Kathmandu to Besisahar, and local jeep transfers spread across more people with each additional trekker. Consequently, finding one trek partner on the Annapurna Circuit saves more money per person than on ABC or EBC — the longer route amplifies the group-size financial advantage.
What Is Included — and What Is Not
Every package includes
- All ground transport: Kathmandu → Besisahar by tourist bus; Besisahar → Chame by local jeep; Muktinath/Jomsom → Tatopani by shared local jeep; Ghandruk → Pokhara by jeep
- All teahouse accommodation throughout 15 days — twin-sharing
- All meals on the trail — Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every trekking day
- Licensed English-speaking guide with Annapurna Circuit experience
- One porter per two trekkers (maximum 18kg load)
- ACAP permit arranged before departure (TIMS currently suspended)
- Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and local transport
- All government taxes and service charges
What the package does not include
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa — USD 50 for 30 days on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Travel insurance — mandatory, must cover trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation
- Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging at teahouses
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, and alcohol on trail
- Jomsom to Pokhara domestic flight if chosen as return option
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit (if extension added)
- Tilicho Lake extension costs (if added)
Variation Costs — Tilicho Lake, Jomsom Flight, Upper Mustang
The Annapurna Circuit offers more itinerary variations than any other Nepal trek. Here is the honest cost for each option:
Option 1: Add Tilicho Lake (+2–3 days, +USD 100–150)
Tilicho Lake at 4,919m is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world — a side trip from Manang that adds 2–3 days to the standard itinerary. The detour branches off between Manang and Yak Kharka, visits the lake via a high camp at 4,150m, and rejoins the main circuit at Shree Kharka above Manang. Furthermore, this extension is the most popular variation and genuinely worth the extra days — the lake setting with Tilicho Peak and Nilgiri above it is extraordinary. The additional cost covers 2–3 extra nights of teahouse accommodation and meals at approximately USD 40–50 per day. Consequently, the Tilicho Lake add-on costs approximately USD 80–150 extra per person depending on group size and guide adjustments.
Option 2: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara instead of walking out (-4 days, +USD 120–180)
The standard circuit walks from Jomsom back through Tatopani, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Ghandruk before driving to Pokhara — 4 extra trekking days. Flying from Jomsom to Pokhara cuts those 4 days entirely. The 20-minute flight costs approximately USD 120–180 per person depending on season and availability. Furthermore, this is the right choice for trekkers with only 2 weeks in Nepal who want to complete the full Thorong La crossing and still reach Pokhara with time to rest. Consequently, the 10–11 day Jomsom-flight version of the circuit is the most popular option for international trekkers on a standard 2-week Nepal holiday.
Option 3: Add Upper Mustang (+3–5 days, +USD 150–300 permit + guide adjustment)
Upper Mustang is a restricted area north of Kagbeni — a high-altitude Tibetan plateau with ancient cave monasteries, walled villages, and a landscape unlike anything else in Nepal. The restricted area permit costs USD 50 per person per day with a mandatory minimum of 10 days — USD 500 minimum per person — and requires a registered trekking agency to apply. Furthermore, this permit cannot be obtained independently — Mountain Hike Nepal handles the application as part of the extension booking. Consequently, Upper Mustang is the most expensive Annapurna Circuit variation but delivers an entirely different cultural and geographic experience that the standard circuit does not offer. Contact Mountain Hike Nepal to confirm Upper Mustang extension availability before booking — permit quotas apply.
Shortening the circuit: Drive to Chame or Manang
The first two days of the standard circuit are drives — Kathmandu to Besisahar, then Besisahar to Chame by jeep. Some operators drive directly from Kathmandu to Chame (8–9 hours) or even to Dharapani, shaving 1–2 days off the start. Furthermore, it is technically possible to drive to Manang by rough road in good conditions, reducing the circuit to 8–10 trekking days. Consequently, trekkers with only 10–12 days in Nepal can complete a shortened circuit version — speak to Mountain Hike Nepal before booking to design the right itinerary for your available time.
Permit Costs 2026
| Permit | Cost | In Package? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 23) | ✅ Yes | Only permit required for standard circuit |
| TIMS Card | Suspended 2026 | N/A | Not required until further TAAN notice |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit | USD 50 per person per day — pay only for days visited (new 2024 rule, no minimum) | ❌ No — add-on | Required if extending to Upper Mustang — registered agency mandatory for permit issuance |
| Nar Phu Valley Permit | USD 90–100 per person | ❌ No — add-on | Restricted area — if Nar Phu detour added near Pisang — agency mandatory |
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost — Daily Trail Expenses
All accommodation and meals are included in the package. However, daily extras accumulate significantly over 13 trekking days — especially above Manang where everything is more expensive.
| Expense | Lower Trail (Chame–Manang) | Upper Trail (Yak Kharka–Muktinath) | Kali Gandaki (Jomsom–Tatopani) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot shower | NPR 200–300 | NPR 400–600 | NPR 300–500 |
| Device charging | NPR 200–300 | NPR 400–600 | NPR 300–400 |
| Wi-Fi | NPR 300–500/session | NPR 500–700 | NPR 300–500 |
| Bottled water (500ml) | NPR 80–150 | NPR 200–400 | NPR 100–200 |
| Extra snacks | NPR 300–500 | NPR 500–800 | NPR 300–500 |
| Tatopani hot springs entry | — | — | NPR 300–500 (once) |
Budget NPR 18,000–25,000 (~USD 135–190) in cash for trail extras over 15 days. Furthermore, ATMs thin out above Chame — the last reliable ATM is in Chame itself (2,670m). Consequently, withdraw sufficient NPR in Chame before the upper circuit and carry enough cash through to Jomsom where ATMs are available again.
Gear Costs — What the Circuit Demands
The Annapurna Circuit demands more cold-weather gear than ABC because of Thorong La at 5,416m. A down jacket, -10°C sleeping bag, and cold-weather gloves are genuine requirements — not optional extras — for the pass crossing and the nights at Thorong Phedi and High Camp.
| Item | Buy/Rent | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof trekking boots (mid/high cut) | Buy at home | USD 100–220 | Break in 6 weeks — Thorong La descent is 1,600m of steep terrain |
| Down jacket (600+ fill) | Rent Kathmandu/Pokhara | USD 14–24 (15 days) | Essential for Thorong La crossing and High Camp nights |
| Sleeping bag (-10°C comfort) | Rent Kathmandu/Pokhara | USD 14–24 (15 days) | Mandatory above 4,000m — teahouse blankets inadequate |
| Trekking poles (pair) | Rent Kathmandu/Pokhara | USD 10–18 (15 days) | Essential for Thorong La ascent and descent |
| Waterproof shell jacket (GORE-TEX) | Buy at home | USD 80–200 | Wind on Thorong La is severe — shell is non-negotiable |
| Warm hat, balaclava, waterproof gloves | Buy at home | USD 40–80 | Thorong La at dawn in October is -10°C to -15°C |
| Merino wool base layers (2 sets) | Buy at home | USD 60–120 | No cotton above 3,000m |
Helicopter Options — Return Cost and Emergency Evacuation
Mountain Hike Nepal arranges helicopter options on the Annapurna Circuit for trekkers who want a faster return, a luxurious finish, or emergency evacuation. Here is what is available at each point on the route.
Muktinath to Kathmandu — the premium circuit finish
After crossing Thorong La Pass and descending to Muktinath at 3,800m, a helicopter flies you directly to Kathmandu in approximately 45–60 minutes — cutting the entire 5-day return leg entirely. Furthermore, this is the most popular single upgrade on the circuit — you cross the highest Himalayan pass in the morning and land in Kathmandu by early afternoon. Contact Mountain Hike Nepal before booking to confirm availability and current pricing for your group size and travel dates. Consequently, the Muktinath helicopter finish suits trekkers with tight international return flights, those who want to end at the circuit’s highest emotional moment, or anyone who simply prefers to fly rather than walk back.
Jomsom or anywhere along the route
Helicopter pickups are available from Jomsom (2,720m), Manang (3,540m), Thorong Phedi (4,450m), or any landable point on the circuit. Pricing varies by pickup location, group size, and season — contact us for a current quote. Furthermore, this flexibility makes helicopters a practical itinerary tool on the Annapurna Circuit, not just an emergency option. Consequently, discuss helicopter possibilities when building your itinerary rather than arranging it last-minute at the trek’s end when availability tightens.
Emergency evacuation — covered by insurance
If altitude sickness, injury, or any medical condition requires immediate evacuation at any point on the circuit, Mountain Hike Nepal arranges helicopter evacuation within hours. The helicopter flies directly to a hospital in Kathmandu or Pokhara for immediate medical treatment. Furthermore, your travel insurance covers the full cost when the policy explicitly includes trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation from Nepal. Consequently, always confirm your insurance altitude limit before departure — the Annapurna Circuit reaches 5,416m and standard policies capping at 4,000m are not adequate for this route.
Contact us to add helicopter options or ask about emergency protocols: Chat with us on WhatsApp →
Annapurna Circuit vs Other Nepal Treks — Cost Comparison
| Trek | Package (2–3 pax) | Days | Max Altitude | Total Budget (excl. int. flights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Circuit | USD 998 | 15 | 5,416m | USD 1,500–2,400 |
| Everest Base Camp | USD 1,259 | 12 | 5,545m | USD 1,800–2,600 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | USD 798 | 10 | 4,130m | USD 1,200–1,800 |
| Langtang Valley | USD 799 | 8 | 4,773m | USD 1,200–1,600 |
| Manaslu Circuit | USD 1,499+ | 14 | 5,160m | USD 2,200–3,200 |
The Annapurna Circuit trek cost per trekking day is lower than EBC and comparable to ABC — despite crossing a 5,416m pass and covering 160km. Furthermore, the circuit delivers more geographic and cultural variety per day than any other Nepal trekking route. Consequently, serious trekkers who want the most complete Himalayan experience at competitive cost consistently rank the circuit as the best value long-distance trek in Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mountain Hike Nepal package starts at USD 828 per person for groups of 8–10 and USD 1,198 for solo trekkers. The most popular rate is USD 998 for groups of 2–3. Furthermore, the package includes all transport, ACAP permit, meals, and accommodation for the full 15-day circuit. Consequently, the total Annapurna Circuit trek cost excluding international flights runs approximately USD 1,500–2,400 per person — competitive value for one of the world’s great mountain routes.
Yes — by flying from Jomsom to Pokhara instead of walking the return route through Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill. The Jomsom to Pokhara flight costs USD 120–180 and saves 4 days, giving a 10–11 day circuit that covers the full Thorong La crossing. Furthermore, this is the most popular option for international trekkers on 2-week Nepal holidays. Consequently, the 10-day circuit is the right choice for anyone who wants the complete experience without 15 days available.
Tilicho Lake adds approximately USD 80–150 per person for the 2–3 extra days of accommodation and meals. No additional permit is required — the ACAP covers the Tilicho Lake route. Furthermore, this is the most rewarding extension on the circuit — the lake at 4,919m surrounded by Tilicho Peak and Nilgiri is extraordinary. Consequently, if your schedule allows 17–18 days, the Tilicho Lake extension is worth every extra dollar.
Related Planning Guides
- Annapurna Circuit Package — Full 15-day expedition from USD 828 per person
- How Hard Is the Circuit? — Full difficulty guide including Thorong La
- Day-by-Day Itinerary — All 15 days with altitude and trail notes
- Permits Guide 2026 — ACAP costs, TIMS status, checkpoint locations
- Best Time to Trek — How season affects cost and conditions
- Packing List — Thorong La demands more gear than ABC
- Altitude Sickness Guide — 5,416m demands specific preparation
Plan the Budget. Walk the Circuit.
The Annapurna Circuit trek cost rewards trekkers who plan every category — the package rate by group size, the trail cash for daily extras, the gear for Thorong La, and the variation decisions that shape the overall budget. Standard 15-day circuit or 10-day Jomsom-flight version. Tilicho Lake extension or clean circuit. Upper Mustang or finish at Pokhara. Every choice changes the budget by a predictable amount. Use this guide to build the accurate number before booking.
Mountain Hike Nepal has guided the Annapurna Circuit since 2018 as a licensed local operator in Kathmandu. When you contact us, you speak directly with the team that walks this route. Consequently, any question about the cost, the right variation for your available days, or the Upper Mustang permit process gets a straight answer.
The full package starts at USD 828 per person for groups of 8–10, USD 898 for 4–6, USD 998 for 2–3, and USD 1,198 for solo trekkers. All permits and transport included.
View the full Annapurna Circuit Trek package →
Questions about total cost, variation pricing, or the Jomsom flight option? We respond within 12 hours and give straight answers.