Annapurna Circuit Trek

Accessing Annapurna Circuit 

Almost 100 percent of trekkers do the Annapurna Circuit anticlockwise; the actual starting point is Besishahar; now there is road access up to Manang (3400 m); and local buses depart Kathmandu every day. And local microbuses leave every hour daily till 2:30 pm to Besisahar. You can take a local jeep to Syange, Jagat, or even Dharapni depending on until the transportation is used, so it depends on your time and plan. Wilderness Excursion: DO NOT suggest driving higher and starting the trek regarding high altitude sickness, so it is always wise to begin the trek at the lower foothills which ensures you are well acclimatized. Before departure of your trek, we will get the road information. After reaching Jomsom, you opt whether to take a flight or drive to Pokhara or continue the trek to Tatopani and then end the trekking at Nayapul via the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

How is the meal in Annapurna Circuit? 

Almost all the lodges offer a wide variety of food in Annapurna Circuit, from apple pie to pizza, rice and noodles items, and bread and eggs items, so you can enjoy common international food. To name a few: fried rice, spring rolls, pizza, macaroni, pasta, potatoes, soups, etc. 
The Nepali set Daal Bhat, which comes with boiled rice, lentil or bean soup, and vegetables with achar (spicy pickle), is very popular among trekkers. A popular Nepali saying among trekkers is “Daal Bhat power 24 hours,” meaning it lasts long and filling. Nevertheless, this trek is for high-altitude trekking adventure to experience the natural and cultural beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal; your food on the mountain trail may not be like in cities, and that is what foodies look for but good enough for adventure people. 

How are accommodations on the Annapurna Circuit trekking route? 

Annapurna Circuit is a lodge-to-lodge trek, so there are proper accommodations along the way; almost every lodge has private rooms, each room having twin or triple beds it. You do not need to bring a mattress and pillow. Carrying a sleeping bag is highly suggested, though lodges provide quilts and blankets. Their quilts may not be sufficient in peak seasons as the route is packed out with trekkers, so having your sleeping bag is important. We provide accommodations on a twin and double-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 275. We will supply ensuite rooms where available. As you go higher, accommodations are more basic, with no running shower as water supply pipes get frozen, and a hot bucket shower is available on request. 

Please be prepared for all kinds of bathrooms. Other times, you'll have to venture out in the cold to use a smelly squat toilet. Even so, all lodges have running water. However, it may not always be hot water. Typically, a solar shower will give you a lukewarm 'power shower' if it's been a sunny day; otherwise, the thing to ask is if the water pipes run through the fire in the dining room or kitchen, as once the fire is going, you'll be steaming with the best of them!

Safety Guidelines and Acclimatization 

Adaptation to the high altitude is very important as the air is thin while trekking up Thorong La Pass. Our Annapurna Circuit trekking itinerary is designed with a high priority of getting acclimatized to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Rapid ascending to high altitude contributes to serious medical conditions enough to kill sometimes. Our priority is always a safe trek, and it is necessary to allow adequate time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is thus necessary to minimize the risk of AMS. Our itinerary is designed to prevent AMS as much as possible. But it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others. Also, please bear in mind that trekking itself is an adventure activity; rock and landslides, bad weather, and natural calamities may happen. You may encounter a wild animal or beast that attacks you. Follow the safety instructions of your guide and do not walk alone. Nevertheless, in fair weather, the climb is no more risky than walking in any other mountain area anywhere in the world. Assuming you have taken the proper precautions to avoid AMS, the ascent offers a breath-taking glimpse of what life is like for the mountaineers who risk life and limb to haul themselves up the highest mountains on earth, but without the danger of dangling at the end of a rope. Walk gently and enjoy the trek, is what we always say! 

How much does the Annapurna circuit cost?

It is hard to say how much it costs exactly. It depends on your way of traveling, how much you spend, and the mode of transportation used (private vehicle or local shared bus). Also, the trek length differs in the expenses. Another factor is the mode of package you buy, like a full board inclusive package or customized package just to your requirements, e.g., arrangement of guides, posters, permits, etc. Meals on your pay as you go on. 

Yet here we present you a breakdown of prices for accommodation, meals, transfers, hiring a guide or a porter, trek permits, and the main difference between going it alone or going through a trekking agency.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permit Costs

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance permit: NPR 3000 (USD 30) per head
TIMS Card: NPR 2000 per head

Guides and porters hire with our agency

Guide hire USD 25 to 30 per day, including his/her expenses (meals, accommodation, and wages).
Porter hires USD 20/day per porter; carries max. 25 kg for you. 

Accommodation costs USD 5 to 7 per night on a twin-share basis. 
Hot showers are extra or paying extra upon your order. 

Meals 

USD 3 to 7 per meal, according to your meal choice. 
Table drinks around USD 1 to 2 / cup of tea and coffee
Cold drinks cost around USD 5 for 500 ML of Coke Fanta or Sprite. 

Approximate cost for transfers:

Kathmandu-Besisahar by local bus, USD 7 / head
Jeeps to Syange, Jagat Chyamje, and Dharapani: USD 10/15/20/25 per head.
Jomsom to Pokhara flight: USD 160 per head
Guide flight: USD 50

Yet, we offer a hassle-free best-budget package cost of USD 899 for the years 2025 and 2026 for our 13-day Annapurna Circuit Lodge Trek that covers guide and porter fees with all your meals, lodges, and local transfers. Please write us for your best-customized trip.