ABC Short Trek Cost: What to Budget for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

ABC Short Trek—a compact version of the Annapurna Base Camp experience—is perfect for trekkers looking to reach the iconic Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) in just 5–7 days. Below is a comprehensive cost guide to help you plan your budget, whether you’re trekking independently or booking a package.

1. Permits & Legal Fees

All trekkers in the Annapurna region require:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30 (approx. NPR 3,000) for foreign nationals 
• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): USD 20 per solo trekker or USD 10 in groups 

Together, permits cost about USD 50–55 per person.

2. Guide & Porter

Although not always mandatory, a licensed guide and porter significantly enhance safety, navigation, and local support:

• Guide: USD 25–35 per day 
• Porter: USD 18–25 per day 
• Guide-porter combined: USD 30–40 per day 

For a typical 6‑day trek, expect:

• Guide cost: USD 150–210 
• Porter cost: USD 108–150 
• Total: USD 258–360
  

3. Accommodation & Meals

Teahouse lodging along the trek ranges:

• Lower elevation: USD 4–10 per night (NPR 500–1,500) 
• Higher villages near ABC: USD 10–25 per night (NPR 1,500–3,000) 

Meals typically cost USD 10–30 per day, rising slightly at higher altitudes. Budget around USD 20–30/day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner .

For a 6‑day itinerary:

• Accommodation: USD 30–150 
• Meals: USD 120–180
  

4. Equipment (Rental or Purchase)

If you don’t already own gear, you can rent or buy locally:

• Sleeping bag: USD 1–3/day 
• Down jacket: USD 50–200 
• Trekking boots/backpack: USD 50–150 each 
• Trekking poles: USD 20–40 

Total equipment cost: USD 150–600, depending on purchase vs. rental and quality desired 

5. Transportation

Costs vary depending on route:

• Pokhara → Siwai/Trailhead by jeep or local bus: 
  • Shared bus: USD 3–5 (NPR 300–500) 
  • Private jeep: USD 20–30 
• Domestic flight (Kathmandu–Pokhara) optionally costs USD 89–111. This avoids overland travel but is not essential for the ABC short trek cycle
  

6. Travel Insurance

High‑altitude trekking requires coverage including emergency evacuation:

• USD 50–170, depending on policy and duration 

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Small extras during the trek include:

• Hot shower: USD 2–4 
• Phone charging: USD 1–3 per device 
• Wi‑Fi: USD 2–5 per session 
• Tipping: guides (~USD 5–10/day) and porters (~USD 3–7/day) 

Expect a miscellaneous budget of USD 50–100, and add generous tips of around 10–15% of total cost.

8. Sample Budget Breakdown

Budget Package (Group Join, Shared Guide/Porter)

Mid-range Package (Private Guide/Porter)

Minimal Independent Trek (No Guide/Porter)

If local regulations allow and you’re self-reliant:

• Permits: 55 
• Meals & lodges: 170 
• Track transport/insurance/misc.: 170 
• Estimated Total: 400–450 USD
  

✅ Key Takeaways

• Permits: USD 50–55/person 
• Guide & porter: USD 258–360 (group/shared), USD 320+ (private) 
• Accommodation & meals: USD 20–30/day 
• Transport: USD 5–30 depending on vehicle choice 
• Insurance: USD 50–170 
• Miscellaneous: USD 50–100 

Estimated total cost ranges:

• Budget: USD 600–700 
• Mid-range private: USD 800–900 
• Independent minimalist: USD 400–500
  

✅ Conclusion

ABC Short Trek Cost varies depending on your trekking style, pace, and comfort level. A fully supported trekking package with guide, porter, meals, accommodation, and permits will typically fall in the range of USD 600–900. If you’re traveling independently, minimalistic but feasible, expect USD 400–500, excluding gear and insurance.

Cost‑saving strategies:

• Trek in group join departures 
• Skip private vehicles or helicopter rides 
• Rent gear instead of buying 

Stick to teahouse meals and shared rooms