The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of Nepal’s most celebrated trekking routes. For years, it has attracted travelers from around the world, but recently, more and more Nepali trekkers are lacing up their boots and heading to the Himalayas. Yet, one of the biggest questions they ask is: “How much does the ABC trek actually cost for a Nepali citizen?”
If you’ve searched for information online, you’ve probably seen prices quoted in dollars, packed tour packages, and foreigner-centric advice. This article aims to put Nepali trekkers at the center, offering a realistic, experience-based, and cost-effective breakdown of everything you’ll need for the Annapurna Base Camp trek in 2025.
1. Transportation Cost: Getting to and from the Trail
Transportation is the first step, and for Nepali trekkers, the cost depends on your location and mode of travel.
Kathmandu to Pokhara and back:
- Local bus or microbus: Rs. 800 – Rs. 1,000 one way
- Tourist bus: Rs. 1,200 – Rs. 1,500 one way
- Night deluxe bus: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 2,000 one way
Pokhara to trek starting point (Nayapul or Siwai):
- Shared jeep or local bus: Rs. 500 – Rs. 700
Return trip from Jhinu or Ghandruk to Pokhara:
- Shared jeep: Rs. 700 – Rs. 1,000
You can expect to spend around Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 4,000 total on transportation if you choose local or shared options.
2. Permits: Do Nepali Trekkers Need Them?
While foreign trekkers need to pay for the TIMS card and the ACAP permit, Nepali citizens are exempt from these fees.
Just make sure to carry your citizenship card or national ID to avoid any issues at checkpoints.
This is a major cost-saving advantage. Foreigners spend around Rs. 4,000 on permits, which Nepalis can skip entirely.
3. Accommodation and Food Costs Along the Route
The ABC trail is well-developed, with plenty of tea houses along the way. Prices have increased in recent years due to inflation and rising transport costs in remote areas.
Room Costs:
- Basic twin-sharing rooms: Rs. 300 – Rs. 700 per night
- Some places offer free rooms if you eat dinner and breakfast at the same lodge
Meal Costs:
Snacks and tea: Rs. 100 – Rs. 300
Dal Bhat: Rs. 400 – Rs. 700
Breakfast set (toast, eggs, tea): Rs. 300 – Rs. 500
Estimated daily cost:
- Food and tea: Rs. 1,200 per day
- Accommodation: Rs. 400 – Rs. 600 per day
If your trek takes 6 to 8 days, budget around Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 14,000 for food and lodging. Trekking in a group can help reduce lodging costs by sharing rooms.
4. Trekking Gear: Essentials for Nepali Trekkers
You don’t need high-end foreign gear. You can rent or buy affordable items in Thamel or Pokhara. If you borrow from friends, the cost drops even more.
Gear checklist and estimated costs:
- Warm jacket: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 3,000 (buy) or Rs. 300/day (rent)
- Sleeping bag: Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 2,000 (buy) or Rs. 200/day (rent)
- Backpack: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 2,000 or Rs. 300/day (rent)
- Trekking pole, gloves, thermals, socks: Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 1,500
You can complete the trek with Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 worth of gear if you borrow or rent smartly.
5. Trek Duration and Route Planning
Most Nepali trekkers complete the ABC trek in 6 to 8 days. Rushing the trek in 5 days is possible, but not recommended due to the risk of altitude sickness and missing key experiences.
Standard 6-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Pokhara to Ulleri
- Day 2: Ulleri to Deurali
- Day 3: Deurali to ABC
- Day 4: ABC to Bamboo
- Day 5: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (hot springs)
- Day 6: Jhinu to Pokhara
If you allow 7–8 days, you’ll walk more comfortably and enjoy the journey better. Fewer days may reduce food and lodging costs, but rushing sacrifices the experience.
6. Solo Trekking vs Group Trekking
Solo trekking gives flexibility but usually costs more. You’ll need to cover transportation and room costs on your own. Group trekking is more budget-friendly.
Benefits of group trekking:
- Share transport costs
- Split accommodation expenses
- Safer and more enjoyable
- Motivation during tough climbs
If you have 2–4 friends, the trek becomes cheaper and more memorable. Most Nepali youths go in groups for exactly this reason.
7. Hidden or Miscellaneous Costs
These are small but real. Ignoring them leads to budget overruns.
- Mobile data and network: Very limited after Chhomrong. NTC works better than Ncell.
- Charging phones or batteries: Rs. 100 – Rs. 200 per charge
- Hot showers: Rs. 100 – Rs. 200
- Snacks: Chocolates, nuts, energy bars – Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 1,500
- Basic medicine: Rs. 500 – Rs. 1,000 for altitude pills, band-aids, ORS
Budget around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500 for these extra expenses.
8. Total Estimated Budget for Nepali Trekkers
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (NPR) |
| Transportation | Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 4,000 |
| Food and Accommodation | Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 14,000 |
| Gear (rent/buy/borrow) | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 2,500 |
| Total Estimate | Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 25,000 |
This budget is for independent Nepali trekkers who plan the trek themselves. If you book packages through agencies, expect to pay higher prices, even as a Nepali.
9. Is It Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. The ABC trek is not just a trail, it’s an experience. From the majestic Annapurna ranges to the serene forest paths, and the unforgettable sunrise over Machhapuchhre, the journey is full of emotion, physical challenge, and natural wonder.
For under Rs. 25,000, you get an adventure that many pay triple or more for. And as a Nepali, it’s also a matter of pride to experience our own Himalayas without depending on tour operators or expensive gear.
The ABC trek in 2025 remains affordable, accessible, and unforgettable for Nepali trekkers. With a smart plan, realistic expectations, and basic gear, you can explore the Annapurna region for Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000.
Instead of watching foreign YouTubers explore Nepal, it’s time we take our own steps into the Himalayas. This trek is within reach, and the only thing left is your decision to begin.
If you’ve been holding back because of cost, now you know the truth: It’s not that expensive, it’s a matter of willpower and planning.