Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp

The Himalayas have unpredictable weather throughout the year, but in spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November), the weather remains mostly stable, making these two seasons the best time to do the budget Annapurna base camp trekking in Nepal. These two seasons have favorable weather conditions with less possibility of perception. Likewise, the seasonal colors of the flowers and vegetation make the trekking route fantastic. You will see stunning mountain views all the time as the sky is mostly clear. All the trekking routes get busy, which makes the environment very jolly and motivating. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 5°C, with colder nights and mornings.

*Note: You have to carry a few warm pieces and rain gear. 

ABC trek in winter (December to February)

Budget Annapurna base camp trek in winter is also possible. The trail is covered with heavy snow, and the temperature drops below freezing point, so you have to be well-packed and prepared. Likewise, the weather is also quite unstable in winter.

However, as the trail is almost empty, you will have a great time trekking to Annapurna base camp. All the accommodations and meals are also available at low cost. And the mountain views are phenomenal even though they are obstructed sometimes because of fog.

ABC trek in summer/monsoon (June to August)

The budget Annapurna base camp trek in summer/monsoon is not advised unless you do not mind slippery/muddy trails, bugs, leeches, and rainfall all the time. The weather condition is worse in this season, making the trek more challenging than it already is. However, the vegetation, waterfalls, rivers, and streams are thriving during this time of the year.

Budget Annapurna base camp trek preparation and packing

To prepare for budget Annapurna base camp trekking, you have to make yourself physically and mentally ready. The next step is to collect all the necessary trekking clothes, gear, and necessities for the journey. For physical preparation, you can hike, exercise, and go on regular long walks. Weight training with cardio will help you a lot as well. Cycling, swimming, jogging, running, etc activities are great for increasing your stamina.

Trekking in the Himalayas requires special clothes and gear that make the journey very smooth. You can rent or buy good quality trekking clothes and gear at a very reasonable cost in Thamel, Kathmandu. If you are planning to buy a new pair of trekking boots, get them while you are in your home and use them a few times before the trek to avoid blisters of new shoes while trekking.

Accommodation

The accommodation during the budget Annapurna base camp trek is simple lodges. As it is a budget trek, we have to make sure that you get the best value for as little money as possible, but it doesn’t mean the grade will be bad. We will book you decent accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and along the trekking route.

The rooms in the lodges will be small (common in the mountains) with clean bedding and a shared washroom. You have to share a room with a fellow trekker. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay nights in a nice hotel with all the modern amenities.

• Single rooms: If you need a single room during trekking, then do let us know in advance. Single rooms are available in most of the villages. This upgrade may cost you a few extra bucks.

• Luxury lodge upgrade: You can upgrade the budget Annapurna base camp trek to the luxury Annapurna base camp trek. Likewise, you can also upgrade only accommodation on the trail to luxury lodges if you want.

• WiFi/Communication: Most of the lodges offer WiFi for a few extra bucks. The connection is not strong like in the city given the mountainous topography. Nepali sim is a much better alternative that will allow you to use the data while trekking. The network is decent.

• Charging: Solar energy is one of the main sources for locals. Therefore, charging cameras and mobiles requires USD 2 to USD 4 every time. As it is a short trek, you will not need a solar charger and power bank, and extra batteries will be enough with a few charging sessions. The charging stations are built separately in the lodges.

• Hot shower: You will get money opportunities to have a shower during the budget Annapurna base camp trekking. However, this also comes at an extra cost. Pack wet body tissues to keep yourself refreshed at the end of the day.

• Toilet paper and other toiletries: Pack enough toilet paper and all the toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, moisturizers, sunscreen, lip balm, etc, for the trek. Do not rely on budget-friendly lodges to offer you these things, as they are only there to provide you with a safe space to spend the night and fill your bellies with delicious meals.

Meals

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will get all breakfasts as the room service with two complimentary dinners (welcome/farewell). During the trek, the budget Annapurna base camp trek package covers three meals a day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food options are vast on this trek.

Dal bhat is the main big meal that you will be having at least once a day. There are other dishes available, too, like momos, thukpa, chowmin, chapati, curries, stir-fried vegetables, mashed potatoes, eggs, meat, burgers, pasta, and many others.

• Vegetarian & vegan diets: The vegetarian options outdo non-vegetarian options while trekking in the mountains. If you have a vegan diet, you will not have a hard time finding foods but carry ample snacks. We even suggest our guests stick to the vegetarian menu because the meat is not fresh all the time in the mountains because of scarcity.

• Drinking water: The lodges provide boiled drinking water. You can use a water purification tablet for extra safety. Avoid drinking water from a tap or stream, as you may not be able to digest it. Plastic water bottles are not recommended to buy while trekking. Instead, carry a reusable water bottle.

• Tea Shops: There are many tea shops along the Annapurna base camp trekking route where you can buy snacks, drinks, chocolates, and other necessities. However, the cost of the products will be higher than in the city.

• Alcoholic beverages: Alcoholic beverages are also available along the trekking route, but do not consume them while ascending. It will dehydrate your body and make you prone to altitude sickness. You may have them towards the end of the trek, though.

Budget Annapurna base camp trek permits

Whether you are doing a budget or normal trek to Annapurna base camp, you will need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Our budget Annapurna base camp trek package cost includes these permit fees, so no extra money is needed.

To make the journey hassle-free for you, our team will obtain the permits on your behalf. You only have to send us your passport details, general information, and two photos.

• As of 2021, the fee for the ACAP permit is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 25).
• As of 2021, the fee for the TIMS card is NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 8.50).

Travel Notes

• Luggage:  Duffel bags are the main carrier during the trekking. Each trekker can pack up to 10 kg and an additional 5 kg in their day pack. Porters will carry the duffel bags, whereas the day pack will be with you to keep essentials. Our one porter carries duffel bags of two trekkers. You can store your suitcases in the hotel’s locker room or at our office for free cost while trekking.

• ATM: The Annapurna base camp trek route has no ATM. You have to withdraw cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara to use during the trek. Even though our Annapurna base camp trek cost covers all the major expenses, you will need some extra cash for personal expenses.

• Tips: Feel free to tip guides, porters, and drivers at the end of their services. Tipping is common in Nepal and expected, too. If you are happy with the service of our on-field crew, tip them as your gratitude. You can tip as much as you wish. 10% of the package cost is a good number to tip to mountain guides and porters, USD 2 to the driver, and USD 5 to the tour guide.

• Money exchange: You can exchange any currency in Nepal, especially Euros and USD, are quite easy to exchange. There are many banks and money exchange centers in Thamel that will help you easily exchange the currency. Make sure to stay updated with the current currency rate while exchanging.

• Passport & Nepali travel visa: A valid passport with six months of validity from the day you enter Nepal is needed to join the budget Annapurna base camp trek. Likewise, a Nepali travel visa is also required to enter the country. You can obtain a travel visa from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in your home country. Citizens of many countries can also obtain on-arrival visas upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Make sure to check the on-arrival visa status for your country and keep the documents and visa on hand for quick service. At the moment, the Nepali visa fee for a 15-day visa is USD 30, a 30-day visa cost is USD 50, and a 90-day visa cost is USD 125.

• Personal Expenses: These are the things that our budget Annapurna base camp trek cost does not cover, and therefore, are your personal expenses- travel insurance, international flights, tips, shopping, additional stay in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and extra drinks and food. Make a budget as per your spending habits, and also keep some emergency funds aside.

• Additional stay in Kathmandu/Pokhara: If you wish to stay more nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara, let us know. Our team will make the hotel reservation for you as per your wish. Additional cost applies.

• Trip cancellation & refund: We have a very straightforward cancellation and refund policy that you can check on our Terms & Conditions page. We take 30% of the package cost in advance to confirm the trip. This money is used to make all the reservations and obtain permits. The day you cancel the trek determines the refund amount. The closer you cancel the trip from the day of departure, the less money you will get as a refund.

• Group treks: If you are a solo trekker, you can join our fixed Annapurna base camp trek departure. We have many regular departures during the peak trekking seasons. Likewise, if you are traveling in a group of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more people, we will organize a private budget Annapurna base camp trek for you. It will also allow you to make changes to the itinerary as per your requirements.