Trekking Nepal 2025: EBC, Annapurna & More

Your 2025 Nepal trekking guide with costs in USD, EBC, Annapurna, Langtang & Manaslu routes, permits, gear tips, and budget hacks.

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Jason A Ellis

8/10/20256 min read

Trekking in Nepal (2025 Mega Guide): EBC, Annapurna, Langtang & Manaslu on a Budget

Dreaming of the Himalayas? This complete 2025 trekking guide to Nepal covers everything — from Everest Base Camp to the Manaslu Circuit — with real daily costs, permit details, the best seasons, and honest gear advice. Whether you’re after the Annapurna views, Langtang’s quiet trails, or a Manaslu adventure, you’ll find budget-friendly tips, gear recommendations, and insider know-how to make your trek unforgettable without breaking the bank.

Trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas with Ama Dablam and Mount Everest at golden hour, colorful prayer flags in the foreground, and
Trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas with Ama Dablam and Mount Everest at golden hour, colorful prayer flags in the foreground, and
Image of Author: Jason A Ellis traveling the world, local area in Singapore
Image of Author: Jason A Ellis traveling the world, local area in Singapore

About the Author
Hi, I’m Jason—an avid traveler with a passion for discovering new places, cultures, and perspectives. Born and raised in the United States, I now call the Philippines home as I continue to explore the world, one destination at a time. My travel journey has taken me across vibrant cities and serene landscapes in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Okinawa, Canada, and Mexico (to name a few). Through this blog, I share real-world travel insights, budget tips, and stories to help you explore smarter and deeper—no matter where your passport takes you.

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Nepal is one of those rare places where world-class trekking is still affordable. You get steaming plates of dal bhat, smiling hosts who treat you like family, and views of the Himalayas so close you feel you can touch them. This guide keeps things practical and budget-friendly — exact permit costs (in USD), daily spending you can actually expect, the best trekking routes for 2025, and the gear you’ll want to have before you set foot on the trail.

Quick 2025 update: Nepal now requires a licensed guide and TIMS card on most trekking routes, including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu. Plan your budget with this in mind.

What You’ll Spend in Nepal

Kathmandu or Pokhara (per day): $22–$40

  • Hostel/cheap hotel: $6–$18

  • Meals, coffee, snacks: $10–$15

  • Local transport/entry fees: $4–$7

On the trail (tea-house treks, per day): $25–$40 (no guide)

  • Room: $4–$10

  • Three meals + tea: $12–$20

  • Wi-Fi/hot shower/charging: $2–$5

Guide: $25–$40/day total (split among your group)
Porter (optional): $18–$30/day total

Permits:

  • Everest/Khumbu: Sagarmatha NP ~$23–$25 + Khumbu local ~$15–$23

  • Annapurna: ACAP ~$22–$25

  • Langtang: Langtang NP ~$22–$27

  • Manaslu: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) ~$75–$100 + MCAP/ACAP ~$22–$30 each

Tip: Compare Thamel (Kathmandu) and Lakeside (Pokhara) stays on Booking.com or Hotellook for free-cancellation deals. For airport pickup, prebook with Kiwitaxi to avoid haggling after a long flight.

Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal

  • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Crisp air, clearest skies, busiest trails.

  • Spring (Mar–May): Warmer, rhododendrons in bloom, still great views.

  • Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Wet, but some rain-shadow areas stay pleasant.

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold nights, quiet trails, some passes may close.

If you want great weather without peak-season prices, aim for the shoulder weeks — late March to mid-April or late October to mid-November.

Permits, Guides & Insurance

  • Guides: A licensed guide is now mandatory for most treks.

  • Everest/Khumbu: Sagarmatha NP ~$23–$25 + Khumbu permit ~$15–$23

  • Annapurna: ACAP ~$22–$25

  • Langtang: Langtang NP ~$22–$27

  • Manaslu: RAP ~$75–$100 (first 7 days) + MCAP ~$22–$30, often ACAP ~$22–$30 too

Travel insurance is a must — make sure it covers high altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. World Nomads is popular with trekkers.

Getting Around in Nepal

  • Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara: Tourist bus ($10–$20) or flight ($100–$140 one-way).

  • Trailheads:

    • Everest: Fly to Lukla ($100–$150 one-way)

    • Annapurna: Bus/jeep to Besisahar or Chame

    • Langtang: Bus/jeep to Syabrubesi

    • Manaslu: Bus/jeep to Soti Khola

Connectivity: eSIMs from Yesim or Airlo keep you connected in cities and some trail villages.

Training & Acclimatization

  • Prep: 6–8 weeks of regular hikes, stair climbs, or runs.

  • Acclimatize: Rest days around 3,000–4,000 m, “climb high, sleep low.”

  • Hydrate: More water, more warm carbs.

The Big Four Treks

Everest Base Camp (EBC) — nepal trekking base camp everest

  • Length: 12–14 days from Lukla

  • Highest point: Kala Patthar (5,545 m)

  • Daily cost: $30–$45

  • Highlights: Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, sunrise on Everest

  • Tip: Build in extra days for acclimatization

Annapurna Circuit & Annapurna Base Camp — trekking nepal annapurna

  • Circuit: 12–18 days; ABC: 7–10 days

  • Highest point: Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)

  • Daily cost: $25–$40

  • Highlights: Hot springs, apple pie villages, sweeping passes

  • Tip: Start in Chame to skip road sections

Langtang Valley — nepal trekking langtang valley

  • Length: 6–8 days

  • Daily cost: $25–$35

  • Highlights: Yak pastures, Kyanjin Ri, close to Kathmandu

  • Tip: Great first trek for time-limited travelers

Manaslu Circuit — trekking nepal manaslu circuit, trek nepal manaslu

  • Length: 12–14 days

  • Daily cost: $35–$55

  • Highlights: Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), fewer crowds, wild scenery

  • Tip: Restricted permit + guide/agency required

Life in a Tea House

  • Rooms: Basic twin beds, blankets provided (bring a liner)

  • Meals: Dal bhat is best value — unlimited refills in many places

  • Extras: Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging cost $2–$5 each

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction – Why Trekking in Nepal is Special

  2. What You’ll Spend in Nepal

  3. Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal

  4. Permits, Guides & Insurance (2025 Update)

  5. Getting Around in Nepal

  6. Training & Acclimatization Tips

  7. The Big Four Trekking Routes

    • Everest Base Camp (EBC)

    • Annapurna Circuit & Annapurna Base Camp

    • Langtang Valley

    • Manaslu Circuit

  8. Life in a Tea House

  9. Gear to Buy vs. Rent

  10. Packing List

  11. Money-Saving Tips for Trekkers

  12. Sample Trekking Itineraries

  13. Where to Stay Before and After Your Trek

  14. Safety, Culture & Responsible Trekking

  15. Nepal Trekking FAQs (2025)

  16. Final Thoughts & Planning Resources

Nepal Trekking Gear Picks (Buy Before You Fly)

While you can rent a lot in Kathmandu or Pokhara, some items are worth buying before your trip so you get the right fit and quality. Here’s a kit that works for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Langtang, or Manaslu — all tested by trekkers who’ve done these trails.

1. Footwear & Socks

  • Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX – Light, waterproof, and perfect for mixed terrain.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP – Solid support, cushioned feel, and great grip.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Darn Tough Hiker Socks – Merino wool for comfort and blister prevention.
    View on Amazon ➜

2. Clothing Layers

  • Icebreaker Merino 200 Base Layer Top – Breathable warmth for cold mornings.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Columbia Men’s Watertight II / Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket – Reliable, packable rain shell.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Eddie Bauer Downlight Jacket – Lightweight warmth for chilly evenings.
    View on Amazon ➜

3. Trekking Essentials

  • Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – Bright, rechargeable, and trail-proven.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Sturdy aluminum with quick-lock adjustment.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Osprey Talon 33L / Tempest 30L Daypack – Comfortable, perfect size for tea-house trekking.
    View on Amazon ➜

4. Power & Water

  • Anker 20,000 mAh Power Bank – Keep your phone and camera charged for days.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System – Saves money and reduces plastic waste.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Nalgene 1L Wide-Mouth Bottle – Bombproof and works with filters.
    View on Amazon ➜

5. Comfort & Safety

  • Sea to Summit Silk Sleeping Bag Liner – Adds warmth and keeps lodge blankets fresh.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .7 – Compact but covers trail basics.
    View on Amazon ➜

  • Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat – Shade you’ll be thankful for at altitude.
    View on Amazon ➜

Tip: If you buy early, break in your boots and test your gear on local hikes before heading to Nepal. The trail is no place for first-time blisters or gear surprises.

Rent in Nepal:

  • Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C)

  • Down jacket

  • Microspikes (seasonal)

Quick Money-Saving Tips

  1. Share a guide/porter

  2. Travel shoulder weeks

  3. Bus instead of flights where possible

  4. Rent heavy gear locally

  5. Bring a filter to skip bottled water

  6. Book hotels with free cancellation

  7. Eat where you sleep

  8. Carry cash in small bills

  9. Order meals early at altitude

  10. Keep a rest day buffer

Sample Itinerary — Everest Base Camp (14 Days)

  • Day 1: Kathmandu

  • Day 2: Fly Lukla → Phakding

  • Day 3–4: Namche Bazaar (acclimatization)

  • Day 5: Tengboche

  • Day 6: Dingboche (rest day)

  • Day 7: Lobuche

  • Day 8: Gorak Shep → EBC

  • Day 9: Kala Patthar sunrise → Pheriche

  • Day 10–13: Trek back to Lukla

  • Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu

Final Thoughts

Nepal rewards preparation. With the right permits, gear, and realistic daily budget, you’ll come home with a camera full of peaks — and money still in your pocket. Travel light, respect the mountains, and enjoy every steaming bowl of dal bhat along the way.

Ready to start planning?

Transportation in Nepal showing a colorful tourist bus, rugged jeep, and small propeller plane near Lukla, with Himalayan mou
Transportation in Nepal showing a colorful tourist bus, rugged jeep, and small propeller plane near Lukla, with Himalayan mou
Landscape collage of Nepal’s Big Four treks — Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, and Manaslu Circuit — fe
Landscape collage of Nepal’s Big Four treks — Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, and Manaslu Circuit — fe