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.
DESTINATIONSASIA
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.




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.
Like This? You Might Also Love:
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
Introduction – Why Trekking in Nepal is Special
What You’ll Spend in Nepal
Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal
Permits, Guides & Insurance (2025 Update)
Getting Around in Nepal
Training & Acclimatization Tips
The Big Four Trekking Routes
Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Annapurna Circuit & Annapurna Base Camp
Langtang Valley
Manaslu Circuit
Life in a Tea House
Gear to Buy vs. Rent
Packing List
Money-Saving Tips for Trekkers
Sample Trekking Itineraries
Where to Stay Before and After Your Trek
Safety, Culture & Responsible Trekking
Nepal Trekking FAQs (2025)
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
Share a guide/porter
Travel shoulder weeks
Bus instead of flights where possible
Rent heavy gear locally
Bring a filter to skip bottled water
Book hotels with free cancellation
Eat where you sleep
Carry cash in small bills
Order meals early at altitude
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?
Compare Thamel/Pokhara stays on Booking.com
Get your trekking insurance with World Nomads




About Budget Trips Guide
BudgetTripsGuide.com is your trusted resource for smart, affordable travel. We specialize in practical budget travel tips, low-cost destination guides, and insider hacks to help you explore the world without overspending. Whether you're a solo traveler, digital nomad, or first-time backpacker, our goal is to make cheap travel easy, safe, and unforgettable. Discover the best value travel insurance, cheap flights, and affordable accommodation options—all in one place.
GET FREE TIPS SEND DIRECTLY TO YOU
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Contact Us: team@budgettripsguide.com