Tilicho Lake (4,919m) is the highest lake on the Annapurna Circuit and one of the most visually dramatic destinations in Nepal. Planning the budget properly is straightforward once you understand which costs are fixed, which are variable, and which you can reduce. This is the complete 2025 breakdown.
Total Trek Cost: What to Budget
For the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake as a guided all-inclusive package, budget USD 1,390–1,790 per person depending on group size. This covers everything: guide, porter, accommodation, meals, permits, and all in-country transport.
If you are planning independently, your minimum realistic budget (excluding international flights) is USD 800–1,100 per person over 16 days, including permits, basic accommodation, meals, and local transport but not a professional guide.
Permits and Entry Fees (2025)
Two permits are required for all trekking in the Annapurna region:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (~USD 23) — issued by Nepal Tourism Board
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) for group trekkers
Total permit cost: approximately USD 38 per person. We arrange both as part of every guided package — no separate permit office visit needed.
Accommodation Costs Along the Route
Tea house rooms along the Annapurna Circuit cost NPR 300–800 (USD 2–6) per night for basic twin-share rooms. In Manang and Muktinath — the main hubs — better rooms with en-suite bathrooms are available for NPR 800–2,000 (USD 6–15). The Tilicho Base Camp tea house (at 4,150m) is basic and the only option — book in advance in peak season (October).
Expect to pay more for accommodation in higher-altitude sections. The trade-off is that higher lodges include fewer options and less competition.
Food Costs on the Trek
Tea house meals on the Annapurna Circuit cost approximately:
- Breakfast: NPR 300–600 (USD 2.50–5)
- Lunch: NPR 500–900 (USD 4–7)
- Dinner: NPR 600–1,000 (USD 5–8)
Dal bhat — the Nepali staple of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables — is the best value on the menu. It is also unlimited: tea houses refill your plate as many times as you want, which matters enormously after 7-hour trekking days. Budget USD 15–20 per day for full meals and hot drinks.
Transportation Costs
Key transport costs from Kathmandu:
- Kathmandu to Besisahar (public bus): NPR 800–1,200 (USD 6–9)
- Besisahar to Chame by jeep (recommended): NPR 2,500–4,000 (USD 19–30) — saves 3 days of walking on the least scenic section
- Jomsom to Pokhara (flight): USD 120–160 per person (recommended over 2-day bus)
- Pokhara to Kathmandu (flight): USD 90–120 per person
Guide and Porter Fees
Hiring through us means guide and porter fees are included in your package price. If hiring independently: TAAN-certified guides charge USD 25–35 per day; porters USD 18–25 per day. For a 16-day Tilicho + Circuit trek, expect to budget USD 600–900 for a private guide and one porter if arranged independently.
Our guides know the Tilicho access trail specifically — the landslide section on the approach to the lake requires current conditions knowledge. This is not a route where navigating without local expertise is advisable.
Total Cost Summary (2025)
- Guided all-inclusive package (group of 4–7): USD 1,390 per person
- Independent trekker (budget): USD 800–1,000 per person over 16 days
- Permits: USD 38 (included in our packages)
- Personal spending money (hot showers, charging, snacks, tips): USD 150–250 extra
Ready to plan? See the full Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake itinerary and booking details.
