Nepal (Annapurna Circuit)

The Annapurna Circuit is a 16-day mountain trekking loop in the Himalayas that costs less to do than a week in a developed country. A porter (who carries your pack) costs $10–15/day. A guide costs $15–25/day. Accommodation in teahouses (basic but warm, with meals included) costs $5–8/night. Food and transport round out to a total of $25–40/day for a complete trekking experience in the Himalayas.

The trek is moderate (not technical), mostly on established trails, and accessible to people with decent fitness but no climbing experience. You'll walk 5–6 hours daily through rhododendron forests, past waterfalls, over mountain passes (up to 5,416 meters), with views of snow peaks throughout.

The people — porters, guides, teahouse owners — are genuinely friendly. The food is simple but good (dal bhat, which is rice and lentil curry, twice daily with vegetables). The landscape is spectacular and dramatic every day. A full two-week trekking experience costs $350–600 if you hire a guide and porter, or $250–400 if you go it alone (which is increasingly common and safe).

Annapurna Circuit trek: 16-day loop starting and ending in Kathmandu valley. Hire a porter and guide at the start. $25–40/day total for guide, porter, accommodation, and food. Extremely good value.

Poon Hill sunrise hike: A shorter 2–3 day trek to a viewpoint with sunrise over Annapurna mountains. $30–50 total all-inclusive. Perfect if you don't have 16 days.

Pokhara lake town: A base before/after trekking, with paragliding, lake boating, and restaurants. $20–35/day for accommodation and food.

Kathmandu temples and old city walk: Durbar Square, monkey temples, stupa sites. Free to walk, $3–5 entry fees. 1–2 days enough.

Budget:: During trek: teahouse accommodations ($5–8/night, includes meals). In towns: hostels and guesthouses ($8–20/night).

Mid-Range:: Slightly upgraded teahouses or hotels in towns ($20–40/night).

Splurge:: Luxury lodges on the trek (Nepal Trek Adventure's premium properties) $80+/night, or hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara $60–100/night.

Dal bhat: Rice with lentil curry, vegetables, and pickle. Eaten twice daily on the trek. Simple, nutritious, sustaining. $2–3 on trek, $1.50 in towns.

Momo: Nepali dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried. Street food or restaurant. $1–2.

Thukpa: Noodle soup with meat and vegetables. Warming, eaten for breakfast or lunch. $1.50–2.

Fresh Nepali rice: Short-grain, fragrant rice eaten with curries. Every meal. $0.50 as part of a meal.

Chiya: Nepali black tea with milk and sugar. Served constantly. $0.30–0.50 per cup.