Annapurna Circuit Trek

Our safety and service record is as solid as gold, and we have been guiding people around the Annapurna Circuit for more than 17 years. Our local guides are licensed, highly experienced, and familiar with every corner of the trail- the green valleys and high passes.

Logistics, support, and acclimatization are all taken care of during the hike. All the itineraries are elastic: we adjust the walking hours, side hikes, and rest days to your pace and comfort level.

Pricing is established on day one. On the trail, you will know what all is included and will not face any surprise charges. Trekkers rate us highly on reliability, support, and their overall experience.

Our Annapurna Circuit package typically accommodates groups of between two and 10 people, with most groups consisting of eight people. Smaller groups will allow more support and a more comfortable atmosphere.

After booking, your trip is confirmed and guaranteed to proceed, even if no other person registers. In exceptional circumstances, such as strikes or natural disasters, we can provide an alternative date or route; however, your booking remains secure, and our team fully supports us.

Yes, as a solo traveler, you can join any of our group departures. If other trekkers do not book the same date, your trip will not be canceled. We offer guaranteed departures, and regardless of any unforeseen circumstances, you will receive full support throughout the trek.

There is also the benefit of joining a group and meeting other travelers, sharing the experience at a more affordable rate.

We also offer custom Annapurna Circuit tours for couples, families, or friends. These packages provide you with greater flexibility to choose your travel dates, speed, and route. When there are two or more of you, the cost is the same as our regular group departures. Group size is not restricted, and we shall strategize what suits you best.

Both treks follow the same path, offer the same services, and inhabit the same areas. The only factual change is that the 14-day trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Jagat on the first day and proceeds to Dharapani on the second day. The 12-day version bypasses all that and starts by driving to Dharapani on day one.

In any case, the usual 14-day Annapurna Circuit trek finishes in Jomsom. If you're pressed for time, the 12-day itinerary may be more suitable, as you can simply hop into a vehicle at Muktinath and ride to Pokhara.

The Classic Annapurna Circuit continues for four additional days beyond Muktinath. It then passes through Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani, and Ghorepani (Poon Hill) and returns to Pokhara.

The 14-day Annapurna Circuit ends in Jomsom, where you can find a direct flight to Pokhara, eliminating the additional days of the Classic program.

All these itineraries can be adjusted to suit your time, interests, and budget. Custom gigs are considered private trips; therefore, group departures are not applicable. Need some more time in Pokhara or Kathmandu? That we can take care of, at a small charge.

Reservations are simple: choose your dates, fill out our form, and leave a down payment on your card. After we receive the money, we will send you a confirmation email. Anyone wishing to pay later can simply select the 'Book Now and Pay Later' option, and we will forward a payment link to them.

You can settle the remainder of the balance in Kathmandu before the trek by card, in cash, or via a rapid bank transfer.

The 20% deposit is non-refundable; however, if you cancel your Annapurna Circuit Trek, we will hold the full amount as a credit towards a future trip. This does not expire and can be utilized at any moment.

Simply send us an email, and we will take care of the rest. Before booking, we suggest reading our entire cancellation policy.

Yes, most tourists can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You should have a valid passport with at least six months' validity, a passport-sized photograph, and either cash or a credit card to pay the visa fee.

Certain nationalities may require an advance application, and we recommend consulting the nearest Nepalese embassy if you are unsure.

Yes, we offer airport pick-up and drop-off services. Upon arrival, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will be waiting at the airport entrance to greet you and escort you to your hotel.

Your transfer back to the airport for your return trip will also be arranged by us after your trip.

We have a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, such as the Woodapple Hotel and Spa, located in Thamel. You will be staying in Pokhara, close to Lakeside overlooking Phewa Lake and the mountains.

Note: The hotel can be upgraded to 4-star, 5-star, or luxury status upon request, at an additional cost.

Yes, you can leave behind any things you do not require on the trek at your hotel in Kathmandu. Your luggage will be under the care of the hotel staff and will be returned to you upon your departure. There is no charge to this service.

An additional night in Kathmandu costs USD 45 for a single room and USD 50 for a twin or double room, including breakfast and taxes.

At Pokhara, the prices are $40 per single room and $45 per twin or double room. We would be happy to accommodate you if you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer. Please let us know.

The briefing before the trek will take place at your hotel, typically on the day before the trek begins. You will see your guide, discuss the Annapurna Circuit itinerary, and check your equipment. We will supply you with trekking gears, which consist of a duffel bag, a sleeping bag, a down jacket, a map, and a T-shirt.

We will also inform you about the trail and weather conditions in Annapurna and collect your passport, a copy of your insurance, and any outstanding balance payment, if applicable.

For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, transfers are included. Transfers to and from the airport in Kathmandu are done by a privately hired car. It's a 6-hour drive by private vehicle to Besisahar, followed by a 4-hour journey by private jeep to Syange.

Once the trek is over, you will fly back to Pokhara (fare and tax inclusive) and be brought back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. All cars are comfortable, reliable, and suitable for the mountain roads.

Yes, when you return to Kathmandu from Pokhara, you can fly back instead of using the tourist bus. The flight duration is approximately 25 minutes, and the cost is $115 per person. Although bus travel is included in our package, we can also upgrade to a flight upon special request.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is described as a moderate trek that spans 10 to 11 days of trekking on varied terrain. You will be walking 6 to 8 hours a day, usually on steep uphill and downhill trails. Thorong La Pass is the most challenging part of the trek; it is the highest point at 5,416 meters.

Altitude sickness (AMS) may be an issue at higher altitudes; however, the program allows for a complete acclimatization day at Manang to minimize the possibility.

Our typical itinerary is around 113 kilometers (approximately 70 miles) between Dharapani and Jomsom. The distances covered on a daily basis are 8-17 kilometers, and the highest point is Thorong La Pass (5,416m).

Our guides are trained and are experienced in long-distance trekking in high altitudes on the Annapurna Circuit. They bring a first aid kit and an oximeter to regularly check your oxygen levels. They are taught to look out for early indications of altitude sickness and will slow down, rest, or go down accordingly.

Our trekking schedule is leisurely and has an acclimatisation day at Manang. The teahouses are thoroughly chosen in terms of hygiene and safety. In the event of a severe emergency, we organize a prompt response or a helicopter rescue.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to plan the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as the weather is generally stable, the skies are crystal clear, and the views of the majestic mountains are at their most spectacular.

Important Notice: Trekking in summer and winter is not advisable. A lot of rain, landslides, slippery paths, and leeches are present in the summer. The route is unsafe in winter and is usually closed by deep snow and impassable high passes, including Thorong La.

For the best experience and safety, schedule your trek for the spring or autumn.

Vaccinations are not necessary, although some trekkers get inoculated, such as against rabies, as a precautionary measure due to the presence of stray dogs in rural regions. It is recommended to check the current recommendations of the CDC.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory on the Annapurna Circuit trek. They should be high-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation above 5,400 m, trip cancellation, and baggage loss insurance in your policy.

You may refer to worldwide providers such as Genki Traveler, AXA, Allianz, or World Nomads, or select any plan that suits these requirements.

We suggest commencing physical training 4-6 weeks before the trek. Pay attention to cardio activities, such as hiking, brisk walking, cycling, or stair climbing, to train your endurance during long trekking days. It can be simulated by doing one longer hike per week, carrying a backpack.

Leg and core strength training will ensure that the uphill and downhill portions will be easier. Train on an uneven surface, and wear your hiking boots before the day to ensure you don't experience discomfort during the trail.

Yes, we provide the necessary trekking equipment for your Annapurna Circuit Hike. This comprises a -20°C down jacket, a 70L duffle bag, and a four-season sleeping bag, which should be returned at the end of the trek.

You will also receive a Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, cap, Annapurna Circuit map, and a certificate of trip completion, which records the highest elevation reached.

The trek would be suitable with a 20-30L day pack. You will bring essentials such as water, snacks, a camera, and personal items, and the porter will carry your main duffel bag.

Each trekker places their luggage in the hands of one porter, but the total weight of their luggage should not exceed 25 kg. Your duffel bag should weigh between 10 and 12.5 kg (22-27 lbs).

Pack as lightly as possible, layer intelligently. Take moisture-wicking baselayers, a fleece or down mid-layer, and a hardshell jacket and pants. Include sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, gloves, a sun hat, a warm hat, and sunglasses. Bring a head lamp, water bottles, and simple toiletries.

As the weather is highly variable, please be prepared for both hot and cold conditions. Have a look at our full packing list.

Teahouses are used as accommodation, which are clean and straightforward lodges operated by the local families. The majority of them provide beds, mattresses, blankets, and shared bathrooms in twin-sharing rooms. The toilets are western-style with the exception of higher altitudes such as Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.

Most stops offer hot showers, which may be available at an additional cost. There is no heating of rooms, but dining areas are warm with a wood stove.

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit is mostly covered by mobile networks, and Wi-Fi is Available in most teahouses, although it may be payable.

To have a better connection, you can purchase a local SIM card (NTC or NCELL) in Kathmandu or at the airport and buy a data package. They are more reliable, up to Pisang, and a cheaper option than paying to use Wi-Fi at every stop.

Yes, every teahouse has electricity, allowing you to charge your devices at a small fee (US$2-3 per device). The supply can be scarce during peak seasons or due to power issues, which is why it is highly advisable to bring a power bank.

Note: Nepal has 2-pin and 3-pin plugs with a 220-240V output, and it is advisable to bring a universal adapter.

In the Annapurna Circuit, most teahouses provide twin-sharing rooms. Single rooms are available at an extra cost but are not always available at higher-altitude stops, such as Yak Kharka or Thorong Phedi, due to limited space.

If you are a solo female traveler, we guarantee that you will be matched with another female or have a separate room (if available). You won't be asked to share a room with a male trekker.

Teahouses offer a variety of freshly cooked dishes, including Nepali dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, pasta, and other Indian and continental cuisine. Breakfast options include chapati, eggs, pancakes, potatoes, muesli, and Tibetan bread. At every stop, trekkers are allowed to select meals from a menu.

Special notice: There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. If you have food restrictions or allergies, please notify us beforehand or inform your guide during the trek; they will assist in organizing with the kitchen.

Yes, there is water to drink all the way. It is possible to replenish your bottles at guesthouses or safe water stations along the road. In certain sections of the Annapurna region (Annapurna Sanctuary), the use of bottled water has been prohibited, and we also discourage its use due to the plastic waste it creates.

To have a sustainable trek, bring a reusable water bottle and purification tablets, which our guides carry and can use in case of an emergency. The target is to consume 3 to 4 liters of water daily to stay hydrated.

The trek can be trekked by withdrawing or exchanging Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara. We suggest carrying around NPR 25,000 to cover your expenses, such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, snacks, and charging. The availability of ATMs in Chame, Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom is not very reliable, and they are sometimes even out of order; therefore, it is better not to rely on them.

However, tipping is not required, yet it is a standard and welcome custom in Nepal. Most trekkers tip the guide and porter to show their appreciation for the services they provided during the trek.

It is not a fixed amount, but rather it depends on your experience and level of satisfaction. The tips may be paid in Nepali Rupees (NRs) and US Dollars ($).