Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Our Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is planned to give you a personal and meaningful experience. We keep our groups small, usually around eight trekkers, with a maximum of ten and a minimum of two.

This lets our experienced guides give each person the attention they need and creates a warm, friendly atmosphere. For those who prefer complete flexibility, we also arrange solo treks tailored to individual needs.

Every booking in the Annapurna region is confirmed, and we run all scheduled departures, even if the group is smaller than expected.

Solo trekkers are always welcome to join any of our scheduled group departures. If you happen to be the only person booked for a certain date, we will still arrange the Classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek for you at our solo traveler rate.

Most people can get their visa right at the airport when they land in Kathmandu. Fill out the online form before you fly; it'll save you time standing in line. Bring cash or your card to pay the fee. Your passport needs to be good for at least six months after you get to Nepal, and make sure there's an empty page for them to put the visa stamp. Check our Nepal Visa Information page if you need more help with this stuff.

You can get your visa at the airport when you land in Kathmandu; most people can do this. Fill out the form online before you go to make things faster. Bring money or your card to pay for it. Your passport needs to work for six months after you get to Nepal, and you need one empty page for the stamp. Look at our Nepal Visa Information page if you need help.

We'll pick you up from the airport and drop you off when you leave for the Thorang La Pass with Ghorepani Trek bookings. One of our team will be waiting outside the airport with a "Nepal Hiking Team" sign, so you can spot them easily.

At the end of your journey, we will take you back to the airport about three hours before your flight. If you get there early or want to stay longer, we can change things around to fit what you need.

Yes, you can choose to take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with an additional cost of $115 per person. This will save you from the hillside drive while returning from the Classic Annapurna Circuit trek.

Your Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek package includes accommodation at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Thamel, such as the Woodapple Hotel & Spa, as part of your Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek 18-day booking. In Pokhara, you’ll be staying in the lakeside. If you would like a more luxurious experience, we can arrange an upgrade to a 4-star or 5-star hotel that suits your preferences. Please note that upgrades come with an additional cost, which will vary based on the hotel you choose.

An extra night costs USD 45 for a single room or USD 50 for a twin or double, including breakfast and taxes. If you would like to arrive a day early or extend your stay after the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, we can assist. Our team will happily arrange the additional booking and ensure everything is ready for a comfortable and seamless stay.

Before you head out on the Classic Annapurna Circuit, we'll meet in Kathmandu to go over everything. You'll get to know your guide, who will be with you for the whole trek. We'll need your passport and a copy of your travel insurance to sort out permits and keep our safety records up to date. If you have any money left to pay for the trek, we'll take care of that then too.

Your guide will look through your gear to make sure you have what you need. We'll give you the basics - down jacket, a sleeping bag, cap, trek map, and a bag for your stuff. It's also a good time to ask questions or tell us about anything that's worrying you.

You can begin your reservation for the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek 18-day trip by filling out the booking form with your travel and personal details. If your flight or insurance information is not ready, you can submit it later. After completing the form, a 20% deposit is required to secure your booking. Once we receive your deposit, your trek is officially confirmed, and you are all set for this long-distance trekking adventure.

You can pay the rest of what you owe for the Annapurna Circuit with Ghorepani Trek when you get to Nepal. We take cash or card.

If you cancel for any reason, sickness, emergencies, whatever comes up, you won't get the 20% deposit back as cash. But we get it, things happen. So we'll keep that money as credit for you to use on another trip with us. The credit never runs out, so you can use it whenever you're ready to come back and trek.

The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderate to strenuous and challenging. It is suitable for those with good physical fitness. Trekkers should be prepared for steep climbs along the route, which demand strong cardiovascular endurance and leg strength.

The Classic Annapurna Circuit covers around 205 to 210 km of walking. You'll cross Thorong La Pass, which sits at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) - that's the highest point on the trek. The scenery changes completely as you go, starting with thick rhododendron forests and opening up to amazing alpine views higher up.

There is no official age limit for you to join the Thorang La Pass with the Ghorepani Trek. We've taken kids as young as four and people in their 70s and older. But you need to be in good shape to handle the thin air up there.

We have a special Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek for older people and kids that keeps everyone safe and happy. Kids under 16 need to bring a parent with them the whole time.

You need travel insurance for the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. Make sure it covers trekking up to 6,000 meters, getting you out in emergencies, and helicopter rides if things go wrong.

We like companies such as Genki Traveler, AXA Travel Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, or World Nomads. These guys know about mountain trekking dangers and have helped our trekkers before when bad stuff happened.

We put together a list of good insurance companies based on what our past trekkers told us worked for them.

Our licensed guides bring decades of high-altitude trekking experience to every Annapurna region journey. They carry first aid supplies and use an oximeter to monitor your blood oxygen levels regularly. Each guide undergoes extensive training to make informed decisions about your health and safety.

We carefully choose teahouses with a proven reputation for cleanliness and reliability, ensuring a comfortable stay along the trek. In case of a serious emergency, we organize fast helicopter evacuations to keep you safe at all times.

The best times to do the 18-day Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather is good during these months, you can see the mountains clearly, and it's nice for walking. You won't get stuck in the heavy rains of summer or deal with the really cold winter weather that makes walking at high places tough.

We think summer and winter are bad times to go because you'll have more trouble. Summer has heavy rains that can flood things and there are leeches everywhere. Getting to the mountains and back gets harder. Winter has slippery ice on the trails and thick snow that can block your way.

The good thing about these quiet times is you'll have the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek pretty much to yourself since most people go in spring and fall. If you like it when there aren't many people around and want something tougher, going during the off times can be really worth it.

You don't need any shots to get into Nepal or do the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. But you might want to think about getting a rabies shot since there are lots of stray dogs in the villages you'll walk through. It's up to you, but talk to your doctor about it. They know your health stuff and can tell you what makes sense.

Maintain a steady and comfortable pace during the trek instead of pushing yourself too hard. Drink plenty of water each day, about 4 to 5 liters, and follow the acclimatization schedule included in the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. Eat healthy meals and avoid alcohol, as it can make adjusting to high altitude more difficult.

If you feel dizzy, unwell, or have headaches, tell your guide immediately. Guides regularly check oxygen levels with an oximeter and watch for signs of altitude sickness. In serious cases that require a fast descent, a helicopter evacuation is arranged to keep you safe.

Don’t worry! Our experienced guides are familiar with helping trekkers who feel nervous about bridge crossings in the Annapurna region. They will stay close and offer support if needed while you cross. Most trekkers feel much more confident after a few crossings along the trek.

We assign one experienced porter for every two trekkers, carrying the combined gear with a maximum weight of 25 kilograms. You only need a light daypack while walking, which makes the trek much more comfortable. Since your porter will usually walk ahead, keep daily essentials in your daypack. Bring your water bottle, phone, camera, snacks, and any medications you may need during the day’s hike.

A complete breakdown of all the essential equipment can be found in the detailed packing list section on this page. It covers everything you will need for the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Your hotel in Kathmandu provides a secure storage locker where you can leave any extra bags free of charge. You can collect your luggage when you return from the mountains. This allows you to start the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek carrying only what you need, making the trek much more comfortable.

We provide several essential items for the Trek. This includes a sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag. The sleeping bag and jacket are our Nepal Hiking Team brand, designed to withstand temperatures as low as -15°C. You will also receive a trek map to help navigate the route, along with a complimentary Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt and cap as part of your Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek package.

Yes, you'll get a trip certificate after your Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek to celebrate your journey completion.

You can stay connected during most of the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. Before starting, purchase a local SIM card from NTC or Ncell in Kathmandu. You can also buy data packs from these providers, giving you enough connectivity to stay in touch with family and friends or handle essential business calls while on the trek. You can use Wi-Fi in lower elevations such as Muktinath, Manang, Chame, and Pisang.

You can charge your devices during the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, as most teahouses along the route offer charging for around NPR 200–500 per device. Electricity is generated from solar power, so it may be less reliable for you during the rainy season at higher altitudes. Turning off your phone after Manang helps maximize battery life and reduces distractions.

Bring a power bank that's all charged up or extra batteries. This way, your phone, camera, and other stuff will still work when you can't find places to charge them or when the power is out.

Most teahouses along the trek provide both Western-style and squat toilets. At higher elevations, however, Western-style toilets are not always available. During winter months, it’s best to use squat toilets at higher altitudes, as pipes can freeze due to the cold.

Our standard Classic Annaurna Circuit Trek package includes twin-sharing rooms. If you prefer a private room, it is available for an additional fee (if available). Single rooms can be limited, especially during peak trekking seasons when teahouses fill up quickly.

Teahouses along the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek offer a variety of dishes, including Nepali, Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisine.

Desserts and cold drinks are also on offer for you if you want something different. Each teahouse prepares all meals fresh daily, focusing on foods that give trekkers the nutrition they need at high altitude. The range of dining options in these remote mountain areas is quite impressive.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are provided to you throughout the Thorang La Pass with the Ghorepani Trek. Moreover, if you have food allergies or specific dietary needs, inform your guide in advance so teahouses can prepare accordingly.

Inform your guide about any food allergies once the trek begins. They will coordinate directly with lodge kitchens to ensure your meals are safe and meet your dietary requirements throughout the journey.

You can find several options for safe drinking water during the trek. The best choice is natural spring water found along the route, which should be treated with the purification tablets provided by our guide or by using your own filtered water bottle. Teahouses also sell you boiled water, which is a reliable and safe option.

While bottled water may be available at lodges (but not near Ghorepani Area), we do not recommend it. It is costly and generates plastic waste in these pristine mountain areas, where proper disposal can be difficult along the trek trails. Moreover, you can’t purchase bottled water after the Ghorepani area in the Annapurna region.

We offer full customization options for your private treks. You can adjust the pace, add extra days for better acclimatization, or include a Kathmandu or Pokhara sightseeing tour. The entire experience can be tailored to match your preferences and fitness level. Please note that customization is only available for private treks; group departure itineraries must follow the standard schedule set for the group.

We can set up a Kathmandu day tour before your trek starts or after you get back from the mountains. The tour goes to holy temples and famous old sites. If you have more time, we also run day trips to old towns like Bhaktapur and Patan to see more local culture.

Consider tipping at the end of your Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, when you bid farewell to your guides and porters. You can provide tips depending on your budget and how satisfied you were with their care and support throughout the long-distance trek. Tipping is a heartfelt way to thank them for their dedication to keeping your journey safe, smooth, and memorable.

Bring enough cash for Wi-Fi, hot showers, device charging, and snacks on the trail. Mountain ATMs often break down or don't work, so don't count on finding money during the trek. Get all the cash you need in Kathmandu before starting and carry it for the whole trip.