Trek the Annapurna Circuit

The preferred currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While ATMs are available in the main cities, please do not rely on them as they are often out of order and most have a maximum withdrawal limit equivalent to about $370.

It's best to bring the bulk of your money with you in cash, then exchange it at a bank or at one of the many money changers in Nepal – your guide can help you with this. Most major currencies are accepted, including USD, Euros, and GBP (Sterling), however Scottish or Irish currency cannot be changed. Keep your exchange receipts in case you want to change any unused Rupees back into hard currency when you leave Nepal (it is illegal to export Nepalese Rupees, as it is a closed currency).

You will need to carry a fairly large amount of cash while trekking, for the meals (see 'Not Included' above). We advise that you keep this in a waterproof bag and in your day bag along with your passport.

We work with some of the best leaders in the industry. Every single one of them is government licensed and very experienced. To ensure guides' high standard of performance, the host provides them with top-notch in-house training that covers Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, advanced wilderness emergency aid, hyperbaric chambers, oxygen systems, mountain rescue, and incident management.

Although we schedule departure dates outside of the main monsoon season, weather conditions in any mountain region can be unpredictable and sometimes your host will need to revert to 'Plan B'. No two trekking seasons are the same but occasional landslides after Yak Kharka or heavy snowfall at Thorong Phedi or on the Thorong La are known to lead to trail closures on this route.

If the trail is closed or deemed unsafe, your host will organize an alternative trek – usually an extended version of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (also visiting Australian Camp). However, if after you’ve set off on the Annapurna Circuit Trek an issue subsequently arises and you cannot cross the Thorong La, you’ll have to retrace your steps back to Taal.

At the end of the trek, a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is included – if this is canceled you will drive to Pokhara instead.

You can leave any luggage not needed during the trek at your hotel in Kathmandu.

This trip includes one porter for every two trekkers. They will carry up to 45-55 lbs of gear so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 26 lbs per person). You will only need to carry a daypack with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, sunscreen, camera etc).

Your host in Nepal can arrange a variety of extra experiences in Kathmandu, should you want to explore further. Please discuss these directly with your host, who will be able to book them for you.

Kathmandu Heritage Tour: Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple). Duration: full day (approx. 8:00 AM–3:00 PM).

Spice Markets & Durbar Square: Explore Asan Market and Thamel, visiting spice and tea markets and learning about the cultural, culinary and medicinal uses of Nepali spices from local vendors. Finish at Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to historic temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Duration: approx. three hours (flexible timing).

Master the Arts: Head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square for a pottery workshop. Learn to spin the wheel and shape clay into simple items such as cups, bowls or vases, and observe traditional drying and firing techniques used by local potters. Duration: half day (approx. 8:00 AM–12:30 PM).

Nepali Cooking Class: Learn to prepare four traditional Nepali dishes with hands-on guidance, then enjoy one of your creations. This experience supports SASANE and their work addressing human trafficking, child marriage and violence against women. Duration: half day (morning or afternoon).

Lakeside Pokhara, with its laid-back vibe, is a popular spot to relax after a trek. Although the tour starts and ends in Kathmandu, your host can arrange extra nights for you in Pokhara after your trek. They will simply shift your included bus transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu and your final night's hotel reservation in Kathmandu to a later date for you, so you'll only need to pay for the additional accommodation in Pokhara.

Although most teahouses have the option to buy bottled water, we advise against it to reduce the use of plastic in the mountains (this ends up being burned or dumped into landfill out of sight).

You will instead be provided with cold water that needs treating. There is a wide range of products available these days which are more effective than traditional purification tablets – some trekkers like to use handheld UV devices such as a Steripen but other options are available (just check their performance in freezing conditions).

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

This trip includes a domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Nepal's mountainous terrain and weather create challenging flying conditions, and unfortunately, more incidents (including fatalities) occur here than in other countries. Since 2013, the EU has banned all Nepalese domestic airlines from flying within EU airspace to raise awareness of the poor safety record (although no Nepalese airlines were operating routes within the EU prior to the ban). You should be aware that flying in Nepal is an identified risk: please consider this carefully before making a reservation. Additional info can be found on the Aviation Safety Network entry for Nepal as well as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for Nepal.

Domestic airlines in Nepal are generally not accredited by any internationally recognized safety audit systems, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.

What does Much Better Adventures do about this?
Much Better Adventures collaborates with other UK travel companies to arrange for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the local airlines. Much Better Adventures then only uses the carriers that were approved as part of the most recent audit. If any concerns are subsequently raised about an approved airline between audits, we put them on hold until the auditors are satisfied that safety standards are being met.

Due to the nature of this trip, it's essential that your personal travel insurance policy covers the maximum altitude reached on this trip (17,769 ft) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and accommodation, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip, depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully before your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Nepal’s cuisine is shaped by its mountainous geography, agricultural traditions, and strong cultural ties to India and Tibet. Meals are typically hearty and practical, centered around rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and preserved foods, with meat used more sparingly in many regions.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there is a wide range of hotels and restaurants serving high-quality food. However, in the remote trekking regions, limited infrastructure (including a lack of refrigeration) means teahouses tend to offer a similar, simple menu throughout. It is generally advisable to avoid meat in more remote teahouses, as freshness cannot be guaranteed—your guide will advise accordingly. A vegetarian or vegan diet is often the most suitable, while a lactose-free diet is also not too restrictive. Gluten-free diets, however, can be accommodated but are more limited and repetitive.

Meals in trekking regions are built around dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), along with variations of potatoes, noodles, soups, breads, rice, pasta, and even pizza—sometimes with egg, vegetables, cheese, or tinned tuna. Desserts may include apple pie, chocolate pudding (often with custard), or cake. Breakfast typically consists of toast, eggs, pancakes, Tibetan bread, porridge, or muesli.

Fresh fruit is rarely available, and fresh vegetables become scarcer at higher altitudes. While carbohydrates are plentiful, meals can lack variety and certain nutrients, so bringing snacks such as nuts or dried fruit is recommended.

Some dietary requirements and allergies may not be well understood in remote areas. Your guide will help communicate your needs, but flexibility and preparation are essential when trekking in these regions.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian Vegetarian diets can be well catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance. There are plenty of options available both in cities and along trekking routes. Common dishes include dal bhat, vegetable momos (dumplings), vegetable noodle soup, and fried rice or noodles with vegetables and/or egg. Potatoes, Tibetan bread, pasta, and pizza are also widely available.

Vegan Vegan diets can be well catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance. Porridge is a common breakfast and can be made with water on request, though it is often prepared with milk powder by default. Dal bhat is the main staple, though some versions may include ghee - so do check. Momos may contain egg in the dough. While carbohydrates are easy to find, sources of vegan protein are limited, so bringing snacks is recommended.

Kosher Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are not available in remote teahouses, so a Kosher diet cannot be accommodated on this trip. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal Certified Halal meat is not available in remote teahouses, although it can be found in Kathmandu and other major cities. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-free diets are difficult to accommodate in trekking regions of Nepal. Please inform your host in advance, but be aware that options are limited and often repetitive. Many staple foods—such as Tibetan bread, noodles, pasta, pancakes, and muesli—contain gluten, making breakfast particularly restrictive. You may often rely on eggs as an alternative. Additionally, powdered soups, seasonings, and soy sauce frequently contain gluten, and cross-contamination is a significant risk in teahouse kitchens. Naturally gluten-free options do exist, including dal bhat, potatoes, eggs, plain rice, and simple soups. However, flexibility and preparation are essential, and your guide will assist in communicating your needs.

Lactose Free Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many dishes are naturally lactose-free, but you will need to specify at each meal that you require food without milk, milk powder, ghee, butter, or cheese. Porridge and muesli can be prepared with water on request. As sources of healthy fats may be limited, bringing supplementary snacks is recommended. Flexibility remains important in remote areas, and your guide will help communicate your requirements.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life-threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team before booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

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Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

There are 3 different seasons for trekking in Nepal:

Winter (Dec-Feb): Despite being seen as ‘off-season’ this is often the best time to trek in Nepal. The nights can be very cold (down to -4ºF) but the trails are quieter and the mountain views are often at their best due to the clear sunny skies.

Pre-Monsoon/Spring (Mar-May): Temperatures rise significantly in spring and flowers are in full bloom in the lower areas. Although it can still drop below freezing at night, the daytime temperatures tend to sit between 50-59ºF.

Post-Monsoon/Fall (Sep-Nov): This is the most popular time to trek in Nepal with generally sunny and mild days. It can get cold and windy at higher altitudes, however the skies are usually clear.

Of course, mountain weather is notoriously hard to predict and snow can be expected on any trip so come prepared.

As the Annapurna Circuit has wide trails, and much of it sits in a rain shadow, the summer months of June-August are still good for trekking. These months are a great time to have the trails almost entirely to yourself.