Trek the Annapurna Circuit

High-altitude views, epic scenery and the highest navigable pass on the planet - bucket list stuff in the making

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Trip Ref #9924

Trek the Annapurna Circuit

High-altitude views, epic scenery and the highest navigable pass on the planet - bucket list stuff in the making

DURATION

16 nights

LOCATION

Nepal

ANNUAL LEAVE

2.5 weeks off work

SEASON

Sep—May

GROUP SIZE

Up to 14 people

MEETING POINT

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

ACCOMMODATION

Classic

Guesthouse · Teahouse · Hotel

OVERALL RATING

4.9

Based on 21 reviews
DIFFICULTY

Challenging

Altitude, rough terrain, weather, distance, elevation - make no mistake, this one will test you.

Explore one of the most incredible trekking routes in the Himalayas - 145km of devastatingly beautiful mountain scenery

Cross through the thrilling Thorong-La Pass (5416m) - the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Enter Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world – a whopping three times deeper than the Grand Canyon

Day 1

Kathmandu awaits

Check into your guesthouse in Thamel - heart of the sensory overload that is Kathmandu.

Make final plans with your guides before you begin the Annapurna Circuit Trek and then finish the day with a group dinner alongside the rest of your team.

Day 2

The road to Taal

Drive through 180km of beautiful, riverside scenery on the way to Besisahar arriving in time for lunch.

Swap to a local jeep and continue on to the remote town of Taal, the starting point of the trek.

Day 3

First steps on the circuit

Hiking

5hrs · 12km · 1205m up · 766m down

The trek begins. Follow a rough track out of town and along the Marshyangdi River.

Cross into the insanely beautiful Bagarchap valley and spend the night in your first Himalayan teahouse.

Day 4

Bagarchap to Chame

Hiking

6hrs · 14km · 1025m up · 425m down

Ascend through a thick pine forest to get some mind-bending high altitude views.

Follow the trail to the brightly coloured village of Chame, home to just 279 families where you'll stay tonight.

Day 5

Chame to Upper Pisang

Hiking

6hrs · 14km · 876 up · 269 down

Things get serious. Climb a steep path through the forest and into the surrounding mountains.

Try and find words to describe the waterfalls around Brothan village and then end the day in the small village of Pisang.

Day 6

Upper Pisang to Manang

Hiking

7hrs · 17km · 780m up · 580m down

Climb through a lush zone of yak pastures and crop fields, stopping for photos at a remote Tibetan Monastery.

Continue on to Manang, one of the largest villages on the circuit. Be sure to listen out for the local Manangi language, unwritten and dangerously close to extinction.

Day 7

Acclimatisation day

Spend the day acclimatising to the altitude.

Enjoy a cup of smoky chai in Manangi town, take an optional walk to Gangapurna Lake, or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association post and see how they're saving lives across some of the most challenging terrain in the world.

Day 8

Manang to Siri Kharka

Hiking

5hrs · 8km · 440m up · 143m down

Hike along a rarely used and completely idyllic stretch of trail as you climb to Siri Kharka.

Enjoy the serenity of the mountains and prepare to see one of the great wonders of the world tomorrow.

Day 9

Tilicho Base Camp

Hiking

5hrs · 14km · 400m up · 140m down

Climb to Tilicho Base Camp, home to one of the best viewpoints on the trek - which is really saying something.

Rest up for the afternoon and then enjoy a high altitude night sky chock-full of stars.

Day 10

Tilicho Lake

Hiking

7hrs · 15km · 980m up · 1240m down

Explore Tilicho Lake, one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in the world. If it's frozen you might even be able to walk upon it (your guide will decide if its safe.)

When you're ready, hike back down to Siri Kharka and relax in your teahouse - you’ve earned it.

Day 11

The trail to Yak Kharka

Hiking

6hrs · 12km · 760m up · 520m down

Follow the trail as it winds through some truly awesome scenery on the way to tonight's destination, the village of Yak Kharka.

Day 12

Prelude to the big one

Hiking

6hrs · 7km · 587m up · 84m down

Hug the course of the Jorsang River as you follow a ever-narrowing path to Thorung Phedi Base Camp.

Rest up for a big day tomorrow. You’ll need it.

Day 13

The big day

Hiking

10hrs · 14km · 890m up · 1648m down

Trek across Thorong-La (5416m), the highest navigable pass in the world.

Enjoy some of the best (and most hard earned views) on the circuit, including the high desert mountains along the Kaligandaki valley – a perfect opportunity for some amazing photos.

Begin your descent to Muktinath and experience the serene Vishnu temple, holy to both Hindus and Buddhists and the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.

Day 14

Descend to Jomsom

Hiking

10hrs · 18km · 267m up · 1296m down

Follow the banks of the Kali Gandaki River as it crosses through the deepest canyon on earth.

Take in the magnificent views of Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and then spend the night at a teahouse in Jomsom, gateway to an ancient trade route that once spanned the Himalayas.

Day 15

Fly to Pokhara

Fly over the Himalayas to the lakeside town of Pokhara and check into your hotel near the water. (Please note that flights from Jomsom don't operate over winter so if you're travelling between mid-November and mid-February you'll drive back to Pokhara).

Enjoy the waterfront bars and restaurants and celebrate successfully completing the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 16

Return to Kathmandu

Rise early and take a tourist bus through the mountains and back to Kathmandu (Approx. 7 hours).

Spend some time exploring the city and enjoy a last meal with your team.

Day 17

Your final day in Nepal

Enjoy a lay in and then explore the city some more.

Visit a holy Hindu temple or one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world, before heading for the airport and back to reality.

Included

Internal flights

Flights between Jomson and Pokhara are laid on

Guides

Local, expert, English-speaking guides

Accommodation

2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara and 13 nights in teahouses on the trail

Meals

Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu

Transfers

Transfers from Kathmandu to Besisahar, and from Pokhara back to Kathmandu

Porterage

Porters will carry your luggage on the trail

Permits

All permits and entrance fees will be sorted for you

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Visas where required

Day 1

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Guesthouse · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 14

Teahouse · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 15

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 16

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 17

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Breakfast is usually either hot porridge, muesli or Tibetan bread served with an omelette or boiled eggs. The menus in the teahouses are very similar at every stop and there will usually be a choice of traditional Nepalese dhal bhat (a mixed plate of lentils, rice, vegetables and pickles - delicious and healthy!), Nepalese dumplings (momo’s), mixed noodles, pasta and even pizza. Although meat is available at some teahouses, we suggest you ask your guide for their advice, as it tends to depend on how far it has travelled as to whether it is a safe option.

Dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian diets can be catered for while trekking although meals may get a bit repetitive - dhal bhat will likely be your go-to staple. Gluten-free/coeliac diets are tricky to cater for on teahouse treks (beware that powdered soups and seasonings used often contain gluten, and cooking oil is commonly reused and may cause cross-contamination). Please explain your dietary requirements to your guide so that they can assist when ordering, and bringing along some extra food/snacks is advisable.

What is the accommodation like?

Kathmandu

You’ll stay in a centrally located tourist hotel in the Thamel area with en-suite, air-con and wifi. The hotel is located in the heart of Thamel, close to the main shopping area and the heritage sites.

Annapurna Circuit

During the trek you'll stay in traditional teahouses - these are mountain lodges that tend to have a communal dining area and basic toilets. Rooms are usually sorted by gender and many offer hot showers or phone charging for a small charge. There’s no heating so your warm sleeping bag is needed.

Pokhara

On your night in Pokhara you'll stay in a hotel near the lake, close enough to all the action but still in a quiet spot.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. This is only for the hotel nights and is subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Anytime on Day 1

Ends

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Anytime on Day 17

Transfers

Airport arrival and departure transfers are included no matter when you arrive and depart (even if booking extra nights before or after the trip), provided you have completed your passenger information form and have supplied your flight details in advance.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Kathmandu from major airports across the UK and Europe.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What do I need to bring?

  • Day pack with rain cover (30 litre +)
  • Duffle bag (for the porters to carry overnight kit)
Clothes
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Lightweight down jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Lightweight trekking trousers
  • Hiking shorts (if trekking in the summer)
  • Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
  • 2/3 trekking t-shirts/shirts
  • Fleece or warm mid-layer
  • Waterproof thick gloves
  • Glove liners
  • Hiking socks and lighter walking socks
  • Wool hat
  • Sun hat
  • Spare underwear
  • Buff or similar
Shoes
  • Worn in waterproof hiking boots
  • Lightweight trainers (for the evenings)
Sleeping
  • 4 season sleeping bag
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Pillow case (optional)
Other
  • Trekking poles
  • Travel towel
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • 2 water bottles (1 litre each)
  • Metal SIGG bottle (useful to fill with hot water to use as a hot water bottle at bedtime)
  • Headtorch
  • First aid kit and/or personal medication
  • Water purification tablets/system
  • Hand gel
  • Biodegradable wet wipes
  • Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
  • Toilet paper/tissues
  • 1 x passport photo for trek permit
  • Powerbank
  • Universal plug adaptor
  • Book/kindle/cards for downtime
Winter departures only (end Nov-March)
  • Gaiters
  • Microspikes
  • Extra warm layers (add an extra warm item to all key items above)
  • Extra set of thermals (pair to walk in, pair to sleep in)
  • Merino trekking socks
  • Merino glove liners

What's available to hire?

The below can be rented in Kathmandu:

  • Down jacket: costs approx. $1.5/day with a deposit of $50
  • Sleeping bag (3 season only available): costs approx. $2/day with a deposit of $80
  • Spikes (for Winter departures only) costs approx. $1.5/day.

(Please ask your host if this is needed so they can assist you with how to arrange the hire)

What can you buy in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu has many outdoor gear shops - some are real with kit that is the same price you will find it at home and some are filled with cheaper imitation gear that may not be of the same quality. You will however find a soft duffel bag easily that the porters can carry.

Please remove all unnecessary packing before you leave home and ensure you take all plastic off the mountain to be disposed of in Kathmandu.

Extra night in Pokhara (Single Room)

Payable Before Departure

Extra night in Pokhara (Single Room)

Extra night in Pokhara (Twin/Double Room)

Payable Before Departure

Extra night in Pokhara (Twin/Double Room)

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Per Person

Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Single)

Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin/Double)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin/Double)

- John(December 2022)

I went for the trekking and fell in love with the country!

This was my 7th MBA trip of the year and my favourite overall.

I booked as a solo traveller and Krishna, the my local host reached out to our group of 3 and put us in touch on Whatsapp. He also sent us a guide with helpful information and offered to arrange anything we required including equipment and additional tours. I booked a cooking class and some extra nights in hotels which was all organised by him.

From arriving at the airport to the final goodbye, our guide Prem was there to assist throughout. It really was the most effortless experience. He also talked to the hotel reception and they changed all my cash to Nepalese rupees whilst I enjoyed a coffee in reception.

I was a little apprehensive about what equipment to bring, but Krishna answered all my questions before I arrived and our guide Prem took us to a recommended equipment store and assisted us in buying anything we were missing. You could realistically turn up with nothing and buy it all there at very reasonable prices.

I booked the 17 day Annapurna Circuit and would highly recommend it. This gave us enough time to acclimatise, gave flexibility when people were suffering from altitude sickness and also time to enjoy the towns and surroundings. I would consider it a very well planned route when comparing it to other trekkers' itineraries that we met.

Whilst we were on the trek we encountered many other guides and trekkers, in groups and also solo. Safety is a key concern and our guide Prem carried all the safety equipment and took our blood oxygen levels twice daily. Other guides did not seem to take the same care and attention that ours did and unfortunately this ended up in some difficult situations for the customers.

Prem was very experienced and spoke a very good level of English. He talked us through the history, people, politics, landscape and every other element of the beautiful valleys. We learnt far more than any other group and would often pass on our knowledge to others in the tea houses.

The trekking took a few days for my body to get used to, but then we quickly got into the routine of daily trekking. The distances are manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness and the beautiful views are well worth the walk.

Whilst you can drive much of the route we covered, the best bit about the trek was visiting the small towns in the hills and spending the time in the tea houses. As it was a quiet time of the year, Prem often talked with the owners and we sat with them in the kitchen by the fire whilst they were cooking. For me this was one of the best parts of the trip.

Our porters Ujjal and Mohan were excellent throughout. They were always smiling and had the typical Nepalese positive outlook on life and everything they did. We tried carrying the bags for about 10 seconds and they were heavy. The fact that they did it for 14 days on the road is very humbling.

Thank you to everyone at MBA and Freedom for an amazing experience!!

- Etienne(November 2022)

Where to begin.. In terms of natural beauty, this trek around the Annapurna mountain range is simply magnificent. The sheer grandiosity of the peaks and valleys dotted with simple mountain villages lined with traditional prayer flags is enough to leave you speechless. But in addition, we had an absolute stellar group of guides and porters.

As the head guide, Tika has meticulously chosen the best tea houses and ensures the entire trek is seamless. Every single time we arrived at a new tea house, our table was reserved, the check in had already been done, and our rooms were ready. Furthermore, he is constantly checking on our health and reminding us to properly hydrate and when we should try the Yak cheese (and when we definitely should NOT!). Tika brought an extremely high level of professionalism to this trip, and I would recommend doing this trek ONLY with him. His assistant Palden Sherpa, is also always present and handles all the billing and brings positivity and laughter to the entire group. He has a contagious laugh and a genuine passion for the mountain and trekking. The four porters, Mohan, Ananta, Jeewan, and Ujjal were absoultely delightful, hard working men. They taught us card games, came dancing with us, and took excellent care of our bags throughout the entire journey. A huge applause to the team. They made this trip unforgettable.

In sum, this was one of the best holidays I have ever had in my entire life. If you have a proclivity to outdoor adventure and need a disconnect from the daily grind, the Annapurna Circuit organized with Much Better Adventures and their local host in Nepal is second to none. Give yourself this gift - I promise you will not regret it.

- Jasmin(November 2022)

A really fantastic trek with brilliant local guides. We had a lovely group and a lot of fun.

The trip is really well designed to split up the walking and altitude gains into manageable chunks. I think the fact that we didn't need to take altitude medication is a testament to how well put together the trip is. The guides were super attentive and caring and really kept an eye on how everyone was feeling, what we were eating/drinking etc. They're also just amazing people and a lot of fun to be around.

The scenery along the route is just incredible.

The teahouses were actually much less basic than I was expecting. Most had a plug in the room and the food menus were really quite extensive. They do get v cold in the evenings/night so make sure to take enough layers/warm things!

- Jane(October 2022)

A fantastic trip of a lifetime. The route is well thought out to ensure success at altitude. The scenery, culture & people made this trip Unforgettable. The local staff were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. We were totally spoiled, can’t fault it. Take me back…

- Natalie(October 2022)

I had an unforgettable experience completing the Annapurna trek with much better adventures. The trip was very well organised and the local guides were very helpful and experienced. I would definitely recommend to others

- Jim(September 2022)

What a beautiful and challenging trip! What made it wonderful was the great group of hikers participating and the awesome guides. We were encouraged to be a team and look after one another and for the most part that is what happened. We took it slowly and all were on hand to support those that faced challenges. You can’t beat the scenery!

- Lucia(April 2022)

Amazing trip, once in a life time experince. I could not recomment it enough. Being on the Himalayas leaves you without words. It is amazing being sourrounded by mountains towering you, specially when you are already at an altitude of 4,000m! The host company was great, they really made us feel like part of the team. The acommodation was very decent given where we were. The higher up you go, the more basic it becomes, but still decent.

- Ashley(April 2022)

The Annapurna Circuit trek was the ultimate trekking adventure from start to finish - I enjoyed every minute of it, but particular highlights would have to be the climbs to Tilicho lake and Thorong La Pass.

The scenery on the trip was beyond my wildest imagination, every place had its own charm, and we were looked after spectacularly all of the time. A big shout out to Raj, Ram and Nabin, who could always be counted on for key information, safety, and just general amazing hospitality.

My group were a bunch of incredible people and we had an amazing time together. Nepali cuisine was enjoyed and we got to delve into some of the local customs and culture at every place we stopped. The accommodation was great, considering you are deep in the mountains - but don't expect a hot shower and enjoy it when it does arrive.

I'd recommend this trip to anyone and everyone - a once in a lifetime experience.

- Huw(April 2022)

We trekked the Annapurna Circuit in April. Our guide Dipak and porter Santosh were both excellent. Very friendly. The trek was pretty hard particularly given that we both got stomach bugs despite being very careful about food. The accommodation was pretty basic and on occasions dirty-Although Dipak did take it upon himself to clean the bathroom for us on one occasion which was very kind. Tough trek in basic conditions but good guide.

- Nicki(April 2022)

What a fantastic trip. What a fantastic group of people. From the crazy jeep rides to sunrise over beautiful peaks to taking on fears of heights & relaxing days on the lake. The tough days are indeed tough, but they are so worth it. Sunrise over Manaslu, Tilicho Lake & of course the pass were all highlights.

We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 570kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Much of this trek is within the capabilities of people with good fitness who are keen trekkers. Still, it is important to note that trekking at altitudes above 3000m/10,000ft is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations.

Some training beforehand will help and we advise doing at least one weekend of back to back days walking. The guide will set the pace and as with all altitude treks, the theme is ‘slowly slowly’ to help you adjust to the altitude.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

We do not include meals on the trek as from experience we know that altitude and physical exercise can mean appetites vary hugely. The cost of food rises as you ascend as it is all carried in by porters and yaks and as you get higher up, very little food can be grown. How much you spend per day will vary according to your choice of meal but generally, people spend between $25-$35 per person per day on meals and hot drinks. Below is an approx. breakdown of some items:

  • Dal Baht: $4 to $7
  • Chow Mein: $2 to $4
  • Eggs: $2 to $4
  • Toast: $1.50 to $3
  • Tea/Hot Chocolate: $1.00 to $3.00
  • Chocolate Bars: $2 to $4

Teahouses will provide cold water free of charge however it needs to be treated to enable you to drink it. Please read the FAQ re our advice here.

Other optional extra costs to be considered that are available in some teahouses but not all:

  • Shower: $2-$4
  • Wifi: $2-5
  • Electricity: $2-5

It is customary in Nepal to tip guides and porters. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. You can give any tips to your lead guide at the end of your trip. This will then be shared amongst the whole team. For full transparency, the lead guide will distribute the tips to the guides and porters in your presence. It is customary for the guides to receive a higher share than the porters as they are more highly qualified. A good rule of thumb is around $165pp as a tip, although the amount you give is entirely your choice. 

If you would like to give an additional tip to a member of the team who has supported you personally please do so directly and discretely.

The preferred currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Whilst 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 GBP300.

It's best to bring the bulk of your money with you in cash and exchange it at a bank or at one of the many money changers in Nepal - your guide will help you with this. Most major currencies are accepted, including GBP (Sterling), Euros and US Dollars, 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. 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. In order 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 first aid, hyperbaric chambers, oxygen system, mountain rescue and incident management.

When you trek in the mountains, there's always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young, fit or unfit you are. We would expect most trekkers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3000m. Our guides are trained to identify the symptoms of altitude sickness so if any more serious symptoms are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or a rapid descent or evacuation if needed. All of our trips have been designed with altitude best practice in mind so acclimatisation days have been built in and our experienced guides follow advice to ‘walk high and sleep low’. On this trip, medical oxygen is available to treat altitude sickness should it be needed.

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 minus 20ºC) but the trails are quieter and the mountain views are often at their best due to the clear sunny skies.

Pre-Monsoon / Spring (March-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 10-15ºC.

Post-Monsoon / Autumn (Sept-Nov): This is the most popular time to trek in Nepal with generaly sunny and mild days. It can get cold and windy at higher altitudes, however, 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 the rain-shadow, the summer months of June-August are still good to trek. These months are a great time to have the trails almost entirely to yourself.

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 organise 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 cancelled you will drive to Pokhara instead.

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

This trip includes one porter for every two trekkers. They will carry up to 20-25kg of kit so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 12kg per person). You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc).

We’ve sourced some great optional activities for you to do in and around Kathmandu should you wish to explore that little bit further. Please discuss these directly with your host who will be able to book them for you.

Cook Like a Local: This short cooking workshop (approx. 3 hours) teaches you how to cook popular Nepali dishes like MoMo and Dal Bhat. You’ll meet your teacher and accompany them shopping, then head to the kitchen and learn to cook alongside them. Price: Pay what you think the workshop is worth!

Shop Local: A 2/3 hour guided exploration of the markets of Kathmandu. Prepare to learn about the vendors that line the crowded narrow alleyways and to witness everything you could ever imagine being sold, haggled and bargained for. A great experience to learn about the melting pot of cultures that exist in Kathmandu. Price: $9-$50pp depending on the group size

Master the of Arts: Patan Durbar Square is popular for its Fine Arts and this trip will explore the local factories where handicrafts are made. We’ll visit 2-3 factories and learn about traditional processes and see art being produced. Price: $14-$59pp depending on the group size.

Introduction to Shamanism: Shamanism, which is believed to heal many diseases, is not practiced widely these days however this trip enables you to meet a practising Guru and learn all about this age-old tradition. We’ll visit a small house to have an introduction, followed by lunch and a drumming session where we’ll learn the importance of rhythm pattern to healing. Price: $90-$150 depending on group size.

Lakeside Pokhara with its laidback 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 burnt 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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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.

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

For current advice about travelling in Nepal, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (5416m) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.

Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

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