Included: An experienced, certified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area and a local Nepali certified guide Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Round-trip Tribhuvan Airport – Kathmandu transfers Transportation for the duration of the tour Kathmandu to Besisahar by private car/van Besisahar to Jagat by local private Jeep Jomsom to Pokhara domestic flight Pokhara private car/van for pick up Pokhara to Kathmandu domestic flight Accommodation for 15 nights Hotel accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara Teahouse and mountain hut accommodations with all meals for the duration of the hike 1 hour trekkers massage / yoga after the trip completion First aid medical kit Local SIM card Company duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map Down jackets and sleeping bags (upon request) Government taxes Porter services Trekking permits Not included: International flight to/from Kathmandu Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu Personal mountain gear Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance

How fit do I need to be?

Hiking the Annapurna Circuit is a challenging undertaking, and it requires excellent physical fitness . If you want to fully enjoy your trip to Nepal, you should be able to hike distances around 13 miles (20 km) per day for multiple consecutive days on steep, rocky, and slippery terrain. You’ll be hiking up to 9 hours a day and gain up to 3,200 ft (1,000 m) in elevation . A lot of the hiking will be done in high altitudes , so some experience dealing with high elevation is recommended. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a daypack with things you’ll need throughout the day for the entirety of your time on the trek and that the weather can be unpredictable. Given the variable weather conditions, it is strongly advised to bring high-quality waterproof mountain gear.

How can I prepare for altitude changes?

Every 1000 m / 3,200 ft you travel above sea level makes aerobic exercise 10% harder. You’ll spend all of the Annapurna Circuit hiking above 3,000 m (9,850 ft)! Here are a few tips on do’s and don’ts for adapting to high altitude and avoiding altitude sickness : Do not eat heavy food the day before traveling to Kathmandu. Make sure you drink between 6-8 glasses of water the days before your trip and during your hike through Annapurna. Once you arrive at your accommodation, lie down a few minutes before going out to explore the area. Once you are ready to go out and explore the area, try not to become agitated climbing stairs or walking fast. The best thing is to enjoy every corner of Kathmandu with calm and respect. You should also try to include cardio and strength training in your schedule. Cardio means getting your heart rate up by doing things like running, cycling, skipping and burpees. Strength training means using resistance, weights or your body weight to grow your muscles. The fitter you are, the less oxygen your muscles need to move — something invaluable in low-oxygen environment. If possible, do some training hikes at high altitudes before heading to Nepal. This will prepare you for the increased strain placed on your body when engaging in high-altitude trekking.

What do I need to bring?

Suitcases or duffel bags are not allowed on this tour as you will be hiking with the backpack. If you want to bring extra clothing and luggage in a suitcase or duffel bag, you will have to leave them in the city. Ensure that all items fit securely within your backpack without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The recommended maximum weight for your backpack is 15 kg/ 33 lbs , with an optimal limit around 8kg/17.6lbs. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations. Here’s a list of personal equipment you need to bring: Backpack or duffle bag (50-70 L/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon) A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding Large duffle bag — optional Valid passport & passport scanned photocopies Visa (easy to obtain on arrival) 2 passport-sized photos for your permits Sleeping bag with comfort temperature of -15°C to -20°C / 5°F to -4°F Fleece sleeping bag liner — optional Waterproof bag for your clothes Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs Sunglasses with UV protectio Swimsuit and towel Personal toiletries Personal first-aid kit (make sure to take all you need with you) Camera — optional Power bank Watch or alarm clock Hiking poles — highly recommended Water bottle and thermos Large Ziplocs Ear plugs Small personal first-aid kit (simple and light) — first-aid tape, Band-Aids, alcohol-free wipes for cuts, personal medications, etc. Tissue /toilet roll Anti-bacterial hand wash Skin blister repair kit Anti-diarrhea pills (Imodium) — one pack Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide One small bottle cough and/or cold medicine One course antibiotics for chest infection One course antibiotics for stomach infection One small bottle of water purification tablets (needs to contain silver-ions & chlorine) or a water filter or UV sterilizer Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies Medium-sized quick drying towel Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring: Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended, 1) Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic) Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves) Light and expedition weight thermal tops Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket and pants Down vest and/or jacket — optional Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable Hiking pants (1-2) Short sleeve t-shirts (3-5) Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2) Hiking shorts (1) Hiking trousers (1) Lightweight thermal bottoms (1) Fleece or wool trousers (1) Non-cotton underwear briefs Thin, lightweight inner socks Heavy poly or wool socks Cotton socks for free time — optional Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”) Trainers or running shoes and/or sandals Lightweight poly-liner gloves Lightweight wool or fleece gloves Please do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant. Due to the difficult terrain, it’s highly recommended to bring good quality mountain gear. Your guides will contact you about any additional equipment at the time of contracting the trip.

Will there be a porter to carry my stuff?

Yes. The price of this hiking tour includes 1 porter carrying 2 participants’ luggage . The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg . Though your luggage will be carried by your porter, you are still required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Guide is mandatory in Nepal

In Nepal it is mandatory to travel with a local certified guide. Your local English-speaking guides have been a travel agency for many years and they are familiar with the area. T hey also have an official and professional mountain guiding education and all the gear you’ll need along the way.

Food and accommodation

From the moment you step on the trail, you won’t have to worry about food, as all meals, tea and coffee are included—no matter how many cups or how many pots you want to drink! Your guide’s goal is to keep you hydrated at all costs to avoid the altitude sickness and (of course) to have the tranquility of not needing to pay extra money for something as basic as an extra cup of tea. The accommodation used is always the best possible. In Kathmandu, you will stay at one of the best hotels in town. On the trail, you’ll stay in teahouses, local ones with the best services (rooms, food & facilities) so you can really rest and enjoy after the daily treks.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 5:1, while groups usually consist of 10 hikers and 2 guides. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. There will be 1 porter for every 2 participants. Annapurna Circuit trek can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 16 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. This tour isn’t appropriate for children and minors under 16 years old. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Deposits and cancellation policy

For set dates, secure your spot with a 30% deposit due upon booking. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Tour confirmations are typically sent out 2 months before the start date to ensure all logistical arrangements are in place. For the same reasons, Clients are required to book at least 2 months in advance to secure their spot on the tour. If you want to formally cancel your participation, the following cancellation policy applies: 100% of the price of the trip is refundable before the group is guaranteed 50% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed 25% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 30-59 days before departure 0% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 0-29 days before departure Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount. Early Bird booking Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit. As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best. More about how Early Bird bookings work below: Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you. Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates. When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit). Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, most people fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, they will arrange for your pickup at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. Your guide provides transfers with local vans from Kathmandu to the beginning to the trail, and the last day for going back to the capital. Transportation also includes two domestic flights for coming back to Kathmandu, so the group spend less time on the road and more time enjoying and resting once the hike is over. Your guide also offer private transfer from/to the airport in case you arrive by yourself so you do not need to share the transfer with someone that it’s not in your group.

Why should I book with 57hours?

With us, it’s all play and no work for you! 57hours is an open platform that connects you with trained and certified outdoor adventure professionals all over the world. Using our tech-savvy, we make it super easy to find and book adventures worth tackling, with guides worth booking, all gathered from the first-hand experiences of the locals who adventure in these amazing locations.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Trek Central

Hike the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

Since opening its trails to foreigners in 1977, the Annapurna Circuit has been enticing hikers with promise of larger-than-life adventure. With over 100 miles of dense forests, terraced rice fields and dramatic high-altitude walks through the Himalayas, this is one of the most awe-inspiring long-distance treks in the world.

Undertake an epic 15-day journey full of dazzling biodiversity and epic views of the Nepal Himalayas. As you reach the end of the trail, you’ll learn to appreciate the small things in life and understand why so many consider this trek a life-changing experience.

Patan Ancient city in Kathmandu Valley. Nepal

Taktshang Goemba or Tiger's nest monastery with colorful Tibetan prayer flags, Paro, Bhutan.

View of Mount Everest with buddhist prayer flags from Kala Patthar, way to Everest base camp, Nepal

A journey through jungle and clouds

Coursing through the very heart of Nepal, between the towering peaks of the Annapurna Range, the Circuit takes you through four distinct regions and their richly diverse ecosystems.

As you begin your journey from Kathmandu, you’ll visit ancient Buddhist temples and sacred Hindu sites before reaching the starting point in Besisahar.

En route to Pisang, witness the landscape changing from wild banana trees and wet rice terraces to dense alpine forests. Enjoy the views of Annapurna II, IV, and Tilicho until you cross Gunsang, where sub-tropical meadows turn into a chilly alpine environment.

ANCIENT KINGDOMS
SACRED SITES
COLORFUL VILLAGES
DIVERSE LANDSCAPES
EXOTIC WILDLIFE

On the edge of the Tibetan Plateau

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN LOCAL CULTURE

The Annapurna Circuit is a pilgrimage along the sacred trails of the Nepali people. Overflowing with history, its remote villages and monasteries display the religious and cultural intertwining of Hinduism and Buddhism. Life has remained almost unchanged here for centuries.

At around 18,000 feet, you’ll reach the pinnacle of the trek—the mythical Thorong La Pass. Enjoy the sweeping views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the restricted lands of Upper Mustang below.

As you descend, the trail will take you to Muktinath—a sacred pilgrimage site and one of the world’s highest temples.

A life-changing experience awaits

Find bliss in the heart of the Himalayas

FRIENDSHIPS ARE FORGED ON THE TRAIL

Join a group of adventurous people on a trek through breathtaking nature and quaint locales brimming with life.

From one fascinating landmark and finger-licking delicacy to another, you’ll bond over your mutual admiration for the wonders of Nepal—and the challenge of reaching them.

A couple walking towards the Ice lake, as part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Himalayas, Nepal. Annapurna chain in the back, covered with snow. Clear weather, dry grass, snowy peaks.

LEARN TO APPRECIATE THE LITTLE LUXURIES

One of the key reasons for hiking the Circuit counterclockwise are the numerous teahouses scattered along the trail. These traditional symbols of Nepal are both oases of respite and indispensable resting spots that help you acclimatize to the local elevation.

They may not be the Hilton—the higher the altitude, the more basic the lodging—but after a long day of hiking, they’ll seem like it. Factor in the world-class hospitality and they’re like a gift from the heavens!

Small tea house along the Annapurna Circuit Trek with moutains in the distance

The Kathmandus and don’ts of hiking in Nepal

One thing Nepal really knows is how to keep its hikers full. The Annapurna region is renowned for its varied, healthy diet ranging from the invigorating Dal Bhat, to baked goods, and even Yak burgers! Just remember: if you’re respectful and open-minded, you’ll receive tenfold in return.

Moreover, try to make a positive impact on the trail. Hundreds of hikers traverse the Annapurna Circuit at the same time, which makes proper waste management even more critical. When done right, traveling can an enriching experiences both for you and the local community.

TEAHOUSE NETWORK
WELCOMING LOCALS
TRADITIONAL CUISINE
TIBETAN TEMPLES
ASTONISHING VIEWS

Nepal's Annapurna towering over a lush green valley

Annapurna Range, Asia, Himalayas, Mountain, Nepal

Beautiful Waterfall in the Green Hill Mountain during Monsoon in Tatopani, Nepal

Your guides

Trek Central are a team of young, energetic, and hardworking professionals, helping people from across the globe to experience and explore Nepal — one of the most spectacular natural and cultural destinations in the world. They have been working in this field for more than 6 years with a new vision and direction.

At the core of their business lies a genuine passion to make a difference in the world. They are dedicated to creating a positive impact and actively supporting the local communities we engage with.

Trek Central Nepal is an official member of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Kathmandu Environment Education Project (KEEP), and many more local tourism bodies.