What you get on this adventure: An experienced, certified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area and a local Nepali certified guide Transportation from and to the airport Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Transportation from and to the airport 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 Hotel accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara Teahouse and mountain hut accommodations with all meals for the duration of the hike with unlimited tea & coffee Government taxes What’s not included: International flight to/from Kathmandu Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu Luggage transportation for the duration of the hike Sleeping bag and personal mountain gear Trip 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 for up to 9 miles (14,5 km) a day on steep, rocky, and slippery terrain with over 3,200 ft (1,000 m) of elevation gain. 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 relatively packed backpack for 15 days and that the weather in the Annapurna Circuit can be unpredictable.

Why should I travel with a guide?

In Nepal it is mandatory to travel with a local certified guide. Amarok Adventure has partnered with a local travel agency for many years, and since the beginning, they have been paying the local guides a salary that goes beyond the regular Nepali salary. This salary is used by the travel agency and the guides to have an official and professional mountain guiding education, gear, as well as a normal daylife.

Can I hire a porter to help me carry my backpack?

Due to strict limitations, no porter services are offered on this route. You will have to carry your own backpack. You can prepare for this by hiking or walking with a loaded backpack and muscle conditioning. Increase strength in your major muscles that do the heavy lifting. Stronger legs and core muscles can support heavy loads, while also helping you power up the trail. Build endurance in those same muscle groups, as well as the shoulders and lower back to lessen the strain of multi-day backpacking. It’s also a good idea to improve your balance that will allow you to take uneven terrain in stride.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 65L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Water purification tablets, iodine Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Camp shoes, sandals Polypropylene socks Down or fibre jacket Water and wind-proof jacket or poncho with hood Loose-fitting lightweight trousers and shorts Thick wool jumper or sweater T-shirts Spare clothes for layering Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Travel towel Headlamp or flashlight First aid kit — plasters for damaged feet are recommended Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Sunglasses Chargers and batteries Camera — optional (but recommended) 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. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 12:1. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. It takes a minimum of 7 people for the tour to operate. 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.

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 (Kathmandu Guesthouse), a small oasis in the middle of the city. During the trail, you won’t stay in the biggest teahouses, but the smallest, local ones with the best services (rooms, food & facilities) so you can really rest and enjoy after the daily treks.

Deposits and cancellation policy

You can secure your spot for this year with a 30% deposit . Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies, and deposits are no longer refundable. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out! Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you. Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount. The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies. In case you need to cancel the trip, the following cancellation costs would be incurred: 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.

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. After that, all you have to do is stay safe and have fun on this Nepal trekking tour! 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 include 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.

Covid measures in the Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Annapurna Circuit, Nepal, please refer to the US Embassy’s foreign travel advice for Nepal. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Guided Hiking of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

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.

A woman crossing a suspension bridge over one of the many rivers of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

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

Hiker looking enjoying the spectacular views of lakes and mountains of the Annapurna Circuit.

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.

Group of hikers passing a waterfall on Nepal's Annapurna Circuit

A life-changing experience awaits

A hiker overlooking the Annapurna valley.

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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.

Hikers walking in a forest on the Annapurna Circuit

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!

A teahouse provides a safe haven and a nice rest stop after a long day of walking the Annapurna Circuit.

Colorful and meticulously made tapestry found in one of the villages along the Annapurna Circuit.

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

Follow the Leave No Trace policy as you traverse the Annapurna Circuit trail.

Your guides

Alberto Ojembarrena is an AIMG Mountain and Glacier Guide, and the owner of Amarok Adventures. He has guided adventure treks in Iceland, Greenland, South America, and Nepal. His documentary and travel photography has been featured in several international magazines. Since 2015, Alberto has been living in Iceland, where he keeps himself busy by discovering hidden hiking trails and epic sights off the beaten path—with his camera in tow, of course.

Mónica Fuentes is a Mountain guide certified by UIMLA. She is experienced in mountaineering, sport climbing, and skiing. Originally from Spain, Mónica shares her love for nature and the outdoors with clients all over the world. She knows her way around Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes, along with the best spots in Black Forest, Morocco, United States, Scotland, and Nepal.

Alberto Ojembarrena is an AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide and the owner of Amarok Adventures

Enjoyed every part of the trek. Difficult in parts and challenging but doable. Really enjoyed my adventure. Had a fantastic experience. Great guides who looked after us well.

Guides that are close, friendly, and waiting to make you enjoy a unique experience. More than a trip, it becomes a family adventure. Always waiting to make you enjoy yourself and to adapt to the conditions and needs of each moment, concerned about making the trip an unforgettable experience, without a doubt some guides to travel to the end of the world with them.

I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life with AMAROK! Mónica and Alberto are very nice and wise, during the whole hiking trip, there was a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Everything, from the incredible views and places where they guided us, to the delicious food, the trip was unforgettable!

It was an incredible experience because he’s got amazing knowledge. I can’t wait to do another.

Had a great time with them along a week, doing several hiking, visits to different areas and enjoy taking pictures the whole day.

We had also nice places where to stay and meals that were part of our nightmares where in places really amazing.

Organization was always clear and fair, giving us always all kind of information and options when weather didn’t work as expected initially.

Some guides that are close, friendly and waiting to make you enjoy a unique experience. More than a trip, it becomes a family adventure.

Always waiting to make you enjoy yourself and to adapt to the conditions and needs of each moment, concerned about making the trip an unforgettable experience, without a doubt some guides to travel to the end of the world with them.

It was hard choosing a company out of so many, but AMAROK rocked it! Monica and Alberto are just these kind of people you want to hang out with, plus they have those super cool Defenders (which are amazing for photography)
Every place they will show you is gonna blow your mind, no matter the weather.
It’s definately money well spent!
Thank you so much guys, loved every minute of the trip 🙂

If you’re looking for a truly personal and friendly service then these are your guides! Great attitudes, great knowledge, great safety…. Grrrrrrrreat experience. I would aaaaabsolutely recommend this awesome team for a guaranteed great adventure.