Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Operated since 2009, we have more than 15 years of customer service experience in Nepal tourism.
• We excel in providing personalized trekking and tour experiences, offering a range of activities from trekking to cultural tours.
• Assigned guides for the Classic Annapurna trip are local, experienced, and highly skilled, with continuous positive feedback from the guests.
• Our expertise, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer satisfaction make us a trusted choice for Himalayan adventure in Nepal.

Rather than focusing on the specific highlight like other treks in Annapurna, Classic Annapurna Circuit takes you to the various attractions in the region. The trek is long, with more places to explore, and ends with a relaxing natural hot spring bath at Tatopani and a stunning sunrise from Ghorepani, Poonhill.

The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is moderate-strenuous. The challenging part of the trek is Thorung La Pass (5,416m), as it is at a high altitude and has a steep ascend and descent. The trails are pretty rugged and rocky, with some requiring walking in the snow.

The total distance covered during the hiking days is around 170 to 180 km, which is an average of 9-10km per day with a duration of 6-7 hours of walking. The total distance covered during the drive is 435 to 440 km from Kathmandu to Jagat, Banthati to Pokhara to Kathmandu.

The highest point you reach during Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is 5,416m on the Thorung La Pass. This is one of the longest and highest Pass in the Himalayas. You reach Thorung Pass on the 10th day according to this specific itinerary.

• Review the above 18-day Classic Annapurna Circuit itinerary.
• Select the departures option on the navigation bar (located at the top). Then, choose the best month and departure date suited for you.
• Fill out the booking form and confirm it with a 20% deposit of the total cost.
• Note: If you require any changes or modifications regarding the itinerary and departure dates, you can contact us without hesitation. Please note that departures are guaranteed after confirmation is made.

The security deposits are not refundable. In case of emergencies or unexpected events, we recommend that you postpone or reschedule the trek. The deposits are then transferred as credits for the trek in the future.

Yes, we provide trip confirmations after the booking procedure is completed. We send you a confirmation email with all the details of your trip, including the itinerary, services included, and other relevant information.

There are no age restrictions for this Trek. Children, old aged, and young people are more than welcome for the trek. However, you might need to make some adjustments to the itinerary that are appropriate for your health condition and age.

Please feel free to share your expectations, preferences, and physical conditions with us before choosing the right itinerary for you.

Yes, children can join the trek as long as they are well-prepared and have good endurance ability. Basic physical training before the trek is suggested. If you think the itinerary is rushed and not suitable according to your child's capability, you can always customize the itinerary accordingly.

You can try short hiking, practice long walks, or jogging; if you can do these without any problem, you are considered fit for the trek. Consider consulting your personal doctors if you have any health issues.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory, and it should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, and high-altitude trekking up to 5,400 meters. Here are some of the recommended travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.

Yes, a guide is essential for the trek, and we organize the guided treks and tours only. The guides help with the navigation and keep you safe from the unseen events that might occur in high altitudes. Hiring a guide also contributes to the local economy as the guides and porters are from the local region.

Our guides do regular checkups regarding oxygen levels with an oximeter and carry essential first aid kits. They prepare organic and healthy dietary plans. Further, they monitor weather conditions and make arrangements based on scenarios. For an emergency evacuation, they arrange helicopters and contact the required authorities.

The risk of altitude sickness during this trek is moderate. According to the itinerary, the trek stays at a high altitude for 6 days (From Upper Pisang to Muktinath, the altitude changes from 3,000 meters to 5,416m).

Note: If you want to learn more about the illness, its risks, and how to avoid it, check out the complete blog on altitude sickness.

No, the trek does not get canceled. If you or anyone from the group experience altitude sickness during the trek, your guide first assesses your condition and advises resting or descending to a lower altitude. For severe cases, they coordinate medical assistance or an emergency evacuation and discontinue the trek for sick persons while the rest of the group continues the trek.

No, many trekkers have a fear of suspension bridges and are still able to complete the trek. There is a guide or a porter always to assist and support while crossing suspension bridges or streams. Assigned guides are highly skilled and experienced, whereas most of the porters are locals. Apart from that, what you can do is have good trekking poles and boots and always stay conscious of the surroundings.

Yes, it is safe for solo female travelers, and many female trekkers have successfully completed the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek with us. We assign local guides who are sensitive, skilled and experienced in trekking with different personalities.

Yes, you can rent and buy trekking gear in Thamel (near your hotel) at a reasonable price. We provide trekking gear like down jackets, sleeping bags, and duffle bags for the trekkers who need them for the trek. Also, a hand map of Classic Annapurna Circuit Trip, a T-shirt, and a cap are a complimentary gift from the Nepal hiking team.

Note: Other than that, if you are looking for what to buy and pack for the trek with complete details, you can check our packing lists for trekking in Nepal.

Our standard package does not include oxygen cylinders and chamber bags, but if you plan to take them, we arrange oxygen cylinders for $180 and chamber bags for $250. You must tell us a couple of months before the trek in advance if you need these items for trekking.

Porters are allowed to carry from 20-25 kg of loads. A single porter is assigned for two trekkers with 12-13kg each in maximum. We suggest you carry light and only necessary gear for the trek.

Yes, the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done in summertime and is perfect for trekkers who love less crowded trails. During this time, there is stunning weather with beautiful lush green landscapes and mountain views. Rivers and waterfalls have increased water levels, adding to the scenery.

However, please note that you need to pack accordingly for this trek in summer. There is rainfall and leaches in the lower region. Some parts of the trails are muddy and slippery, so you need to be extra careful. Apart from these, the trek is worth it and serene during this time.

For winter, this trek is not suitable, and we do not recommend that trekkers do this trek in winter. There is heavy snowfall, and the weather is unpredictable. Due to the heavy snow, there is a high chance of the Thorung Pass getting blocked.

Note: However, if you are looking for a trek that is suitable for the winter, here are the 15 Best Winter Treks in Nepal.

You are accommodated at 3-star hotels during your stay in the city of Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the hiking days, there are simple family-run Teahouses. The amenities are decent, and the lodging is comfortable, with most of them having an attached bathroom. For the dining halls, there are typical wood-burning metal and mud stoves made in Nepali style.

Note: If you have specific preferences or needs regarding accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the services can be upgraded to a 4-star or 5-star hotel at an additional charge on request.

Teahouses on the trails generally offer twin-sharing rooms. However, you can get single rooms at a supplementary cost, except in the villages of Yak Kharka and Thorung Phedi.

For females, we provide rooms with the same gender or a single room if possible. Most of the teahouses provide rooms for two trekkers at high altitudes. There are two separate beds, blankets, and pillows.

You can expect organic meals on the trails. For breakfast, there is Chapatti, tea, potato curry, fried rice, muesli, pancakes, and bread.

For lunch and dinner, a Nepali Dal Bhat set (rice and lentils) is strongly recommended. And other than that, there are noodles, soup, potatoes, different curries, ingrown vegetables, and other items on the menus. The foods are freshly prepared and made.

Note: Vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and gluten-free meals are available on the trails. We recommend you have vegetarian meals at higher altitudes for better digestion.

There are drinkable spring waters along the route. You can also buy boiled or bottled water from the teahouses. In some villages, there are banned policies regarding bottled water, and you cannot find them.

Note: We strongly suggest you bring a squeezable or a regular bottle for drinking. Our guides carry purifying tablets with them, which you can use to fill and drink spring water.

Yes, cell phone reception is available, though it can be spotty or unavailable in some areas. Mobile coverage is good on most of the routes, with service from NCELL and NTC cards. You can buy them at the airport or in areas near your hotel.

Most teahouses along the trek provide hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities at some additional cost. The charge might vary according to the place of stay.

Note: During the peak season, charging is limited, so make sure you bring a power bank and extra batteries for the electronics.

Yes, there are ATM services available along the trails, such as Chame, Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom. However, ATMs around the area are not as reliable. Sometimes, there is limited to no cash in the ATM to withdraw, so you need to prepare and carry enough money from where the services are reliable.

Mountains visible during the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trekking are Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, Chulu range, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri Peak, Pisang Peak, Ganggapurna Peak, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.

These villages serve as a beautiful end experience for the trek while offering deeper immersion into the region’s natural and cultural beauty. You get to stay in the picturesque village of Marpha, which is popular for fruit farming, especially apples.

You pass by the ancient villages like Tukuche and Ghasa and relax in the hot spring of Tatopani. Adding to that, it offers an opportunity to witness a stunning sunrise view from the Ghorepani Poonhill that gives excellent panoramas.

Marpha is famous for its traditional houses made from stones, large apple farms, and multiethnic cultures. Another key factor of attraction in the village is that it has an ancient way of livelihood among the villagers and serves as a base point for the Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Yes, our designed itinerary is gradual and has an acclimatization day. It is on the 7th day at Manang village (3,540m). On this day, a hike to Ganggapurna Tal is planned, or you can choose to rest or do other side trips as well.

For trekkers who have flexible time, the 18-day Classic Annapurna Circuit trek is better as it offers more places to visit and enhances the experience. For anyone with limited time and who wants to do the Circuit trek around Annapurna, the standard 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is ideal.

Both of these treks are fantastic treks in the Annapurna region and are popular worldwide. The routes are the same; however, the primary difference is the Duration, as the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is extended to the well-known tourist attraction, Ghorepani.

Yes, you can extend your stay in Pokhara at the end and arrange the transfers later. Many trekkers choose to do this to relax and engage in other activities around the place. You can explore the tourist destinations near the area. If you want to change the transfer dates, you need to inform us beforehand of the adjustments.

Yes, you can upgrade to a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu at an additional cost of 90$. It saves you time and gives you a chance to enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas.

Yes, we arrange guided tours in Kathmandu and strongly suggest it if you have extended days in Kathmandu. Here are some of the best cultural tours in Kathmandu:

Kathmandu Day tour: The duration of this tour is 5 hours. This package includes visits to the prominent UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple.

This is the most popular city tour in Nepal. It gives brief insights into Nepal’s rich history and harmony among diverse cultures and religions.

Bhaktapur and Patan Day Tour: These are other UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. The duration of this tour is also 5 hours, and it focuses on the history and culture of the Newar community of Nepal during the King period.

On this tour, you visit the Nyatapola temple of Taumadhi Tole, Bhairabnath temple, Til Mahadev Narayan Temple, Pottery Square, Durbar Squares, Krishna Mandir, and Patan Museum.

Yes, we provide several hikes near Kathmandu that can be beneficial before the actual trek. If you are looking for a short hike to prepare yourself for the trek, here are day hikes you might want to explore:

Jamacho Day Hike: The hike is 5 hours within the Nagarjun Forest reserve. It has a mix of stone staircases and narrow and wide trails with steep uphill and plain paths. It goes through the lush green forest, and the view after you reach the highest point is fantastic. There are temples, small local shops, and a stupa.

Chandragiri Hiking: It is a longer hike of 7 hours and is popular as a go-to place for short hiking trips. It offers amazing panoramic mountain views. There is a cable car access to the place, too. It is one of the sacred temples for Hindus, so there are many domestic and international tourists.

Nagarkot Day Hiking Tours: This hike takes you to one of the scenic places of Nepal. It is 32 km from Kathmandu Valley. This hike offers stunning views of Annapurna, Ganesh, Manaslu, Gaurisankhar, Everest, and Cho Oyu Himal ranges.

Yes, if you are not interested in doing Thorung Pass, there is a unique package that highlights Ghorepani Poonhill, Muktinath, and Jomsom. It is a 14-day Jomsom Muktinath trekking package that starts from Nayapul-Ghorepani-Poonhill-Ghasa-Tukuche-Kagbeni-Muktinath and ends at Jomsom.

It is ideal for trekkers who are looking for a short trek in Annapurna that has Ghorepani, Jomsom, and Muktinath in it.

Yes, the trails of Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek are steep. However, there are no trails along the cliff. Notably, the sections between Dharapani and Chame and the ascent and descent of Thorong La Pass involve the steepest trails.

You can expect three different types of Terrains on this trek. In the lower region, there are vast farmlands with dense forests of oaks and mosses. As you ascend, the landscape changes to alpine meadows. There are snow-capped mountains and glaciers surrounding the areas.

Another is arid-desert terrain during the final ascents at Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, and Marpha villages. Desert-like terrains are one of the exciting things that sets this trek apart from other treks.

Yes, there are motorable roads you have to walk on. The roads are connected from Besisahar to Manang and from Muktinath to Pokhara. However, we avoid most of the roads and use the hiking trails.

Note: As the region is one of the best tourist attractions of Nepal, these roads are connected to increase accessibility to them. This allows the itinerary to be flexible in terms of duration and budget for trekkers with limitations. You can contact us if you need any customizations regarding the short trip itinerary.

No, we do not arrange international flights. You need to arrange the flights yourself and be in Kathmandu on the arrival day according to the itinerary. This allows you to arrive and depart at your preference freely.

Yes, we arrange airport pickup and drop-off as a complimentary service. Upon your arrival, a representative from our team will pick you up and assist you to the hotel. Also, he will drop you off at the airport on the departure day.

Yes, we arrange airport pick-up and accommodation even if you arrive earlier. However, you need to provide us with the arrival details before making arrangements.

The package includes all transportation, including airport pickup and drop-off services.

A private vehicle is arranged from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by a reserved local jeep for the group to Jagat. After the trek, a jeep ride is arranged from Ulleri to Pokhara. The journey concludes with a tourist bus ride from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Yes, all the necessary permits needed for the protected area (Annapurna Conservation Area) are included in the package. For the permit arrangements, you must bring one passport-sized photo and your original passport photocopy.

For this Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, around 25,000–30,000 Nepali Rupees is enough for the entire trip. This amount typically covers your daily expenses, such as extra meals and snacks, Wi-Fi, drinks & beverages, hot showers, and charging for electronics.

Yes, tipping is expected for your guides, porters, and drivers. The amount is based on your satisfaction, services, the duration of the trek, and the number of members in the group. Offering a tip is usually done at the end of the trek. Any amount is accepted, and you can tip in US dollars or rupees at your convenience.