Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nepal - Trip code AN Walking and Trekking
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668Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
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One of Nepal's bucket-list treks, our 12-day route takes us on a full circuit of the Annapurna range. Trek through rhododendron forests, mountain foothills, across barren, rocky landscapes and snow-covered passes. At the end of the day, rest up and get to know the local families who run our tea house lodge accommodation.

Why we love this trip
  • Thorong La - Cross this challenging high pass, 5,416 metres/17,769 feet, offering stunning views across the Himalayas.
  • Poon Hill - Climb to the top of Poon Hill and watch the sunrise over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri.
  • Pokhara - Take a well-earned rest by the lakeside and enjoy a cake at one of the town's many bakeries.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 17

    Lunch: 13

    Dinner: 14

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

    Porter(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

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    Accommodation

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    Walking grade:

    Challenging

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Nepal

Climate

Temperatures in the lower altitude regions are extremely pleasant, with variations in temperature from 8°C (46°F) to the highest of 31°C (88°F). The mountains are best admired, with greater air clarity, from October to January, while from February to May the skies may be hazy. Monsoon rains are strongest in June, July and August. The coldest months are December and January.

Time difference to GMT

+5.45

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Hinduism

Language

Nepali

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Long Trousers - For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are generally acceptable now throughout Nepal. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Down Jacket - After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops. Down jackets can be inexpensively hired or bought in Nepal. Details will be given at the briefing in Kathmandu.

Waterproofs - Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They 'breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Rain during the trekking season is fairly rare but can be heavy if it does happen.

Gloves - Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermal types are most suitable.

Socks - It is best to wear a pair of reasonably thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don't breathe well and can cause blisters.

Lightweight Shoes or Trainers - Useful in towns and when travelling.

Thick fleece pullover/jacket - A thick fleece pullover or jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your pullover or jacket.

Track Suit - Comfortable and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.

Thin Shirt/T-Shirt

Thick Shirt or Thermal Vest

Warm Hat

Footwear

We strongly recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Trainers and tennis shoes do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of walking boots. Ideally, visit a specialist outdoor pursuits shop who will offer advice. Aso trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:

Main Baggage: The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all of the items you don't need on trek. This can be left behind at the group hotel in Kathmandu.

Trek Kitbag: Customer on all of our treks in Nepal receive a free Explore kitbag on the tour prior to the start of the trek. Approximately 80 litres in size it's ideal for all items you need to take on trek and the luggage preferred by our porters. The weight limit for this is 10kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much.

Daysac/Rucksack: 30-35 litres recommended. During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should therefore be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacketweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre) and your camera. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time. On a few occasions it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch. We advise you to take a waterproof rucksack cover or alternatively line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry.

Advice on how and what to pack for the trek will be given at the tour briefing but it may be useful to do a trial pack before you leave home.

Equipment


Sleeping Bag - As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it should be 4-season (temperature -10 to -5 degrees celcius). As most treks pass through a variety of climatic conditions, a long side zip is a good idea. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean. Good sleeping bags are expensive but can be rented or bought quite easily and cheaply in Kathmandu, so if you don't own one you could consider this option. Details will be given by your Tour Leader at the briefing in Kathmandu.

Water Bottle - Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Each day you must sterilise water with Chlorine Dioxide with which to fill your own bottle. 1 litre is the minimum size suitable. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. You MUST bring Chlorine Dioxide with you on this trek. For environmental reasons, we do not encourage the purchase of bottled mineral water nor the boiling of water due to fuel and power shortages.

Dry Bags - If you pack bits and pieces in a selection of dry bags inside your bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A liner to pack inside your daysack is also a good idea.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb - A small torch is essential for finding things in your room, going to the loo in the night, etc. Petzl head torches are particularly useful. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available so bring spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size).

Toiletries - Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, bio-degradable soap, small towel, small nail brush and toilet rolls!

Sunglassesnow Goggles - A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Personal First Aid Kit Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but no prescription medicines. You should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit plus any other medications you or your doctor feel advisable. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.) See the list in our General Information Booklet.

Trekking poles Trekking poles with rubber points are recommended.
Gaiters
Whistle to attract attention in an emergency.
Boot Cleaning Kit
Spare Laces
Swimsuit
Anti bacterial handwash

Equipment Hire in Nepal - Almost every item required for a trek can be purchased or hired in Kathmandu and your Tour Leader can advise on the best shops to visit at your tour briefing. The costs of hiring are as follows:
Sleeping Bag (4 season)- Rs.150 per day
Down Jacket- Rs.100 per day

Equipment Hire and Trek Training Days in the UK - Trek Hire UK hire out a wide range of kit including quality sleeping bags, down jackets, therm-a-rest sleeping mats and walking poles http://www.trekhireuk.com. They also run regular trek training and preparation days from their base in the Surrey Hills, ideal for getting an indication of your overall fitness level and also covering advice on kit and altitude.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow £70 for tipping of trek staff, drivers, guides etc.

In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Nepal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£10
Beer price
£3
Water price
£0.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Nepali Rupee.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US$ or GBP.
Where To Exchange
In major cities and towns
ATM Availability
Although you may occasionally find cash machines these are very unreliable - do not rely on plastic!
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are not generally accepted except in larger establishments in Kathmandu.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we spend five nights in comfortable hotels and 12 nights in simple teahouses. While our accommodation has been chosen with comfort, location and authenticity in mind, it's worth noting that standards will differ from home. Although the welcome will always be warm, service levels might be less efficient than what you\ re used to.
Tea houses in Nepal were originally local homes where a family had opened its doors to visitors, offering them a drink, a simple meal and a place to sleep for the night. Over time, these developed into a homestay-hotel hybrid and the concept of the 'tea house' was established. The tea houses we use usually feature a twin room with a bed, mattress and pillow - you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag. Occasionally, when there is a larger group and the trails are very busy, you might need to share a triple or even quad room. Tea houses are sometimes likened to 'indoor camping' - there is no central heating, and the shared toilet and shower facilities will be basic (there may be a squat-style toilet and hot water is not always available).
Meals are taken in the heated, communal dining area which also provides a place to relax and socialise after the day's walking. Throughout the trek, there will be a range of Nepali, Chinese and some Western dishes provided. Vegetarians are well catered for. A comprehensive range of hot and cold drinks will also be available.
Using tea house accommodation is a great way to meet the kind-natured people of Nepal whilst helping to support the economy in these remote mountain communities.

Nepal

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Nepal: An entry visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens and can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport and various international border crossings between Nepal and its neighbouring countries. This currently costs $30 USD for a 15 day visa, $50 USD for a 30 day visa and $125 USD for a 90 day visa. All visas are issued as multiple entry visas and are valid from the date they are issued. There have been reports of lengthy delays when completing the form to obtain the visa at the airport, especially during peak times. We therefore recommend that you fill in the visa information prior to arrival using the following link: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/. This will produce a receipt with a reference number, which you will need to print off and produce on arrival to obtain the visa. Please note if you are filling in the form before you arrive, please do so only within 15 days of arrival as application forms are only stored for a maximum of 15 days.

Whether you are filling in the form on arrival or before, a passport-sized photograph for immigration is required along with the exact cash. Payment must be made in cash, UK sterling and US dollars are both accepted.

If you are ineligible for the visa on arrival or wish to obtain a visa before you travel, please refer to your nearest Nepal embassy.

Trekking Permits:

A Trekkers Information Management Sytem (TIMS) card and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit will be applied for on your behalf by our local agents in Kathmandu. In order to facilitate this please bring a copy of your passport and two additional passport-sized photos. Your tour leader will collect these at the start of the trip.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

5416

Altitude information

This trip goes to an altitude where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity - as well as the height at which AMS develops can vary greatly between individuals; being physically fit affords no special protection. If symptoms occur while on tour you must let your tour leader know immediately. For further advice when travelling at altitude we recommend visiting the medical advice website of Medex and download their information booklet: http://medex.org.uk/medex_book/english_version.php

We carry oxygen on trek which can be used to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness whilst a patient is moved to lower altitude.

Travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or taking the contraceptive pill must seek the advice of their GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trip reaches (please refer to Tour Essentials box on front page of your Tour Notes). Please take these to your medical appointment so that your doctor has the full details of your trip.

You must have adequate travel insurance for your trip. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude indicated above. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.


Nepal

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Walking and Trekking information
Walking chart 20 day Itinerary
Walking chart 18 day itinerary
Walking grade
Challenging
Trek details
This is a 11-day trek with an average of 7 hours walking a day. On day 11 we hike for about 10 hours to reach a maximum altitude of 5416 m/17770 ft when we cross the Thorong La. You need to be physically fit to undertake this trek. Although we have planned our route to allow plenty of time to acclimatise, altitude may still have an impact. We have graded this route as Challenging.
Max walking altitude (m)
5416
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Airport Transfers
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