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Annapurna Circuit Trek
Group Size:
1 PAX 
Duration:
14 Days 
Max Altitude:
5416m 
Accommodation
Tea House / Mountain Lodge and Hotel 
Trip Grading:
Challenging 
Trip Start:
Kathmandu 
Trip End:
Kathmandu 
Average Dist. per Day
12Km 
Average Time per Day
7hrs 
Trip Overview
The trek begins from eye-catching rice fields of lowlands and reaches one of the highest passes Thorong La (5,416m).
The path goes through the gorges of Marshyangdi River before swinging west into the drained land of Mustang. And also in the north, you can see the beautiful Annapurna Himalayas. The trek starts with a 7hr drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar through the Prithivi highway. The outside views from the roadway make the journey remarkable. On the way of driving, you can see beautiful Himalayan mountains like Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapurchhre.
Annapurna Circuit trek gives a dramatic change in altitude: from the lower than 1,000m to up to 5,416m. The trail includes farmlands, and also arid, snowy fields. The path leads to attractive villages of a vast diversity of ethnic groups and offers majestic views of the Himalayas. Gurung, Thakali, Magar, Brahmins, and other casts reside in this region.
After Thorong La pass (5416m), the trail descends towards Muktinath. Muktinath is a place of nirvana and also one of the sacred places for Hindus and Buddhists. While entering the compound of Muktinath, there are Tibetan-style prayer wheels, Gompas, and Vishnu Mandir. It is a beautiful example of a good relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism, a symbol that Nepal is a country of good interfaith.
Descending trails of Jomsom goes through Kagbeni, located on the banks of Kaligandaki River. We walk through the world’s deepest gorges of Kaligandaki and get to the natural hot spring of Tatopani. Unwinding at the hot springs with a drink will be a feeling like none other after long days of the trek.
The trek also includes Poon Hill the attractive hill station for sunrise. From view tower of Poon Hill, we can see Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Finally, reach Pokhara, a beautiful city of lakes and mountain views. You will have a day sightseeing in Pokhara. Different museums, caves, mandirs will be visited. And, following day you will back to Kathmandu. You will have multiple options to back Kathmandu.
Tour Highlight
- Sightseeing Around Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Driving through the Prithi Highway along the river
- An oldest Buddhist Monastery in Bharaga Village
- Exploring the Manang Village and crossing Thorong La
- Natural Hotspring for bath (Swim)
- Exploring the most popular temple Muktinath
Itinerary Activities
| Activity | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu City Tour | Easy | 1 Day |
| High Pass (5416M) | Difficult | 1 Day |
| Pokhara City Tour | Easy | 1 Day |
| Trekking in Himalaya | Difficult | 15 Days |
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport
Welcome to Nepal! We will receive you the airport and transport you to hotel.
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Day 2
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu valley
The day beings with a meeting and introduction with your trek and tour leader. After breakfast, we organize a short meeting in the hotel lobby. The meeting finalizes the preparation of the trek. In the meeting, you need to bring three copies of passport copy size photos, and a travel insurance copy. Soon, the day tour will start, and on the tour visit most highlighted places of Kathmandu. PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most visited and sacred places of Hindu. According to Hindu mythology, Pashupatinath is one of four Dham. It is not only a religious place also a cremation place. The dead body is burning with firewood in the bank of the holy river Bagmati. BOUDDHA STUPA Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. While touring in Buddha you can meet the monks, learn Buddhism, gather information about Thankas, and its significants. BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a royal palace built centuries ago when Nepal had 22 and 24 state kingdoms. The palace is famous with the name of fifty-five windows durbar, Nyatapol Mandir the tallest temple in Nepal. The Lion Gate, Golden Gates, The statue of King BhupatindraMalla, and the pottery where the potter makes are the main attractions of Bhaktapur. After finishing the tour, the evening time is to review the luggage for the trek. If you are interested you can walk around Thamel, choose the restaurant for dinner.
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Day 3
Drive to Dharapani (1860m) via Besisahar
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your trekking crew and head off for a 10hrs drive to Dharapani via Besi Sahar. Driving along Prithvi Highway up to Dumre goes along the Trishuli river until you cross Mugling, then following Marshyangdi River up to Dumre. The picturesque farmland on the banks of rivers is outstanding. Road Conditions: Up to Besisahar – Black Topped Road , Besisahar to Dharapani – Dirt and Bumpy Road
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Day 4
Trek to Chame
The trip begins to climb till Temang through a jungle, and then reaches Chame via Thanchowk and Koto. Temang village is located at the bottom of Lamjung Himal and Thanchowk is the lunch place where you can enjoy a lunch with awesome views of Mt. Manaslu. Chame is the headquarter of Manang district and sports rewarding view of Mt. Annapurna II.
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Day 5
Trek to Pisang
We leave Chame and head off to Pisang, following narrow valleys and over the treeline of Annapurna Himalayan range. Before you cross the second bridge of Marshyandi, you can see apple gardens. Ascending trails of Pisang go through blue pine forests via Dhikur Pokhari, where you will have your delicious lunch, and walk an additional 1.5 hrs to get to Lower Pisang. Late afternoon we hike up to Upper Pisang to explore the monastery and also for acclimation.
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Day 6
Trek to Manang (3540m)
Today there are a couple of options to reach Manang. First is the northern side of the Marshayandi River and next is south of Marshyangdi river, both ends at Munji. The Southern way through Humde is easier than the other, whereas via Ghayru and Nawal is harder one but gives awesome views of the Annapurna Range. From Munji it takes less than 2 hours to reach Manang (3,540m) via Baraka (3,475m).
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Day 7
Acclimatization day at Manang
Today is a rest day to acclimatize, the day you will visit Chhokar Dada, a viewpoint from where you can see magnificent views Mt. Ganagpurna, Gangpurna Lake, Tilicho Peak. In the evening, you walk around the village and back to the guesthouse.
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Day 8
Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
After breakfast, we start walking towards Yak Kharka from Manang. The trail gradually climbs up to Gunsang Manang via Tenki Manang along the Jarsang Khola Valley. Today is the best day for beautiful Himalayan peaks, you can see Mt. Annapurna II, III, IV, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Tilicho, Mt. Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak etc. and finally reach Yak Kharka (4,050m).
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Day 9
Trek to Thorong Phedi
Slightly up the trail to Thorong Phedi, we get to see large herds of blue sheep and yaks on the barren fields. Just before the Phedi, you have to cross the landslide area which is about 10 minutes. And finally, reach Phedi where you have lunch and settle into rooms here. You can walk up to High Camp for acclimatization.
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Day 10
Trek to Muktinath
Today is one of the toughest and longest days of the trek that begins before sunrise at around 4 am to cross Thorong-La Pass (5416m). It is important to cross the pass by no later than 10 am to dodge the winds and potentially inclement weather. We will be well over 5,000m, which is a very high altitude, so it’s important to pace ourselves comfortably and drink plenty of water. The pass is marked with praying flags and gives picturesque views of Mustang valley and high mountains up ahead. After crossing the Pass again, we need to walk for another 4hrs to reach Muktinath (3800m).
Muktinath is an important Hindu heritage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Thousands of pilgrims visit the place and take the holy bath at 108 holy waterspouts in the temple premises. It is considered to be the place of Nirvana, where Lord Vishnu confessed his transgression. Lord Vishnu is the main god of this temple. Likewise, there is a temple called Jwala Mai which has a natural eternal flame fueled.
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Day 11
Trek to Jomsom
From today the trek goes to lower altitudes and entering the windy valley of Kali Gandaki. You have two options to choose from, via Kagbeni. The trail of Kagbeni is a bit longer, and the meeting point of both paths is Eklebhatti. 2 more hours of walking later we reach Jomsom, the capital town of Mustang. You will have lunch at Jomsom and continue to Marpha, legendary for Apple orchids, where Apple brandy is another specialty of the town.
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Day 12
Morning Flight to Pokhara
A short 25-min flight from Jomsom takes us to the lakeside city of Pokhara. In the afternoon you will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devis Waterfall, Museums, and Gupteshwor cave, etc.
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Day 13
Drive back to Kathmandu
Finally, today you are going to Kathmandu by tourist bus. And in the evening, you will get a farewell dinner in Nepali Restaurant with Nepali folk music and dance. Your guide will accompany you.
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Day 14
Transfer to the international airport for your final departure
Your guide will take you the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Itinerary Info
Standard Itinerary and Private Trip
It is the notice about Standard Itinerary and Private Trip. The provided itinerary is standard, and if you want to customize it, you can do it. OR you can go through our Plan Your Holidays page.Travel Insurance and Covers
We strongly recommend you have travel insurance that covers the adventure activities such as trekking/hiking above 15,000 feet. And must include flights delayed/canceled by bad weather, accidents, evacuations, etc.Keep in Mind
Sometimes, unusual weather changes, natural disasters, flight delays, and cancellations, government rules, local political situations, health conditions of trekkers may change your itinerary. At that point, our leading guide will decide and try to minimize the impacts and run the trip smoothly, but we are not liable for any additional costs if needed.Always options for Upgrade
Please you can upgrade your accommodation and transportation service to regular. We can provide you with 5Star hotel accommodation and the best available private car/ jeep services. And also domestic flights including the Helicopter Charter.
Available Date
- Fixed Departures
- Private
Select a departure month
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- September
- October
- November
- December
What Includes & Excludes
Includes
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- Fullday guided sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Three Nights Hotel Accommodation in Kathamndu in a standard Hotel (BB plan)
- Two Nights Hotel Accommodation in Pokahra in a standard Hotel (BB plan)
- All ground transportion as per itinerary
- Full Board Meals during the trip as per itinerary
- Accommodation, foods, insurance, salary, equipment, and medicine for field staffs.
- Trekking/tour permits, entrance fees.
- Full Day Pokhara City Tour
- Farewell dinner one night before the client’s final departure in a typical Nepali Restaurant with culture dance. Your guide will accompany you.
- All government taxes and official expenses.
Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- All drinks including bottled/boiled water along the trekking route
- Lunch and dinner in the city.
- Tips for trekking staff (Tipping is expected).
- Personal trekking gears/equipment.
- Anything not mentioned in the price includes.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
We operate this trip with aiming:
- To improve the lifestyle of local people
- To protect the environment
- To respect and promote the culture of the local community
- To create the Volunteering Opportunities
- To donate 5% of each trip cost to the COSD Nepal organization
We hire the local people as trekking staff, which creates the opportunity to learn and share the cultures, get exposure to local traditions. You can enjoy the local product feasts in the teahouses and lodges that directly help their business.
- Namaste [Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest] is the respectful greetings in Nepal.
- Walk-in clockwise direction around temples, monuments, MANE Stone, MANE-wall is the culture of Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Enter temples and with removing shoes and also leather.
- Ask permission to take any portrait of locals.
- Use right while giving and receiving food, eating, wiping mouth, etc.
- Please dress in loose-fitting clothes while entering temples and monasteries.
A small group of travelers led by the local trek leader, we try to minimize the impacts on natural resources and the environment during the trips. We emphasize reducing waste. Encourage travelers to use a refillable water bottle instead of a single-use bottle.
We are also a supporter of the Community Organization for Sustainable Development Nepal (COSD Nepal). And, we collect 5% of the total payment of each trek to contribute to the organization.
Volunteer Opportunity
We have a volunteer trip operating in a local school in Gorkha. Through this trip, you can directly support the children also the teachers’ educational status.
Add-on Activities
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$ 90$ 100Shivapuri Peak Hike
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$ 585$ 650Bardia National Park Tour
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$ 90White Gumba Tour
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$ 350Scenic Mountain Flight
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$ 150Kathmandu Day Tour
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$ 200Bungee Jumping in Nepal
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$ 2000Everest Heli Tour
Guest Review
Brain Rea South Africa
Raj was my guide on the Annapurna Circuit. He was not only professional but a great companion and, when the going got rough, proved very efficient in implementing the necessary safety procedures. I would not hesitate to recommend Raj as an able and proficient Himalayan guide.
Equipment List
Here you will get a basic idea of the equipment and items of clothing that you need to carry on the trip. Apex Asia Holidays provide you with a gratis duffel bag in Kathmandu to pack your trekking luggage.
Note:
- Non- trekking items can store at the Hotel lockers in Kathmandu.
- If you are trekking in Everest Region: Kathmandu- Lukla Flight only allows the 15KG including hand-carry bag.
- You must have to carry a down jacket from above 4000 meters to keep warms. You can hire a down jacket and sleeping bag for USD 30 with us.
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- A cap to protect your ear and neck from sunlight
- Warm wool or synthetic hat
- Neck Warmer
- UV protective glaciers sunglasses - better to have side shield.
Hand
- A pair liner woolen gloves for mild days and heavy for morning and evening
Core Body
- Three cotton t-shirts
- Three synthetic t-shirt
- Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days.
- A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. The full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.
- For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton.
- Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts.
- Underwear, stay away from cotton.
- Two pairs lightweight long underwear.
Lower Body
- Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.
Feet
- At least four pairs of liner socks, synthetic. And three pair heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- A pair of lightweight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.
- A pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.
- A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge.
- Shoes
Other Essential
- Small Day Pack
Medicine and First Aid
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous but Important
- Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
- Airline tickets
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletries
Important Info
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TRANSPORTATION
In Nepal, there are two kinds of transport, public and private. We mostly recommend you to use the private than the public because the roads two ways that make traffic, and the private vehicle can avoid the traffic by choosing the proper time for less traffic.
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MEALS
In Nepal, you will get the extensive food menu. From the international food menu to local foods. Dal Bhat is the main course of Nepal. Your guide will help you to choose the suitable food, on the trek and tour.
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ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Trekking is the popular trekking ventures in Nepal, which is always in the High Himalaya and where we have the chance to get altitude sickness. So, it is highly recommended to learn more about the High Altitude Sickness before you start the trek. Hurry can be deadly in Nepal Himalaya. Walk slow, and give enough time to your body to fit in the high altitude. Drinking more water and stepping slowly with rest is the best protection against altitude sickness.
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INSURANCE
It is necessary to have travel insurance before you embark on any trip. The insurance policy should include the cost of medical expenses, any damage or loss of your luggage, and cancellation.
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SAFETY
Nepal is one of the safe and more peaceful countries around the world. Even though you must have your Travel Insurance and the should cover the area which is on your itinerary.
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Traveling is the way of getting in touch with the local peoples. It is important to recognize what is acceptable in the society, such as dresses, behaviors, and language. There might be different than your own country. Most of the people can communicate in English in the cities and also some touristy towns but if you have learned a few words Nepali, like greetings “Namaste” that make a huge difference.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Apex Asia Holidays always concern about the health and safety of the clients. Our guide carries a first aid kit with the directed medicine by the doctors. We also recommend you to discuss with your doctor about your visit at least a month ago. In case of severe or emergency, we transfer you to the nearest hospital. Safety is the first important for us as a responsible tour agency, so we do not take unnecessary risk.
Why Book With Us
- Great Value Guranteed
- Small Group Size
- Local Expert Guides
- Hassel-Free Booking
- Social Responsible
- Excellent Service
Tour Map
Frequently Ask Question
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What is the time zone of Nepal?
NPT (UTC+05:45)
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Do I need to tip the guide and porters? What is the standard tip?
Tips is expected by your team members and normally the standard is 10% of your total trip cost.
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Do you arrange the International and domestic flights?
Yes, we can do as per clients’ require. Normally, we arrange all domestic flights and if you required we can arrange also international tickets.
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Can I change my itinerary?
Yes, customizing the itineraries is the feature of Apex Asia Holidays. And you can also visit the Plan Your Holidays link.
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Is it possible to extend trip?
Sure, you can extend your entire trip and also you can do extended trip.
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Is it possible to use credit card during the trek/ tour?
Using card is not possible in all trekking town except Namche of Everest region. But in the cities you can use the cards.
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Can I charge the batteries of cameras, phones?
Yes, you can charge your devices, but recommended you to bring your plugs, chargers and also do not leave unattended anything while charging in a lobby or somewhere in trekking guesthouse. And if you are in camping trek it’s quite hard to charge the phone so advising to bring portable charge.
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Is there any possibility to communicate in my hometown?
Yes, you can. In the Everest and Annapurna region you can connect via Phone, Internet both is available in most of town and, in some remote routes you may need to use satellite phone that are carry by you trek guide or also get in the local town.
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Do you provide any equipment for the trek?
Apex Asia Holidays provides you a basic equipment like Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, for tea-house trek. And for the climbing trip we provide the basic equipment. For camping trek check it once including section.
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Is the shower facility during the tour/trek?
Yes, you can have shower during the trek. In camping trek you will get shower in shower tent which is basically provide 3-4 times in whole trek it is depending on the duration of the trek. And in a tea-house trek we will provide you attached room where is possible and the rest of town you will payable shower.
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What are the accommodations and meals like?
All the meals that you provided are hygienic and fresh. While you are in camping trek you get meals prepared by professional camping cook. And if you are doing tea-house trek you will get the main course as like in the cities. For accommodation in the camping trek you will have a tent with good qualities mattress and sleeping bag. And if you are in tea-house trek you will normal twin sharing room in basic facilities with warm mattress and blanket, and also we provide sleeping bag if you need.
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Is the drinking water okay? Or I need to use tablets?
For drinking water you can buy bottle water that purified mineral water in tea-house trek and city tour. And in camping trek the camping cook provides you boiled water. For some case of remote area trekking it would be better to have some purification tablets that you can buy in Kathmandu.
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How big is a group size?
We will try to arrange small group of willing people, which immortalized the treks. Normally we encompass 12 -16 people in a group. (This is not to apply for them who want to do Private Trip, no minimum and maximum for them.)
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Do you arrange the private trip?
Yes, of course we will arrange private tour.
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Should I need to join the group?
Joining in a group is depending on your booking and option that you choose. If you have booked for Private Trip then obviously you will not join. Otherwise normally the same trip is departing in a same day then the group will join.
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Are the staffs insured of your company?
Yes, all of the staffs and crew members are the insured.
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What sort of ground transportation you use?
Normally we assign a car up to 2 people and Jeep for up to 5 people and then Micro Bus for up to 14 PAX and Coster and Sutlej Bus depending on group size. There are some trekking routes, which are dirt road for them we assign 4WD Jeeps. It also depends on what services you opt.
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Are the treks and tours secured? What about the security?
Provide the security to our clients is principal of us. The government licensed holder guides and other crew members are carefully assign for your trip. Even though, would like to counsel you to take care of your personal equipment, bags. If you doing a tea-house trek your accommodation are in a local guesthouse, where you have to be precaution yourself at all time. And if you are in a camping trek always keep your own bags inside the tent and while in nighttime please keep your bag in the middle of the tent. The camping leader assigns a Sherpa as a guard throughout the nighttime.
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Do my guide/porter speak English?
Definitely they speak English. All the guides are professional and due to the professionalism they speak good English. The guide’s English is enough to explain about the local culture, activities, and religions.
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Do you peak me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative welcomes you at airport and transfer to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
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What is the fitness required for the treks?
Generally, to trek in Nepal we should have good physical and health condition. And also able to walk 4- 7hrs in day at high altitude with your little backpack.
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When is the best season for treks in Nepal?
From March to mid of June and September to December is the best season for treks.
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Since 2015, we have operated unique itineraries and happy trips that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We focused on the fun factor and challenged you aptly to reach that great feeling of personal accomplishment while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers.
Make your journey fruitful by choosing to travel with a local company. We know each holiday is different. With the guidance of our travel experts and first-hand experience, we can customize every element of your holiday. We create travel packages that transcend our clients’ expectations. We invite you to discover what you’ve been missing. These are some of the difference that makes All-Travel unique.
Explore More
Small-Group
Join a small group of like-minded travelers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
While traveling in a small group of up to 15 people gives an opportunity of making lifelong friendships. We can appreciate more intimate, personal connections, share experiences, and cherish memories.
Local Guides
We employ all local guides and porters because of their local knowledge expertise. They can deliver first-hand information to our valuable clients. And trekking in High Himalayas, the local guides and porters can lead you even in the extreme weather and conditions. In addition, we aim to employ the local guides to enhance their skill and empowerment them. We are always concerned about the local community to improve and support them through tourism.
Health and Saftey
Your safety is our top priority. Our trained and experienced team is always concerned with providing fresh and hygienic food, keeping First Aid, 24/7 communication services, and more. Before commencing the trek or tour, we always make sure whether the clients have good enough equipment, clothes or not.
Responsible for Tourism
Responsible tourism is significantly important because it becomes the responsibility of each individual in the tourism industry. Our dependency is on the existing environment we talk about business or livelihood. We focused on our policy to organize outdoor packages that leave less carbon footprint as possible.
