Annapurna Region - FAQS

The Annapurna Guided trek takes in the best parts of the Annapurna Circuit with the additions of some lesser-known trails recommended by local guides from Pokhara.

Annapurna Guided Trek – Grade 4: TOUGHEST

Our treks are graded from 1 to 4, with Grade 4 being the most challenging—and the Annapurna guided trek sits at this highest level. This demanding route tests both physical and mental endurance as you traverse high mountain terrain, reaching altitudes up to 4,600 meters. The altitude itself often contributes to the difficulty. On average, you can expect to walk 15–18 km (10–12 miles) per day, with consistent elevation gain and loss, and tough sections that require solid fitness and stamina.

Our 'Best of the Annapurna' itinerary spans 15 nights, featuring 9 days of trekking through breathtaking landscapes. We've also included time in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, giving you the opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of these iconic cities.

The most challenging aspect of the Annapurna trek is undoubtedly the altitude. Once you ascend above 3,000 meters, the air becomes thinner, and you’ll likely start to feel its effects. The key to managing this is gradual acclimatisation, spending time in Kathmandu and Pokhara beforehand, and taking a slow, steady pace on the trail. By limiting daily elevation gains, we give our bodies the time they need to adapt to the high-altitude environment.

If, for any reason, you feel unable to complete the trek, it may be necessary to return to a lower altitude and recover at our hotel in Pokhara. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll assist with all necessary arrangements to ensure you return comfortably and can rest and recover.

A guided trek offers expert navigation, in-depth local knowledge, group camaraderie, and an added layer of safety. All our treks are led by qualified UIMLA mountain professionals alongside experienced local guides who know the trails intimately. They prioritize your safety throughout the journey while enriching your experience with insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and cultural history along the Annapurna route.

Our worldwide treks are limited to a maximum of 8 clients, ensuring a more personal and supportive experience. The Annapurna multi-day trek is led by an MBT UIMLA-certified guide, accompanied by an experienced local Nepalese guide, and supported by a dedicated team of porters to help carry equipment and supplies.

If you would like to check who else is booked on a guided trek, please just contact us. We can tell you the make-up of your group, the ratio of males to females and give you an idea of the group’s age profile.

Our guides are very experienced, fully qualified Mountain Leaders who live and work in the Alps all year round.

UIMLA Qualification

The Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) (UIMLA) was founded in November 2004 and is an internationally recognised qualification that sets standards for mountain leaders all over the world.

Mountain Leader Associations

Mont Blanc Treks are affiliated to SNAM & BAIML the French & English Mountain Leader Association who are full members of the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). They look after the professional interests of International Mountain Leaders in Europe & around the world.

UIMLA: Union of International Mountain Leader Associations

BAIML: British Association of International Mountain Leaders

SNAM: Accompagnateur en Montagne European

The Nepalise guides are certified by the Nepal Mountain Academy. 

NMA: Nepal Mountain Academy

All our guides are certified in Wilderness and High Altitude First Aid, ensuring they are fully prepared to handle emergencies in remote and challenging environments.

You won’t need to carry all your gear during the guided trek, as we provide a porter service with a maximum weight allowance of 10 kg per person. You'll need a suitable daypack to carry your daily essentials—such as clothing, snacks, water, and any personal items you want with you on the trail. Your main luggage will be available each night during the trek. At the trek briefing, you'll receive a waterproof duffel bag to pack your essential items and extra clothing for the porters to carry.

There are no compulsory single supplements on our guided treks. Our accommodation is on a shared basis in twin rooms. This means that you are likely to share a room with someone else of the same sex and if possible a similar age. In the event that there is nobody suitable to share with, a single supplement will be charged towards the trek start date once we have final group details.

On the Annapurna guided trek breakfast is provided each morning, we will stop at a local guesthouse on the trail for lunch and a three-course evening meal is included on all nights whilst on the trek. Evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included. Please refer to your specific trek itinerary for full details.

Find out more on our Accommodation on the Annpurna Guided Trek page.

On the Annapurna guided trek breakfast is provided each morning, we will stop at a local guesthouse on the trail for lunch and a three-course evening meal is included on all nights whilst on the trek. Evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included. Please refer to your specific trek itinerary for full details.

Find out more on our What to Eat on the Annpurna Guided Trek page.

Essentials include:

• Hiking boots with ankle support

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)

• Trekking poles

• Daypack (25-30L)

• Hydration system (water bottles or hydration pack)

• Head torch, sunscreen, sunglasses

View our What to Bring page for more detailed information.

Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended for stability and reducing strain on descents.

We advise you to carry the basics, including plasters for blisters and pain killers for aches and muscle strains. (Don’t forget any of your usual medication). You will be able to replenish supplies along the routes in certain locations.

Once you have decided on your trek all you have to do is fill out our booking form, make the payment and get ready for an experience of a lifetime!

It is essential that you fill in all the relevant sections, so we have all the necessary information at the time of booking.

Once we have received the booking form and a deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you further information about the trek. To make the booking a simple process, we have explained all the methods of payment we accept. If you have any queries while booking your trek, do not hesitate to get in touch with us in Chamonix.

We recommend you take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking your trek. Should you need to cancel you will need to inform Mont Blanc Treks Ltd by email. If you cancel your trek the following conditions apply: 

• More than 12 weeks before trek start date - loss of deposit. 

• 6 – 12 weeks before trek start date - loss of 50% of the trek fee. 

• Less than 6 weeks before trek start date loss of 100% of the trek fee.

Yes, travel insurance covering trekking activities, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations is required.

Medical

Your own insurance is crucial. If you are on a guided tour, your guide will do their utmost to ensure your safety, but accidents can happen and even trivial accidents can result in a hefty bill if evacuation off the mountain or transport is involved. If you are unsure of your insurance cover, please ask us before the trek, rather than at the time when you may require assistance.

Possessions

Equipment can easily be lost or left behind on a trek and Mont Blanc Treks cannot be held responsible for your private possessions. During transfers, bags are left for collection and again after delivery, in some relatively public places within the hotels we use. Please make sure possessions, bags and equipment are adequately insured and kept safe. Suggestions for trekking insurance companies that have been used by previous clients are:

For residents worldwide: World Nomads, TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak', True Traveller

For residents in the UK: British Mountaineering Council, World first

For UK and EU residents: Globelink

For residents in the USA: TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak'

For residents in Australia: Insure4less