Everest Base Camp & Annapurna Circuit Trek

30 days
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Small Group Tour
Experience the high mountains of Nepal on this challenging trekking adventure. Conquer Everest's Base Camp, a holy grail for mountaineers, and complete the arduous Annapurna Circuit. Take in stunning scenery and soak up the rich cultures and traditions of this beautiful country, exploring tiny villages and meeting friendly locals along the way. Ever dreamed o...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • This trip combines two of the world’s great classic treks. Experience breathtaking scenery and the comradery of trekking with a small group as you challenge yourself to reach new heights.
    • Get your first glimpses of the might Himalayan range on the included flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – surely one of the most dramatically located airports anywhere.
    • You’ll be accompanied by an experienced trek leader along with assistant guides and porters, who will not only give you all the support and guidance you need along the way, but also introduce you to the rich local Sherpa culture.
    • Intrepid operates these treks according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions not only in Nepal, but on all our trips globally. For more information on porter welfare, see intrepidtravel.com/au/porter-policy
    • After testing your body and mind, take a few days to unwind and reminisce among the temples and pagodas of Pokhara and Kathmandu

What's this trip about?

    Experience the high mountains of Nepal on this challenging trekking adventure. Conquer Everest's Base Camp, a holy grail for mountaineers, and complete the arduous Annapurna Circuit. Take in stunning scenery and soak up the rich cultures and traditions of this beautiful country, exploring tiny villages and meeting friendly locals along the way. Ever dreamed of seeing the wind-swept peak of Everest, of traversing high passes and crossing blue-white glaciers, of meeting holy men and taking in nature at its grandest? This trip has it all. ALTERNATE ITINERARY: In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays of included flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details.

Details

Itinerary focusActive
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKathmandu
End CityPokhara

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Nepal

Attractions

  • Everest Base Camp
  • Himalayas
  • Kathmandu
  • Pokhara
  • Tibet

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm today. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the storied stupas an...

Day 2 Phakding (2610m / 8563ft)

Sitting at 8848 m, Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, is one of the greatest trekking destinations. Locally known as Sagarmatha, the mountain has long been revered as the home of the gods. First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Evere...

Day 3 Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11286ft)

Today you’ll trek around 7 hours to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude. You might also get your first look at Everest itself. From Phakding you’ll cross the river and head up the valley, following in the footsteps of the p...

Day 4 Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

You’ll stay at Namche Bazaar for another night so that you can properly acclimatise to the altitude. One of the best ways to do this is to take strenuous walk up to a high altitude then come back down to sleep – so there’s an optional walk above the Bhote Khola River ...

Day 5 Phortse Gaon ((3810m / 12500ft))

Today you'll trek for about 9 km from Namche Bazaar to Phortse. This route offers amazing insight into the life and culture of the sherpas, and that night we stay in a village that is home to a number of sherpas who have reached Everest's summit. Looking out from Phortse, the views of Amadablam are great.

Day 6 Dingboche (4410m / 14469ft)

Climb above the tree-line and trek approximately seven hours covering the distance of 12 kms to Dingboche. Here you’ll find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls. These walls protect crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. The scenery...

Day 7 Dingboche (4410 m)

Today is another acclimatisation day. Staying the night in Dingboche you'll take day hikes to Amadablam base camp, Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung.

Day 8 Lobuche (4910m / 16109ft)

From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440 m) make for a pretty striking scene – they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6...

Day 9 Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp (5140m / 16864ft)

This is the big one, the day of Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier, with a gradual ascent enabling you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When you reach the moraines of Ch...

Day 10 Kala Pattar - Pheriche (4240m / 13191ft)

Today you witness some of the Himalayas most recognisable sights. You'll make an early start to avoid the early morning clouds and trek to Kala Pattar (5545 m) to witness the best views of Everest. Don’t be surprised if you get a little tear in your eye when you soak ...

Day 11 Tengboche (3860m / 12664ft)

Descend through the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare before passing through Lower Pangboche. Here you’ll reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River, then ascend back to Tengboche to visit the monastery. According to legend, Lama Sange Dorjee, who came...

Day 12 Monjo (2860m / 9383ft)

Descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir. Cross the Dudh Kosi River and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and on to Namche Bazaar, before descending steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. You’ll follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo, where you’ll stop for the night.

Day 13 Lukla (2840m / 9318ft)

You’ve done it, your last day of trekking! Today you'll walk back to Lukla via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of Kusum Kangaru. From here, make the final climb up to Lukla, where you’ll say goodbye to your Sherpa crew. Celebrate with a hot shower and a few drinks with your group before flying back to Kathmandu tomorrow morning.

Day 14 Kathmandu

Weather permitting, you'll take a short early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Return to the hotel and have free time during the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping. Shop in some of Kathmandu's many markets for clothing, embroidery, carpets or ceramic...

Day 15 Kathmandu

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu. You may like to explore the Thamel Market, perusing the eclectic shops and stopping for tea and people-watching. A language, craft or cooking class at Seven Women, a local social enterprise, is also a wonderful way to understand more abo...

Day 16 Kathmandu

Today you'll meet the rest of your group for a welcome meeting at 2 pm today as there will be an important group briefing. Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th century. Its rich artistic ...

Day 17 Ngadi (930m / 3051ft)

This morning, drive to Besisahar to immediately immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. After lunch you’ll begin your trek straight away, heading to Ngadi. Hit the trail that takes you through Besisahar bazaar lead...

Day 18 Chamje (1430m / 4692ft)

Keep an eye out for dazzling cascades along your trail today as it makes its way through a deep wooded canyon with a few stretches of steep climbing. Wander through rice paddies, follow winding trails through sub-tropical forest, cross suspension bridges swaying over ...

Day 19 Dharapani (1860m / 6102ft)

Today’s trek continues through the deep wooded canyon embellished by stunning waterfalls. You’ll be venturing into the Manang district of the mountain range, with much of the trail ascending throughout the day.

Day 20 Chame (2670m / 8760ft)

Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi Gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar.

Day 21 Pisang (3200m / 10499ft)

A slew of breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as the trail goes through a deep gorge, then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. Today is mostly an easy walk with few ascending stretches of trail dotted throughout the day.

Day 22 Manang (3540m / 11614ft)

Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru – an area renowned for its spectacular views. It is now drier and you are sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. Here’s a hot tip – Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red, so choose your gear carefully today!

Day 23 Manang (3540m / 11614ft)

Spend a day here to acclimatise by doing some high climbing, then return to the lower altitude of Manang for the night. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.

Day 24 Yak Kharka (4050m / 13287ft)

Today will be a steadily uphill climb into the alpine region of the mountain range. You’ll arrive at Yak Kharka, ready for an easier day of trekking tomorrow to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Day 25 Phedi (4525m / 14846ft)

Due to the altitude, feel free to take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, meaning you’ll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb where you will encounter the Thorung La Pass – the highest point on this Annapurna Explorer.

Day 26 Muktinath (3800m / 12467ft)

Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5416 m), the trail is steep but easy to follow. After between 4 to 6 hours climbing, reach the Pass's peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admi...

Day 27 Jomsom (2800m / 9186ft)

Veer off the main trekking trail to make a side trip to an ancient village of Purang. Further up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route going past another village with a medieval feel to it – Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river), following the course which you emerge on to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni we will hop on a public bus back to Jomsom.

Day 28 Pokhara

Depart early on a 4WD from Jomsom, stopping in Tatopani for an included lunch and a well-earned visit to the Tatopani Hot Springs (especially rewarding after multiple days trekking). After, continue your journey to Pokhara. Pokhara is a peaceful lakeside location whic...

Day 29 Pokhara

Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to unwind, relax and give those muscles a rest after all that trekking. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. It is worth taking a boat for a row out on the lake, especially if the weather's fine. The lakeside area has gr...

Day 30 Pokhara

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. Pokhara is a stunning and peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,165
Price per day$106
Last Updated: 3/19/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Mar 2024
28 Apr 2024
$3,780
Sold Out
06 Apr 2024
05 May 2024
$3,745
Sold Out
13 Apr 2024
12 May 2024
$3,780
Sold Out
20 Apr 2024
19 May 2024
$3,635
Sold Out
27 Apr 2024
26 May 2024
$3,600
1 spots left
31 Aug 2024
29 Sep 2024
$3,180
8 spots left
07 Sep 2024
06 Oct 2024
$3,245
8 spots left
11 Sep 2024
10 Oct 2024
$3,245
12 spots left
14 Sep 2024
13 Oct 2024
$3,340
2 spots left
21 Sep 2024
20 Oct 2024
$3,635
1 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

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Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

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On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

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Logistics

Accommodation

Guesthouse (5 nights),Teahouse (22 nights),Hotel (2 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Bus,Plane,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Bus,Plane
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines STRIKES: Demonstrations and protests are common in Nepal, with strikes regularly occurring that may result in curfews or roadblocks being enforced at short notice. At these times, businesses may close and vehicles may not be allowed on the roads. You should avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings and follow local advice, including that of your group leader or local representative in the event of any disruptions. PETTY THEFT & CRIME: Pickpocketing and other petty theft is common, especially in places where tourists or foreigners frequent. Take care when walking around at night. Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Bars and restaurants now close at midnight as part of a government crackdown on illegal activities. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have been detained by the police. Police have increased their presence in Thamel and Durbar Marg, popular tourist districts in Kathmandu, in an effort to reduce crime in these areas. You should seek out police if you have been robbed or affected by any crime. ALTITUDE: Altitude sickness is a risk, including on the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest Base Camp treks. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek. INSURANCE: Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuation costs. If your insurer does not provide this level of cover, helicopter evacuation will not be possible without upfront payment. FESTIVALS: Travelling in Nepal during Holi Festival (23-25 March 2024), can at times be dangerous due to revellers consuming intoxicating substances. The day is often associated with physical violence and danger. Your group leader or local representative will advise you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or your group leader or local representative in a high-risk situation. Travelling during the Hindu festival Diwali (12 Nov 2023, 1 Nov 2024) can also be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately. During this festival, your group leader or local representative may be required to alter your itinerary to avoid any dangerous areas to avoid putting the group at risk. INTERNAL FLIGHTS: There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for included internal flights in Nepal, including Buddha Air, Summit Air.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
Finish point Dahlia Boutique Hotel Lakeside Rd, Pokhara 33700 NEPAL Phone: +97 761456505
Trip ID
intrepid-HNXAC

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