Trail Knowledge
Practical planning advice, trail conditions, seasonal guides, and cultural context — written by the guides who walk these routes every season.
PlanningIf you're trekking anywhere in the Annapurna region, you need an ACAP permit and a TIMS card. Here's exactly what they are, what they cost, where to get them, and what happens if you trek without them.
PlanningIf you've decided to trek the Everest region, you have a choice: the 14-day Base Camp trek, or the 18+ day Three Passes Trek that loops through the entire Khumbu valley including Gokyo. Here's how to choose.
PlanningA well-packed bag is the difference between a comfortable Himalayan trek and a miserable one. Here's exactly what to bring, what to rent in Kathmandu, and what to leave at home.
SafetyAltitude sickness is the biggest medical risk on any Nepal trek above 3,000 metres. This guide covers what AMS, HACE, and HAPE actually are, how to recognise symptoms, and exactly what to do at each severity level.
PlanningEvery major trek in Nepal requires permits. This guide covers everything: TIMS, ACAP, Sagarmatha National Park, restricted area permits for Mustang and Manaslu, where to get them, and what to bring.
PlanningThe Annapurna Circuit is trekable almost year-round, but the experience varies enormously depending on when you go. Here's what each season actually looks like on the trail.
PlanningBoth are in the Annapurna region but they're very different experiences. The Circuit is longer, higher, and crosses a 5,416m pass. ABC is shorter but takes you inside a mountain amphitheatre unlike anywhere on earth.
Trail GuidesThorong La is a 5,416m crossing that stands between you and the completion of the Annapurna Circuit. Here's how to prepare for it, what to expect on the day, and how to handle it if things go wrong.
Health & SafetyAltitude sickness affects trekkers regardless of fitness level. Understanding the symptoms, prevention, and treatment could save your trek — and your life.
PlanningNepal trekking permits are more complex than they appear. Here is exactly what you need, what each costs, and how we handle it all for you.
Trail GuidesEverest Base Camp is the most iconic trekking destination on earth. Here is everything a first-timer needs to know — from Lukla flights to Kala Patthar sunrise.
Trail GuidesThe Langtang Valley is Nepal's closest major trek to Kathmandu and sees a fraction of the trekkers of Everest or Annapurna. Here is why it deserves to be on your radar.
PlanningTilicho Lake sits at 4,919m in the Manang District — the highest lake on the Annapurna Circuit. Here is every cost you need to plan your 2025 budget, from permits to porters.
Health & SafetyAnnapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130m — high enough for altitude sickness to affect any trekker, regardless of fitness. Here is the ABC-specific altitude profile and how to handle every stage.
Trail GuidesNar Phu Valley is Nepal's most restricted and least-visited major trekking region — a 10-day route into an ancient Tibetan world that sees fewer than 500 trekkers per year. Here is everything you need to plan it.
PlanningThe Mardi Himal Trek costs USD 690–990 per person as a guided all-inclusive package. Here is every cost broken down — permits, accommodation, food, guide, transport — so you can plan your 2025 budget accurately.
PlanningThe Annapurna Base Camp Trek costs USD 790–1,290 per person as a guided all-inclusive package. Here is every cost broken down so you can plan accurately before you book.
Trail GuidesThe Mardi Himal Trek is the Annapurna region's best-kept secret — 7 days to Machhapuchhre's closest viewpoint with a fraction of the ABC crowds. Here is everything you need to know.
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AJ (Ajay Kumar Shrestha)
Founder & Lead Guide
Annapurna Team
Circuit & ABC Specialists
Our Guides
TAAN Class A Certified
Summit Crew
High Altitude Experts
Mustang Team
Upper Mustang Specialists
