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The Annapurna Circuit Trek - a once in a life-time experience . . .

It's a strange feeling leaving everything behind, setting off with only a few belongings, with a group of people you've never met before to spend 16 days with increasingly basic accommodation, and food, at progressively challenging altitudes. But somehow, between the chaos of Kathmandu and the giddy heights of the Thorong La Pass you will fall in love with Nepal and the Himalayas. The scenery of the Annapurna Circuit is truly epic, the Nepalese people are genuine and kind and, in particular, the team of MBA guides and porters are flawlessly attentive, and helpful. Our lead-guide, Krishna, was an incredible host who made the overall trip run smoothly and, together with the three support guides, Deli, Dependra and Prabin, made sure that everyone was well looked-after on and off the trail, prompting and helping everyone to manage their water and the inevitable effects of altitude, advising on food and drink choices and providing understanding, company and support when the going got tough. A further team of 6 porters performed the heroic task of carrying the 12 larger duffle bags, leaving trekkers free to carry only a lighter day bag. With luck you'll have a great group of fellow trekkers adding an unexpected, but incredibly welcome, bonding experience on top of the spectacular vistas and sense of adventure. The days typically involve several hours of trekking of various difficulty at the end of which the charming and cosy teahouses offer a very welcome respite. After a few restorative teas, a rest, a game of cards or two and simple but tasty dinner, Krishna would never fail to deliver an informative, entertaining and exciting briefing of the following days schedule. The building sense of adventure and anticipation is palpable as you progress closer and closer to "big day" - the rounding of the Thorong La Pass at 5,400m - and there is a huge collective sense of achievement and celebration on the subsequent decent. The beautiful, relaxing city of Pokhara is a fitting prize at the end of the trek. Make no mistake - this is not a relaxing holiday - if you want that then go to the beach. If however you are looking for an incredible all-round experience that will deliver some of the most spectacular scenery on earth, introduce you to some incredible people and new friends and challenge yourself in ways you didn't expect then step this way …

Tim S

Annapurna Circuit Trek - a must do

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Freedom Adventures was simply amazing. Tika and his team did everything they could to make the trip memorable and were fantastic from start to finish

Tom B

Wow what a trip!

I couldn’t rate it any higher from the hike itself, to the incredible hospitality shown by our lead guide Tika and his team - it was flawless. The trek itself is a joy, it starts off leisurely allowing the group to really get to know each other as the views gradually get more impressive. Then the the two main days at Tilicho Lake and Thorong La pass are super challenging, rewarding days - tears were shed when we made it, testament to the closeness of the group and sense of achievement we felt. I’d recommend managing your expectations on the accommodation, and bring more layers than you think you’ll need (we went in December) and you’ll be all set. Despite the basic accommodation, Tika and our assistant guides Sabin, Bir and Asman more than made up for it offering some of the best hospitality I’ve ever witnessed. They are there for anything you possibly need, from any food and drink, hiking expertise, facts about the area or just a nice chat. They’re absolute pros and it’s down to their commitment and care that got us all through it. We were sad to say goodbye! An experience I’ll never forget. Highly recommend!

Natalie T

An unforgettable experience

Annapurna Circuit trek This is by far the best guided trip we have been on. Whilst we knew the scenery would be a given it was the people we experienced it with that made it so unforgettable. Strangers became friends overnight and the humour and support within our group was so special. But the person who made this trip was our lead guide Tika, I will never forget his professionalism, humour and kindness. Nothing was too much for him and we all felt safe and supported 24/7. He didn’t miss a trick and immediately picked up if anyone was feeling at all uncomfortable etc. The assistant guides Asman, Sabin and Bier were so kind and caring and good fun to be around. Well done to Freedom Adventures for such a well organised trek and to Tika for being the best guide ever!

Rachel D

Annapurna Circuit - an unforgettable experience

We were a group of three friends who completed the 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek in November 2024 alongside 9 others with Freedom Adventures. It was the most unforgettable experience and we cannot recommend the company enough. This is down to the guidance, care and expertise shown by our team of guides (Tika, Sabin, Asman and Bier) and porters who were outstanding and exemplary throughout the trek. Each day was challenging but so enjoyable because of the consistent encouragement and support we had from the guides. The guides were also incredibly attentive to each member of the group, always checking in to make sure we were comfortable and feeling well, especially when it came to the more challenging days of Tilicho Lake and Thorang Pass. Every day was so memorable and we had the most enjoyable, fun time with everyone and it was fantastic to celebrate with the whole group in Jomsom. Thank you so much to Tika, Sabin, Asman and Bier - the best team of guides and our porters for their dedication and commitment to making this trip so special for us all.

Danny

Amazing Annapurna Adventure with fantastic Freedom

We have just returned from an incredible three weeks trekking in Nepal. As seasoned alpine hikers, our group of four were very excited by the opportunity to walk among enormous Himalayan peaks. We were not disappointed! At every step of our journey, Team Freedom supported us. During the planning phase, communication with Bishal was excellent - he answered every query quickly and accurately. And from the moment we landed in Kathmandu, we could not have wished for a more friendly, supportive and helpful team of people to look after us. After a day's journey into the foothills, we spent our first night in a Teahouse in Tal. From there, the days followed a broadly similar pattern. Breakfast was typically at about 8:00, trekking from about 8:30, a tea break mid morning and lunch after some more hiking. On the shorter days, we were finished by lunch, with time to explore the village we were staying in or the surrounding area. On the longer days, we'd hike for a few more hours after lunch to get to our destination. Dinner was typically at 19:00, followed by quick medical checks to look for AMS symptoms and a briefing about the next day, along with a discussion about any route options. We then had an early night to rest before the next day. The food in the places that we were taken to was excellent throughout, with a wide range of different options available pretty much everywhere. We followed our guide's advice, eating veggie and staying alcohol-free once we got high up, and thankfully none of us picked up any stomach problems at all. By gaining height slowly, we became well acclimatised. This was particularly important for our two biggest days; the side-trek to Tilicho lake broke 5,000m for the first time, and the climb over Thorung La pass reached 5,416m. Whilst we felt a bit short of breath that high up, none of us suffered any other side effects, and none of us took any medication for AMS. The scenery was incredible, passing first through green valleys and gorges, and then into the higher regions surrounded by snow-covered peaks. At every point, our guides were able to answer any questions we had, whether about the mountains, animals, culture, people, side treks - anything. If the highpoint of the trek was Thorung La, the highlight was surely Tilicho Lake. This requires a 3-day extension to the usual Annapurna circuit, but if you have the time, it is highly recommended. During our early planning, we had considered "going it alone", but we were quickly convinced that we'd made the right choice to walk with local guides. Anil (head guide) and Ujjwal (assistant guide) were extremely knowledgeable and great company on the trail. Our porters, Boleram and Govind, were always cheery and happy to help when needed. We very quickly felt like a team of 8 rather than 4 + 4, and really enjoyed chatting together along the way. We cannot recommend Freedom highly enough. We received great service, benefitting from really friendly and personal guides in Anil and Ujjwal, with whom we will stay in touch. The fact that we are already planning our next trip with them says it all...

Scott C

An incredible holiday in Nepal with Freedom Adventures!

Nepal has long been a destination I’ve wanted to visit so when friends mentioned they were headed there in November 2024, I jumped at the opportunity to join them. The plan was to trek a modified version of the Annapurna Circuit, starting in Tal and finishing in Jomsom with a side trip to Tilicho Lake as part of our acclimatization prior to tackling Thorong Pass, the highpoint of the trip (5416m). While it is possible to trek in Nepal without a guide or the support of local trekking operators I feel fortunate that we stumbled across Freedom Adventures. Their local knowledge was key to making our trip a success and removed the stress of having to book accommodation and other logistical support. Their measured approach to acclimatization was also instrumental in ensuring everyone adapted to the altitude and enjoyed the experience. If there was a negative it was the dusty jeep roads we experienced early on in the trip, however we escaped these after Manang and the spectacular scenery combined with the sheer scale of the mountains served as a great distraction during these low points. The highlight for me was sharing this experience with such an incredible group of people from Freedom. Thank you, Anil, Ujjwal, Boleram and the rest of the Freedom team for making this such an unforgettable experience. Your warmth, hospitality and generosity made this trip incredibly special.

Jim

An epic trek with an outstanding company!

This was an outstanding trek and the Freedom team were amazing! We are a group of four friends in our early 50s and did the Annapurna Circuit + Talicho Lake trek (17 days total). It was just us so essentially a private tour. The trek: it was truly stunning. We were lucky to have sunshine for the entire trip so had breathtaking views all day every day. The scenery is out of this world with so many photographic moments. The trek was well paced (if a little on the slower side to ensure acclimatisation). The guiding team looked after us incredibly well throughout and were also responsive to our suggestions. Talicho Lake is definitely worth doing if time. FYI the first few days of the Annapurna Circuit are on dusty roads with jeeps and motorbikes passing by, so a lot of dust when it’s dry, but once you get past this section it’s all great. Hopefully new trekking paths will be built in future to avoid this section of road. Not a deal breaker by any means (and nothing the trekking companies can do anything about), but something to be aware of for this route. Bring a buff. Accommodation: almost all of it was much nicer than we had thought it would be, both along the trekking route and the hotels in Pokhara and KTM. Usually decent twin rooms, some with en suite, others with shared toilet. A couple of places were more basic (Thorong Phedi and Mukhtanath) but fine for a night. Food: delicious throughout, with excellent advice from the guides about what to eat (and not to eat) at different points of the trek (this kept us all healthy and happy). They even arranged a birthday cake at Chame for one of our group! Fitness and health: we’re all fairly fit and are used to hut to hut hiking in Europe so most days were fairly straightforward treks. Hiking at higher altitude was more demanding and the Talicho Lake and Thorong La pass were a challenge, but we had acclimatised well and took it slowly. We all came with Diamox but didn’t use it. The team suggested not using it unless we felt unwell. None of us got any stomach issues on the trek (likely as we took advice on food from the guides). We did get a bit bunged up and cold-y so recommend taking/buying throat lozenges (given dust and high altitude). Side trips and people: the side trips to villages and monasteries were a real highlight. We were invited for tea with the village nurse in her beautiful home above Tal and also met a 76 year old lady monk above Manang. The local people and other trekkers among the trail we met were very friendly: for part of the trip we merged groups with a lovely couple trekking with Freedom. Pokhara: an unexpected highlight - a chilled lake town surrounded by hills. We decided to spend an extra night there. Kathmandu: fun but pretty hectic, particularly when exploring around the Boudhanath and Durban Marg. We stayed in a lovely hotel in Thamel at the start and end of the trip and that area is a bit more relaxed. Although we got no hassle anywhere we went in Nepal, which was great. Guides and porters: our four person guiding team were exceptional! Safety was paramount and they ensured we had a great time generally. Our main guide Anil had every detail covered, was able to answer any question and was enormous fun to trek with - always a big smile - he really went above and beyond every day. Similarly, our assistant guide Ujjwal was great fun and full of knowledge and passion for the region - he also kept our pace so we acclimatised well and were able to manage at the higher altitude sections. Our porters were legends: Bolaram always had a warm smile and big laugh - and when not carrying our bags was doing 10 other jobs (including throwing shapes on the dance floor in Pokhara!). Govinda was lovely and also looked after us really well. We were therefore on the generous side with tips. Company: Freedom treat their staff very well and also run a foundation for training new staff, so are ethical and committed to developing people. The staff were outstanding, from first contact over email and a video call with Bishal right through to the drivers getting us to the airport at the end of the trip. This was without doubt one the best holidays/treks we have experienced and we would wholly recommend using Freedom. We’re already discussing our next trip to Nepal!

Jose C

Super TEAM TIKA. Creating lifetime memories in the Himalayan Mountains. No Tika, No Trekking.

What an amazing trekking we had in the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. With “Super” Tika at the helm, Ujjwal and Pravin assisting him and our invaluable support team. Bikal, Suman, Sujan, Purna, Suresh and Ayeja. The trekking was a breeze with their advise, watchful eyes and recommendations. Thank you Tika for making this trip a memorable one.

JoseandJos

Best Trek Ever!

What a tremendous experience (ACT) - the best in so many ways: what a fun-tastic group; better food than we imagined; the best accommodations available; and the majestic Himalayas! But the best part was how well we were cared for by our guide Tika, assistant guides Prabin and Ujjwal, and the Superheroes, our support staff. Together they insured our health and safety, provided wisdom in menu selections, answered every crazy question (is this Yak cheese?) and hauled our too heavy bags up the highest pass. Yes, it can be quite difficult at times but their confidence in us was motivating. Highly recommend this trek!