trek the annapurna circuit in nepal - October 17, 2026
Come join Dave Ashley and Shelley Johannesen in Nepal on a trek of the world-famous Annapurna Circuit!
We'll start with arrival in Kathmandu International Airport (KTM). Here you'll be picked up by a local guide company and transported to the Yak and Yeti hotel. We've been staying here for years; it's popular with 8,000 meter peak climbers and has a fantastic breakfast buffet! You have two nights at the hotel to adjust to the time zone change, explore and shop in Thamel and visit several UNESCO sights in Kathmandu.
On day three our adventure begins with a long drive to Chame. We then spend the next few days hiking to high elevation villages, staying at teahouses, and soaking up the amazing Himalayan views. The crux of the trek is the challenging Thorong La Pass which is located at an elevation of 17,769 ft (higher than Everest Base Camp).
We finish the circuit by driving down to Jomsom and flying back to Pokhara where we have a day to see the town and enjoy the lake, restaurants, and shopping. Finally we fly back to Kathmandu for one more night at the Yak and Yeti followed by your flight home.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek Express is a tough and rewarding adventure that provides the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, culture, and traditions of the Annapurna region. You'll want to be in good physical shape for this trek, able to walk 6-8 hours per day for multiple days while carrying a light (10-15 lb) day pack. This trek is guided by a local certified trekking guide and is porter supported so you only carry water, snacks, sunblock, and some clothing layers while hiking.
Dave Ashley and Shelley Johannesen are your trip leaders for this Annapurna Circuit trek. Both have climbed numerous high elevation peaks around the world, including Mount Everest, Island Peak, and Lobuche East in Nepal. Dave and Shelley will continue to their goal of climbing an 8,000 meter peak, Makalu, after this trek. It's the 4th highest mountain in the world and you'll be a part of their journey as they begin preparations for the big climb while on the Annapurna Circuit trek with you.
Contact the organizer for more details.
| Level: | MOD |
| Route: | Loop |
| Pace: | Slow |
| Organizer: | Dave Ashley, Shelley Johannesen |
| Date: | Sat Oct 17 2026 — Wed Oct 28 2026 |
| Meeting Place: | Register with the Organizer |
New to Hiking with the WMC
WMC Hike Ratings
WMC Glossary of Hiking Terms