Everything that's been asked twice or more.

If you can walk 6 hours over hilly terrain at home, comfortably, several days in a row — you can do a 10- to 13-day trek with me. For the 21-day Circuit you should also have some long-distance walking experience (a coast path, the Alps, Mont Blanc). I'd rather you arrive a little overprepared than struggle on day eight.

No. Most of my clients are first-time trekkers above 3,500 m. We schedule rest days, walk slowly, and watch for symptoms daily. I carry an oximeter and a satellite messenger. Real altitude sickness is rare on my treks because we treat acclimatisation as a non-negotiable, not a delay.

Everything from the moment you land in Kathmandu or Pokhara until you fly home: permits, lodging, all meals, guide and porters, ground transport, internal flights where listed, and a 24-hour satellite messenger. Not included: international flights, the Nepal visa on arrival (~$50), travel insurance, your trekking gear (rentable in Kathmandu), and tips.

Travel insurance with mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation up to your trek's maximum altitude (5,500 m for the Circuit). I check the policy at the briefing. Recommended providers for UK clients: True Traveller, World Nomads Explorer, BMC, Snowcard. EU: Globelink. US: Global Rescue.

I send a one-page gear list when you book. Almost everything is rentable cheaply in Kathmandu — down jacket, sleeping bag rated -10 °C, trekking poles. You should bring your own broken-in boots, base layers, a small daypack, and any specific personal medication.

Send me an inquiry through the form below. I reply personally within 48 hours (Nepal time). If we're a good match, I send you a one-page agreement, a gear list, and a 25% deposit invoice. The balance is due 30 days before the start date. Cash, bank transfer, or Wise — whichever is easiest for you.

Teahouse menus are remarkably consistent. Daal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables — unlimited refills) is your reliable hot meal at altitude. Eggs, fried rice, noodle soup, momos, porridge are all available. Vegetarian is easy. Vegan is doable but tell me in advance. Hot tea is constant.

Ncell and NTC SIM cards work in most villages on the Annapurna routes. Wi-Fi is available in teahouses for 200–500 NPR per day, often slow. Upper Mustang and high points on the Circuit are off-grid — I carry a Garmin inReach for emergencies and a daily check-in to your designated contact at home.

Yes — six is my preferred maximum on the open-booking treks. For a private group (four or more), I run the trek on dates you choose and can adapt the itinerary. Email me and we'll talk.

Deposits are refundable up to 60 days before the trek minus a small admin fee. After that, the deposit is non-refundable but transferable to a future trek with me within 18 months. The balance is fully refundable up to 30 days before. Force majeure (visa denial, family emergency, illness) — we'll talk like adults.