Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most famous and beautiful treks. It takes 14–20 days and covers around 160–230 km, depending on your route. The trail begins in Besisahar and ends near Jomsom or Pokhara, crossing the high Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 ft).

Along the way, you walk through green forests, deep valleys, and old villages, seeing everything from rice fields to snowy mountains. You’ll meet friendly locals, eat warm food in tea houses, and pass through many different cultures and climates.

The trek is challenging, but not too technical. Going with a guide and porter makes it safer and easier especially at high altitudes. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a mountain lover, the Annapurna Circuit is a true Himalayan adventure you’ll never forget.

Gokyo Ri Trek Guide: Walking to the Lakes Above the Clouds

The first time I saw the Gokyo Lakes, I stood still. The water was blue like the sky. It felt like I had walked into a dream. Then I looked up and saw Gokyo Ri, the rocky peak that gives this trek its name. That was my goal. And I was ready.

If you're planning to visit the Everest region but want something quieter than the Everest Base Camp trail, this is the one. In this Gokyo Ri trek guide, I’ll share how I did it, what I ate, how I felt, and why I think this trail is one of Nepal’s best.

Quick Facts: Gokyo Ri Trek at a Glance

Before we get into the journey, here’s what you should know:

This trek takes you through Sherpa villages, past old stone stupas, and to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. And at the top of Gokyo Ri, you can see four of the six tallest mountains on Earth: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Hiring a Porter and Guide for the Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, taking you deep into a remote corner of the Himalayas where few trekkers go. The trail leads through ancient Tibetan-style villages, high mountain passes, and dramatic landscapes of cliffs, glaciers, and barren valleys. Because the area is so isolated and the trails are rugged, hiring a porter and guide is highly recommended for a safer and more rewarding experience.

A guide is essential on this trek not just to show the way, but to handle special permits, arrange accommodations in limited tea houses, and share the unique culture of the Nar and Phu communities. They also help navigate tricky terrain and ensure you’re safe at high altitudes, especially when crossing the Kang La Pass at over 5,300 meters. A porter lightens your load by carrying your heavy backpack, so you can hike with just your essentials, making the steep climbs more manageable.

Supporting local guides and porters means you’re directly contributing to the remote communities you pass through. Most guides and porters are from the region, and the income from trekking helps support their families. The typical rate is about $30–40 per day for a guide and $20–25 for a porter, similar to other treks in Nepal. If you want to explore the beauty and culture of Nar and Phu with confidence and comfort, hiring a porter and guide is one of the smartest choices you can make.

Hiring a Porter and Guide for the Gokyo Trek

The Gokyo Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the Everest region. It takes you to the peaceful Gokyo Lakes and up to Gokyo Ri, where you can see Mount Everest and many other tall peaks. The trail is quieter than the Everest Base Camp route, but it still goes high and gets cold and steep. For many trekkers, hiring a porter and a guide makes the journey safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

A guide does more than lead the way. They help with permits, book tea houses, explain the local culture, and keep you safe at high altitudes. They also know what to do if you start feeling sick from the thin air. A porter carries your heavy bag, so you can walk with just a light daypack. This gives you more energy to enjoy the views, take photos, and breathe easier as you climb higher.

Hiring local staff also supports families in the mountain villages. Most porters and guides are from the area, and your trek helps them earn a living. The cost is very reasonable, around $30–40 per day for a guide and $20–25 for a porter. If you want a smoother, safer, and more meaningful trek, hiring a porter and guide is one of the best choices you can make.

Porter and Guide for Everest Three Passes Trek: What You Need to Know

The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the hardest and most beautiful trails in Nepal. It takes you through deep valleys, over three high mountain passes, and past glaciers, rivers, and famous villages like Namche and Gokyo.

I followed an Everest three passes trek guide to plan my journey. But what really made the trek possible for me was hiring a porter and a guide.

If you’re thinking about doing this trek, here’s what I learned—and why I think going with help is the smartest move.