Our Story
Born in the mountains, built for your adventure
Annapurna Trails was founded in 2009 by Pemba Sherpa and a small team of local guides who wanted to share their home — the Annapurna region — with the world, without compromising on safety, authenticity, or environmental responsibility.
Why we started Annapurna Trails
In 2009, Pemba Sherpa returned to Pokhara after working as a porter for several large trekking agencies. He had seen how trekkers were herded through the mountains in groups of 30 or more, rarely connecting with local communities or understanding the culture around them.
He founded Annapurna Trails with one simple idea: keep groups small (maximum 12), use guides who genuinely know every trail personally, and price fairly so the value is transparent.
Today we operate 6 carefully curated trekking routes, all within the Annapurna Conservation Area. We are a registered and licensed tour operator with Nepal Tourism Board and proud members of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Nepal Tourism Board Licensed Operator
- Member of TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal)
- All guides hold government-certified trek licences
- Certified in wilderness first aid and high-altitude response
- Leave No Trace principles on every departure
15+
Years of experience
15+
Years operating
2,400+
Trekkers guided
6
Routes in portfolio
4.9/5
Average rating
Our Team
Meet your guides
Our guides grew up in the Annapurna region. They are not just trail experts — they are your cultural interpreters, safety officers, and hosts.
Pemba Sherpa
Head Guide & Co-Founder
Born in Chhomrong village at the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp, Pemba has led over 400 successful treks across the Annapurna region. He holds a government-certified trekking guide licence, wilderness first aid certification, and speaks fluent English, Nepali, and Gurung.
Ram Gurung
Senior Trek Guide
Ram grew up in Ghandruk and has been guiding since 2007. His deep knowledge of the Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill route — combined with his warm personality — makes him a favourite among repeat clients. Trained in high-altitude emergency response.
Sita Tamang
Trek Guide & Cultural Liaison
Sita specialises in the Mardi Himal and Ghorepani routes and brings an unmatched depth of cultural knowledge. She is one of Nepal's few female certified trek guides and has been instrumental in our women-only departure programme since 2019.
The mountains are there.
The only question is when.
Send an enquiry with your dates and interests. We'll put together a personalised itinerary — no payment required to get started.
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