Compare Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Comfort by World Expeditions vs Nepal: Mountains and Temples by G Adventures

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (1330m).

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

meals : Array

Day 2 Free day in Kathmandu

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

meals : B

Day 3 Fly to Pokhara, commence trek to Ghandruk (1940m) - walk approx 2 hours

This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest town (820m). In good weather we are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna Range. From here we drive for three hours alongside the Kali Gandaki river and through foothills and valleys to Kimche. On arrival we will begin our walk to Ghandruk, our first overnight stop. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 To Tadapani (2650m) - walk approx. 4 hours

Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into forest of rhododendron, magnolia and lichen covered fig. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for many small ferns and delicate plants such as exotic orchids bursting with colour. We reach Tadapani which is a small village home to our eco lodge, where we will spend the night. Overnight: Eco-lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Trek to Chhomrong (2170m) - walk approx. 6-7 hours

The trail today today seesus descend steeply into the valley below beforecrossing another of the famous Nepalese suspension bridges. The route undulates as he we head to Taglung village and then we have a steady ascent to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a village which offers spectacular views of Annapurna South & Machapuchare. Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Trek to Bamboo (2310m), walk approx. 4 hours

Here, the trail descends via a stone staircase, eventually crossing the Chhomrong Khola. We climb high above the Modi Khola, traveling its west bank, and pass through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. This portion of the day’s trek is followed by yet another ascent to Kuldighar before finally descending a long, steep, stone staircase to the village of Bamboo. Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Trek to Deurali (3200m),walk approx. 5-6 hours

Today's destination is Deurali via the impressive limestone Hinku Caves. The path is undulating with well defined paths, including a significant amount of stone steps. We climb steeply on zig- zagging stone paths to eventually reach Deurali and our accommodation for the night. Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Machapuchare Base Camp (3900M), walk approx. 3-4 hours

After walking for 2 to 3 hours, we enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. Finally, we reach Machapuchare Base Camp, a grassy moraine platform within a huge amphitheater enclosed by a solid wall of snow-capped peaks which include Annapurna I, Annapurna III and the impressive fish tail spire of Machapuchare. Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Annapurna South Base Camp (4131m), walk approx. 2-3 hours

As you reach Annapurna South Base Camp, witness awesome picturesque landscapes, majestic panoramic view of snow-capped mountainous peaks and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna South. Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Return to Derauli (3200m), walk approx. 3-4 hours

The return journey is no less spectacular and generally a bit more downhill. The descent offers a different perspective of the mountain scenery we enjoyed on the ascent. Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Return to Bamboo (2310m) walk approx 5 hours

Today's trek sees us return to the village of Bamboo Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 To Chhomrong (2170m), walk approx. 5-6 hours

We descend a long, stone staircase through bamboo and rhododendrons forests through Kuldighar continuing through beautiful rhododendron forests and down to Sinuwa. From Sinuwa, the trail leads downhill to the Modi Khola, closing the day with a steep climb to Chhomrong. Overnight: Eco lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 To Landruk (1640m), walk approx. 6 hours

From Chhomrong, the trek heads to Landruk – descending gently through forests. We camp overnight with views offering, yet another, picturesque, panoramic view of Annapurna South. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 Trek to Syauli Bhatti and drive Pokhara, walk approx. 3 hours, drive 3 hours

Trek downhill through villages and terraced fields to Syauli Bazaar, then onto Nayapul before being transported back to Pokhara for an overnight stay at a hotel. *It is important to us that this trek follows few of the commercial tea-house trails. Accordingly the route may be varied at the discretion of the group leader. Note that the approximate walking hours include rest stops and can vary due to trail or weather conditions.

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our fight to Kathmandu, a spectacular mountain flight along the face of the Himalaya. On arrival we transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

meals : B

Day 16 Trip concludes Kathmandu.

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport.

meals : B

Day 1 Kathmandu

Arrive at any time and welcome to Nepal's bustling capital - Kathmandu.

Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers as we wander through Patan Durbar Square for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Take a walking tour of Patan Durbar Square where we view the Royal Palace and the temples built in the traditional Newari pagoda style. Also visit Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess; If she is accepting visitors, we can receive a blessing. After, visit Swayambhunath the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in the Kathmandu Valley. Remainder of the day is free to explore, opt to visit Bhaktapur or the Pashupatinath Temple or stroll around the bustling markets.

Day 3 Kathmandu/Panauti

Drive to Sanga and lace up your hiking shoes for a hike through the countryside and local Villages. Take in stunning views and meet friendly folks along the way to Panauti Village community homestay; a G Adventures–supported initiative. Settle into one of the welcoming homes and get to know your host family by pitching in and learning how to cook local dishes for dinner this evening.

Many families in Panauti Village have come together to establish a homestay program. Get to know a local family, explore this lovely village, and if you are inclined to pitch in, assist with preparing your evening meal - learning how to cook local dishes then eat together with your host family.

Day 4 Panauti

Enjoy a bicycle tour of the countryside and ride through three indigenous towns: Panauti, Sunthan and Khopasi. Explore small temples, peddle through an orange farm, learn how silk is produced from silk worms and try a cup of Nepali masala tea. Head back to our homestay for lunch then take a free afternoon to explore the town on your own before another home-cooked dinner with your hosts.

Day 5 Panauti/Bandipur

Enjoy stunning views as we drive along the Trishuli River passing ancient stone villages backed by steep rice terraces and the mountains beyond. Arrive in beautiful Bandipur village an ancient trading stop which has been able to maintain its distinct culture. Take an orientation walk around town exploring a bit of history, architecture, and local tradition.

Day 6 Bandipur

Enjoy a hike along local trails with stunning panoramic views of the entire Annapurna Ranges. Along the way we pass though small communities, the old fort of Purano Kot, and visit temples. Continue to Ramkot Village inhabited by the Magar Tribe, a very remote and simple Nepalese community originating from the ancient Mongols. Take a walk through the town before returning by vehicle to Bandipur.

Day 7 Bandipur/Pokhara

Drive towards the mystical Himalayan mountains, and our next stop, Pokhara. Get your bearings in town on an orientation walk around Lake Phewa and be sure to capture a panoramic group photo with the stunning Annapurna range backdrop.

Day 8 Pokhara

Get to know Pokhara more in-depth by freely exploring this exciting city. Opt to visit Mt Sarangkot for a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, visit the stunning World Peace Pagoda or explore Lake Phewa by boat, then wander the markets for some last minute shopping. Later, get ready for your big night out at a lakeside bar with your new friends. Grab a drink on us and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared.

Day 9 Pokhara/Kathmandu

Travel the last leg of this trip through the stunning green valleys, terraced hills and sweeping mountain views back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the city which is fascinating at every turn, simply wander around and see where chance, fate, or the city may lead you.

Day 10 Kathmandu

Depart at any time.