Compare Annapurna Circuit by Exodus Travels vs Annapurna Dhaulagiri in Comfort by World Expeditions

Day 1 Start Kathmandu

The adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. We gather at the hotel, where we have a full trek briefing this afternoon/evening. This is our first chance to meet as a group and for you to ask any questions you may have. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Day 2 A long but scenic drive to Syange via Besisahar

We leave Kathmandu early morning and drive towards Pokhara. Leaving the Kathmandu Valley, we follow the river to Mugling until we arrive at Besisahar. From Besisahar, we change to a high-clearance local bus (due to rough road conditions) and continue onto Syange for our overnight stay before we start our trek tomorrow. The total drive time can vary depending on road conditions and traffic but is approximately nine to ten hours. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 4,133t/1,260m)

Day 3 Visit Tallo Chiple village and cross the Marsyangdi Valley to Jagat

We start our trek today with a short but scenic walk. Our trail crosses the river at Syange by bridge. We climb up through Germu and follow an undulating trail through farmland to Tallo Chiple, where we stop for a tea break. The trail then descends to cross a suspension bridge, from where we have a steep climb towards Maththillo Chipla. The trail contours round the hillside and we then have a steep descent to the Marsyangdi River, which we cross by a suspension bridge. Walking steeply uphill for approximately 20 minutes, we rejoin the main trail at the village of Jagat, where we spend the night. We arrive in Jagat around lunchtime and the afternoon is free to explore the area. Down by the river are some hot springs! Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 4,265ft/1,300m)

Day 4 Reach the village of Dharapani

Immediately after leaving the lodge, a small, old trail turns off the road up to the left and undulates through forest and farmland all the way to Chyamje, after which we cross a suspension bridge and climb through oak forest. An undulating ascent brings us to a level valley where Tal, the next village, is situated at the foot of a grand waterfall (5,580ft/1,700m). From Tal, we cross the river and climb up to a jeep track which we follow to Dharapani. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 6,200ft/1,890m)

Day 5 Visit Odar village. Climb to Temang, then descend to Chame

Beyond Dharapani, we leave the jeep trail and turn sharply up to the left and have a steep 40 minute climb up a stone staircase to the pretty village of Odar. Passing traditional farms and homesteads, we trek through Galenchowk before descending to the main trail at Bagarchap at 7,100ft (2,164m). The name of this village means ‘butcher’s place’ and, although Buddhist, the people of this region used to hunt animals. Continuing, we follow the jeep track for a short while past apple orchards to Dhanagyu. From here, we turn sharply up into the forest and have a fairly long climb to Temang, where we have lunch with magnificent views of Manaslu and Peak 29. The trail then descends through fir and pine forests to Thanchowk and further on through Koto to Chame (8,900ft/2,713m), the administrative centre of the Manang district. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 8,860ft/2,700m)

Day 6 Continue ascending through forested hillsides past the rock face of Paungdi Danda to Upper Pisang

We now experience a dramatic change of scenery. Leaving the forests and vegetation of the alpine regions, we enter the upper district of Manang, known as Nyeshang. At first, our trail follows the river closely through a deep canyon on the jeep track for a couple of hours to Brathang (9,577ft/2,919m) where there is now a large apple plantation. We can stop for fresh coffee and cakes (and maybe some fresh apple juice) before we begin our climb this morning. The trail then crosses the river and leaves the jeep track to climb on forest trails through fir and pine trees. Here,  the curved rockface of Paungda Danda rises nearly 4,920ft (1,500m) from the riverbank to Dukha Pokhari, where we stop for lunch. Next, we veer off to the right and take the trail that climbs away from the road track and to Upper Pisang village, where we stay in a simple lodge for the night. There is an impressive monastery in the village, which we can visit in the afternoon. From here to the pass, we are the closest we will be to the mountains and today the views of Annapurna II are particularly impressive (weather permitting). Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 10,825ft/3,300m)

Day 7 Climb high above the valley on a wonderful high trail to Ngawal; afternoon acclimatisation walk

We have a shorter but spectacular day for acclimatisation. From Upper Pisang, we take the fantastic high-level route towards Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal. This is a wonderful walk with great views across to the Annapurnas. We start with a short descent through the forest to a small green lake and then have a very steep climb up to Gyaru for a tea break. The views across the valley become more spectacular the higher we go. From here, the trail undulates high above the river with magnificent views across the Annapurnas to Ngawal, where we stay tonight. After lunch at our lodge we can explore this pretty medieval village and also have the option for a 6km acclimatisation walk up above the village to a small shrine and cave (approximately two and a half hours) ascending 420m. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 11,975ft/3,650m)

Day 8 Follow the high trail from Ngawal via Julu to Braga; afternoon acclimatisation walk

We have another half day for acclimatisation. From Ngawal, we take a spectacular high trail, which contours high above the valley with amazing views across to the Annapurnas and Gangapurna. As we leave Ngawal village, we pass a large chorten (Tibetan Buddhist shrine) before the trail drops to Julu village. We take the route that climbs steeply out of Julu onto a wonderful high trail above the valley. The trail climbs to a plateau and we contour through forests with great views across the valley to the Annapurnas and Gangapurna. The trail drops down to the pretty village of Braga, which is dominated by a large ancient gompa. We stop here for the night and in the afternoon there will be the option for an additional acclimatisation walk exploring the village. We also visit the 500-year-old gompa. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 11,285ft/3,440m)

Day 9 Trek to Yak Kharka.

Leaving Braga, it’s a 1.2mi (2km) walk on the main trail to Manang village, passing beautifully carved mani (prayer) walls as we head towards the base of the Thorong La. We will stop at Manang for a short while, there are shops and bakeries here giving you the chance to pick up some snacks for the day or treat yourself to apple pie and a coffee. We climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley and turn northwest up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Looking back, we enjoy ever-more spectacular views as we are above the forests and pass through dry, alpine country, with scrub juniper and occasional clumps of birch. We stop at Gunsang for a light lunch before continuing up the valley. We spend tonight at a lodge in Yak Kharka. Look out for the blue sheep that inhabit this cold, windy spot. For the energetic, this afternoon we can take an additional walk into the hills behind the lodge. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 13,125ft/4,000m)

Day 10 Short half-day walk to Phedi, at the foot of the Thorong La

A short day to aid acclimatisation. The scenery becomes wilder as we continue ascending the valley. At one point, we descend to cross the Jarsang Khola, then traverse a scree slope to the lone teahouses at Phedi at the foot of the Thorong La. Thorong Phedi can be very cold and windy. In the afternoon, we can go for a walk up to Thorong High Camp, which is the last lodge and is about an hour above Phedi. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 14,500ft/4,420m)

Day 11 Cross the Thorong La to Muktinath, a place of pilgrimage

We have a very long day as we leave Phedi very early in the morning for the climb to the pass. The first part of the ascent is very steep, but it eases somewhat as we approach the top, although the altitude still makes the going tough. Eventually, after numerous false summits, we reach the pass itself at 17,769ft (5,416m). Ahead there is a magnificent panorama of snow-capped peaks soaring above the Kali Gandaki Valley looking towards Dolpo and Mustang; looking back, we can see several of the main Annapurna peaks. Directly in front of us is the great chasm of the Kali Gandaki (8,200ft/2,500m). It’s a very long descent that begins gently and becomes steeper, as we follow a series of switchbacks down to more grassy slopes. We stop for lunch at Phedi, where there are a few teahouses. From Phedi, it’s another hour and a half of gentle descent to Muktinath. We can visit the local famous temples on the way to our lodge. Please note, conditions on the pass vary. It can be calm and clear with no snow but there can also be snow and ice and high winds on the pass. We recommend you carry Yaktrax or microspikes in case of snow or ice and take enough warm layers in case of high winds. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,140ft/3,700m)

Day 12 Trek through beautiful barren landscapes to Kagbeni

Day 13 Follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge, beneath the great peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna via Dumba Lake to Marpha

The trail now follows the jeep track down the Kali Gandaki River to the outskirts of Jomsom, a large administrative centre at 8,900ft (2,713m). Depending on the seasonal weather, at certain times of the year when the river level is low, we can walk along the rocky riverbed. We do not cross the river into Jomsom but, instead, stay on the left side of the valley and trek to the village of Thini, where we stop for a tea break. From here, it is about 30 minutes to the very small Dumba Lake, which is considered holy by the local Thakali people. A short climb brings us to Dumba Gompa for magnificent views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. From the gompa, we have two trails – the shorter one descends through Dumba village to the suspension bridge across the Kali Gandaki to Marpha. Another longer trail continues on the same side of the river towards the Tibetan refugee camp of Chairo. A bridge crossing the Kali Gandaki takes us to the pretty village of Marpha with its clean paved streets and white-washed houses. Marpha is famous for its locally made apple and peach brandy, which you might like to sample to celebrate your crossing of the Thorong La. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 8,825ft/2,690m)

Day 14 Continue following the Kali Gandaki Valley to Larjung

Today we follow the Kali Gandaki Valley, a major trade route. We are now in the deepest gorge in the world; to the east, Annapurna I rises to 26,545ft (8,091m), to the west, Dhaulagiri soars above us at 26,795ft (8,167m). Leaving the dry, barren landscapes, we walk through pine, cypress and juniper forest, sometimes on the valley floor and at other times on a trail high above. From Marpha, we cross back over the Kali Gandaki to avoid the road. Walking through fir and pine forests, we climb up to the pretty Thakali village of Chimang. Descending to a side stream, we follow the side valley down for a short while before climbing again into the forest. We ascend for about an hour and then the trail undulates for a while before descending to the valley floor at Sauru. We stop here for a break and then cross the Kali Gandaki to Kobang and onto Larjung. We stay tonight in a simple lodge. In the afternoon, we walk up to Naurikot, another traditional Thakali village, for sunset views across the valley on Niligiri. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 8,365ft/2,550m)

Day 15 Cross the Kali Gandaki and trek through Titi Tal, Kunjo to Ghasa

From our lodge we cross the Kali Gandaki to Sirkung. It's then an easy climb up through the forest to Titi Tal, a very small lake (pond) but an important marsh zone for waterbirds in the Mustang area. We follow the trail through Taglung to Kunjo, where we have a simple Nepali lunch. After lunch we descend steeply through the forest to a rocky riverbed. Crossing a suspension bridge, we have a gradual climb up to Jhipre Deurali. The trail then descends to cross the Kali Gandaki where we join the road. We have approximately one hour of road walking until we reach the start of the trail to Ghasa. We leave the road and walk through the old part of Ghasa to reach our lodge for the evening. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 6,400ft/1,950m)

Day 16 Follow an undulating trail through small settlements to Tatopani, famous for its hot springs

From Ghasa, we follow the road for 30 minutes and then cross the river on a suspension bridge. The trail now climbs high above the river to Pairothaplo and then descends to Kopchepani. Across the river, we can see the huge waterfall at Rupse Chhara. We continue on the same side of the river and follow the rollercoaster trail up and down all morning. We have lunch in the small village of Narcheng before continuing past a hydroelectric project just before Tatopani. A suspension bridge brings us right into Tatopani, where we spend the night. Tatopani means ‘hot water’ and is famous for its hot springs just below the village. There is time in the late afternoon to enjoy a welcome soak – guaranteed to ease any aching limbs! Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 4,100ft/1,250m)

Day 17 A long climb up through the villages of Ghara, Shika and Chitre to Ghorepani

The last stage of the trek takes us over a high ridge to the end of the route. Today is a sting in the tail as we have a long climb to Ghorepani. We climb all day through small hamlets and terraced fields, starting with a short descent on the road track for 45 minutes to a couple of bridges. From the second bridge, we have 30 minutes along a track and then the trail starts climbing on a series of stone staircases. It’s fairly steep up to Durbin Danda from where we have a short descent through Ghara. We then mostly follow the old trail as it climbs up through the villages of Shika and Chitre. From Chitre, we enter a huge rhododendron forest and the last couple of hours takes us up to Ghorepani. Meaning ‘horse water’, Ghorepani was once a stopping place for the huge mule trains that used to ply this route. As we climb today, the mountains start to appear and from Ghorepani we get fabulous views of the Annapurnas from the lodge. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 9,515ft/2,900m)

Day 18 Optional early morning walk up Poon Hill for sunrise before a long descent to Birethanthi

There’s an optional early start for those who want to climb Poon Hill for sunrise (approximately two hours’ return trip including stops – in addition to the 7hr 30min walking to Birethanthi). The effort is well worth the 1,015ft (310m) climb (again, in addition to the 1,050ft/320m of total ascent today) for the superb views over the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare. We return to our lodge for breakfast and then it’s all downhill through the forest to Banthanti and then down a stone staircase through Ulleri and Tirkhedunga to Birethanti by the Modi Khola, where we stay in a very simple lodge. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 3,360ft/1,025m)

Day 19 Short walk to Naya Pul and drive to Pokhara; afternoon free

From Birethanti, it is a very short walk to Naya Pul, where we pick up transport back to Pokhara. We usually arrive by lunchtime and have the afternoon to explore this pretty lakeside town. Accommodation: Hotel Lakefront/Hotel Dahlia (or similar)

Day 20 Free day in Pokhara

We have the whole day in Pokhara. There are many options to choose from today. You might want to hire a bike and cycle around part of the lake or you could take a boat across the lake and walk up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda with great views of the mountains and the lake (from the pagoda, carry on up the ridge to Raniban Resort for lunch). Alternatively, visit the Mountaineering Museum, the Gurkha Museum, take a trip to the nearby Tibetan refugee settlement and craft centre, or simply relax in one of the many lakeside restaurants and stroll around the shops. Accommodation: Hotel Lakefront/Hotel Dahlia (or similar)

Day 21 Fly to Kathmandu

We fly to Kathmandu. Weather depending, there should be good views on the flight. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Day 22 End Kathmandu

The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and memories to last a lifetime.

Day 1 Join Kathmandu

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. It is possible that the Kathmandu free day will take place at the conclusion of your trek instead of at the beginning. If this is to occur with your group, your leader will brief you locally.

meals : B

Day 3 Fly to Pokhara, commence trek to Dhampus (1990m) - walk approx. 3 hrs

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 an hour to a pass between two river valleys to the village of Phedi, where we commence our trek. There is no need to rush as this is a short day with plenty of time to reach our overnight stop. The trail ascends for the first hour, following a ridge through fields of bamboo clusters to magnificent rhododendron forest. Villagers greet us with “Namaste”, the traditional Nepalese greeting, as we pass their homes and continue to the ridge top where at the crest the scale of the mountains astounds us. Machapuchare (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m) can be seen from our immediate viewpoint. Overnight eco lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Trek to Landruk (1640m). Walk approx. 5 hrs

After a glorious mountain sunrise we follow the trail through rhododendron forest before continuing through a series of Gurung villages where lifestyles have not changed substantially over the centuries. After lunch we follow a well-marked trail to the prosperous village of Landruk where we camp for the night. Our private eco campsite affords dramatic views of Annapurna South.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 To Ghandruk (2050m). Walk approx. 4 hrs.

Our destination today is easily seen across the valley, the attractive Gurung village of Ghandruk. We exit the village and slowly descend through rice terraces, crossing a steel bridge that spans the glacial river of the Modi Khola and commence our ascent. As we trek up the many staircases, we enjoy the beauty of the Himalaya at a relatively close range and observe the glaciers flowing from them to form the rivers below us. It really is a magnificent location and a photographer's delight. Our leisurely approach along these ridges with their fine mountain views ensures proper acclimatisation and the un-hurried opportunity to fully savour this magnificent scenery. Overnight at exclusive eco-comfort camp.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 To Tadapani (2650m). Walk approx. 4 hrs.

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. Tadapani is a small village with limited campsites, our overnight accommodation will be in an eco lodge. This is the last stop before we head into the more uninhabited regions of our trek.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 To Bhaisi Kharka (3420m), walk approx. 6/7hrs.

Leaving the main trekking trail we continue to ascend on a less defined path through old growth forest where we may be fortunate enough to see Himalayan Thar, Hyrax or Ressus and Langur monkeys. Eventually we rise above the tree line and gain stunning views of the Annapurna Himal, our lunch spot will most likely be a yak pasture at Timuje perched high on the hillside with fantastic views of Annapurna South and Himul Chuli. Following our lunch break we ascend steeply to the ridge where spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and it's surrounding peaks unfold before us. This section of the trek is magnificent and we are now well off the main trail. Continuing down the opposite side of the ridge we drop into smaller rhododendron forest and arrive at our remote campsite high on the hillside overlooking the valley.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 To Kopra (3660m), walk approx. 7/8hrs.

Setting off early today we make our way downward towards the valley floor, eventually entering the old growth forest, surrounded by colourful rhododendron. We glimpse a small settlement lower down at Chistibung, which will be our lunch spot. After a relaxing lunch we begin our ascent to the stunning location of the eco lodge at Kopra. The accommodation options are limited to one lodge in this area and tents are not allowed to be pitched, we will utilise the best possible rooms. The views here are truly amazing and some of the best in the entire Annapurna range. Dhaulagiri dominates the scene and towers above the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 In Kopra and optional day hike to Khayer Lake (4600m) 9-10 hours

For those who are feeling fit and motivated for a big day hike, and dependent on weather and route conditions, the trip to the sacred Khayer Lake high above us is well worth the effort. The views are outstanding and you will trekking along an ancient pilgrimage trail to the site of the annual Badau Purnima Festival. The area is held in sacred regard and trekkers are encouraged not to take leather items beyond the lodge if possible. The trail contours the steep hillsides and takes us even closer to the impressively sheer cliff face of Annapurna's Fang Face. In the late afternoon, we will descend back to our eco lodge at Kopra. Our staff will accompany you on this hike and you may turn around after a few hours if you choose to, or simply enjoy a rest day in the comfort of our eco lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 To Swantha (2400m). Walk approx. 6/7 hours.

We descend steeply from our lodge towards a stream and pass through the village of Chistibung. Today's route takes us through heavily forested terrain. Overnight in our exclusive eco-comfort camp in Swantha.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 To Upper Phulbari (3210m), via Ghorepani & Poon Hill (3200m), walk approx 5/6 hrs.

A short walk brings us to Chitre where we join the old Tibet-Nepal trade route. The walk this morning offers excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range as the trail zigzags until we reach our lunch stop at Ghorepani. This is a large village which is on the main tourist trail. You may wish to wander through the bazaar for a short period following lunch, as there are many Tibetan wares on display, and also a bakery or two. Most trekkers to Ghorepani take a a pre dawn 45 minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m), which is a highlight of trekking in the Annapurnas. We will make the climb in the afternoon, when there are no crowds. From Poon Hill we leave the main trail and traverse on old yak herder trails to Upper Phulbari. The location affords spectacular views of the Dhauligiri Massif, with the luxury of no pre-dawn start, unless of course you chose to photograph the stunning views at sunrise. Overnight eco lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 To Les Par via Jaljala Dil (2600m), walk approx. 6/7hrs.

The views in the early morning are tremendous, with forested foot hills as a fore ground and some of the world's greatest mountain ranges surrounding us. If you are up early enough, the glow of the rising sun catches Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna. Our trail takes us through beautiful forests of rhododendrons, fir, pine, cedar and bamboo, there are many small trails through the forest, and we are unlikely to see any other westerners in this section of the trek. Eventually we emerge to open grassland ridges that offer a particularly pleasant trekking experience, before descending to a pretty lunchspot in a narrow valley skirted by multicoloured rhododendron bushes. From here there are three trails, we take the south trail which leads us to our exclusive eco-comfort camp at Les Par (Swarga).

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 To Ghibrang (2000m), walk approx. 4/5 hrs.

Trekking along the ridge of Bharmakot Dhanda we gain excellent views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and the Manaslu ranges. Ghibrang is a delightful village, largely untouched by western influence, and our exclusive eco-comfort camp offers yet more stunning views in a peaceful terraced setting amidst this pretty village.

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 To Nayapul (1340m), walk approx 3/4 hrs and transfer to Pokhara

Have your trekking poles at the ready today as our descent is approx. 1000m. We pass through interesting villages situated on steep rocky hills and terraces. The villages we pass are mixed communities of predominantly Gurung, Brahmin & Chettri. The final descent into Nayapul is 20 minutes on stone stairs. Here we will have a quick lunch break and then board the bus for Pokhara. Once settled in we highly recommend you take a stroll down to the lake at Pokhara, there are many stores selling Tibetan wares which are less expensive than Kathmandu. The main street running along the lake is vibrant and an interesting place to sit and watch the world go by. Overnight: hotel

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

This morning we transfer to the airport for the spectacular 40 minute flight back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day is at leisure.

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