Side by side
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 10 | 22 |
| Highest point | 4,130 m | 5,350 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Extreme |
| Total distance | 110 km | 220 km |
| Best months | March to April and October to December | May to October |
| Typical cost | $650 to $1,200 | $2,800 to $4,400 |
| Starts from | Nayapul or Jhinu Danda, near Pokhara | Juphal (via Nepalgunj flight) |
| Permits | 1 | 2 |
Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a 10 day route in central Nepal that climbs through terraced villages and bamboo forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m. It starts near Pokhara, needs no flight, and is the best first Himalayan trek for most people.
Long staircase days rather than thin air. The altitude stays low enough that acclimatisation is rarely the limiting factor, but the stone steps above Chhomrong punish unprepared knees.
Choose the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek if
The Upper Dolpo Circuit trek is an epic 22 day expedition in western Nepal crossing high passes above 5,000 m including Kang La and Jeng La. The trail explores the deep waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake, 11th century Shey Gompa, and isolated Bon and Tibetan Buddhist communities.
Rugged wilderness expedition crossing multiple 5,000 m mountain passes. Requires full camping logistics, self-sufficiency, and high endurance in remote trans-Himalayan desert country.
