Side by side
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 16 | 22 |
| Highest point | 5,416 m | 5,350 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging | Extreme |
| Total distance | 210 km | 220 km |
| Best months | March to April and October to November | May to October |
| Typical cost | $900 to $2,200 | $2,800 to $4,400 |
| Starts from | Besisahar or Chame (for road-shortened version) | Juphal (via Nepalgunj flight) |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek if
The Annapurna Circuit is Nepal's most diverse trek, taking 14 to 21 days to circumnavigate the entire Annapurna massif. It climbs from subtropical river valleys through pine forests and across the highest trekking pass in Nepal, the Thorong La at 5,416 m, before descending into the arid Mustang rain shadow. The circuit is partly motorable, so most trekkers now begin at Chame or Dharapani to preserve the best sections.
The altitude and duration are the main challenges. The walking itself is rarely technical, but Thorong La at 5,416 m is the highest trekking pass in the world that is regularly crossed and demands thorough acclimatisation at Manang.
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.
