Annapurna Dhaulagiri Extended Trek

duration 17 days
usd 1,710 All inclusive
difficulty Hard
Among the hardest available treks but still these treks are in reach of most people however one must be fit. These trips go above 5000 meters and for the duration of 15 – 20 days walking up to 6-7 hours in a day.
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 15,837 feet at Khair Lake

trip overview

The mountain people who live in the beautiful villages of western Nepal welcome tourists like they were one of their own.Travel here and you will feel like this is your second home.

Apart from watching the Himalayas from up close, this trip offers an opportunity to visit all the beautiful villages you see in the pictures of the Annapurna region. You will stay in villages like Dhampus, Ghandruk and Ghorepani which serve as perfect viewpoints for gazing at the Himalayas and as cultural centers for understanding the local tradition and values. And the prime attraction of this trip is the Khair Lake which lies nearly 16,000 feet high from the sea level.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival.
We will receive you at the airport in Kathmandu (4,600 feet) and take you to your hotel.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Pre-trip meeting.
We will drive you from one monument to another in Kathmandu so you get a sense why this ancient city is so popular among tourists. Kathmandu has been included in Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites for its cultural, aesthetic, religious and historical importance so you won’t be disappointed. We have a pre-trip meeting scheduled for the day where we run you through the itinerary.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Drive to Pokhara (around 3,000ft in the city) by tourist bus.
A tourist bus will take you to Pokhara, the famous tourist town on the bank of the Phewa Lake. We reach Pokhara in seven hours and have to pass green hills after hills to get there. Everyone going to or returning from Annapurna stays at Pokhara, so you will meet plenty of travellers like yourself here. The lakeside area offers an amazing nightlife to relax you ahead of your trekking trip.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 04
Drive to Dhampus (5,413ft). Then trek to Pothana (6,528ft).
We will begin the day with a one-hour drive to Dhampus village where the trekking circuit around Mount Annapurna begins. Dhampus is surrounded by mountains is so beautiful that movies have been made about its beauty. We begin our expedition by climbing up through forests to Pothana and it takes about one and a half hours.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
Trek to Landruk (5,135ft).
It is a day for downhill trek. We walk through rhododendron and oak forests for slightly less than three hours to reach Landruk. Landruk is another village lauded for its beauty in this region, apart from Dhampus and Ghandruk.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner
day 06
Trek to Ghandruk (6,398ft).
We trek downhill for one hour till we reach the ModiKhola River. But after that comes four hours of uphill trekking, most of which involved steep slopes. Ghandruk is perfect to mix with the local people, who are very friendly, and get a sense of the culture. There is a monastery, a temple and even a museum here to keep you busy throughout the day. The view of the Annapurna Range is another prime attraction. Oh and yes, you have to try the local food here. It is something to die for.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
Trek to Tadhapani (8,628ft).
We trek for six hours this day with one stop for lunch. This is tough and tiring but there will be spectacular view of the Himalayas in the distance (but they seem so close) throughout the way while we ourselves pass through forests and streams. The view from Tadhapani is even more beautiful.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner
day 08
Trek to Bhaisi Kharka (11,220ft).
We will gain more than 2,500 feet in elevation today and it will take an entire day to trek from Tadhapani to Bhaisi Kharka. There is a steady climb till our lunch. After lunch, the trail gets steeper. This is one of the toughest trekking days in western Himalayas.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 09
Trek to Chistibung (9,843ft).
Chistibung is downhill from BhaisiKharka and it takes about three hours to get there. We walk through a forest which is famous for sightings of wild animals. It will be a tough day due to the excruciating trip the earlier day but you just have to carry on.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 10
Trek to Khopra Danda (13,189ft).
We climb up the Khopra ridge today. We walk through a forest and as we get higher the landscape changes in grasslands and then to barren slopes. It takes about seven hours to make this climb. From the top of Khopra, the Annapurna massif can be seen very clearly.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 11
Trek to Khair Lake (15,837ft). Then trek back to Khopra.
We can make to the Khair Lake and back before lunch. But you can rest at the guesthouse if you are too tired. Nevertheless, Khair Lake is beautiful and is a steady climb from Khopra. The lake is considered holy by Hindus and a big religious fair takes place here every year in August.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 12
Trek to Sota Village (7,448ft).
We walk all the way down to Sota today. We walk for six to seven hours through forests and pass Chistibung on our way till we reach Sota. After so many days of walking, even downhill treks like this are tough but the Himalayas and possibilities of chance encounters with Himalayan wildlife should get you going.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 13
Trek to Ghorepani (9,430ft).
We again walk through forests in the hills today. It takes six hours to reach Ghorepani. The forests and the hills provide a very good distraction from your fatigue.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 14
Hike to Poon Hill (10,535ft).
Poon Hill lies in the village and we trek to its summit. People say the western part of the Himalayas look more beautiful than the eastern ranges and nowhere is this true than from Poon Hill at 10,535 feet above the sea level.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 15
Trek to Nayapool (3,477ft). Drive to Pokhara.
This downhill trek will take over five hours but thankfully it is the last of it. This far in the journey, even downhill walking hurts. After resting for some time at Nayapool, we drive to Pokhara and rest in the comfort of a city.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
day 16
Drive to Kathmandu. Farewell Dinner.
We will return to Kathmandu in a luxurious tourist vehicle. As the Annapurna gets farther and farther away as we move closer to Kathmandu, you will surely be thinking of stories to tell once you get back home. We will host a farewell dinner for you to end your holiday in the Himalayas.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
day 17
Final Departure.
We will drop you off to the airport for your long flight back home.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for entering Annapurna Conservation Area and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
Fully paid round-trip bus tickets for Kathmandu-Pokhara ride and back. Other rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 250.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?
You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?
A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?
You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Kathmandu and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?
A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
How long do I have to trek each day?
On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six hours to eight of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
Where will I be staying during the trip?
In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?
All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?
Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?
The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?
We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customized trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?
You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?
There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook every day.
What travel documents do I need?
As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?
Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?
Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?
Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?
Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?
Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?
You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?
Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

You will hop from one village to another in the hills so make sure your body is prepared for hiking. But we make plenty of stops during the trek to keep your body rested and energized. You can complete this trip with determination and a healthy dose of energy drinks.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs.

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Binoculars.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera.
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

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DEPATURE DATES
private dates
customize your trip

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We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary.You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.