Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake - 17 Days

We will pick you up at Kathmandu TIA and then transfer you to your hotel by private transportation. A briefing session and team meeting at the evening. Your guide will check the equipment and clothing. You can do last-minute shopping, or if you have time, spend time around the local spicy market in the evening. To have some extra time and prepration, it would be ideal to arrive in kathmandu during the day or earlier in the morning. 

Today is a free day in Kathmandu and also allows time for final trek preparation. For those that are interested in sightseeing, an optional guided city tour is available. Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and the ancient Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square to soak in the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. In the evening, pre-preparation and meeting of the Trek.

Today, we leave early from Kathmandu. We will either have a packed breakfast or we will stop for breakfast on the way. It takes about 9-10-hour drive toward Dharapani. The first stop is Besisahar, and then we carry on through winding mountain roads. Some parts of the drive can be bumpy, but the views of hills, rivers, waterfall and local villages are amazing en-route. Overnight in Dharapani. 
 

Today we follow the scenic walk through a forest trail surrounded by tall pine, oak, and fir trees to Chame. It is a district headquarter of Manang district. We will be surrounded by the green forest around us, and over us we'll see remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We'll also stop by the en-entoute tea house for lunch a short tea break before reaching Chame. As we follow the trail through the foothills, we eventually arrive at Chame for a well-earned rest.

After breakfast we trek to Pisang. We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a curved rock face rising 1500m above the Marshyangdi River. From here, we also see clear views of Annapurna II at the south and Pisang Peak at the northeast. As we proceed further, we descend into the Manang Valley and reach Pisang. Overnight in Upper Pisang.

After breakfast, we start our day following the upper trail through upper pisang. Heads north from the village of Ghyaru to Geru with outstanding views of north face Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho and Pisang Peak. As we ascended up, we will feel the air turn cold, dry and harsher. The trail goes through Tibetan settlement Mungji and continue beyond Branga. We get a chance to explore Buddhist culture in a short visit to Barge Monastery, largest in Manang. From here, Manang village is just within walking distance. Overnight at guesthouse in Manang.

Today is the day for acclimatization after hiking at high altitudes for the past few days, we must allow our bodies to adjust before moving forward. But we spend this day exploring Manang. Early morning we hike up to Gangapurna Lake and Base Camp spend the day admiring Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang and Chulu Peaks, roam around Manang Village and Monasteries. Afternoon we may visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village where we will be briefed about acute Mountain Sickness., its symptoms and preventions. Overnight at Lodge in Manang.

We trek to Sirikharkha through the upper route, which follows a path down down to a river. We cross the river and walk through coniferous forests, after 3 hours of walk, we arrive Khangsar village. From there, we hike uphill to Shree Kharka, passing an old monastery along the way. We enjoy with a spectacular view of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. 

Today our journey to Tilicho Base Camp is mostly straightforward, but some parts of the trail is challenging. The trail will lead you towards narrow, landslide-prone areas before arriving at Tilicho Base Camp. As we are passing the difficult areas, it is essential to stay alert of the loose stones and gravel in the location. Depending on the time of the year and the weather, snow may cover the area entirely, adding to the beauty of the trek. Stay Overnight in comfortable mountain lodge.

We will start early in the morning and climb steadily along the mountain ridge. On the way, we will pass grazing yaks and deer. As we get closer, the stunning view of Tilicho Lake appears, with the majestic north face of Tilicho Peak in the background. This lake, also known as the Great Ice Lake, is very pious for Hindus and is even mentioned in the Ramayana which lies at the foot of the north face of tilicho peak. After spending some time here we take the same route back to Shree Kharka for an overnight stay.

We descend to the uninhabited Khangsar village ,pass Tare gumba,a thousand year old monastery then follow a rock wall out of Khangsar to descend a bridge in the Thorong Khola valley. We go across a river ,hike up to a plateau to reach Yakkharka . We can see Annapurna mountains range, other peaks, blue sheep (bharal) and if you are lucky you might spot a snow leopard. Overnight in guesthouse.

After breakfast we trek to Thorang Phendi. We walk uphill to with an amazing view of mountains and landscapes. On our way we get the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Phendi is located at the lap of Thorong La, it is the last village before we cross the pass. We will rest today and prepare to cross one of the most challenging passes the following day. Stay Overnight in Thorong Phendi

Today's the most challenging part of the trip and the highest point of the trek. We have to wake up early morning at 3-4 am to complete this challenge. Pushing ourselves against high altitude and cold air into the think air, reach the top of the pass. Our challenging walk is paid off with a breathtaking mountain panorama. The trail descends further to Muktinath temple, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhist. The Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means "Hundred Waters". We stay overnight at guesthouse.

We visit Muktinath temple before continuing our journey to Tatopani. We will initially pass through the dry countryside as we travel from Muktinath towards the stunning Kali Gandaki valley. Along the way, we will enjoy the spectacular scenery of Nilgiri & Dhaulagiri and towns with distinctive Tibetan architecture like Khingar and Jharkot. Likewise, before arriving at Marpha, we'll keep walking past apple orchards. Finally, we will reach Tatopani, wandering through a settlement of Marpha, Kokhethanti, and Ghasa.Tatopani is famous for natural hot spring; it is place where we can soak in the hot springs. Overnight at guesthouse or tea house. 

We ascend to Ghorepani through villages of Sikha and Chitre, the villages of ethnic thakali people. We go through a terraced farmland with mountains all around then pass lush forests filled with rhododendron, birch, magnolia we stop at Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani.

Early morning we ascend to poonHill (3,210m), approximately 45 minutes to view sunrise over the snow-capped mountains. After visiting Poonhill, we will trek back to Ghorpenai for breakfast and then descend to Ulleri/Banthati and drive to reach Pokhara city.

After completing your trek, you’ll take the tourist bus for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The route retraces the winding roads through hills, riverside villages, and terraced fields, gradually descending to the bustling capital. It’s a long but beautiful journey, offering one last look at rural Nepal before returning to city life. Once in Kathmandu, check into your hotel free around for shopping.