Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek – 18 Days

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya will assist you with your accommodation. Upon arriving at your hotel, rest for a while. In the evening join in for a special dinner program where you will experience excellent Nepalese cuisine.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Today is the rest day in Ktm . Stay overnight at Hotel – Meals- Breakfast

After breakfast head on a long drive towards Besi Sahar along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Besi Sahar is the headquarters of Lamjung and has long been the starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek. Upon reaching Besi Sahar explore the bustling settlement.

Maximum Altitude: 760m

Duration: 6 hours drive

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfasdt, we drvie to Chamel by Jeep. We will have free and leisure evening. Stay onivhert at G. House

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Traversing on an ascending and descending route along the hill section follow the trail. As you progress you will be following the trails leading through a steep narrow valley. From here catch your first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500-meter from the river along with Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast. Passing various sparsely populated settlements descend towards Manang valley. A brief walk and you will reach the village of Pisang. From Pisang, a steep ascent and you will eventually reach the village of Upper Pisang.

Maximum Altitude: 3310m

Duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks & raise crops for part of the year.

You will have two options for the trek, a high route to Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal which takes around 8 to 9 hours, or a shorter main trail to Manang which goes through a low pass into the valley below Pisang peak and takes around 5 to 6 hours. Ask your guide for advice, both trail has scenic views of high alpine landscapes with an endless range of mountain in the background. Along the trail visit the Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District.

Maximum Altitude: 3540m

Duration: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today is your day of acclimatization, due to thin air at high altitude acclimatization is very important for your body. The settlement of Manang has various vantage points that you can choose from. Providing a perfect acclimatization excursion with views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m), Chulu East to the north, and huge glaciers tumbling down from Gangapurna. Explore the lake and settlement around and witness the majestic sights at dawn and dusk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Traversing across arid mountain country head towards the western gate and follow the downhill trails to the river network. Progressing on the trail witness grand views of Tilicho Peak and Annapurna range all along the way. Follow the narrow tracks and pass through small scenic settlements and the ancient Tore monastery. Enjoying the breathtaking views of the Khangsar River and the grand barrier reach Khangsar village.

Maximum Altitude: 3745m

Duration: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

From Khangsar continue on a large path and cross a monastery. The route ahead follows on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge to the junction. From here there are two paths, one path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley narrow downs. The other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge.

The former path is much more difficult as it goes on a steep screed. The latter is the new path on which you will continue to reach a high crest and descend on switchbacks carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side nestles Tilicho Base Camp.

Maximum Altitude: 4045m

Duration: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today start early as the weather can deteriorate quickly at higher altitudes. Start by following a tough ascent. Next, the trail traverses onto a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain. Witness the splendid views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar, Muktinath peaks, and other peaks all around. A strenuous climb will take you to Tilicho Lake.

Upon reaching, one of the highest lakes in the world, you will get to admire its tranquil beauty. Sometimes reflections of the surrounding peaks are seen on its turquoise waters, at other times the lake remains frozen. Take a break beside the calm waters and soak in the astounding views before heading back to the base camp.

Maximum Altitude: 4920m

Duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast head towards Yak Kharka. The trail leads out of the Marsyangdi valley and the abrupt change in surroundings can be noticed as the tree line disappears and is replaced with more alpine vegetation. The trek continues through the ruins of the old Khangsar village until you cross a log bridge over the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. The typical Himalayan village of Yak Kharka is an accolade to its name, where you can see yaks grazing around with Annapurna III on the backdrop. High alpine pastureland for Yaks. Upon reaching the village relax on the green meadows soaking in the energy of the region.

Maximum Altitude: 4020m

Duration: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Traverse across high alpine grassland with patches of shrubs and dwarf junipers. A brief uphill stretch and you will cross a suspension bridge which brings you to the village of Ledar. From here ascend further on small grey and brown hilltops along the towering cliffs of Mount Gundang, Mount Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mount Khatungkan you will eventually reach Thorung Phedi, the last village perched on the foothills of the high Thorong La pass.

Maximum Altitude: 4540m

Duration: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthosue

Today start early before 3 am. As you will be crossing a high mountain pass it is very crucial to start early, the mountain weather may deteriorate as the day progresses. The trail to the summit is not technical but the altitude may be a problem so take frequent rest and stay hydrated.

Following the steep, long trails reach the summit. From the summit of the pass witness, an amazing panorama of the Annapurna, Mukut, and Mustang ranges with the Kali Gandaki valley is seen far below. After spending a brief time descent down with views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukche Peak (6920m), and the brown-grey hills of the region. Traversing along this downhill section you will finally reach the village of Muktinath.

Muktinath is one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means the place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple. The main pilgrimage normally takes place in September, but devotees, pilgrims, and saints visit the temple all around the year. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it taking a dip in this holy water is believed to wash away all your sins and assist you towards liberation. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple where a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas are present. Also witness grand views of the landscape, the green apple orchards, and snow white peaks on the backdrops of brown, grey hills.

Maximum Altitude: 3800m

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Accommodation: Guesthouse

From Muktinath, the trail descends towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through the village of Jharkot, back-dropped by sensational views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (7061m). The terrain around Jharkot is a yellow, barren, almost moonlike landscape, dotted with patches of green cultivation, where man-made canals cut across the fields, irrigating the crops and fruit trees.

From here a short steep descent leads you to Eklebhatti on the floor of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Next, following the river down south, through the wide, windswept, and barren valley you will reach the ancient settlement of Jomsom

Maximum Altitude: 2760m

Duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Right after our breakfast, we drive to Pokhara by Bus which takes 7-8 hours to reach.

Meals- Breakfast and Lunch

Maximum Altitude: 822m

Duration: 7-8 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel

Today is the free and leisure day in Pokhara. Stay overnight at Hotel. Meals – Breakfast.

After breakfast head towards Kathmandu valley following the winding roads of Prithvi Highway. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later in the evening join in for a farewell dinner program that marks the end of your adventure.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m

Duration: 6-7 hours drive

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Today you will be returning to your country. Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.

NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.