Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake – 16 Days

After having breakfast, we will drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. The road passes through scenic villages, lush green forests, and beautiful landscapes. We will also cross the Trishuli River, which is a famous spot for white-water rafting in Nepal. After a long drive, we will reach Dharapani, a beautiful village located in the Manang district. Overnight stay in Dharapani.

After a couple of days of ascending to higher altitudes, it is important for us to take a break and acclimatize to the high altitude. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening in extreme cases. Manang is a perfect place for acclimatization as it offers a stunning view of the Annapurna range and is located at an altitude of 3,540 meters. We will spend the day exploring the beautiful town of Manang, visiting the local monastery, and experiencing the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures.In the afternoon, we will take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake, which is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The lake is surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks, making it an ideal spot for photography. The hike to Gangapurna Lake will help us acclimatize to the high altitude and prepare us for the rest of the trek. In the evening, we will return to our teahouse in Manang for a warm meal and a good night's sleep.

From Chame, the trek proceeds through an open area and a narrow valley until you reach a massive rock called Paungda Danda Rock, which is considered sacred by the locals. The rock rises 1,500m from the Marshyandi river and offers stunning views of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Just before reaching Pisang, the path descends to the Manang Valley floor. 

Today, we will start our trek from Chame to Manang. The trail passes through dense forests of pine and rhododendron and offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges. We will also cross several suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. Manang is a beautiful village that is popular among trekkers for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Overnight stay in Manang.

After a couple of days of ascending to higher altitudes, it is important for us to take a break and acclimatize to the high altitude. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening in extreme cases. Manang is a perfect place for acclimatization as it offers a stunning view of the Annapurna range and is located at an altitude of 3,540 meters.

We will spend the day exploring the beautiful town of Manang, visiting the local monastery, and experiencing the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures.In the afternoon, we will take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake, which is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The lake is surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks, making it an ideal spot for photography. The hike to Gangapurna Lake will help us acclimatize to the high altitude and prepare us for the rest of the trek.

In the evening, we will return to our teahouse in Manang for a warm meal and a good night's sleep.

After a hearty breakfast, we will continue our trek towards Khangsar. The trail takes us through beautiful meadows, small streams, and lush forests. Along the way, we will have stunning views of the Annapurna range, including the Annapurna II, III, and IV peaks. The trail is relatively easy, and we will stop for short breaks to take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Khangsar is a small village that offers a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures. The village is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has a peaceful and serene atmosphere. We will spend the night in a teahouse in Khangsar, enjoying a warm meal and a good night's sleep.

After breakfast, we will continue our trek towards Tilicho Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters. The trail is relatively steep and challenging, passing through dense forests, rocky terrain, and several streams. Along the way, we will have stunning views of the Annapurna range, including the peaks of Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Khangsar.

The trail also includes several suspension bridges, adding a thrilling element to the trek. As we approach Tilicho Base Camp, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks surrounding us on all sides. We will spend the night in a teahouse at Tilicho Base Camp, enjoying a warm meal and preparing for the next day's hike to Tilicho Lake.

Today is the most awaited day of the trek. We will start our day early in the morning, as we have a long and challenging hike to the world-famous Tilicho Lake. The trail is steep and rocky, with numerous switchbacks. However, the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna III, Chulu East, and West, will keep us motivated throughout the hike.

Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, we will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the turquoise blue lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world, and its serene beauty attracts visitors from all around the world. We will take some time to admire the views and capture some memorable photographs before retracing our steps back to the Tilicho Base Camp. The hike back to Base Camp will be equally challenging, and we will need to be cautious while descending the steep and rocky trail. Overnight stay in Tilicho Base Camp.

After a long and challenging day yesterday, today's trek will be comparatively easier. We will trek for around 6 hours from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka. The trail is mostly flat and passes through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron. We will also come across small streams and waterfalls on our way. We will spend the night at Yak Kharka, enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and preparing for the challenging trek ahead.

Today, we will continue our trek towards the Thorang La Pass. We will trek for around 4-5 hours to reach Thorang High Camp. The trail is steep and challenging, and we will need to be cautious while trekking. We will take frequent breaks to rest and stay hydrated. Upon reaching Thorang High Camp, we will take some time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. We will enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Gangapurna and Mt. Khatungkang, and prepare for the challenging trek tomorrow.

Today is the most challenging day of the trek. We will start our day early in the morning and hike towards the Thorang La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek. The hike towards the pass is steep and rocky, and we will need to be cautious while trekking. As we gain altitude, we will start to feel the effects of altitude, and it is crucial to stay hydrated and take enough breaks to rest. However, the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, will keep us motivated throughout the trek. Upon reaching Thorang La Pass, we will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding valleys.

After a peaceful night in Muktinath, we start our trek to Jomsom. The trail today is downhill and we will pass through the Kali Gandaki river bed. Along the way, we will visit the holy temple of Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death. After exploring the temple, we descend down to the village of Jharkot and continue to Kagbeni, a medieval town with narrow alleys and white-washed houses.

From Kagbeni, we will follow the Kali Gandaki river and finally reach Jomsom, a windy town famous for its apples and apple products.

Today, we will take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, a picturesque town located on the banks of Phewa Lake. The flight offers stunning views of the mountains and the landscapes below. After arriving in Pokhara, we will check-in at our hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, we can explore the lakeside area of Pokhara, which offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. We can also take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or simply relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

After breakfast, we will leave Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu. The drive is scenic and takes us through lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and small villages. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will check-in at our hotel and freshen up. In the evening, we can explore the streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, and restaurants.

This is the day of farewell where you accomplish the journey and leave for your home. Three hours prior to your boarding time, our staff will receive you from your hotel and drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport. We really enjoyed hosting you. Many thanks for having us and safe travels returning home.