Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is a fantastic journey along the famous Annapurna region and to Tilicho Lake (4949m), one of the highest lakes in the world. The trail cuts through varied elevations, and has climates ranging from semi-tropical to desert, and with the landscapes varying from sub-tropical to alpine forests to snowy barren, and the stunning rocky Thorongla mountain pass with an altitude of 5416 meters. The trip begins in Kathmandu with visits to several cultural heritage sites. Next, drive to Chamje and begin the trek from Dharapani. The 17-day Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek concludes in Jomson after which you will fly to Pokhara, followed by another flight to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m) |
Day 02 : Kathmandu valley sightseeing & getting prepared |
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1100m) |
Day 04: Syange to Dharapani (1860m), max 7 hrs trek |
Day 05 : Dharapani to Chame (2713m), max 6 hrs trek |
Day 06 : Chame to Pisang (3185m), max 6 hrs trek |
Day 07 : Pisang to Manang (3540m), max 6 hrs trek |
Day 08: Acclimatization at Manang |
Day 09 : Manang to Khangsar (3745m), max 5 hrs trek |
Day 10: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m), max 6 hrs trek |
Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake (4949m) then trek back to base camp, max 6 hrs trek |
Day 12: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m), max 5 hrs trek |
Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi high camp (4700m), max 5 hrs trek |
Day 14: Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorang La Pass (5416m), max 7 hrs trek |
Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni (2600m), 5 hrs trek |
Day 16: Jomsome to Pokhara, max 9 hrs drive |
Day 17: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu |
Day 18: Fly back to sweet home |
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
We will be waiting you at Kathmandu international airport holding a signboard with your full name so that you could recognize us so easily. When you come out, we will take private car to get 3*** hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city. Shortly you will do check in and get refreshed. Our tour leader Dilip will explain you about the overall glimpse of our full 18 days tour then in evening we will have a fantastic welcome dinner together at one of the Nepalese famous kitchen which introduces you a very unique Nepalese cuisine.
Day 02 : Kathmandu valley sightseeing & getting prepared
This is the valley where flourished Buddhism and Hinduism together over the centuries. The ancient architectures of Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples are just spectacular. As this is the capital city of Nepal, people live together from different walk of life and ethnic communities. After a breakfast, we start our guiding tour to UNESCO heritage sites; Kathmandu Durbar square, Monkey temple and Bouddhanath stupa; the major Buddhist sites. Also if the time permits, we do Pashupatinath temple which is the biggest Hindu holy shrine in this Indian subcontinent. Somewhere on the way we will have our lunch at first class restaurant.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1100m)
En route to Syange, we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms and of course the mighty Himalayas. After passing several villages on the banks of the river and paddy fields we get Besi Sahar, a small commercial centre. From here we head to Syange which is another 2 hours journey by an jeep.
Day 04: Syange to Dharapani (1860m), max 7 hrs trek
It takes max 7 hrs to reach Dharapani from Syange vilage all the way through Jagat, Chyamche, Tal, Kyodo and Karte (Khotro). The trail passes through barley, rice and potato fields; and the waterfalls continue to accompany us even today. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley.
Day 05 : Dharapani to Chame (2713m), max 6 hrs trek
Today we walk a few steep, forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which will be a sweet respite from the tiring trek and help us relax for a while. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District.
Day 06 : Chame to Pisang (3185m), max 6 hrs trek
One of the most mesmerizing moments would be when you wake up with sun rising beautifully over the Lamjung Himal (6,993m). On our way to Pisang we will cross through the barley fields gently swaying in the winds, cross mountain passes, enjoy the sight of apple orchards and small hamlets until we reach the untouched hamlet of Bratang. After passing through this village we will continue our onward journey enjoying the majestic beauty of Annapurna II, Gangapurna Glacier and stunning snow capped peaks. Similarly, after a walk of almost 3 hours we will arrive at Pisang village
Day 07 : Pisang to Manang (3540m), max 6 hrs trek
We start to hike through the drier upper section of Manang district. There are two trails on leaving Pisang, we will hike the lower easier route or if you are fit enough we will take the more scenic high route. The lower route takes an undulating route through Hongde (3,325m), which has an airstrip and then onwards through Mungji village to finish at the rather large village of Manang. Here Mani wheels and prayer flags abound and you are surrounded by the incredible mountain vista of the Annapurnas.
Day 08: Acclimatization at Manang
We spend our time visiting monastery, side trip to Gangapurna Lake and doing some excursions with the wonderful views around the villages. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Day 09 : Manang to Khangsar (3745m), max 5 hrs trek
After acclimatizing at Manang, we continue our adventure towards the Tilicho Lake, situated on the west end of Manang following the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola, we reach Khangsar and head towards the village region, still very traditionally Tibetan and known as the Last Village of Nepal.
Day 10: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m), max 6 hrs trek
We walk today to Tilicho Base Camp where seasonal lodge is available. The trail today is quite long for about 5 – 6 hours ( since we mostly take upper route) . We pass by the Gompa ( Monastery ), yak herders hut during the walking. After the hut, the trail forks where the lower one is a bit difficult often dangerous with loose stone pebbles in a steep trail. We take the upper trail which is ideal for acclimatization as well. First we ascend few hundred meters and then descend again.
Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake (4949m) then trek back to base camp, max 6 hrs trek
We start the day early to avoid afternoon wind. After a steeps consistent climb of 2-3 hours we reach Tilicho lake, The highest lake in the world. This is a large sparkling lake that lies at the foot of the north face of Tilicho peak.The tranquil Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world as sometimes the reflection of the surrounding peaks are seen on the turquoise waters, at other times the lake is literally frozen. After spending some time here we take the same route back down to base camp.
Day 12: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m), max 5 hrs trek
These high elevations offer some of the most amazing views of the valleys and snow capped peaks of the Himalayas. Yak Kharka is a summer grazing area where shepherds go with their sheep, goats, and yaks in every summer. We look above us and see the peaks of the Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho. We reach Yak Kharka where we will spend the night, enjoying the hospitality of local shepherds.
Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi high camp (4700m), max 5 hrs trek
From Yak kharka we keep continue to climb along the east bank of the Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi, a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs at 4420 meter. Blue sheep and even snow leopards can be seen sometimes in this valley. On our way we get the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan.
Day 14: Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorang La Pass (5416m), max 7 hrs trek
Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passe in the world is our main destination of this trek. Problems may occur due to the altitude and the most recent snow which can often make the crossing impossible. It takes about four hours to climb up to the pass marked by chortens and prayer flags. As we reach the top, you will be rewarded by the magnificent view of the entire terrain and massive Himalayas. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath valley. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist in the country.
Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni (2600m), 5 hrs trek
We trek down to Jomsome passing through the villages Kagbeni, Jharkot and Khingar. One cannot really get over the awesome view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri throughout the trail. We walk past Kagbeni to reach Jomsom along the banks of River Kali Gandaki. Jomsom is the Headquarter of Mustang district and we can spend some time here to explore the area and interact with the locals.
Day 16: Jomsome to Pokhara, max 9 hrs drive
Today we will passing through several green farming fields, local villages,small hilly towns, rivers, rain forests on our way to Pokhara, a beautiful touristic city in western Nepal. We can enjoy our evening by riding boat to Baraha temple in the center of Phewa Lake to see the stunning reflection of the Fish Tail Peak in the blue Phewa Lake.
Day 17: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon or early in the morning. We will have a farewell dinner in the evening.We can spend the day taking the much needed rest or catch up on some last minute shopping. Our flying to Kathmandu will give us a incredible views of sky touching Himalayas.
Day 18: Fly back to sweet home
Your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! the Majestic Himalaya representative will drop you off at the airport approximately 1 hour before your scheduled flight.
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| Starting Date | Availability | Cost | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:
- Airport pickups and drops ina private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
- PKR - KTM flight cost
OUR SERVICES EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Private transportation except what is mentioned in the What Is Included section
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- All government and local taxes
