Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

Welcome to Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up at the arrival gate and transfer you to the hotel once your flight lands at the Tribhuvan International Airport. At the hotel, he will help you through the check-in procedures and hand you the room keys. After that, you’ll have the entire day in Kathmandu for yourself. So, get as much rest as possible and get rid of the jet lag.

Later in the evening, you’ll be joining the rest of the group members for a short meeting. In this session, your trekking guide will provide you all the necessary details about the trek. After the meeting, you will have an introductory welcome dinner with all the group members and your trekking guide.

Highlights

• Arrival at Kathmandu — pick up and greet at the airport
• Airport to hotel transfer via a private transport
• Meet and greet with rest of the group
• Short briefing with your trekking guide
• Welcome dinner with the trekking guide and rest of the group members

Special Note

It is our humble request to you to attend the briefing session mandatorily! Your trekking guide will provide you all the necessary information regarding the trek in brief, including day-to-day itinerary, trek difficulty, transportation, accommodation, food, cultures, mountains, etc.

Note that we want the meeting to be as interactive as possible. Therefore, ask as many questions to your trekking guide to clear any concerns regarding the trek. During the meeting, we will also conduct a meet and greet session. So, try to bond with the rest of the members of the group during the session and at the dinner.

It is advisable that you pack your bags before you go to sleep to avoid the rush in the morning. If there’s anything you want to leave at the hotel, keep it separate from your trekking bags.

You will begin your adventure early with a drive from Kathmandu to Syange via private transport. In the first half of the day, you’ll drive along the famous Prithvi Highway, the road that connects to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Alongside Trishuli River, you will drive past several small villages, rural towns, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills. If the weather’s clear, you’ll also get to witness the distant sight of snow-capped mountains right outside the window of your vehicle.

You’ll follow the main highway for around two hours until you reach Dumre. From here, you’ll turn right, leave the main highway, and head towards the small village of Syange. If you reach the village at daylight, you’ll be taking a walk towards the Syange waterfall. You might also encounter the hives of the Himalayan Giant Honey Bee on your way to the waterfall.

Highlights

• Drive along the popular Prithvi Highway
• Enjoy the glimpses of small villages, rural towns, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and occasional mountains
• Take a walk to Syange waterfall
• Encounter the hives of the Himalayan Giant Honey Bee

After breakfast, you’ll hit the ground running once again and walk on a relatively narrow road towards Tal. You’ll come across a series of epic switchbacks on your way to the village. The trail that winds directly above Marshyangdi Khola has several stunning waterfalls en-route to the village of Tal. Stay cautious! This route is a landslide-prone area. So, you might have to walk through a few strenuous and dangerous paths.

After walking past several popular villages, including Jagat and Chamje, you’ll make an entrance to Manang district at Tal. Furthermore, the walk continues along with the terraced fields and some more waterfalls towards the village of Dharapani. At an elevation of 1,960 meters, Dharapani is one of the biggest settlements in the entire Manang valley. It is marked by a sacred stone shrine, also known as chorten (a Buddhist stupa).

Highlights

• Traverse through several stunning waterfalls along the trail
• Walk past a few popular villages, including Jagat and Chamje
• Overnight at one of the largest settlement of Manang valley

On this day, you’ll wind through the shades of pine, oak, fir, and maple trees to the village of Chame, the district headquarter of Manang. You begin the walk along the landslide-prone area to Bagarchhap, where the trail climbs steeply towards Timang.

Furthermore, the walk continues along the dense forest and across the village of Koto. You’ll also get to enjoy the marvelous glimpse of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal. Before reaching Chame village, you’ll come across a small man-made hot spring on the way. You can relax in the hot spring for a while and head to the village of Chame. Right at the entrance of Chame, you’ll walk past a large mani wall decorated with prayer wheels and prayer flags.

Highlights

• Walk under the shades of pine, oak, fir, and maple trees
• Relish the sight of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal
• Relax at the hot spring before reaching Chame

After a hearty breakfast, you depart from Chame alongside the river towards Bhratang village. This small settlement is home to an apple farm and is well-known for fresh apple juice. As you walk past the village, you’ll arrive at a narrow trail on the cliffside of the Marshyangdi River. From here, you’ll get to savor the sight of Paungda Danda, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak.

Eventually, you’ll cross a bridge over the river and climb a steep path through the pine forest. The route is relatively steep and forested until you reach the village of Dukur Pokhari. The trail is considerably gradual and comfortable until you reach the overnight destination at Upper Pisang.

Highlights

• Traverse through the popular apple farm at Bhratang village
• Get a glimpse of Paungda Danda, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak
• Cross the suspension bridge over Marshyangdi River
• Take a walk around the quaint village of Upper Pisang

Since this is one of the longest and toughest days in the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, you’ll start the day pretty early in the morning. The route is steep uphill from Upper Pisang to the village of Ghyaru. From the village, you’ll get to relish a close-up view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.

You continue the walk from Ghyaru village towards Ngawal. Although the trail is not so challenging, you’ll notice the climate becoming dry and cold as you climb higher on the trek. Instead of heading downhill straight to Manang, you’ll be heading upwards from Ngawal towards Braga Monastery. This ancient monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in the entire Manang district. After visiting the monastery, you’ll gradually descend towards Manang for the overnight stay.

Highlights

• Walk past several beautiful villages, including Ghyaru and Ngawal
• Enjoy the marvelous sight of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak
• Visit Manang’s largest monastery at Braga

Special Note

Since you’ll be spending a night at 3,500 meters on this day, you are most likely to feel the increasing elevation. Stay cautious! We highly recommend you to keep yourself warm and drink plenty of fluid. Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to reduce the possibilities of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

This day will serve as a much-need acclimatization day at Manang. Having an acclimatization day is a great way to adjust your body with the increasing elevation and minimize the possibilities of altitude sickness. Instead of lazing around at the teahouse, you’ll go for a short hike to the Kicho Tal (Ice Lake) located at an elevation of 4,620 meters.

The hike begins on a slightly zig-zag but relatively gradual trail upwards to the ridgeline. Once you reach the top of the ridgeline, you’ll get to relish the marvelous view of the Annapurna range. You’ll continue the walk northwards from the ridgeline towards the first of two lakes — the Lower Ice Lake.

You’ll continue the walk for another 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Upper Ice Lake, marked by a Buddhist stupa adorned with colorful prayer flags. Soak in the thin air of Kicho Tal and enjoy the marvelous view of the surrounding before heading back to Manang for the overnight stay.

Highlights

• Short hike to Kicho Tal (Ice Lake)
• Marvel at the close glimpse of Annapurna range
• Soak in the thin air at 4,620 meters and acclimatize your body for the rest of the trek

After a well-deserved acclimatization day at Manang, you’ll continue the journey towards Siri Kharka. After breakfast, you’ll head towards the western gate of the village and make your way towards the Khangsar Khola. Here, you’ll cross a small suspension bridge and walk through a dense coniferous forest southwards to the village of Khangsar. This small village is one of the oldest settlements in the Manang district.

Upon reaching Khangsar, you’ll walk past an ancient monastery, and trek towards Siri Kharka. The route from Khangsar to Siri Kharka is mostly uphill along the rough and muddy roads. You’ll get to rejoice at the sight of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu at the backdrop. Upon reaching Siri Kharka, you stroll around the village to encounter some Himalayan blue sheep.

Highlights

• Cross a suspension bridge over Khangsar Khola
• Walk past Khangsar village — one of the oldest villages in Manang
• Enjoy the view of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu at the backdrop
• Encounter Himalaya blue sheep at Siri Kharka

After breakfast, you hit the trail again and head to Tilicho Base Camp. You begin the trek in a newly constructed route. Although the route on this day is not steep or strenuous, it can get a bit exhausting as you’ll be walking through a landslide area and loose scree. As you walk along the exhausting path, you’ll come across an intersection that separates the old route and the new route.

The older route leads to steep ascend towards the ridgeline while the newer route maintains the altitude. It passes along the slope towards the narrow valley. The older trail is much strenuous as it is continually steep and rough. Therefore, you’ll take the newer route, reach a high crest, and head downhill towards Tilicho Base Camp.

Highlights

• Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Himalayas
• Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp

You’ll wake up early at dawn and hike to the majestic Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world. It is important to start as early as possible to avoid the wind. The trail is steep and strenuous with vertical ascents alongside the mountain. Along the way, you’ll encounter grazing deers and yaks below the trekking trail. It takes about 3 to 4 hours from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake.

This serene lake sits at the base of the northern face of Tilicho Peak. This high altitude lake also carries significant importance for the Hindus as this lake was featured in Ramayana’s text. After spending a brief moment at the world’s highest lake and soaking at the spectacular scenery, you’ll retrace the route down to Siri Kharka. The path to Siri Kharka is mostly downhill, with occasional switchbacks. From the village, you can relish the marvelous view of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu.

Highlights

• Hike to the world’s highest Lake — Tilicho Lake
• Encounter grazing deers and yaks along the trail
• Close-up view of the northern face of Tilicho Peak
• Enjoy the view of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu

You’ll begin the day with a gradual descent from Siri Kharka towards the village of Khangsar. On your way to the village, you’ll walk past a centuries-old monastery called Tare Gompa. You’ll continue the adventure on a fairly easy trail to Khangsar village. Here, you’ll follow a rock wall of the village and stick to the path until you arrive at a seasonal bridge in the Thorong Khola Valley.

Upon crossing the bridge, you’ll reach Tenki Manang. After walking for about an hour or so from Tenki, you’ll reach the village of Gunsa. From here, you’ll get to relish the panoramic view of Annapurna range and Tilicho Peak. After enjoying the Himalayas’ view, the trail gradually heads upwards through the dense bushes of juniper. You’ll cross a few suspension bridges and walk along a relatively pleasant trail to reach Yak Kharka.

Highlights

• Walk past a centuries-old monastery at Tare Gompa
• Cross a few suspension bridges along the trail
• Enjoy the panoramic view of Annapurna range and Tilicho Peak
• Traverse through the dense bushes of juniper

This day is by far the shortest one in Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, but for all the right reasons. After breakfast, you set off from Yak Kharka and head gradually upwards towards Ledar. You’ll follow the narrow trail alongside the river, offering a stunning view of mountains. After a while, you’ll come across a long suspension bridge. Upon crossing the bridge, you’ll reach the village of Ledar.

From here, the trail continues upwards but rather steeply and strenuously than before. You’ll have to walk past a narrow trail on the cliffside. This small section is a highly landslide-prone area! So, make sure to stay cautious and watch upwards every once in a while to make sure the rocks aren’t falling off from the top.

As you navigate across the landslide area, you’ll reach Thorong Phedi, the last village before the mighty Thorong La Pass. On your way to Thorong Phedi, you’ll enjoy the marvelous view of Thorong Peak, Mt. Gudang, Mt. Syagang, and Mt. Khatungkan.

Since you’ll reach Thorong Phedi by early afternoon, you’ll drop your backpack at the teahouse and head to the High Camp for an acclimatization walk. Note that this section consists of a series of switchbacks with loads of loose rocks along the way.

Highlights

• Cross a long suspension bridge
• Overnight at Thorong Phedi, the last village before Thorong La Pass
• Enjoy the breathtaking view of Thorong Peak, Mt. Gudang, Mt. Syagang, and Mt. Khatungkan
• Acclimatization walk to High Camp

So, here it is! This day is the significant highlight of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. You’ll begin the day early at dawn and begin the steep ascent towards the world’s highest navigable pass. Since you’ll be gaining a massive elevation from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass, it is important to walk at the most comfortable pace and keep your body hydrated.

You’ll first head towards the High Camp and then to the summit of Thorong La Pass. A small chorten and a bunch of colorful prayer flags mark the top of the pass. From the summit of the pass, you’ll witness the epic sunrise over the Himalayas. After spending a brief spell at the top of the pass, you’ll head down to Muktinath at 3,800 meters straight from whooping 5,416 meters.

Highlights

• Travel across the world’s biggest pass — Thorong La Pass
• Witness the most epic sunrise from the summit of Thorong La Pass
• Descend to Muktinath for overnight stay

Special Note

Remember, you will be starting your trek towards Thorong La Pass early in the morning at dawn. So, we highly recommend carrying a torch or a headlamp on your way towards the summit to keep an eye on the route. It is also advisable to wear warm clothes in layers, gloves, a beanie, and a neck gaiter to keep yourself warm in the cold morning in the Himalayas. As the walk is strenuously uphill to the summit of the pass and vertically downhill towards Muktinath, carrying a trekking pole for extra support is also advisable.

You’ll begin the day exploring the holy temple of Muktinath. Located directly at the foothills of Thorong La Pass, Muktinath Temple is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. This temple is also the world’s highest temple at the elevation of 3,800 meters above sea level.

The trail from Muktinath to Jomsom passes along the old settlement of Jharkot. You’ll then gradually descend towards Ekle Bhatti, where the trail joins the Kali Gandaki. After about an hour of walking from the village, you’ll reach Jomsom. While most of the trek on this day is along the jeep road, it does not get much traffic.

From Ekle Bhatti, you cross a long suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River and head westwards to reach Jomsom. From the village of Jomsom, you’ll get to relish the breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

Highlights

• Visit the holy temple of Muktinath
• Walk past several old settlements, including Jharkot and Ekle Bhatti
• Marvel at the breathtaking sight of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri

It’s time to leave the Himalayas behind as you’ll head to the small airstrip of Jomsom in the morning. Here, you will also bid farewell to the porters and all the local staff who have assisted you throughout the trek. You’ll then catch a flight from Jomsom and fly to Pokhara. It takes 20-minutes to land at Pokhara Airport from Jomsom.

Pokhara is often regarded as the tourism capital of Nepal. Stretched alongside the Phewa Lake, this beautiful valley integrates chilled vibes, good weather, colorful markets, restaurants, serene lakes, and mountain views. From the valley of Pokhara, you’ll get to marvel at the majestic view of Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre.

You’ll explore a few touristy destinations of Pokhara and sail on one of the colorful boats on Phewa Lake. In the evening, you’ll get to navigate around the ambient atmosphere of Lakeside and relax at the shore of Phewa Lake.

Highlights

• Thrilling flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
• Explore the city of Pokhara
• Marvel at Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre
• Relax at the shore of Phewa Lake

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you’ll pack all your belongings and catch your ride back to Kathmandu. You’ll be driving through the most popular travel route from Pokhara to Kathmandu via Prithivi Highway. On your way to Kathmandu, you’ll be driving past several rustic villages, rural towns, scenic landscapes, terraced farms, and grassy hills. If the weather remains clear, you’ll also enjoy the spectacular view of the towering massifs from a distance. It takes about six hours to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the day for yourself. You can either get some rest back at the hotel or take a walk around the colorful streets of Thamel as per your wish. You can also stroll around the Thamel market and buy some souvenirs or gifts for family and friends back home. One of our representatives will pick you up at the hotel and take you for the farewell dinner in the evening.

Highlights:

• A scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Get a glimpse of the traditional villages, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills
• Take a walk across the vibrant streets of Thamel
• Enjoy the farewell dinner in the evening

Departure day! On this day, your adventure of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek will end. After breakfast, you’ll make the final preparation for the international departure. According to the schedule of your flight, one of the representatives of Nepal Social Treks will receive you at the hotel and drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure. He will transfer you to the airport via private transport and help you figure out your check-in terminal.

Special Note

Make sure you check and recheck the entire room before leaving the hotel to ensure that you have not left anything behind. Also, instead of rushing to pack in the last hour, we advise you to pack your bags and keep them ready a day before the final departure.