Annapurna Round / Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative from Namaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub will pick you up from the airport. He will be displaying a NNTR sideboard outside the airport terminal. Transfer to the selected hotel. In the afternoon the pre-trip meeting will be holding at our office. During this meeting we will introduce your trek and or tour leader/guide, so please make sure that you ask all the questions and concerns. For the meeting please make sure you bring your passport,2 copies of passport size photos, and your travel insurance policy copy (if you haven’t sent it by email before).  And sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.

Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1,100m / 3,608 ft)

After Breakfast, We will set off for our exciting Himalayan ride to Syange. The journey of about 7 to 9 hours will break by a few stops on the way. The road crossing the Beshisahar, this reason offers a wilderness experience with beautiful landscapes of alpine forests. During the months of March and April, the Rhododendron forests are in full bloom and we can see many birds butterflies, and trees. Syange is a small village on the lap of a big mountain. Our Trekking starting point.

Trek to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,431 ft)

We begin our day by descending along the rocky path to the River. As we cross the river we start ascending through the lush forest. A few more ups and downs will take us to the beautiful village of Chamjie. From here the view of Annapurna massive and beautiful waterfall on the opposite bank is something remarkable. Now we head to another village of Tal through the deep Forest, cross the Marsyangdi river a few ups and downs. From Tal, the trail becomes rugged and winding. Further, we aim to the village of Karte winding along the Cliffs and the Waterfall. We finally reach Dharapani after some climbing and crossing the suspension bridge.

Trek to Chame (2,710m / 8,891 ft)

After the morning breakfast, we begin another Chapter of up-hills and Down-hills. Throughout the trek, we can look up to amazing views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna IV, and Manaslu- the 8th highest mountain in the world.  Nice and easy trail to Bagarchap began here. After having some rest in the village known for prayer flag and Tibetan architecture we will start to gen the altitude. We will pass small villages of Dhanakyu and Ratamron passing through the Farms, pine forests, Rhododendron forests with various flora and fauna. The large village of Chame is not far from here. The capital of Manang district, with many shops, banks, conveniences, and guesthouses.

Trek to Pisang (3,300m / 10,824 ft)

After enjoying the morning views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himalayan range with breakfast, we will start to ascend the valley through the Apple Farms, small villages, and many hills with fair, pine, and Rhododendron forests. Soon we will arrive in a small village in the rocky area called Dhukur-Pokhari where we can stop for lunch. From here the trail to Bartang village is up, up, and up. After the short climb through the forest, the valley opens with a magical view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. From here the trail will pass through a long mani wall before we arrive at the windy village of Lower Pisang.

We can take an optional walk to upper Pisang village for another hour to scout the age-old Tibetan Monastery, an ancient village, and stunning views surrounding it.

Trek to Manang (3,519m / 11,546 ft)

If you haven’t taken an optional walk to Upper Pisang Village yesterday today we can trek to Manang through this village. The dry and cold weather and changes in landscape and vegetation will give us a different experience. Yes, we are in the more open valley of Manang. We will pass many small villages, apple farms, and rolling hills. The short visit to Barge Monastery which is the biggest in the area will be something remarkable. We will continue trekking along the valley until we reach the Manang village.

Acclimatization and Rest day at Manang (3,519m / 11,546 ft)

After the significant gain in the altitude of few days Climb it’s time to take a rest and acclimatize our body. 

We will walk around the village to scout the expressive Tibetan culture, Lifestyle, and tradition. Later on the day, we will hike up to Bhojo Gumpa or Gangapurna Lake. If you have good energy the 6 Hour Challenging hike to Ice Lake can be another gratifying views experience. And you can also hike up to Vraga village where they have Himilayan Rescue Association Aid Post for an interesting and informative visit.

Trek to Khansar village (3,756m / 12,323 ft)

After the acclimatization day in Manang, you should be ready for the higher trek. Today we will leave an Annapurna circuit crowd and head to the Tilicho area where they usually have fewer trekkers. We will leave Manang valley through the western part and head down to the riverside. We will trek along the riverside to the upper valley with an amazing view of Annapurna II Mountain. Once we cross the Khansar River we will ascend to the Khansar village. Nice Tibetan-style village also known as the last village of Nepal.

Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140m / 13,583 ft)

We will trek along the Tilicho valley after breakfast. It’s a wide new path until we get to Buddhist Monastery in the middle of nowhere. From here we will start ascending towards the high ridge in front of us. Once we reach the top we will again ascend another steep ridge taking the new trail. We will suddenly reach another scenic valley with incredible views. It’s easy and short descends to the small campsite of Tilicho Base Camp. It’s the last camp to get to Tilicho Lake where will spend 2 nights.

Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919m / 16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka (4060m / 13,320 ft)

One of the most beautiful days of our trek. We will take an early breakfast and possibly the packed lunch for a nice back and forth trip to Tilicho Lake, the Highest Lake on the Planet. It takes about 3 hours through the rocky trail to get there.

Here we can witness The mountains like Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Pick are surrounding the lake and giving the finest shadow on the lake water.

Hindus believe that Tilicho Lake is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in the epic Ramayana as well. Take your time to enjoy the finest cobalt blue water with stunning surroundings. And possibly drip yourself into the holy water!  Take lunch before we get back to Tilicho base camp.

Trek to Yak kharka (4,110m / 13,485 ft)

After breakfast, We will follow the same windy trail until high above the Khansar village.  Now we follow the overlooked trail through the juniper bushes with an open valley which leads us to the old long suspension bridge. It’s an easy walk from here to Yak Kharka, this is an area where yak and sheep herdsman brings their animals to scrape.

Trek to Thorang Phedi (4420m / 14501 ft)

After breakfast, the picturesque trek to Thorang Phedi begins with a gradual climb. You will notice the High Altitude outlook become more exceptional along the way. We trek down to cross the Marsyangdi river on the wooden bridge. Then we start to ascend again towards the right bank of the river. We will follow the narrow trail to reach the top of the ridge and trek down to the highest campsite of this trek Thorang Phedi (meaning: Foot of the Mountain). After established, Relax with your book or chat with your team members.

You can also spend your free afternoon hiking up to High Camp for Acclimatization.

Trek to Thorong La Pass (5416m / 17764 ft) to Muktinath (3,800 / 12,467 ft)

All these days of trekking and Acclimatization have prepared you for this. The final push to Thorang-La Pass the highest pass in the world. The 1 hour climbs through the Zig-Zag trail bring us to High camp. From here we will head towards the north following the stone stacked pillar with prayer flags. After about 2 hours of trekking, we will get the fair Glimpse of the pass. That is to say, Thorang peak and Yakawa Kang peak will be clearly visible. Between these 2 giants is the Thorang-la pass.

Once we finally reach the Throngla pass pat ourselves, we deserve it! The ultimate price of the Annapurna circuit trek is here. We have made it to the top! Here we will be rewarded with the spectacular views of Majestic Mustang Valley, Kaligandaki valley, and surrounding Mountains with a 360-degree view. We don’t be spending too much time here. Click away, capture the moment and buckle up for the descent of more than 1700 m to the Muktinath village on the majestic mustang valley.

The descent to Muktinath is long and almost demanding as the ascent. We continue trekking along the long and grassy slope until the end. It’s almost 4 hours downhill from the pass. The tranquil village of Muktinath will be waiting for us.

Drive to Tatopani (1,200m / 3937 ft)

We visit Muktinath temple in the morning. Very important pilgrims site of both Hindus and Buddhists. Within Hinduism, it is known as Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the 'place of liberation' and Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means "Hundred Waters". After visiting this holiest pilgrim we will catch a Local Bus to Jomsom and to Tatopani.

If you wish to trek to Jomsom and take a flight to Pokhara simply contact us to customize your trip. Otherwise, the long and rough Himalayan ride through the world's deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki will bring us to the Natural hot spring place of Tatopani. Where we can recover our weary muscles in the natural hot springs.

Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m / 9,351 ft)

You may drop yourself again in the hot spring early in the morning. After Breakfast, we will start our journey towards another famous section of Poon Hill. Trekking to Ghorepani, we pass through beautiful terraced farmland, small villages like Shikha and Chaitre. Furthermore, we start to ascend through the deep Rhododendron forest. This part of the forest is one of the world’s biggest Rhododendron forest areas. The village of Ghorepani is on the top of the Ridge. Ghorepani is popular for the Poonhill hike which presents a spectacular view of the sunrise and a superb panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range.

Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531 ft) then trek to Tadapani (2,700m / 8,859 ft)

Early in the morning, we hike up to Poon hill about an hour for the sunrise view. One of the most favorite stopping-place for trekkers. Poon hill offers a wide range of Himalayan panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu.  One of The most impressive Mountain View spot in Nepal. After enjoying the sunrise view we will trek back to Ghorepani for our breakfast. After breakfast Then we make a climb along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2,960m /9,711 ft). After that, we descend to the Banthanti for lunch, then we trek 1:30 hour to arrive beautiful village of Tadapani.

Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara (822m / 2,697 ft)

Leaving Tadapani, we descend steep downhill through the rhododendron forests and then the trail eases as we reach Ghandruk village the capital of Gurung people, this one of the biggest village of Annapurna reason. The village hosts dramatic views of the mystic peaks of Mt Annapurna, Mt Machapuchare, Mt Gangapurna, and Mt Hiunchuli,  Slate roofed houses beside paddy fields with people with full of culture and tradition. We continue to trek along with the village down to the right side of Modi River for few hours to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing trek of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul then 1:30 hour drive will take us back to Pokhara.

Drive /Flight to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)

We will take an early morning deluxe tourist bus/afternoon flight to Kathmandu. If you have time and interested in extending the trip, White water rafting, Chitwan jungle safari, visit Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha, paragliding, sightseeing will be ideal.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to the selected hotel. In the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey, the farewell dinner will be served in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances

Final departure

Your adventure to Nepal comes to the end today! It’s time to say goodbye to Nepal until the Next Time! Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu, a city stroll, and or souvenir shopping. NNTR representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. On the way to your home, you have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful land of the mystic Himalayas.