Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek

Your Arrival Time (?): Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. 

At. 06: 00 PM: We will meet in the evening for a coffee and give you a briefing on your trek programme. You'll get all the necessary details about the trekking region. You will receive the required paperwork and permits, which you should keep with our guide. If you arrive after 5 PM, we will meet the next day for breakfast. If you have time, you can visit Thamel in the evening. 

If you're interested in additional activities during your tour in Kathmandu, please let us know your preferences in advance. This will allow us to schedule and book the programmes accordingly. 

Optional Activities in Kathmandu are:

• Everest Mountain Flight (It is a 1-hour flight (scheduled at 6:30 AM) with a breathtaking view of the mountain range.) (USD 250 PP)
• Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu. (USD 500 PP)
• Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu with Kala Patthar Landing. (USD 1200 PP)

Meal: Not Included.

At. 10:00 AM: Start your fully guided sightseeing from the closest place, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The former royal palace will fascinate you with its intricate architectural designs and exciting myths and histories related to it. In front of the court, you will see numerous vendors selling handcrafted items like jewellery, decoration pieces, and many other pieces of stuff. Next, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. It is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country. One must climb hundreds of stairs to reach the top of the monument. See the panoramic view and challenge yourself. The environment is peaceful, so if you want to practice meditation, you can do so. 

Visit the renowned Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and also known for its remarkable pagoda architecture. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's highly revered Hindu temple, and explore another culturally significant monument. The final stop is Boudhanath stupa, where you will be greeted warmly by the divine scent of incense and the gentle sounds of pigeons. After arriving at the Boudhanath stupa, the divine aura will declare peace among people's souls. 

After completing your sightseeing programme, visit Thamel for trek preparation shopping. You can find all the necessary gear here. We recommend purchasing the product from your home country due to higher prices and potential quality differences. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner at a restaurant. The dinner will feature traditional Thakali cuisine, followed by a cultural programme with traditional songs and performances.

Note: You can go for a warm-up trek to the nearest viewpoint in Kathmandu to Jamacho Gumba (Monastery) instead of sightseeing if you wish to. The hike can be completed in around 4-5 hours; it helps to stretch your legs before the trek and will be beneficial, but it is optional.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Included.

At. 06:00 AM: Have your breakfast at the hotel and be ready for your drive to the beautiful village on the lap of the mountains, Dharapani. Dharapani is about 225 km from Kathmandu; it takes approximately 7-9 hours to reach there by drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. You will drive via Besisahar and then other charming villages. 

Note: You can leave your extra bags at the hotel before going to trek at the hotel in Kathmandu. You can collect your bags after your trek is finished. Doing so will make your trek easier by reducing your weight, making it smoother and more enjoyable. You can hire a porter during the trek as well, which will cost you extra add-ons. 

Drive by the beautiful Chamje village and along the Marsyangdi River. Today you will pass beautiful villages such as Bahundada, Syange, and Jagat. The distance between Chamje and Dharapani is 12 km, which you can cover in around 1 and a half hours. You will walk across the pine and fir forest and pass through farms of barley, wheat, and potatoes before finally reaching the Dharapani. Once you reach Dharapani, check in at the local resort and relax well after the long drive. Have dinner at the lodge and rest for the trek tomorrow. Overnight stay at Dharapani.

Note: Porter during the trek. (A porter can carry 20 KG of baggage for two people.)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 07:00 AM: Today, you will experience the awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking scenery, and stunning natural beauty. After breakfast at the teahouse, you'll trek to the stunning Chame village. The village is located at an elevation of 2,650m. The elevation is higher today, but it's still manageable. 

The trek from Dharapani to Chame includes uphill and flat walks through a forested area. You can explore the dense forest and its diverse flora and fauna while hiking the trail. The trail includes popular villages like Bagarchhap, Danakyu, Timang, Thanchok, Koto village, and others. Passing through different villages allows you to experience the beauty of diversity and cultural variations in each place. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is known for its diverse culture and contrasting pace at higher elevations. The trek covers a distance of approximately 15 km and typically takes around 5-6 hours of continuous hiking. Today may be challenging with uphill climbs, but it offers rewarding experiences. Once you reach Chame, check in at the designated accommodation and take a rest. Have your dinner at the same place and call it a day. Overnight stay at Chame.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 07:30 AM: Start your trek by crossing the Marsyangdi Bridge. The stunning pine and tsuga forests, along with the breathtaking mountain views, are the main highlights of the day. After walking continuously from Pisang, you will reach Bhartang. In Bhartang, there is a challenging uphill walk that leads to Dhukur Pokhari. You can see the stunning Paungda Danda rock face from here. The trek from Chame to Upper Pisang typically takes around 5-7 hours. The trek distance today is approximately 14 km. 

Annapurna II is stunning in this region. Continuing on the trek, you will arrive at Lower and Upper Pisang. Pisang is a popular stopover on the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake treks. This place is known for its stunning landscapes, cultural artefacts, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas in the mountain valleys. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 08:00 AM: From Pisang, the beauty of the Himalayas is revealed as the first ray of sun touches the mountains. After breakfast at the teahouse, you'll head towards the incredible Manang Valley. Manang is renowned for its rich cultural values, breathtaking mountain views, and remarkable geographical diversity found in the region. The distance between Lower Pisang and Manang is around 15 km, which will take 5-6 hours to reach. 

It takes approximately 4 hours to trek from Pisang village to Barga village, where you can find a 900-year-old monastery. This place is a spiritual hub located in the Manang Valley. Just an hour's walk from Barga is the picturesque village of Manang. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the local people while enjoying the stunning arid landscapes and breathtaking mountain views. Today's stopover is Manang. There are numerous things to discover in this area. It serves as a stopover for acclimatisation, allowing you to prepare for the higher elevations ahead. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 10:00 AM: After breakfast, you can explore the village and interact with locals and fellow travellers. Today, you will be spending an acclimatisation day in Manang. Adapting to changes in elevation is essential for maintaining good health. Today, you'll hike to the upper area of Manang. At that point, you'll have the chance to see the breathtaking view of the panoramic peaks and the picturesque Manang village below. The main attractions in this area include Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake, the hanging Gangapurna glacier, and the rich cultural heritage of Manang.

Rest days can be spent in various locations. You can choose to go on a short hike near the village. For a more challenging experience, visit Ice Lake and return to the village. Engaging in these activities will help your body adjust to higher altitudes in the coming days. To prevent high altitude sickness, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating carbohydrate-rich foods. Experts advise drinking at least 4 litres of water per day. After finishing your hike, you can stay overnight at the Manang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 07:30 AM: After a full day of exploring Manang, it's time to climb higher and experience a change in the terrain. After breakfast, you'll begin your trek to the old village of Manang, also known as Tenki Manang. The trail continues upwards towards Khangsar, passing through the Landslide area before reaching Tilicho Base Camp. The viewpoint provides a stunning panorama of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peaks. The distance from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp is approximately 14 km. The trail can be challenging, with steep hills in certain areas, and it typically takes around 6-7 hours to complete. Stay overnight at the Tilicho Base Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 05:30 AM: Early morning, you will hike towards Tilicho Lake from the Tilicho base camp. The trail is straight upwards. After the strenuous climb, Tilicho Lake (4,919m) along with the majestic Annapurna Mountains are seen. Tilicho Lake is one of the world's highest and most spectacular lakes, making it a highlight of the trek. The lake is the most gorgeous with its turquoise/blue colour and little snow-capped mountains. Spend some time at the lake and hike back to Tilicho base camp, have your lunch, and head towards Sri Kharka. The distance between Tilicho base camp and Tilicho Lake is around 9 km, and the distance between Tilicho Lake and Sri Kharka/Shree Kharka is around 11 km, which will take around 4-5 hours as the trail is all downhill. In total, the distance between Tilicho base camp and Sri Kharka via Tilicho Lake is around 22 km. Overnight stay at Sri Kharka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 07:30 AM: After breakfast, you will start your trail towards the Yak Kharka. There is a trail from upper Khangsar to Yak Kharka. The seasonal trail can be messy in the winter. On the trail, you'll enjoy stunning views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Chulu East, Chulu West, and Tilicho Peaks. The distance from Sri Kharka/Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka is approximately 11 km. It usually takes about 5-6 hours to complete this trek, as the trail consists of gradual ascents and descents. Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 07:30 AM: Make sure to have a quick breakfast before beginning your trek. Today's trail will take you northward, with the majestic Chulu peaks ahead of you. As you make your way, you'll follow the gentle flow of a small river stream, gradually ascending. The terrain is rough and rugged. You will have already left the tree line area, so most of the trail will now be dry and rocky. There is a high chance of rockfalls, and while walking, you have to be careful about them. Depending upon the arrival time and the health situation, you will further move towards Thorong High Camp or stay back at Thorong Phedi. The total distance from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi is around 7 km, which will take 6-7 hours to reach, and it is all ascended. Overnight stay at Thorong Phedi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 04:00 AM: Today is the most difficult and also the most rewarding day of the entire trek. You will be crossing the Thorong La pass (5,416m) on your trek. At 5,416m, it is the highest point of your Annapurna circuit trek. Today you will walk at the crack of dawn to avoid the strong wind at the pass, which gets a bit dangerous at noon. There is a small tea shop here at the pass. You can enjoy the panoramic views while sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea. After spending some time at the pass, you will descend towards the Muktinath. The trail is now all descending, and cold desert-looking terrain is in front of you. The distance between Thorong Phedi and Muktinath to Thorong La Pass is around 14 km, which will take around 8-9 hours to complete as you will pass the highest point of this trek, i.e. Thorong La Pass. After Thorong La Pass, you will be entering the Mustang area. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 08:30 AM: Today after breakfast, you will start your trek and pass through the village of Jharkot, Shakya Monastery, a traditional medicine centre, and Kagbeni on your way to Jomsom. Amazing views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri are seen throughout the trail. The distance between Muktinath and Jomsom is around 18 km, which can be easily covered in around 6-8 hours as the trail is mostly downhill. There is also a road from Muktinath to Jomsom, which you can cover in around 2-4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions by vehicle, which is optional and will cost extra. Jomsom is a developed town with an airport, schools, hotels, banks, shops, and a museum. From here, you will have the option to fly back to Pokhara or drive to Pokhara. Overnight stay at Jomsom. 

Note: The journey from Muktinath to Jomsom offers a peaceful and serene experience, with a well-maintained road for travellers to enjoy. Choosing to drive can be a time-saving option when time is limited and every moment counts. Walking is another option for those who prefer a more mindful stroll. However, please note that there may be additional charges associated with this activity. The road trip offers a mix of peaceful stretches and off-road adventures, making it an enjoyable experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

At. 07:00 AM: Today early in the morning, our local office representative will transfer you to the Jomsom airport. The airport is just a short walk away, so you won't need transportation. (Flight duration from Jomsom to Pokhara is just 25 minutes.) 

Note: The Jomsom flight depends on weather conditions, and if unfortunately the flight gets cancelled, we will arrange your transfer to Pokhara by road. The road trip is equally enjoyable as the road is smooth and a bit rough, meaning you can get off road and have a peaceful transfer.

In Pokhara, our local representative will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your destination. Please drop off your bags at the hotel before starting your sightseeing programme. Your transportation will arrive at your hotel as soon as you get ready. Begin your sightseeing journey at Devi's Falls, also known as Patale Chhango. This stunning waterfall is nestled amidst lush vegetation, creating a picturesque setting. The Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is an impressive example of a magnificent spiral staircase that guides visitors to the interior of the cave. Visit the World Peace Pagoda, which is also known locally as the Shanti Stupa. The viewpoint provides a magnificent view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, as well as the beautiful surrounding valley. After that visit, the Tal Barahi Temple, located on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake which can only be reached by taking a boat ride. Enjoy a tranquil boating experience to conclude your sightseeing programme. Have dinner at the nearest restaurants and cafes by the lakeside, where you can find a variety of food options. Enjoy the amazing ambience, live music, and peaceful vibe.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At 10:00 AM: Have breakfast and prepare for your flight back to Kathmandu. The flight lasts for 25 minutes. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, a local representative will be there to greet you and provide transportation to your designated hotel. Once you've checked in at your hotel, take your time to explore the lively streets of Kathmandu. Make the most of your free time by visiting Thamel and enjoying the cosy cafes and restaurants it has to offer. You have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely day in Thamel, where you can explore the vibrant streets and indulge in some shopping if you desire.

In addition, you can collect souvenirs such as handmade jewellery, clothing items, and other visually appealing items. If you have some free time, you can consider visiting the nearby hill station called Chandragiri (optional). It is famous for its breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley, and on clear days, you can even glimpse some mountain peaks. Feel free to use a guide if you need assistance.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

You will be free until your flight time. Our office representative will drop you off at Kathmandu Airport 3 hours before your flight. Carry loads of souvenirs, memories, and lifetime experiences back home, and Have a safe return home! We hope you enjoyed the trip! If you plan to extend your stay, we (Altitude Himalaya) are more than happy to make your visit memorable and enjoyable. 

Meals: Breakfast Included.