Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar ( 850m./2805ft) 5 - 6 hours drive
We drive to Besisahar by overland and stay overnight at lodge .
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Drive from Besisahar to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours
Today, we drive following the edge of Marhysangdi river. Then road will lead to 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 should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chame - Pisang (3185m)-5 hours walk
Today you trek for almost 5 hours to Pisang. You first pass the older part of Chame and climb up to Telekhu at 2840 meter and continue with a long pleasant and mostly level walk through the forest to Brathang, which lies at 2950 meter. After the trail rounds a bend here you see the first view of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous curved slab of rock rising more than 1500 meter from the river. Further, you cross back to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge at 3080 meters and then make a long gentle climb over a ridge through blue pine forests. After this, the trek reasonably levels as it heads to the upper part of Manang valley to Pisang. This town marks the beginning of the region known as Nyesyang, the upper portion of the Manang district. An excellent view of Annapurna II can be seen on the south as you are now behind the main Himalayan peaks in their rain shadow area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Pisang - Manang (3540m) 5 hours walk
Today you have to trek slowly climbed up to the Tibetan-style village of Bryaga at 3500 meters following the valley floor. At Braga you see houses stacked one atop the other, each with an open veranda formed by a neighbor’s rooftop. The gompa perched on a high crag overlooking the village, is the largest in the district and has an outstanding display of statues. Then you continue through a very arid countryside, dominated by weird cliffs of yellow rock, eroded into dramatic pillars alongside the trail to reach today’s destination, the village of Manang, where the shops are surprisingly well stocked with all the things you might want to refuel on. This astonishing trek ends after 5 hours continuous walk. You stop at Manang today.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Acclimatization at Manang
After many days continuous trekking, today you stay one day at Manang. It is important for you to acclimatize at this point furthering your trip because the altitude is going to rise up to 4700m in coming treks. We spend our time visiting a monastery, side trip to Gangapurna Lake and doing some excursions with the wonderful views around the villages. We can also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic. Then spend a night in a beautiful warm guesthouse.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Manang to Khangsar - Shree Kharka - Tilicho base camp ( 4140m) 6 hours walk
After breakfast, the trek continues up to the village of Kangsar, as you walk ahead the trail cuts down through a gorge and the Tilicho Peak can be spotted shrouded in clouds far above. Experience the natural beauty of the Annapurna range all along the way. Plus, you will also pass small scenic settlements, the Tore monastery, and the view of the Khangsar River and the grand barrier. As you commence the trek from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, you will come across wide grassy fields and after making a slight climb up a small hill, witness the glorious views of the entire valley. After trudging down a steep inclination, you now enter the Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m) then trek back to Base camp and walk to Shree kharka ( 3900m.) 5-6 hours walk
After the initial tough ascent, the trail traverses onto a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain. However, the spectacular views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks are always there. 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. Take a break beside the calm waters and soak in the astounding views of the place before you head back to the base camp and walk to Shree kharka. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m) 4-5 hours walk
When returning from the Tilicho Base Camp, the trail leads out of the Marsyangdi valley and the abrupt change in surroundings can be noticed as the trees are left behind and replaced with more alpine vegetation. The trail continues some three to four hundred meters over Khangsar village and through the ruins of the old Khangsar village, until you cross the log bridge over the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka from where you see the breathtaking views of Annapurna III. The typical Himalayan village is an accolade to its name, as lots of yaks can be seen grazing and standing around. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi/high camp (4500m/4700m) 4 hours walk
This day you reach to the highest point of the trek, possibly the highest point you have ever been on in your life. From Yak kharka you will continue to climb along the east bank of the Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi, a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs at 4420 meters. Blue sheep and even snow leopards can be seen sometimes in this valley. High in the skies above, you can see lammergeyers and Himalayan griffons circling around. The total walking time is 3-4 hours for this day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Thorang Phedi - Muktinath (3800m) via Thorang La Pass (5416m) 7 to 8 hours walk
We reach the climax of our Annapurna circle trek today. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m/17764ft). An early start is important to complete the mission. Each moment we have to work hard today through the icy high-altitude trail. But the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. Upon setting sun we will be at Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religious harmony in Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Muktinath – Jomsom via Kagbeni (2600m) 5 hours walk
Today our trek first go down to Kagbeni, which is a 990 meter descend through meadows, streams and fruit trees like peach orchards. We avoid road and take alternative route to Kagbeni from Muktinath. Then we continue going down to Jomson (more correctly Dzongsam, or “new fort”). Overnight at Jomsom.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Jomsom – Pokhara by flight - Drive to Kathmandu
Early morning, fly to Pokhara then you can decide either you want to explore around beautiful Pokhara . You will take bus to Kathmandu.
Meals included : Breakfast
Trek Ends
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