Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

After your arrival at the TIA (Tribhuwan International Airport), Kathmandu, you are received with warm and hearty welcome by our friendly and accommodating staff along with welcoming banner stand sign outside the arrival terminal. Meanwhile, it is followed up by short welcoming procedure in a typical Nepali tradition and you are escorted to the luxurious hotel in Kathmandu. During this time period, you can feel the vibes of the bustling lifestyle of Kathmandu city. Various cultural heritages and ancient sculptures with magnificent monasteries are the center of attraction in Kathmandu city.  Furthermore, you are provided with pleasantly brief details regarding your stay in hotel. A comfortable and luxurious stay in hotel of Kathmandu for this night.

Drive duration: 30 minutes 

Accommodation: Luxurious hotel in Kathmandu City

One of the explorative days begins with your breakfast and a short meeting regarding the brief details of your trek. Meanwhile, our city guide provides you the brief details of the city tour allocated for this day and you are provided with the grounded private transportation for this particular tour.

Kathmandu, also known as the ‘ City of Temples’ has lots of ancient monasteries, unique sculptures, important religious and cultural sites, delightful culture, customs and unique lifestyle of people living in the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu city has become the dwelling place for people from all over the country. Hence, this is the perfect sample for unity in diversity. People of different religion, culture and unique lifestyle have collaborated together to unite in this wonderful city. Some of the important tourist destinations of this city are Pashupatinath Temple (one of the most holiest places for Hindus), Syambhunath and  Boudha Stupa (two major Buddhist monasteries), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square (Ancient sculptures and architectures with Pagoda style Temples), Newari culture, customs and cuisine (Indigenous and traditional community of Kathmandu city).

Your exploration occupies some space for you to recap all those beautiful memories and understand the lifestyle and history of Kathmandu. After this beautiful journey, you are escorted back to hotel .You meet with our managing director and the representatives of our company along with the staffs allocated for accomplishing your wonderful journey to Annapurna Circuit Trek and you are provided with the brief details of the trek. You are provided with the welcome dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

 City Tour: Entire day

Accommodation: Luxurious hotel in Kathmandu

After breakfast at Kathmandu Hotel, you set for a drive to Chame which is a small village located in the Manang district.  It is known for the scenic beauty, tranquil surroundings and the proximity to Annapurna mountain range.

This drive takes around 8-10 hours from Kathmandu covering the distance of about 200 KM. You go through the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River.  This journey comprises of lush green forests and the towering hills on the way with natural and cultural beauty. Chame is known as the gateway to Manang district and this is the place where Annapurna Circuit Trek begins.

After reaching to Chame, you can hike around the place to observe the scenic beauty with the fresh and crisp air. The town is located at an altitude of 2670 meter and surrounded by the snowcapped mountains like Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges. You can find the local market in this area where you can buy the necessary gears, snacks and other essentials if you want. All these features make your stay in this beautiful place a memorable one.

Accommodation at Chame.

Drive duration: 8-10 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

After breakfast at Chame, the beautiful place with the most amazing morning vibes, you set out for the first trek to Pisang. This trek comprises of the scenic beauty, stunning mountain ranges and the diverse cultural experiences. Trekking along the Marshyangdi River gives you different vibe. Crossing the suspension bridge with the green lush forests and charming villages on the way make this trip really beautiful.  Though you find the steep ascent and descent on the way, the path is easy to navigate. The traditional houses with the slate roofs depict the Tibetan style houses with prayers flags fluttering.

The beautiful aspect of this trek is Brathang village. This village is famous for the Gompa, the Buddhist monastery that offers the stunning views of the Himalayas. Along with this, it contains the houses with the Tibetan style. This place can be your great place to take a break and soak in the serenity of this place.

Another stop after this beautiful village is Dudh Pokhari, the lake surrounded by the sacred local pilgrims. You can take the blessings and view the amazing snowcapped mountains of Annapurna. Finally, the route from the Dudh Pokhari to Pisang is easy and comfortable. Pisang is the beautiful village with the stone houses and narrow alleys located at an altitude of 3200 meters.

Accommodation at Pisang.

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours (Approx. 15 KM)

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

After breakfast at Pisang, the wonder village with amazing sunrise view, you set out for a trek to Ngawal. This trek is a bit challenging in return you are provided with the amazing reward. Your first step is towards the Ghyaru village where you can view the amazing scenes of Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain ranges. Marshyangdi River flowing down below, you trek towards the Gompa (Buddhist monastery) which are more than 500 years old. These monuments, culture and tradition are the integral parts of the people. Ghyaru village located at an altitude of 3670 meters provides all these amazing experiences.

From Ghyaru village, you trek towards the Ngawal village, 3650 meters, which offers you the amazing cultural beauty and ancient monasteries of over 300 years old. You can experience the local culture and tradition of the people. Ngawal is also famous for Apple Orchards, you can also try the local apple products like apple cider, apple pie, dried apple and other apple products.

If you hike for around 20 minutes more from this village, you reach to the viewpoint where you can view the stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna ranges, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. The view from this viewpoint is really rewarding, awe inspiring and breath taking.

Accommodation at Ngawal.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours (Approx. 7 KM)

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

After breakfast at Ngawal, you set out for a trek to Manang, one of the famous destination for most of trekkers around the world. This trek is considered to be the easiest route that offers you the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. You move ahead towards the Mungji village that provides you the amazing view of the farmland and the traditional villages along the way. Mungji is a village situated at 3330 meters that has Gompa that are 400 years old and has cultural and natural beauty. The trek from Mungji village to Manang is an easy route with simple ascent and descent on the way. Along the way, you can view the panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges taking you to the beautiful village, Manang.

Manang is a beautiful village situated at 3540 meters that offers you to experience the local culture, custom, tradition, lifestyle and the warm hospitality of the local people. In this beautiful village, you can buy the souvenirs to your loved ones as a token of love.

One of the highlights of this trek is Gangapurna Lake and Glacier which 30 minutes away from the Manang village. You can view the amazing Gangapurna Gompa, located near the lake and experience the local culture and custom of that particular region.

Accommodation at Manang

Hike duration: 4-5 hours (Approx. 9 KM)

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

This day is allocated for the acclimatization day. As you have to reach to an altitude of 5416 meters, you need a proper acclimatization day. This is the perfect stopover for the trekkers in the Annapurna region. This day helps you to adjust your body with the increasing altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

On this day, you can do a small hike to Gangapurna Lake leaving this task the day before. Strenuous kind of activity is not entertained during this acclimatization day.

Overall, you can take proper rest and acclimatize in order to gain more strength and get used to with the altitude. This helps you to go further with more energy and enthusiasm.

Accommodation at Manang.

Hike duration: 1-2 hours

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

Trekking the Shiri Kharka route from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp offers an exciting journey across the untamed landscape of the Annapurna region. Trekkers begin their journey from Manang and gradually rise to higher altitudes in a landscape characterized by towering peaks and beautiful valleys. Cradled at an elevation of 3870 meters, the peaceful town of Shiri Kharka is reached by trekkers after roughly 6 to 7 hours of hiking. Before moving on to Tilicho Base Camp, they can stop here for a well-earned rest, take in the beautiful surroundings, and maybe even chat with some of the locals.

Trekking over varied terrain, including rocky pathways and alpine meadows, usually takes 3 to 4 hours from Shiri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp. The air gets thinner as hikers rise higher, which makes for a challenging experience in the beautiful surroundings. At 4150 meters, adventurers are greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the magnificent Tilicho Lake upon arriving at Tilicho Base Camp. The whole journey, which takes about 9 to 11 hours and goes through Shiri Kharka to go from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp, is a rewarding and remarkable experience among the Himalayan natural beauty.

An overnight stay at Tilicho Base Camp.

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Hotels/Tea houses/Lodges

Experience the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna region as you travel from Tilicho Base Camp (4150m) to the captivating Tilicho Lake (4920m) and back. Trekking via steep mountain trails, rocky terrain, and alpine meadows, the journey from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake usually takes 3 to 4 hours. Trekkers enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks throughout the journey, which culminates at the magnificent sight of Tilicho Lake, its turquoise waters sparkling amid the towering Himalayan giants.

Trekkers start their descent down to Tilicho Base Camp, which typically takes two to three hours, after touring the shores of Tilicho Lake and taking in its tranquil beauty. Trekkers get the chance to relive the breathtaking surroundings and ponder on the incredible experience by retracing their steps through the challenging terrain. Trekkers can relax and enjoy the peace of the Himalayan scenery, surrounded by majestic peaks and unspoiled wilderness, once they arrive at Tilicho Base Camp.

Now, trekkers make their way to Shiri Kharka for an overnight stay there. Trekking along the immaculate shores of Tilicho Lake and along the steep routes that return to base camp and to Shiri Kharka makes for an unforgettable experience rich in breathtaking scenery and thrilling exploration. Amidst the spectacular surroundings of the Annapurna region, the journey to Tilicho Lake and back promises a remarkable experience with its stunning viewpoints and hard terrain.

An overnight stay at Shiri Kharka

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Hotels/Tea houses/Lodges

After breakfast, you start for the trek from Shiri Kharka (4060m) to Yak Kharka (4110m) which offers a scenic and moderately challenging route in the Annapurna region, set amidst the stunning Himalayan landscape. As you leave Shiri Kharka, the trail ascends gently, providing panoramic views of towering peaks and the lush valleys below. The path is well-defined, winding through alpine meadows dotted with vibrant flora and rugged terrain. Along the way, trekkers may encounter herders with yak and sheep, adding a touch of local life to the experience. This section of the journey provides an opportunity to acclimatize while soaking in the serene surroundings, preparing trekkers for higher altitudes in the coming days.

As you continue towards Yak Kharka, the landscape gradually becomes more barren and rugged, with sparse vegetation and expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Yak Kharka itself is a small, isolated settlement, primarily used by shepherds during the grazing season. It is crucial for acclimatization as trekkers head towards even higher elevations. The area’s tranquility, coupled with the breathtaking views of Annapurna and surrounding peaks, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. This section is often considered a peaceful and important step for those venturing further into the Annapurna Circuit or other high-altitude treks.

An overnight stay at Shiri Kharka

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Hotels/Tea houses/Lodges

After breakfast at Yak Kharka, you set out for a hike to Thorang Phedi. This is another challenging trek of this Annapurna Circuit Trek. Thorang Phedi is the ultimate stop before crossing the Thorangla Pass which is the highest elevation of this trek situated at 5416 meters. Therefore, you have to acclimatize and be prepared before attempting this pass.

You have to be careful with the altitude sickness symptoms. However, you are provided with the continuous supervision from the trekking leader. You must walk on your natural pace and as suggested by your trekking leader. Steady pace, proper hydration and taking breaks when needed is really essential during this trek.

This trek comprises of the steep ascents and steep descents. Thus, you have to be prepared for the challenging trekking route. The stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and the high altitude diverse landscapes make your trip rewarding. You blend with the natural beauty of this region.

Accommodation at Thorang Phedi.

Hike duration: 3-4 hours (Approx. 6 KM)

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

After an early morning breakfast, your wait is over. This day you aim to reach to the highest point of this trek, 5416 meters, Thorangla Pass. Crossing the Thorangla pass, you reach to Muktinath. This trek is the most challenging and the most rewarding sections of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. As you have acclimatized and made your body used to with the increasing altitude, you can easily accomplish this pass. Along with this, you are provided with our experienced trekking leaders and staffs who help you attempt this pass successfully. The ascent is steep and requires the series of switchbacks making this trekking trail really challenging.

Once you reach to the top of the Thorangla Pass then, you can have the perfect view of the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. The Annapurna ranges and the surrounding landscapes are the most amazing views of this trek.

After crossing the Thorangla Pass, you trek towards Muktinath which is approximately 17 KMS from Thorangla Pass. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach to Muktinath from Thorangla Pass. Muktinath is the sacred and holy place for the Hindu and Buddhist people which refers to the salvation. It is famous for the holy temple and the natural springs.

Accommodation at Muktinath.

Hike duration: 9-10 hours (Approx. 24 KM)

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

After breakfast at Muktinath, you set out for a drive to Tatopani. It is the famous place where you can have the hot spring bath considered to be the holy bath. It is the scenic route in the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It offers the stunning view of the Himalayas, valleys and the waterfalls. You can soak in natural hot spring bath and experience the local culture, custom, tradition and lifestyle of the people.

You drive through Muktinath-Chame-Syange unpaved road to Kagbeni in about 15 minutes. Kagbeni is generally known as the entrance to the upper mustang region. There you can find the ancient monasteries and narrow alleys with winding streets.

You drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge through the same road. This Gorge is the deepest Gorge in the world. And, you continue driving along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River.

The drive takes you through the small villages like Jomsom, Marpha, and Tukuche. These places are well known for the apple orchards.

Eventually, after driving for 6-7 hours, you reach to Tatopani where you can take a natural hot spring bath which is considered to be the holy bath after such a long drive throughout the day.

Accommodation at Tatopani.

Drive duration: 6-7 hours (Approx. 20 KM)

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea houses/Lodge

After breakfast, you set for a drive to Pokhara. The drive from Tatopani (1,200 meters) to Pokhara (822 meters) takes you through a scenic journey, gradually descending through the lush hills and river valleys of central Nepal. As you leave Tatopani, the road winds along the Kali Gandaki River, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Annapurna range in the distance. The route is often narrow, with numerous bends, small villages, and terraced fields dotted along the way. This section of the drive provides an authentic glimpse of rural Nepal, with glimpses of local life, small tea houses, and traditional homes along the roadside.

The descent continues as you move closer to Pokhara, with the road becoming more developed and the terrain increasingly flat as you approach the lakeside city. As you enter the outskirts of Pokhara, you begin to see the beautiful Phewa Lake and the looming presence of Machapuchare (Fish Tail) Mountain in the distance. The final stretch to Pokhara offers a relaxing conclusion to the drive, with the vibrant atmosphere of the city offering a stark contrast to the tranquil hills of Tatopani. The overall journey lasts about 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and stops along the way.

An overnight stay at Pokhara

Drive Duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Hotels

After breakfast at Pokhara Hotel, you set out for a drive to Kathmandu. The drive duration is around 6-7 hours in tourist bus. During this drive, you pass through the dense forests and towering hills. The road takes you along the Marshyandi and Trishuli River.

NOTE: For your time convenient and your personal choice, you can customize this drive duration by taking flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The flight duration is about 30-40 minutes. The aerial view of the Himalayas and the terraced fields can be observed during the flight.

On reaching Kathmandu, you are picked up by our representative and you are escorted to the luxurious hotel at the center of Kathmandu for a farewell dinner and an overnight stay there.

Accommodation at Kathmandu.

Drive duration: 6-7 hours (Approx. 200 KM)

Accommodation: Luxurious hotel in Kathmandu.

You have to check out at your regular time before few hours of your flight schedule. You are dropped off to the airport after successfully accomplishing the exciting and thrilling trekking trial in Nepal.

Drive duration: 1-2 hours.