Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek - 14 Days

Our guide will pick you up from the hotel where you are staying in Kathmandu and take you on a scenic drive to Jagat via Besishar. The drive from Kathmandu to Jagat via Besisahar is a captivating journey through diverse landscapes. Departing the bustling capital, you navigate winding roads that gradually transition from fertile valleys to the foothills of the Annapurna range. As you pass through Besisahar, a charming town and the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, you catch glimpses of terraced fields and traditional villages, providing a picturesque introduction to the trekking adventure that awaits in the majestic Himalayas. The road journey not only connects urban energy to serene landscapes but also sets the stage for the awe-inspiring trek ahead.

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

The trek from Jagat to Dharapani unfolds as a captivating exploration through the Annapurna Circuit. Traversing lush forests, quaint villages, and suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River, the trail offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural encounters. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, providing trekkers with a taste of the diverse terrains that characterize this iconic Himalayan route. 

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

The trek from Dharapani to Chame is a scenic odyssey that takes you deeper into the Annapurna region's breathtaking landscapes. The trail winds through pine forests, charming hamlets, and across suspension bridges, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture. As you ascend, the majestic views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal accompany your journey, creating a sense of awe. Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, welcomes trekkers with its distinct mountain charm and serves as a gateway to further adventures in the high Himalayas. Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

The trek from Chame to Pisang unfolds as a mesmerizing traverse through the Annapurna Circuit's diverse terrain. As you leave Chame's lush surroundings, the trail ascends, revealing panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the dramatic Marsyangdi Valley. Enroute to Pisang, you'll pass through picturesque Tibetan-influenced villages, adorned with prayer flags, and witness the transition from subtropical forests to arid landscapes. The journey provides a delightful mix of cultural immersion and natural beauty, making it a memorable leg of the Annapurna Circuit trek. 

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

The trek from Pisang to Manang is a captivating venture into the heart of the Annapurna Circuit. Passing through charming Pisang villages, the trail offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks. As you ascend towards Manang, the landscape transforms into a high-altitude desert, providing trekkers with a unique and awe-inspiring Himalayan experience.

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

Today, we will spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. We can spend the day sightseeing, viewing the beautiful sights around the village, and hiking along the landscape as we return to our accommodation and enjoy a night's rest. 

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

From Manang, we will head out through the western gates and follow the path down to the river. Crossing the river, we will continue walking on its southern side through coniferous forests. After reaching the Kangsar Village, we will walk further up towards Siri Kharka and pass a monastery on the way. The uphill walk could be tiring, but we will have the Gungang Himal and Mount Chulu in the backdrop to keep us company. 

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

While the path from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp isn't very steep or physically strenuous, it could be exhausting as we will have to walk on narrow paths in a loose scree and landslide-prone area. Our trail goes through the middle of the landslide area, where we can see impressive rock formations along the trail. Overnight stay at the Tilicho Base Camp.

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

Today we climb higher toward Tilicho Lake, around 5 to 6-hour trek, located at the base of Tilicho Peak (7134m). Along the trail, you may see yaks and deer grazing. The changing light causes the color of the lake to change through many shades of blue. After some time admiring the lake and surrounding peaks and snapping some photos we will return to Sri Kharka. It covers an area of 4.8 sqkm. 

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Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

We will leave Siri Kharka and descend towards the Khangsar Village today. We will pass Tare Gumba- a thousand-year-old monastery significant to the locals. Upon reaching the Khangsar Village, we can see that it is unhabituated except for occasional herders during festival times. Following a rock wall out of Khangsar, we will walk further until we reach a seasonal bridge in the Thorang Khola valley. After crossing the river, we will ascend for a while to a plateau. Next, we will be walking until we reach Yak Kharka.

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Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

Climbing higher we gradually get used to the higher altitude. We follow the east bank of the Jarang Khola and along with the trail view steep bluffs before reaching Thorong Phedi (meaning foothills). We can also trek for one more hour to High Camp (4800m). If we are lucky we may see the famous blue sheep and even a snow leopard! This is also home to Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief the mythical griffons are in this region!

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Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

Today is most likely the toughest day of the trek, hiking for around 7-8 hours. The higher altitude contributes to the degree of difficulty, and sometimes strong winds in these upper regions. Along the trail we may pass sheep, yaks and merchants transporting their goods. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Leaving the pass we descend around 1600 metres and the brilliant Dhaulagiri (Dhavali giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal. The trail is more undulating and relatively easy before we reach Muktinath where we stay the night after a 8-9 hour trek.

Overnight at local teahouse on full board meals. 

Today, after breakfast, we take a local bus drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. From Muktinath, we head to the town of Jomsom, Tatopani, and Beni Bazaar on our way to Pokhara. Pokhara is well known for its Phewa Tal (lake) where we will stay at a hotel overnight. You may choose to wander the shops along ‘lakeside’ and sit at the edge of the lake and watch the sunset over the Annapurna ranges.

Overnight at the hotel inclusive of breakfast. 

After our breakfast, we take a tourist bus drive to Kathmandu or there is an option for the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and it will charge extra. 

Overnight at the hotel inclusive of Breakfast and farewell Dinner