Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1335m/4380ft) Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the HotelOur airport representative will greet and welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying Authentic Adventures signboard and Group Name-list outside the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle.

Day 02Kathmandu Excursion: UNESCO World Heritage SitesToday after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath which is popularly known as 'Monkey Temple' among the tourists and Buddhist shrine of Bouddhanath Stupa, which is also one of the largest stupas in the world.

Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbule (840m/2755ft) 7-8 hours driveAfter breakfast, we start our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi River. On the way we admire terraced farms, mountain views and beautiful villages. After reaching a juncture Dumre, we leave the previous trail and head north to Besisahar. About an hour's drive from Besisahar takes us to Bhulbhule, the starting point of our trek. This drive gives us some insight of the local people, their lifestyle and culture.

Day 04Trek from Bhulbhule to Ghermu Phant (1140m/3739ft) 5-6 hours trekOur first day's trek involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across rice paddies and a subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails. We start to see some beautiful mountain views. We trek through beautiful waterfalls, small settlements and jungle alongside the Marshyangdi River.

Day 05Ghermu Phant to Taal (1700m/5576ft) 5-6 hoursThe trail from Ghermu Phant descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.

Day 06Taal to Timang (2630m/8626ft) 5-6 hoursFrom Taal, we continue to the village of Karte before climbing to Dharapani. Our trek takes us through several Tibetan villages, such as Bagarchhap and Danaque before reaching our destination Timang. In Timang Village, we can observe unique stone houses and slate roofs where we are also offered magnificent views of Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna and other towering peaks.

Day 07Timang to Chame (2710m/8889ft) 3-4 hoursToday we trek along forested ridges 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 (7525m). Chame is the district headquarters of Manang with many Guesthouses, grocery shops and restaurants.

Day 08Chame to Upper Pisang (3310m/10857ft) 5-6 hoursA steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After crossing the Marshyangdi river on a swinging suspension bridge, we ascent about 45 minutes to Dhukure Pokhari, where the valley opens up with majestic vistas. We trek for about an hour to Upper Pisang overlooking the valley and breathtaking views.

Day 09Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m/11611ft) 6-7 hoursThere are two routes to Manang and we follow the upper trail that takes us via Ghyaru and Ngawal. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang Peak. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. On the way, we pay a quick visit to the Braga monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang.

Day 10Acclimatization Day in Manang/ Day Hikes In order to get well acclimatized, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Glacier view point. If we like something more challenging, we can even hike to the Ice Lake which offers absolutely amazing views.

Day 11Manang to Shree Kharka (4000m/13120ft) 5-6 hoursAfter breakfast our trek continues up to Shree Kharka. As we walk ahead, the trail cuts down through a gorge and the Tilicho Peak can be spotted shrouded in clouds far above. We get to appreciate the natural beauty of the Annapurna range all along the way. We also pass through small scenic settlements and the Tare monastery and get to enjoy the breathtaking Khangsar River and the grand barrier before reaching Shree kharka.

Day 12Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m/13776ft) 4-5 hoursAs we begin the trek from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, we 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.

Day 13Hike to Tilicho Lake (4919m/16140ft) and back to Shree Kharka/ 8-9 hoursAfter the initial tough ascent, our 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 close by to cheer you up. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake at 4919m, one of the highest lakes in the world, we get to admire its tranquil beauty. Sometimes reflections of the surrounding peaks are seen on its turquoise waters, at other times the lake remains frozen. We take a break beside the calm waters and soak-in the astounding views before heading back to the hotel Tilicho Base Camp. After our lunch in Tilicho Base Camp, we resume our trek towards Shree Kharka. The trail leads out of the Marsyangdi valley and the abrupt change in surroundings can be noticed with more alpine vegetation.

Day 14Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka (4020m/13186ft) 4-5 hoursThe trail from Shree Kharka continues through the ruins of the old Khangsar village, until we cross a log bridge over the river between Ghunsang and Yak Kharka. The typical Himalayan village of Yak Kharka is an accolade to its name, as lots of yaks can be seen grazing and standing around. From here we also get breathtaking views of Annapurna III.

Day 15Yak Kharka to High Camp (4850m/15908ft) 4-5 hoursIt is an uphill walk to High Camp. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Chouri Ledar. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, then we trek steeply about an hour to the High Camp. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkang. The view from the view point little above the High Camp is absolutely breathtaking.

Day 16High Camp to Muktinath (3800m/12464ft) over Thorong-La Pass (5416m/17764ft) 8-9 hoursCrossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around 4:00 AM in the morning and walk up the mountain after some quick breakfast. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Day 17Muktinath to Kagbeni (2804m9200ft) vis Dzong and Purang 4-5 hoursMuktinath, an ultimate destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, is a beautiful place. We visit the Muktinath Temple before embarking on the trek ahead. There are water spouts where fresh water pours out channeled from the streams above the temple. As the trail extends we can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You can even buy a fossilized mollusk, called ‘Shaligram’ as a souvenir. We move ahead among meadows, cross streams and hills over to Kagbeni, a village laden with chortens, memorial stupas and an age old monastery.

Day 18Kagbeni to Jomsom (2700m/8860ft) 3-4 hours From Kagbeni, we trek along the Kali Gandaki river to the Jomsom, an airport town with many nice hotels, bakeries and coffee shops. Today, we trek through a windy valley.

Day 19Fly/ Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (885m/2905ft) 22 minutes' flight/ 8-9 hours' driveAfter breakfast, we take out on an interesting drive back to Pokhara which takes about 7 to 8 hours. The first part of the road is a bit bumpy and rough but it gets better after Beni.

Day 20Fly/ Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1335m/4380ft) 25 minutes' flight/ 7-8 hours' driveThe last day of our trip, we take on a scenic drive or flight back to Kathmandu after breakfast. We get back to Kathmandu in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. You get a free evening to relax on your own.

Day 21Kathmandu Excursion: UNESCO World Heritage SitesToday, we will visit three spots in Kathmandu valley of historical, cultural and religious importance which are also the UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Sites. We first visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and observe old palaces, beautiful temples and squares.” After exploring the historical, religious and cultural center on Bhaktapur

we will take short drive of about 30 minutes to another ancient town of Patan and explore its people and their art, culture, tradition and lifestyle. Observing beautifully decorated age old temples and monasteries, we may also have a chance to have a personal audience with the Patan Kumari (Living Goddess). Patan is famous for its temples, fine arts, metal works, stone & wood carvings. We can witness local artists working on their workshops. Patan used to be separate kingdom from Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and different kings ruled this ancient city until the 17th century.

Day 22Drop to the Airport for farewell and DepartureThe trip concludes here. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your final departure from Nepal.

Photos of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek