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Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Start From:   US$ 2785

Destination:Nepal

Total Duration:22 Days

Trip Grade:Moderate to Strenuous

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transportation:Private Vehicle/ Tourist Bus/ Aeroplane

Accommodation:Hotel, Lodge and Tea House

Max. Altitude:5416m/17764ft

Activities:Sightseeing, Day hikes and Trekking including a high pass crossing

Trip Starts in:Kathmandu

Trip Ends in:Kathmandu

Trip Route:Kathmandu - Bhulbhule - Chame - Manang - Khangsar - Tilicho Base Camp - Tilicho Lake - Shree Kharka - Yak Kharka - Thorang Phedi - Thorang La Pass - Muktinath - Kagbeni - Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu -

Best Months:March. April, May, October and November

Group Size:2 to 24 pax

Permits Needed:ACAP and TIMS Card

Walking Hour Per Day:4 to 8 hours

Fitness Level:Good

Trip Code:AAACTL08

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The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a renowned trekking route in Nepal, celebrated for its remarkable diversity and stunning Himalayan vistas. This trek offers a comprehensive experience, showcasing the incredible range of landscapes and cultures that the Annapurna region has to offer.

The journey begins in the lush, subtropical lowlands, where trekkers traverse rice paddies, rhododendron forests, and charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups like the Gurung and Manangi people. As the altitude increases, the landscape gradually transforms into a dramatic high-altitude desert, characterized by arid terrain, deep gorges, and towering peaks. The trek encircles the majestic Annapurna massif, providing panoramic views of iconic mountains such as Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri.

A significant highlight of this trek is the detour to Tilicho Lake, situated at an altitude of approximately 4919 meters (16138 feet). This glacial lake, often considered one of the highest lakes in the world, is renowned for its mesmerizing turquoise waters and the breathtaking mountain scenery that surrounds it. The journey to Tilicho Lake involves navigating challenging terrain, but the reward is an unforgettable experience amidst a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.

The treks most demanding section is the crossing of the Thorong La pass, which stands at a formidable 5416 meters (17769 feet). This high-altitude pass requires careful acclimatization and physical endurance. Reaching the summit of the pass offers a profound sense of accomplishment and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Throughout the trek, trekkers encounter a rich tapestry of cultures, staying in teahouses run by local families. These teahouses provide basic accommodation and meals, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Himalayan people. The trek also passes through ancient monasteries, Buddhist stupas, and traditional villages, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the regions spiritual and cultural heritage.

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a challenging but immensely rewarding trek that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a sense of adventure. It requires careful planning, adequate physical fitness, and proper acclimatization, but the experience of witnessing the grandeur of the Himalayas and the serenity of Tilicho Lake makes it a truly unforgettable journey.

Trip Highlights

Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls

Muktinath - a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists

Thorong La Pass: Conquer the worlds highest trekking pass at 5416 meters.

Diverse Landscapes: Trek through terraced fields, rhododendron forests and arid desert-like landscapes.
Cultural Experience: Immerse in the rich culture of Gurung, Magar and Thakali communities.
Scenic Villages: Visit charming villages like Pisang, Manang, Khangsar, Kagbeni, Marpha etc.
Natural Hot Springs: Relax in the soothing hot springs of Tatopani.
Tilicho Lake: Trek to one of the highest lakes in the world at 4919m
Annapurna Conservation Area: Explore the regions rich biodiversity.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1335m/4380ft) Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the Hotel

Day 02:Kathmandu Excursion: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbule (840m/2755ft) 7-8 hours drive

Day 04:Trek from Bhulbhule to Ghermu Phant (1140m/3739ft) 5-6 hours trek

Day 05:Ghermu Phant to Taal (1700m/5576ft) 5-6 hours

Day 06:Taal to Timang (2630m/8626ft) 5-6 hours

Day 07:Timang to Chame (2710m/8889ft) 3-4 hours

Day 08:Chame to Upper Pisang (3310m/10857ft) 5-6 hours

Day 09:Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m/11611ft) 6-7 hours

Day 10:Acclimatization Day in Manang/ Day Hikes

Day 11:Manang to Shree Kharka (4000m/13120ft) 5-6 hours

Day 12:Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m/13776ft) 4-5 hours

Day 13:Hike to Tilicho Lake (4919m/16140ft) and back to Shree Kharka/ 8-9 hours

Day 14:Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka (4020m/13186ft) 4-5 hours

Day 15:Yak Kharka to High Camp (4850m/15908ft) 4-5 hours

Day 16:High Camp to Muktinath (3800m/12464ft) over Thorong-La Pass (5416m/17764ft) 8-9 hours

Day 17:Muktinath to Kagbeni (2804m9200ft) vis Dzong and Purang 4-5 hours

Day 18:Kagbeni to Jomsom (2700m/8860ft) 3-4 hours

Day 19:Fly/ Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (885m/2905ft) 22 minutes' flight/ 8-9 hours' drive

Day 20:Fly/ Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1335m/4380ft) 25 minutes' flight/ 7-8 hours' drive

Day 21:Kathmandu Excursion: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Day 22:Drop to the Airport for farewell and Departure

Cost Include

Necessary ground transportation and airport transfers on private vehicle
Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
Kathmandu valley sightseeing including all entry fees, tour guide and private transportation
Lodge/ Teahouse accommodation during the trek
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner with hot drinks and soups) during the trek

Seasonal Fresh Fruits
Welcome and farewell dinners in Traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural program
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle and/or tourist coach as per the itinerary
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek Guide and necessary number of strong and friendly Trekking Porters
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, meals and accommodation
Necessary trekking equipments including down jacket, sleeping bag, trek poles, gaiters, water bottles, emergency blanket, duffel bag, waterproof bag covers, micro spikes etc. (to be returned after the trek completion)
Authentic Adventures stickers, trekking map and Trip Achievement Certificate
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP Permit and TIMS Card)
Basic First-Aid Medical kit
Government taxes and office service charge

Cost Exclude

Nepalese visa fee
International and excess baggage charge
Domestic flights and excess baggage charge (if any)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and diners in Kathmandu and Pokhara besides welcome and farewell dinner
Expenses of personal nature like communication bills, laundry bills, spa, bar bills, cold drinks, mineral and boiled water, extra snacks, special coffee drinks (espresso, latte, mocha, cappuccino, Americano etc.) during the trek
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Extra expenses due to unexpected and unavoidable circumstances
Heli evac (if in case of emergency)
Tips and gratuities to the staffs

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.

Trip Map

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