Annapurna Circuit Trek with tilicho Lake

Trip Summary

Geography

Mountain/Hills/Glaciers/Moraines/Forest

Location

Annapurna region/Manang/Mustang

Level Of Difficulty

Difficult

Duration

24 Days

Max Aaltitude

5416m

Religion

Tibetan Buddhist/Hindu

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Highlights:

Magnificent view of one of the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake (4920m)

Circulate the Annapurna massif through the Annapurna Conservation Area

Remarkable opportunity to explore the unique lifestyle and cultures of Gurung and Tibetan ethnic communities

Stunning close-up view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Lamjung Himal ranges along with Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993m) from Poonhill

Cross the Thorung La Pass (5416m) and visit the Muktinath Temple

Visit ancient monasteries like Braga Gompa and Boozo Gompa

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is one of the most challenging journeys in the Himalayan region of Nepal. This trek explores the Manang Village and Tilicho Lake and descends to a desert-like landscape of Mustang. Along the way, you also cross the Thorung La Pass (5416m) and pay to visit the esteemed Muktinath Temple.

Trekking through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, the trek settles at Poonhill where a delirious panorama of Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges await. The trek is a marvelous combination of culture, nature, and glorious Himalayan sightings.

Beginning from Kathmandu, the journey heads west to Besisahar on a drive along the Prithvi Highway. The first part of the trek takes you through beautiful villages like Bhulbhule, Ghermu, Tal, Chame, Pisang, to Manang village. Manang is a Tibetan-influenced village surrounded by Gangapurna (7455m), Tilicho (7134m), and Annapurna range. From here, the trail ascends steeply through the secluded and less used path to Khangsar and then to Tilicho Lake.

One of the highest lakes in the world, Tilicho is surrounded by mountains like Gangapurna (7454m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), and Nilgiri (7061m). The next part of the trek takes you to Muktinath through the Thorung La Pass (5416m). From the pass, the snow-capped mountains in Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges stand out among others.

The trail then descends from the pass to Muktinath. It is believed that bathing in the water from the 108 stone water spouts in the temple premise offers salvation in the afterlife. From here, the trail descends to Marpha through desert-like landscapes and then to Pokhara through beautiful villages- Tatopani, Sikha, and Ghorepani. Here, a short hike to Poonhill grants the panorama of the Himalayas in the Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal ranges along with the Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993m). Descending to Ulleri, you get back to Pokhara and drive to the capital, Kathmandu.

Nepal Alibaba Treks specializes in all kinds of tours, treks, and expeditions around Nepal. We have a well-experienced staff that has trekked in the Himalayan region of Nepal. They are equipped with the knowledge and skill to guide you on this long journey.

Day Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1300m)

We will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to a hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the nearby areas of your hotel or go for sightseeing around Kathmandu. There is a short pre-trip meeting at the hotel where we will address any questions you might have about the trek.

Day Day 02: Kathmandu drive to Besisahar (820m) then Bhulbhule (840m)

After early morning breakfast, we will enjoy a scenic drive to Besisahar, starting point for our Annapurna Circuit Trek. From here, we can hike to Bhulbhule which takes around 2 to 3 hours or drive to Bhulbhule. Along the way, we will pass numerous beautiful villages consisting of old stone houses.

Day Day 03: Bhulbhule trek to Ghermu

The trail goes through patches of forest and terraced fields, small streams, and beautiful waterfalls. About an hour after the trek, we will come across a suspension bridge over Ngadi River. After crossing the river, we walk through a steep path to Bahundanda- a small Hindu village. If the skies are clear, we can relish the views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m) and Hiunchuli (6441m). From here, the trail descends to Ghermu.

Day Day 04: Ghermu trek to Tal (1700m)

From Ghermu, the path descends till Syange. After we cross a suspension bridge over Marsayangdi River in Syange, the path goes steeply uphill till Jagat and then to Chamje. From here, the path descends towards the bank Marsayangdi River and finally goes uphill to Tal. Tal is a former lakebed and a gateway to Manang. Most people residing in this region are Bhotias- Tibetan highlanders who descended from Upper Manang.

Day Day 05: Tal trek to Chame (2670m)

The trail passes through the beautiful village of Kharte, Karte, and Dharapani to Tibetan-influenced village of Bagarchhap. Again, the path goes steeply uphill through Danakyu and Koko to reach Chame. It is also headquarter and biggest market of Manang. The path mostly passes through beautiful rhododendron and pine forest along the bank of Marsayangdi River.

Day Day 06: Chame Trek to Pisang (3200m)

We will leave Chame and walk along narrow valleys, deep gorges, green meadows and deep forest of rhododendron, pines, oak, and hemlock. Along the way, we will come across Dhikur Pokhari situated perfectly between beautiful hills and mountains. The view of Pangdi Danda along with the Annapurna Range is breath-taking. We can also hike to Upper Pisang where we can visit some gompas and get a great view of the sunset over Annapurna II (7937m) and Pisang Peak (6091m).

Day Day 07: Pisang Trek to Manang (3540m)

Today, we trek through the upper part of Manang through mountainous landscapes. From Pisang, there are two routes; both of which meet at Munchi. As we climb uphill, we come across a large village, Braga. The village consists of a 900 years old monastery, the Braga Monastery. About half an hour walk from here leads us to Manang.

Day Day 08: Acclimatization in Manang (3540m)

Today, we will visit nearby gompas, and hike up to Chongkar viewpoint. The view of Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), and Gangapurna (7454m) from the viewpoint is incredibly beautiful. Along the way, we will pass the beautiful Gangapurna Lake. Alternatively, we can also rest in the village and spend the day exploring around the village. The influence of the Tibetan culture in Manang is massive here which is evident through the lifestyle of the people.

Day Day 09: Manang trek to Khangsar (3734m)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave Manang and head towards Khangsar. The trail passes through beautiful icy waterfalls and small lakes. The path leading to this place is rocky and secluded so the trek is very peaceful and has a mesmerizing view of Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), and Gangapurna (7454m). As we walk through the winding rocky path, we finally reach Khangsar, a small secluded village with old stone houses.

Day Day 10: Khangsar Trek to Tilicho Base camp (4150m)

As we continue our trek from Khangsar, we will pass by a beautiful Gompa decorated with prayer flags. The path goes steeply uphill to a crest from where the trail goes downhill to Tilicho Base Camp. Along the way, we will cross some small streams and pass Toshinja. The view of the Tilicho Peak (7134m) from the base camp along with the view of the sunset over the snow-capped mountains is magnificent.

Day Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake then trek to Khangsar (3734m)

Today, we will climb up the rocky hills covered in snow and head towards one of the highest lakes in the world, Tilicho Lake. It is situated amid mountains like Gangapurna (7454m), Nilgiri (7061m), and Tilicho peak (7134m). The trail to Tilicho Lake is a little dangerous as the icy paths and moraines cover most of the trail. The lake’s clear surface reflects the surrounding mountains in Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges. After enjoying the tranquil beauty of the lake, we will return to Khangsar.

Day Day 12: Khangsar Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110m)

The trail to Yak Kharka ascends slowly through Tengi, Manang. Near Tengi, we will be able to see the confluence of Marsayangdi River coming in from the left and Jharsang Khola from the right conversing into Marsayangdi. As we continue along Jharsang Khola valley to Yak Kharka, we will pass through Ghunsang. Along the way, we can also see Yaks and cattle grazing on the pastures.

Day Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4420m)

The trail climbs along the east bank of Jharsang Khola and descends to the river. After crossing the river, the trail goes uphill to Thorung Phedi, a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs. On the way, we will be able to see blue sheep, Himalayan Thar (wild gat), and snow leopards on rare occasions. Various birds like choughs, lammergeyers, and Himalayan griffons can also be seen circling overhead.

Day Day 14: Phedi Trek to Muktinath (3800m)

We will trek to Muktinath via Thorung La Pass (5416m), the highest altitude we will pass throughout the trek. The trail steeply ascends from Phedi and is marked by Chortens and prayer flags. The pass is covered in snow which can make the climb a little challenging. The view of Manang valley, Annapurna massif, and Gangapurna from the pass are incredible. From here, the trail descends steeply to Muktinath. It is a holy pilgrimage site for both Buddhist and Hindus across the world.

Day Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m)

We will descend to Ranipauwa village followed by Kagbeni and then to Jomsom. The path passes through high mountainous cliffs and high altitude deserts similar to that of Tibet with the stunning view of various mountain ranges like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Along the way, we will pass by monasteries, decorated with prayer wheels and prayer flags. In Jomsom, you will enjoy delicious Thakali dinner, and explore the culture and lifestyle of Thakali people.

Day Day 16: Jomsom trek to Tukuche (2590m)

Today, we will trek to Tukuche, a beautiful Thakali village well-known for its monasteries and stunning panoramic view of Tukuche peak (6920m), Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges. The route to Tukuche passes through beautiful Marpha village along the bank of Kali-Gandaki River. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River to reach Tukuche.

Day Day 17: Tukuche Trek to Marpha (2680m)

Today, we will leave Tukuche and trek to Marpha. The route to Marpha is barren and dry and is marked by beautiful monasteries and stupas decorated with prayer flags and prayer wheels. Like the previous day, the route on this day also follows the Kali Gandaki River all the way to Marpha. It a small, beautiful village in Mustang consisting of old lovely stone houses, and is mainly known for its Marpha brand and apples.

Day Day 18: Marpha Trek to Tatopani (2710m)

Leaving Marpha, we will trek downhill to Tatopani where we can enjoy a soothing bath at the natural hot water spring in Tatopani. This water is said to have medicinal and healing powers. Along the way, we will pass by a lovely village Ghasa. The trail passes alongside Kali Gandaki River through numerous waterfalls and lush green forest with magnificent views of Mount Nilgiri (7061m) and the Annapurna massif.

Day Day 19: Tatopani Trek to Sikha (1935m)

From Tatopani, the trail goes uphill and downhill through terraced fields, dense forests and beautiful small villages to Sikha. It is a large village consisting of terraced and inclined farmlands. Along the way, we will cross a few suspension bridges. The view of Mt. Dhaulagiri along with Annapurna range is amazing. The trek to Sikha will be fairly short and easy.

Day Day 20: Sikha Trek to Ghorepani (2855m)

From Sikha we pass through the villages of Phalate and Chitre to arrive at Ghorepani. We will pass through a beautiful forest filled with rhododendron, birch, magnolia and some meadows on the way. This trek is also fairly short so, we can spend the rest of the day exploring the lifestyle and cultures of locals whilst enjoying the stunning view of mountains. This Gurung village also hosts homestay practices for the travelers.

Day Day 21: Visit Poon Hill (3210m) trek to Ulleri (1960m)

We will wake up early and hike to Poon Hill. Poon hill offers a close up a panoramic view of Annapurna massif, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), and Hiunchuli (6441m) among others. The view of sunrise over these mountains is equally stunning. We then, return to the hotel and descend to Ulleri through the lush green forest filled with rhododendron trees. Along the way, we will also pass by some waterfalls and small streams.

Day Day 22: Ulleri trek back to Pokhara

The trail to Nayapul from Ulleri descends through beautiful farmlands and gorgeous green hills. The trail goes alongside Seti-Gandaki River with a stunning view of Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre in the background. From Nayapul, we will enjoy a scenic drive back to Pokhara. On the way, we will pass through numerous steel bridges, and many small villages- Tikhedhunga, Hile, Sudame, and Lamdali.

Day Day 23: Pokhara drive to Kathmandu

Today, we will explore the city of Pokhara for a short while. There is much to see and do in Pokhara. With the limited time we have, we might go for boating in Phewa Lake and visit Mahendra Cave, and Davis Falls. Then, we drive back to Kathmandu marking the end of this incredible trek in the Himalayas of Nepal.

Day Day 24: Departure

This day marks the end of your stay in Nepal. After three weeks of the memorable journey in Nepal, you will head to your destination on a scheduled flight. A company representative will help you with the necessary formalities before you get on the flight. Goodbye!

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