Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek - 16 Days

Today our trekking journey starts. We will get on a private vehicle to start things off. We will have a scenic drive following the rushing Trishuli River. We will witness beautiful terraced fields and small villages along the route. After reaching Besisahar, we will reroute ourselves. The drive will also offer us the first glimpses of the foothills and the rocky moraines. It is a long day, but it will set the perfect stage. Overnight in a local lodge in Jagat.

Today, our day of walking on the trail starts with a steady climb. We will be crossing several suspension bridges over the narrow rivers. The trail today will offer the riverbed of Tal, where we will be rewarded with a majestic view. This section features lush forests and traditional stone houses. As you reach Dharapani, you will see many prayer flags and notice the Tibetan influence in the local culture. Overnight at Dharapani teahouse.

The trail will climb through the dense forests today. The views on offer will be Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna II. As we gain elevation, the air will feel fresher, and the landscapes will also become more alpine. We will reach Chame, the center of the region. Chame is a scenic town that offers great amenities and mountain views. There are natural hot springs where we can relax as well. This day will be very important for our acclimatization and adaptation. Overnight in a local lodge or a teahouse.

Our walking journey peaks today as we trek through a steep and narrow valley of dense pine forests. We will cross several suspension bridges while passing the dramatic Paungada Danda. Pauganda Danda is a massive curved rock face. This activity will be a steady 5-6-hour climb through the traditional settlements. The major reward of this trek is entering the upper Manang region. The landscape will open up to reveal the surrounding peaks. Overnight in Pisang teahouse.

We will trek through the arid and rain-shadow landscape of the Upper Manang region today. The route today will provide us with a major insight into the Tibetan-style culture with Mani walls and ancient monasteries along the trek. Today, we will be navigating higher altitudes and observing local yak herders. The arrival in the large Manang village at approximately 3500m will be a big leap in our altitude gain. The village will provide us with major panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Gangapurna. Overnight in a teahouse.

This is a scheduled rest day to prevent altitude sickness. Staying active is recommended and necessary. We can hike up to the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint or visit the local monastery. Many trekkers attend the daily briefing on high-altitude safety provided by the Himalayan Rescue Association. The narrow alleys of the village will provide us with a great cultural immersion on this rest day. Enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in a teahouse.

We will leave the main circuit trail and head towards the remote Tilicho Lake route. The path will go through the old village of Khangsar. Khangsar is often referred to as “the last village”. The terrain will become more rugged and isolated as we climb towards Siri Kharka. We will have a peaceful escape away from the busy trails. We will reach Siri Kharka, which provides us with an environment as wild and raw as we approach high-altitude lakes. Overnight in a teahouse.

The trail today is more famous for crossing through the landslide-prone area. It will require us to have a careful footing on a narrow path. The steep scree slopes are prone to falling. However, the scenery is otherworldly. As we near the Base Camp, the massive Tilicho Peak looms directly above us. This will be one of the greatest settings of the entire Nepal Trekking itinerary. The evening will prepare us for the lake visit. Overnight in a teahouse.

We will start very early for a climb to Tilicho Lake. Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. These turquoise glacial waters, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks, will be a special spiritual and physical highlight of the adventure travel. After enjoying our moments, we will descend back to the Base Camp. After lunch, we will return to Siri Kharka and join the main Annapurna Circuit. Overnight in a teahouse.

Rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit by heading toward the Thorong Khola valley. The trail descends to the river before climbing up toward the alpine pastures of Yak Kharka. You are likely to see blue sheep and yaks grazing on the steep hillsides. The trail is scenic and relatively easy, allowing your legs to recover slightly before the final push toward the pass. The landscape is wide and open, offering endless Himalayan mountain views. Overnight in a hotel, teahouse, or camping.

Today, we will take a shorter route towards the base of the pass. The vegetation will disappear, replaced by rock and snow. The air will be thin, and the atmosphere among the trekkers will be filled with excitement for the next day’s crossing. We will reach there by lunch, so we have ample time to rest and hydrate. Staying at Thorong Phedi results in better night's rest. Overnight in a local teahouse, preparing for the Thorong La Pass tomorrow

Today is our most important and challenging day of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. This summit of Thorong La Pass will be a top experience and achievement for a long time. The 5416 giant pass is one of the highest walkable passes in the world. The rewards from the top will be incredible as the 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna and Manaslu regions is seen. We will finish the day at the sacred Muktinath Temple. Overnight in a hotel.

A scenic drive will take us through the deep Kali Gandaki gorge. We will pass through the windy road of Jomson, which is famous for apples. The day will end at Tatopani, where we can soak our tired muscles in natural hot springs. It will be a perfect way of celebrating the past and transitioning back into the greenery of the lower hills. Overnight in a local lodge.

This is the final day of our trek. We will enjoy a final scenic drive along the bumpy roads of the Annapurna range. The road will follow the river and will pass through vibrant villages. Once we arrive in Pokhara, the wonderful shower will be followed by a relaxing stroll on Phewa Lakeside. The city offers many cafes and restaurants where we can celebrate the success of the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek. Overnight in a hotel.

Today marks the end of our Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake Trek. Today, we will travel back to Kathmandu with a lot of reflections and memories. You can choose between a long drive and a short flight option. Back in Kathmandu, you will have ample time for souvenir shopping or enjoying the urban amenities that you may have missed. A farewell dinner in the evening will provide a wonderful reflection and sharing memories of the Himalayas with our trekking groups and guides before the departure. Overnight in a hotel.