Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is one of the most preferred destinations for moderate trekkers. Tourists, who enjoy experiencing the mountains, walking on the sloppy lands, and feeling the pleasant climate, choose this region as their ultimate trekking destination.
Furthermore, Annapurna is considered one of the most magnificent peaks in the world. The sceneries seen throughout this trek decorate the landscape of the Himalayas, where imagination defines the beauty of nature and is an experience that can never be forgotten.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule. The trek will lead you through the villages Chamje, Bagarchhap, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Khangsar village, Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, Thorung Phedi, Muktinath, and Jomsom. The Annapurna Circuit trek via Tilicho Lake ends with a short flight to Pokhara before driving back to Kathmandu. The trek takes you to the amazing lake; Tilicho Lake and takes you through the beautiful Thorung La pass.
During the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake, you will also come across an important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site that offers a wide range of flora and fauna.
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek Via Tilicho Lake are:
Welcome to Kathmandu.
Upon your arrival, an Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative welcomes you at the Airport. Then, you will be transferred to the hotel. On the way to the hotel, you will pass by the open cremation Place (Pashupatinath temple), Royal Palace Museum i.e. Narayanhity, and Garden Of Dream.
Your hotel will be located downtown at Touristic Hub. Our representative shall facilitate you and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the street of Thamel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar
After having Breakfast in the hotel, you will start your day with the drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule, via Besishahar. You can see the beautiful view of Nepal’s countryside and the beautiful scenery of rivers, streams, Jungles, and mountains on a clear day.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After breakfast in Bhulbhule, you will commence your trek to Chamje. You will have your lunch served on the way to Chamje. You must walk through the steep and slippery trail running through paddy fields. After some time the trail ascends through the rhododendron forest on the way to Chamje.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Though today is a short hike to Khopra Ridge, it’s a steady climb all the way up through the meadow and pasture trail to Khopra. If luck favors you then you will be able to see the Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal, and a glimpse of the snow leopard as well. After reaching Khopra, you can observe the glorious view of Mount Dhaulagiri and the peak of Annapurna South. Check in at the lodge and explore the surrounding of Khopra as from the Khopra ridge viewpoint you can observe the Kali Gandaki river down the George.
Accommodation: Overnight in an available local lodge in Khopra Ridge.
Today you have to walk over a very rough and rocky trail to climb to Timang (2360 m). From Timang you will walk through a forest near the river to reach Kopar (2590 m). After having some rest, you will continue walking to reach your final destination of the day; Chame, which is seen as the Headquarters of the Manang district. From Chame, You can witness the fine views of Annapurna and nearby are two small hot springs.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will walk to Pisang. You will trek through a steep and narrow valley totally covered by forest. You will cross the river, walk for some time and then cross another bridge at 3040m. From here, you can see the towering Paungda Danda rock face. Afterwards, the trail leads upward to Pisang where you will stay for the night.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will walk through the upper part of the Manang district, which is the rain shadow area shaded by the Annapurna Range. People of this region are dependent on animal husbandry and agriculture farming. Leaving Pisang, their alternate trails north and south of the Marshyangdi River meet up again at Mungji.
The southern route by the Hongde airstrip (at 3325 m) involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga (at 3475 m) to nearby Manang.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today is your acclimatization day in Manang. You can visit the village and enjoy viewing the wonderful sights of the village. Make sure to give your body some rest and recharge for upcoming trekking days.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After having breakfast, you will start walking to reach Khangsar. Khangsar is a village development committee in the Manang District. Khangsar village is located in north-central Nepal at 3756 m above sea level. If the weather is clear you can see the wonderful view of various mountains located in the area.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After breakfast, you will head towards the Tilicho Base Camp, from where you will start ascending to the world’s highest lake; Tilicho. The beautiful lake is located at an altitude of 4919 m above sea level. On the way, you can see Blue sheep, Yaks, and other Alpine Faunas grazing in the meadow. You can also enjoy your walking as you will see the mountains like Gangapurna, Annapurna 3, etc. from your walking trail.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will take your breakfast a bit earlier than other days and start walking to avoid the wind. From Basecamp to Tilicho Lake takes about 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon and early morning, before the sun, the temperature of Tilicho Lake remains quiet. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return via the same way back to Base Camp as there are no accommodation facilities at the Tilicho Lake area.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After having breakfast at Base Camp, you will return back following an unmarked trail that will lead you around and down to cross the river via an old log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. From the river, you will ascend upward to reach Yak Kharka, where you will spend the night.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will start walking up for two and a half hours before descending again to cross the river at 4310 m. From here, you will again ascend to reach Thorang Phedi.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, the goal is to reach an important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, Muktinath. After having breakfast, you will start ascending to the Thorong La pass. You will cross the Thorong La Pass and with a short hike, you will reach the top. Here, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the mountains.
With another 4-hour trek, you will reach the holy town of Muktinath. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when you visit the temple, which is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours. Another sight nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple, this temple contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Early in the morning, you will visit the Muktinath temple. You can see the crystal clear views of the mountains and surrounding areas in the morning. Furthermore, You can see many Pilgrims visiting and worshipping Muktinath temple. There are 108 water taps and two small ponds and the Hindu people believe that if you take a bath under 108 taps (108 is a sacred number in Tibetan Buddhism), of cow-shaped heads; All the sins you committed in your past life will be washed out and the door of heaven will be opened for you after you leave this world.
After a short walk, you will pass through Chortens where the Dhola member Gompa, or Jwala Mai (goddess of fire) temple, where a holy flame of natural gas burns behind a grill just above the spring, can be found. After visiting these sights, you will have your breakfast and start to trek to Jomsom via Jharkot village, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti. You will reach Jomsom and check in to your lodge.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
You will have early breakfast in the lodge after which you will head towards the airport to catch the flight to Pokhara, a lake paradise city. It will take about 30 minutes to reach Pokhara. During the flight, you can see many mountains as well as the trail down to Tatopani and Ghorepani. Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel and spend a full day strolling around the city of Pokhara.
You can enjoy roaming around the lakeside as well as having a fun boat ride across the Phewa Lake and witnessing the view and shadow of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri Mountains on the water of Phewa Lake.
Accommodation: Overnight in Batika Classic Hotel or similar.
After having Breakfast in the Hotel, you will catch the vehicle to drive back to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu and check in to Hotel. The bus from Pokhara takes quite a long time and is dependent on weather and road conditions. In the evening you can stroll around the streets of Thamel and shop some souvenirs for friends and family back home. Else you can rest at the hotel and pack your things.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar.
Today is the last day of your Nepal program. After having breakfast, you will pack your luggage, get fresh, and check out from the hotel. You will be transferred to the International airport to catch the flight to your onward destination.
Have a safe journey onward.