Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Now it’s the time for us to go for an adventurous trip into the mountains. The trip destination of today seems to be quite long, but do not worry, the beautiful landscapes of the green terraces located on the Marsyangdi River and local people working in the villages will entertain you during your travel.

The life in the cities will be forgotten very quickly and the quietness will be replaced by mountains around you. Arriving at the Jagat village, you will definitely feel how fresh the air is here!

Activity: 8 to 10 hours Drive

Max. Altitude: 1140m./3,740ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Finally, we start walking. Our trek starts with an ascending walk passing through some very lovely forest areas before crossing over Nepalese-style suspension bridges. Passing through small villages, you will see that life here stays pretty much the same as it was many years ago.

The river will be accompanying us with its melodious music all day long. Not too strenuous but definitely sufficient to get your legs warmed up. We will end our walk at Dharapani, a very nice place used as a junction for various treks.

Activity: 5-6 hours Trek

Max. Altitude: 1860m./6,102ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Our trekking trail takes us upwards along the Marsyangdi River today, and from here on, the views become increasingly stunning. The day will take us past the village of Bagarchhap, which marks one of the earliest Tibetan settlements along the path. The change in architectural style will be immediately obvious when passing through the homes will have transformed to flat-roofed stone structures with beautifully detailed mani walls.

Following this, our trail will lead us through these thick forests of pine and oak trees, which then open up to reveal an absolutely massive rock face called the Paungda Danda. As a huge cliff that towers out of the valley, the Paungda Danda is a breathtaking feature of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek.

We will spend our night at Chame, which is the administrative headquarters of Manang. As such, Chame comes with several facilities such as hot showers, tea houses, and a range of little shops stocked up with equipment. Check your backpacks and buy any supplies now because from here on out we’re going off into the wilds.

Activity: Trek (6 to 7 hours)

Max. Altitude: 2670m./8,760ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Well, here it comes! Today is the time when the mighty Himalayas reveal their true power to the visitors. Just shortly after departing from Chame, you will turn a corner, and voila! There you have your first view of majestic Annapurna II which rises at the unbelievable height of 7,937 meters.

After passing through the village of Bratang, which is well-known for its local orchards of apples (do not hesitate to enjoy the products based on those), you will proceed ascending towards Pisang. At some point, the route will lead you across the Marsyangdi River multiple times; the views from each of several wooden and suspension bridges are simply breathtaking!

Do not forget our recommendation – spend your night in Upper Pisang rather than in Lower Pisang. The former village lies on a ridge, offering simply incomparable panoramas of the whole Annapurna range and Pisang Peak. Moreover, in Upper Pisang, you may visit the ancient local monastery before going to bed. Today you will notice altitude sickness symptoms, but all you have to do is to walk leisurely and drink lots of water.

Activity: Trek (6 to 7 hours)

Max. Altitude: 3300m./10,827ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

We will begin noticing the ground getting dried up, as we cross into the region referred to as the “Rain Shadow,” thus making us leave behind the thick forest and enter into the harsh environment of the desert. The best trekking route from Ghyaru due to its amazing view of Annapurna peaks is considered to be the high route.

Our walk into Manang feels like stepping into a totally different era with many prayer flags, ancient stupas, and flat-roof stone houses. Here we establish our base camp.

Manang is located on an elevation of 3,519 meters which is the place where the trek becomes quite demanding. Make sure you use this town as an opportunity to purchase some snacks, check your equipment and visit to Himalayan Rescue Association clinic where they provide a free altitude sickness presentation.

Activity: Trek (5 to 6 hours)

Max. Altitude: 3657m./11,998ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

It may seem fun, but acclimatization days are absolutely necessary in order to allow the body to adjust to altitude conditions. Trying to climb without acclimatization is probably one of the top mistakes travelers make on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek route. This is why this extra day should not be skipped under any circumstances.

The best acclimatization climb from Manang is a trek to Ice Lake, which takes place at about 4,600 meters. Though it may be challenging, you can see an amazing glacial lake and have an excellent view of the Annapurna. The formula of the best acclimatization day would be climbing high during the day and sleeping low during night. There is also an option of having an easy acclimatization trek by going to Gangapurna Lake viewpoint and visiting the old Braga monastery.

Your key activity today would be drinking plenty of water. Avoid alcohol consumption and try to get as much sleep as possible.

Activity: Acclimatization

Max. Altitude: 3900m./12,795ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

This is where we diverge from the main Annapurna circuit trek and head towards Tilicho Lake. Now, what makes the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake different from all other treks? First, you will start noticing fewer people around, and then it will take a turn that is wild and rugged.

The trail ascends quite steadily from Manang and goes through high-altitude meadows. While the trail isn’t very difficult to follow, it is quite rugged compared to the others you have walked over the past few days. The Shree Kharka is nothing but a tiny, temporary settlement with simple teahouses for travelers.

At this altitude of 4,080 m, there’s no doubt about feeling some effects of the thinner atmosphere. Spend your whole afternoon doing nothing but relaxing. Maybe do a quick walkabout in the afternoon and drink plenty of liquids before retiring early in the evening. You are in for a tough two days from here to Tilicho Lake!

Activity: Trek (4 to 5 hours)

Max. Altitude: 4080m./13,386ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Now we come to the hardcore bit of the journey. As you go from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, expect some of the most dangerous scree slides on Earth. This is a steep descent over rough terrain where you have no choice but to be extremely cautious about your every step.

After this difficult section, the trail will lead you to one of the grandest alpine worlds, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Tilicho Lake that will appear right in front of you. You will be amazed at the scale of mountains in this region. They seem bigger and closer than anything you’ve ever seen before.

The base camp has only a few teahouses and is just the place for preparing for the hike around the lake the next day. As for the facilities, you won’t expect anything fancy there, but as for the surrounding environment, it will leave you impressed because it’s surrounded by the huge massifs and glacial moraine.

Activity: Trek (4 to 5 hours)

Max. Altitude: 4150m./13,615ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

We will be waking up very early, even before dawn, this time. This is the highlight that we have been preparing for during our entire detour. Hiking in the dead of night, under harsh and cold conditions, while struggling to reach some of the highest lakes in the world, will be done as headlamps blaze against the darkness.

It is very steep climbing to Tilicho Lake, which lies 4,919 meters above sea level. Beyond the elevation of 4,500 meters, each step feels like you are carrying an extra load. Your lungs ache for more oxygen, your feet feel as if they weigh a ton and breathing becomes difficult. But you continue moving forward because you know what await there is something that’s definitely worth.

When you reach Tilicho Lake, you will realize it is incredibly huge with its bright blue color surrounded by ice cliffs and rugged ridges. If it’s a sunny day, the reflection of the surrounding mountains in the lake will literally blow your mind. The most amazing part of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek comes when you understand exactly what brings thousands of people here from all over the world.

Activity: Trek (7 to 8 hours)

Max. Altitude: 4917m./16,132ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

After such an intense day of walking all the way up to Tilicho Lake, the next day is much more easier and comfortable. We will leave Tilicho Base Camp and slowly turn towards the main Annapurna Circuit trail, making our way towards Yak Kharka.

This part of the trek will see a change in scenery relatively fast, moving from the icy glaciation of the Tilicho area into the open landscape that makes up the highlands of the Annapurna Circuit.

The Yak Kharka teahouses stand at 4,050 meters, just one stop before Thorong Phedi. The facilities are simple, and the village is quite small, yet it provides breathtaking views over the vast surrounding landscape. Spend some time resting your legs, eating a big, carby meal, and preparing yourself mentally for tomorrow’s journey, which is by far the longest day of your trekking adventure.

Activity: Trek (5 to 6 hours)

Max. Altitude: 4050m./13,287ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

This will be a very short hiking day today, and this is totally on purpose. Thorong Phedi itself is located at an altitude of 4,450 meters and is a base camp for tomorrow’s long pass hike. Arriving at this place earlier gives you an opportunity to relax, drink water, and organize yourself.

Your hike to Thorong Phedi will end during the early afternoon when you have some time left to relax, get something to eat, and prepare for tomorrow. Be sure to grab a hearty and nutritious meal since your body will be running on empty by the end of this trek.

Prepare everything you need for tomorrow as well, from organizing your clothing and food to topping up your water supply. This way you won’t waste time in the cold and dark environment at night. Set your alarm clock for 4:00 AM because you will not be able to sleep well tonight as you will be excited about tomorrow’s adventure.

Activity: Trek (3 to 4 hours)

Max. Altitude: 4450m./14,600ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Here we go. This is what makes the entire Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek worth everything. At 4:00 AM, you set off on a journey into the dark, cold morning and make your way up steep slopes through frost-covered paths. The first few meters of climbing out of Thorong Phedi are nothing with headlamp guiding the way. Suddenly, as dawn begins to take shape, the surrounding mountains get lit up with beautiful tones of pink and gold. You forget all about the pain with the view that make it worthwhile.

Getting up Thorong La at 5,416 meters, the pass is known for a gigantic heap of prayer flags flapping in the cold air is an immense accomplishment. Stop and breathe, take photos, and feel the excitement that comes with it.

After that you will descent from Thorang La all the way down to Muktinath. The path takes you through almost 8 kilometers while descending 1,600 meters. The whole landscape alters dramatically as you enter the dry rain shadow area. After all, you are now arriving at Muktinath, which is one of the holiest sites for Hinduism and Buddhism and where you can finally rest after such efforts.

Activity: Trek (7 to 9 hours)

Max. Altitude: 5416m./17,769ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

You will begin your trek early in the day, by visiting the Muktinath Temple. Located at a height of 3,800 m, this pilgrimage spot attracts Hindus and Buddhists from across South Asia. This pilgrimage spot is dedicated to the Goddess Jwala Mai who has a total of 108 water springs and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas, which holds immense religious significance in the region.

Strolling in the temple complex in the early morning hours, while observing pilgrims performing their rituals and hearing monks chant, would truly make one understand the importance of this pilgrimage route which was established ages ago.

Once done with this experience, you will be trekking further down toward Jomsom through the Kali Gandaki which is the deepest gorge on Earth. You will pass through the windswept terrain, looking more like the Tibetan plateau than any other green valley that you might have seen before. Jomsom is known to be a bustling and exciting little town with many accommodation options and even a small mountain airport.

Activity: Temple visit and Drive (1.5 hours)

Max. Altitude: 3800m./12,467ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

In the morning after having breakfast, either have an amazing sightseeing flight over the Kali Gandaki Valley from Jomsom to Pokhara or travel through the valley in a jeep, whichever seems better for you depending on weather and personal preference.

The flight will give you amazing views of the Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, whereas the road journey will help you see some local villages and some wonderful waterfalls as well as some stunning landscapes in the valley that lies in the deepest gorge of the world.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will find yourself once again in warm and sunny Pokhara surrounded by greenery. Check into the hotel, have a long bath, relax and think of how far you have come so far. Pokhara is a fantastic place for post-trek recovery, as the street are full of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, massage centers and boutiques.

Activity: Flight or Drive

Max. Altitude: 822m./2,697ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Back where it all began. We will return to Kathmandu by plane or vehicle, depending upon your choice, so that you can see the hills for one more time. The fight will take you in like 30 min, but drive will take you around 6 to 7 hours.

After reaching Kathmandu, check in your hotel, make yourself a bit fresh and spend the evening in Thamel, or visit the famous Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist Stupas in Nepal. Today Kathmandu is a totally different city than it used to be a few weeks ago.

Activity: Drive (6 to 7 hours)

Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

This day of rest in Kathmandu is absolutely perfect. Your body recovers from all the efforts made, your mind recovers from the journey. In addition, the city offers you a great blend of cultural sites, comfortable atmosphere, and a little chaos for the final step towards your normal life.

You can visit Pashupatinath Temple located on the shores of the river Bagmati, it is one of the greatest places of pilgrimage for Hindus and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may explore the historical and cultural sites of the ancient city of Patan such as its Durbar Square or simply take a look at the life of Kathmandu while sitting in a café.

Now it is time to buy some souvenirs for your family members and friends, go for the Himalayan massage and think over your experience of the trekking route. There is a reason why everyone leaves the Annapurna Circuit Trail with Tilicho Lake Trek with a totally new understanding of themselves.

In the evening, enjoy a complimentary local dinner hosted by our company to celebrate your successful completion of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho lake Trek.

Activity: Sightseeing

Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Your home return day, as according to your scheduled flight departure time. You will be transferred to the TIA with a lifetime memory of your journey to Annapurna.

Farewell until next time!

Activity: Airport Transfer

Meal: Breakfast