Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake Trek: Small Group 18-Day Adventure Through Rugged Terrain

Embark on a small group 18-day adventure through the rugged terrain of the Annapurna Circuit with a captivating side trip to Tilicho Lake. Experience breathtaking vistas and physical challenges in the mesmerizing Annapurna Range.

Duration: 17 days
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (2493ft)

Besisahar - After breakfast, embark on a long drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule. The road to Besisahar is well-paved, but beyond Besisahar, it becomes dusty and rough. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of mountains, rivers, villages, and more.

Trek Besisahar to Bahundanda (1310m/4298ft)

Trek Bahundanda to Chamje (4692ft)

Annapurna Region - After breakfast, begin your trek towards Chamje. The trail descends to Syange (1100m), where you’ll cross an exhilarating suspension bridge over the Marsayangdi River and follow the river to Jagat. Enjoy a gentle hike through a forested trail leading to the picturesque village of Chamje. The trails are very easy and comfortable.

Trek Chamje to Bagarchhap (7087ft)

Jagat - After breakfast, trek to Bagarchhap via Jagat, entering the Manang District. You’ll pass through several rice, barley, and potato fields, which are quite mesmerizing. Enter the village of Kodo and observe its lifestyle. A steep climb from here leads to the large village of Manang Valley called Dharapani.

Trek Bagarchap to Chame (8694ft)

Annapurna Mountain Range - After breakfast, leave Dharapani in the morning and follow the trail to Chame. Along the way, enjoy small wooden bridges, landslides, waterfalls, Tamang villages, apple gardens, and rest at the administrative headquarters of Manang, Chame. Here, you’ll find various hotels, banks, telephone services, and a post office.

Chame - Chame is the headquarters of the Manang District in the Annapurna Region. This important town for trekkers offers various shops, including gear shops, medicinal shops, and cold stores, providing all necessary trekking supplies. The lodging facilities here are better than any other destination on the circuit trek.

Trek Chame to Pisang (10171ft)

Annapurna Mountain Range - After breakfast, head towards Pisang. The trails are steep and rocky. Pass through several villages like Telukhu and Bharatang, enjoying dramatic views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and the valley of Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli. The trail climbs through pine forests until you reach Pisang. Stay overnight at Pisang.

Trek Pisang to Manang (11614ft)

Manang - After breakfast, trek above the tree line, where the oxygen gets thinner. The trail passes through Mani Wall, the largest part of a Tibetan-style village built with rocks. See the famous Tilicho Lake, Pisang Peak, monasteries, and finally arrive at the magical land of Manang. Manang offers good tea houses with food facilities.

Acclimatization Day at Manang Village

Manang - Today is an acclimatization day, but we recommend staying active rather than idle. You can explore the surroundings from the camp or visit Gangapurna Glacier Lake, which is worth seeing. Another option is to visit Bhojo Gompa, a thirty-minute climb from Manang, offering spectacular views of Tilicho Lake and Annapurna 2 & 4.

Trek Manang Village to Khangsar Village (12251ft)

Annapurna Mountain Range - After breakfast, continue your journey by following the path that leads to the river. Cross Khangsar Khola via a bridge and then ascend the slope to Khangsar Village, a typical Tibetan-style settlement considered the last village of Nepal.

Trek Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (13615ft)

Tilicho Lake - After breakfast, start your trek to Tilicho Base Camp. You’ll come across a Gompa and follow a newly constructed trail up towards a high ridge. At this point, you’ll notice two routes - an old and challenging one, and a newer, easier option. Opt for the latter and continue until you reach the crest, then descend along steep slopes to a side valley. Your destination for the night will be Tilicho Base Camp.

Trek to Tilicho Lake (16142ft) & Back to Tilicho Base Camp (13615ft)

Tilicho Lake - After breakfast, trek a short distance to Tilicho Lake and enjoy the panoramic vistas and great views of the lake. Afterward, return to base camp for the night.

Trek Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (13287ft)

Annapurna Region - After breakfast, trek to Yak Kharka. To reach Yak Kharka, you’ll need to descend slowly from Tilicho Base Camp and climb 500 meters. As you make your way through Tengi, you’ll leave behind the Marsayangdi Valley and head towards the Thorung Khola.

Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (14845ft)

Trek to Muktinath (3760m/12336ft) via Thorung La Pass (5416m/17769ft)

Thorung La Pass - After breakfast, start your trek and climb rocky trails, then follow icy, slippery trails to the amazing Thorung La Pass (5416m), a lifetime experience. The beautiful vistas of mountains will astonish you. You may feel a headache and cold due to the icy wind. Then, descend to the famous pilgrimage temple, Muktinath. This Vishnu temple is regarded as a way to salvation. Explore the Muktinath Temple surroundings. Overnight at a lodge in Muktinath.

Muktinath Temple - Muktinath, also known as Muktinath Kshetra or Muktinath Valley, is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. People have been traveling to this site since ancient times, as it is one of the 108 Divya Desam and one of the eight sacred places known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras (the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar, and Badrinath). Situated at the base of Thorung La Pass at an altitude of 3,710m, this sacred site features a temple and 108 stone taps. It is believed that bathing in these taps will wash away sins. After bathing, you can also bathe in two ponds outside the temple, one of which cleanses inner impurities while the other blesses the body. Afterward, you can perform Puja and Aradhana.

Trek Muktinath to Jomsom

Jomsom - After breakfast, visit Muktinath Temple without eating. In Nepal, it is believed that one should not eat before visiting the temple to remain pure. This famous pilgrimage site attracts Hindus and Buddhists from around the world, including disciples from India, Tibet, and Bhutan. After performing rituals at the temple, have breakfast and then trail down to Jomsom. Along the way, experience the amazing ruined village of Jarkot, the Kali Gandaki Valley, and a 500-year-old Gompa. Overnight at a lodge in Jomsom.

Fly Jomsom to Pokhara & Explore Pokhara

Pokhara - After breakfast, fly to Pokhara, transfer to hotels, and explore the area. You can spend your time boating and more.

Pokhara - Pokhara is a preferred destination in Nepal and a hub for trekkers heading to the Annapurna Region. The city is renowned for its stunning scenery, adventure sports, accommodations, and delicacies. Known as the “City of Lakes” due to its numerous lakes, Pokhara offers enchanting views of the Annapurna range reflected in Fewa Lake. Capture these moments as you stroll along the lake’s shore. The city features two viewpoints, Sarangkot and World Peace Stupa, offering breathtaking views of the valley and Himalayan ranges. You’ll be spellbound by the beauty. Adventure activities like paragliding, zip-flying, and bungee jumping are also popular here.

Drive to Kathmandu with Tourist Coach

Kathmandu - After breakfast, board a tourist coach back to Kathmandu. If you prefer a private vehicle or domestic flight, additional costs will apply. Accommodation in Kathmandu is your responsibility, but arrangements can be made upon request.

What's Included
  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • All-inclusive meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Personal porter service (1 porter for every 2 travelers)
  • Domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • 1-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara
  • Experienced English-speaking guide for treks
  • Complimentary Nepal duffel bags and sleeping bags
  • Complete coverage of all fees and taxes
  • Accommodations in guest houses and lodges
  • Insurance for the guide and porter
  • Well-equipped first aid kits available
  • All required trekking permits included
What's Not Included
  • All kind of drinks
  • tips for guide /Porter
  • Travel insurance
  • hotel in Kathmandu
Additional Information

Embark on an exhilarating adventure across various captivating trailheads of the alluring Annapurna Circuit with this meticulously designed 18-day plan. This journey goes beyond mainstream trekking, featuring an enchanting detour to the untouched magnificence of Tilicho Lake situated at high altitudes, thereby making it an exceptionally rewarding experience for thrill and fitness enthusiasts. The group size is kept intimate with a maximum of 8 trekkers. The voyage traverses through the harsh terrains of the Annapurna Range, crossing majestic gorges, and ascending lofty mountain passages. The primary goal will be to revel in the awe-inspiring landscapes and overcome physically demanding mountainous challenges. Meanwhile, your proficient guide will handle routine logistics and strategy.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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