Embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and explore culturally diverse villages, the deepest gorge on Earth, and the highest lake on the planet. Experience breathtaking landscapes and encounter stunning mountain peaks along the way.
Welcome to Kathmandu (1338m/4390ft)
Kathmandu - Upon landing at Kathmandu Airport (TIA), your Annapurna Circuit trekking adventure begins. First, complete your visa and customs procedures. Then, meet our representative holding a sign with your name at the arrival gate. They will transfer you to your hotel and assist with check-in and refreshments. Enjoy a comfortable first night in Kathmandu.
Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar and to Syange (1100m/3600 ft)
Trek from Syange to Dharapani (1960m/6100ft)
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2630m/8890ft)
Chame - Today, we gain around 500m in altitude, with more ascents than descents from Dharapani to Chame. Our trek begins with a gradual hike through refreshing pine and oak forests leading to Danaque. We cross a small wooden bridge and make a steep ascent to Temang, located at the base of Lamjung peak. From here, we enjoy beautiful views of the Manaslu Himalayan range and have lunch at one of the teahouses. The path then becomes flatter and more straightforward. After an hour of easy walking, we pass through Thanchok, known for its apple products, and reach Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, in about 30 minutes.
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3200m/10824ft)
Nepal - Our morning in Chame is beautiful, with the sun’s warm rays sparkling on nearby Lamjung Himal (6894m). We start our trek from the teahouse, enjoying the natural surroundings. We take a steep climb to Bhartang, following our trekking leader’s recommendations. After a jungle walk, we enter the valley and reach Pisang, where we see Pisang peak (6091m) and other nearby Annapurna Himalayas.
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m/11611ft)
Manang - As we cross 3500m in altitude, we notice a change in the topography. The upper half of the Manang district is much drier. Yak herding and local agriculture are the main occupations. Leaving Pisang, we climb a steep ridge with great views of the Manang valley. Taking the southern route through the tiny airstrip at Hongde (3325m), we pass through Ngwal village. The Marshyandi river meets us again at Mungi. After an hour of trekking, we reach Manang, where we stay for two nights to acclimatize.
Manang Acclimatization Day (Optional hike to Gangapurna lake or Melarepa cave)
Manang - Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Today, we help our bodies adapt by taking a scenic walk around Manang village and hiking to Gangapurna lake or Melaripa cave. This process, known as ‘climb high, sleep low,’ is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness. In Manang, the Himalayan Rescue Association offers opportunities to volunteer and assist western doctors in raising awareness about altitude sickness. Later, we return to our teahouse in Manang.
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (or you can push up to Ledar) (4110m/13484ft)
Yak Kharka - Today, we leave Manang village and cross a river stream. The walk is challenging, with tough terrains above 4000m. We arrive at the small Tenki village and descend towards Jarsang valley, cross the river again, have lunch, and make a strenuous climb to Yak Kharka, a yak grazing field. Above this point, there is no greenery, and we enter alpine surroundings. If interested, you can hike up to Ledar with our trekking leader’s consultation. We stay overnight at a local lodge in Yak Kharka.
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4420m/14501ft)
Thorong La Pass - Thorang Phedi is the base of Thorong La pass. We leave Yak Kharka, descend to the riverside of the Marshyandi River, have lunch, and ascend to Ledar. By the end of the day, we reach Thorong Phedi at 4600m. Depending on the season, fitness level, and interest, you might stay at Thorong high camp, but most stop at Thorang Phedi.
Trek from Thorong Phedi, cross Thorongla Pass (5416m/17769ft) and trek to Muktinath (3800m/12467ft)
Muktinath Temple - Today is the most important and challenging day as we cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5416m, with stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayas. We start early, aiming to reach the pass before 10 am to avoid strong winds and clouds. This part of the trail is dangerous due to heavy snowfall, so follow your trip leader’s instructions. From Thorong La pass, we enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas.
Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2660m/8250ft)
Marpha - We visit the holy temple of Muktinath early in the morning. After breakfast, we walk downhill to Ekley Bhatti. The steep descent requires careful use of trekking poles. We then head to Jomsom, a windy place where a face mask and wind stopper jacket are necessary. We cross the Kaligandaki river and reach Marpha before noon. Marpha is known for its apple products, which we will taste.
Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2530m/7848ft)
Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1190m/3690ft)
Tatopani Hot Spring - From Kalopani, we enjoy views of Mt. Annapurna I and other peaks. We descend over 1000m to Tatopani, stopping for lunch at Dana and seeing the deepest Kaligandaki gorge. After three hours of downhill trekking, we reach Tatopani, where we can relax in the natural hot springs. We stay overnight at a local lodge.
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2780m/9480ft)
Ghorepani - Today, we ascend from 1190m to 2780m to reach Ghorepani. Along the way, we pass through villages like Ghare, Shika, Phalate, and Chhitre, inhabited by Magar and Gurung communities. We enjoy views of the Annapurnas and prepare for an early start the next day to see the sunrise from Poonhill.
Hike from Ghorepani to Poonhill (3210m/10531ft), descend to Tadapani (2630m/8626ft)
Tadapani - We hike early to Poonhill to see the sunrise over the Annapurna Himalayas. After about an hour’s hike, we wait for the magical moment. After sunrise, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue to Tadapani, passing through rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and seeing langur monkeys. We have lunch at Banthati and reach Tadapani after a 30-minute climb.
Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m/6360ft) and drive to Pokhara
Pokhara - Our two-week trek concludes today. We hike from Tadapani to Ghandruk, experiencing the local Gurung culture. Many Gurungs join the British and Indian Gurkha Army, known for their bravery. Prince Charles and Prince Harry have visited these villages. After enjoying cultural and natural highlights and views of Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, and Himchuli, we drive to Pokhara and stay overnight at a comfortable hotel.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Kathmandu - We take a tourist bus to Kathmandu, arriving in front of our office. You can visit our office to share your Annapurna Circuit adventure or get assistance with your hotel transfer.
Airport drop and international departure from Kathmandu
Kathmandu - After 19 amazing days in Nepal, it’s time to depart. We transfer you from your hotel to TIA airport in Kathmandu 3 hours before your flight. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and look forward to seeing you again. Farewell. Included Meals: Breakfast
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All government and local taxes
- Transfer from Kathmandu to Jagat by Jeep & drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara on tourist coach
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Breakfast
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.
- Hot showers during the trek
- All kind of cold drinks e.g. water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
- Personal trekking equipments
- WiFi internet during the trek
- Tips for trekking staff and driver
Embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, with a visit to the enthralling Tilicho Lake. Traverse from lowland villages inhabited by Brahmin and Chhetri groups to the distant settlements of Manang. Journey into the depths of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, and marvel at the dazzling blue Tilicho Lake, the highest situated lake around the globe. Traverse the captivating path to the Thorong La Pass, among the loftiest passes in the mountain range. Wander through culturally and ethnically abundant villages and settlements in the heart of the Annapurna region. Observe the stark contrast on the landscape that fluctuates from lush subtropical woodlands to barren dry sceneries as you ascend. The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake tour also includes a trip to the spiritual center of the region, Muktinath, and offers panoramic views of the majestic Annapurna peaks from Poon Hill, one of the most renowned lookout spots in the country.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.