Embark on the Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek and discover the world’s highest lake, Thorong La Pass, and Poon Hill. Experience breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on this 17-day adventure in the majestic Himalayas.
Embark on the Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek and discover the world’s highest lake, Thorong La Pass, and Poon Hill. Experience breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on this 17-day adventure in the majestic Himalayas.
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,338 m/4,390 ft)
Kathmandu - Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, complete your customs formalities (visa, etc.) and proceed to the airport waiting terminal, where our representative will be waiting to greet you. Look for the Accessible Adventure signboard with your name. You will then be transferred…
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,338 m/4,390 ft)
Kathmandu - Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, complete your customs formalities (visa, etc.) and proceed to the airport waiting terminal, where our representative will be waiting to greet you. Look for the Accessible Adventure signboard with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in our private vehicle. Accommodation: Hotel
Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar to Syange (1100/3600 ft)
Trek begins from Syange to Dharapani (1,860m/6100 ft)
Overnight at a Guesthouse
Chame - The trek from Dharapani to Bagarchap is a gentle climb, offering views of Annapurna II (7937m) as you look up the valley. Continuing through Danakyue and climbing to Temang, you’ll want to pause and enjoy the view of the Manaslu Range. Notice the change in vegetation to pine and fir today. The trail is fairly level for about an hour until you emerge into a clearing with a couple of tea houses and fields. Descend to cross a bridge, then climb out and pass through Thanchok Village with its apple orchards. Reach Koto in about thirty minutes from Thanchok village, and another thirty minutes to Chame, the headquarters of Manang District. Walking Time: 5-6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meal: B, L, D
Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft)
Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11611 ft)
Manang - Today, continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, shielded from the full monsoon effect by the Annapurna Range. The locals herd yaks and cultivate crops part of the year. Leaving Pisang, choose between trails on the north and south of the Marshyangdi River, which meet again at Mungji. The southern route via Hongde, with its airstrip at 3,325m, involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru and Ngawal villages. For better views, take the northern route through upper Pisang along the northern riverbank. Discover a picturesque village clinging to a cliffside, where houses appear stacked on top of each other. It’s Bragha village, dominated by the region’s oldest monastery, over 500 years old. Upon reaching Manang, spend the rest of the day exploring the village, visiting the monastery, and enjoying the view.
Acclimatization Day at Manang Village
Manang - Spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. Staying active and taking short walks to higher altitudes is recommended to adjust to the altitude. Spend the day on fine day walks and enjoy the magnificent sights around the village. The next two days will be demanding and tiring treks with a swift gain in altitude. Always be cautious with the altitude. Bodzo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake are worth visiting for acclimatization. Manang village houses the Himalayan Rescue Association, where volunteer western doctors work during trekking seasons, educating trekkers and researching Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). An altitude talk is held here every afternoon, which is definitely worthwhile attending.
Manang to Kangshar
Kangshar to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13612): 5-6 hrs
Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake [4920m/16137ft] and back to Tilicho Base Camp
Tilicho Lake - From Tilicho Base Camp, the path covers that route. Continue along the shore to a small plain. Leave the lake here and aim for a small saddle in the ridge above. The path is rather steep with plenty of loose scree and boulders. Reach the first pass and descend to a valley on the other side. Follow it upwards and step onto a flat glacier. It has no crevasses and is safe. Follow its left (south) side upwards. Leave it where an obvious saddle westward is visible. Go through this watershed. There is a small lake. Continue ahead on a faint path, lose a little altitude, and then gain another saddle. On the other side, descend into a small valley that turns south. Coming out of it, reach the western shore of Tilicho Lake. Spend some time exploring the lake and trek back to Tilicho Base Camp for the night.
Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft)
Yak Kharka - From Tilicho Base Camp, trek down to Kangsar and continue towards Yak Kharka. The trail passes through ancient Mani walls in a pleasant meadow and then reaches a river. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge and walking for some time, reach the small village of Yak Kharka. A gradual ascent is key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Yak Kharka - From Tilicho Base Camp, trek down to Kangsar and continue towards Yak Kharka. The trail passes through ancient Mani walls in a pleasant meadow and then reaches a river. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge and walking for some time, reach the small village of Yak Kharka. A gradual ascent is key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft)
Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft)
Muktinath - From Thorung Phedi, start early and climb gradually towards Thorung La Pass, one of the most strenuous and longest treks of this entire journey, passing the High Camp. Before ascending over the challenging pass, trek past several false summits and increasingly high altitudes. Upon reaching the top of the pass at 5416m, breathtaking scenery awaits.
The extraordinary beauty of the Himalayas is sure to keep you motivated. Although the climb requires great effort, passing Thorung La, the world’s largest pass, will remain in your memory forever. Due to the high altitude, a slow pace is recommended.
Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2660m/8250ft)
Marpha - A spiritual essence surrounds the atmosphere as you visit the holy temple of Muktinath early in the morning. After breakfast, walk gradually downhill to Ekley Bhatti. The trail is quite steep, so careful and proper use of trekking poles is required. Take one step at a time, don’t rush; simply enjoy the serene surroundings and comfortably reach Ekley Bhatti. Further, push towards Jomsom, a very windy place where a full face mask and wind stopper jacket are needed to avoid windblast. Wind forming across the Valley Mountain and gorges blows even more strongly in the afternoon; therefore, try to cross the downstream of Kaligandaki and arrive at Marpha before noon. This local village of Marpha is popular for apple products, and you should definitely taste a few.
Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2530m/7848ft)
Kalopani - After celebrating apple day at Marpha, make your way along a few local tea shops commonly called bhattis. Tasting a few apple brandies, tea, or coffee would be a better choice there. While comfortably walking on a flatter surface, enjoy splendid views of nearby Dhaulagiri Himalaya. Further, cross Tukuche village and see the famous Dhaulagiri icefall, where you might stop for a while to take some pictures and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Continue walking towards Largung and Kobang village on a more or less flatter surface trail to Kalopani. If interested, you can also visit Tikuche Distillery, which supplies drinking water to nearby villages and towns.
Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1190m/3690ft)
Tatopani - Enjoy wonderful views of Mt. Annapurna I and other surrounding peaks from Kalopani. Today, move towards Tatopani, which is more than 1000m down in elevation. Have an early meal and descend to Dana, where you will stop for lunch and see the deepest Kaligandaki gorge in the world. Further trekking mostly downhill for 3 hours takes you to Tatopani. From here, enjoy nice views of Nilgiri and other surrounding peaks. There is a natural hot spring at Tatopani, and you can take a dip there for relaxation. Later, return to your local lodge at Tatopani.
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2780m/9480ft)
Ghorepani - Trekking around the Nepal Himalayas brings many ups and downs. Starting at 1190m of elevation today, take on the challenge of ascending to 2780m to reach Ghorepani. This challenge also brings cultural and natural influences along the way. Cross the villages of Ghare, Shika, Phalate, and Chhitre today, where most local inhabitants are from Magar and Gurung communities, with a few mixed groups. With quick stops along the trails, jungle walks, and narrow paths, enjoy fine views of the Annapurnas today, though the best view is seen the next day from the Poonhill viewpoint. Go to bed a little early as you need to wake up before sunrise tomorrow.
Hike from Ghorepani to Poonhill (3210m/10531ft), Descend to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Pokhara - Today, hike up early in the morning towards Poonhill viewpoint before sunrise to see panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas. The views from different sides offer a new beautiful perspective of the snow-capped peaks.
After approximately 45 minutes to an hour of hiking to the top of the hill, eagerly await that magical moment. Then, watch as the sun rises slowly above the Annapurna Himalayan range, a sight worth watching. A few moments later, return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue the trek towards Nayapul.
Follow the popular route of the Ghorepani Poonhill trek via Ulleri, Tikhedhunga, Birethanti, and finally to Nayapul. Upon arrival at Nayapul, catch a jeep that takes you to the city of Pokhara. Stay overnight at a comfortable hotel in Pokhara.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Kathmandu - Take a tourist bus ride to Kathmandu early in the morning around 7 to 8 AM and arrive in Kathmandu, just in front of the Icicles Adventure Office. You can then visit our office and share your Annapurna Circuit adventure, or our office representative will assist you with hotel transfer (check-in). Later, you are welcome to join our farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant in Thamel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Airport drop and international departure from Kathmandu
Kathmandu - After 20 amazing days of your Nepal trip with the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking adventure, it’s time to leave this beautiful country and fly to your next destination. Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to TIA airport in Kathmandu 3 hours prior to your scheduled international flight. We hope to have provided you with wonderful travel memories. See you again soon. Farewell. Included Meals: Breakfast
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- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader and assistant (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Two nights’ deluxe accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
- All government and local taxes
- Complimentary down jacket and sleeping bag…
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader and assistant (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Two nights’ deluxe accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
- All government and local taxes
- Complimentary down jacket and sleeping bag (return after trip)
- Breakfast included
- Trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map included
- Transfer to Syange from Kathmandu by public vehicle
- Medical kit carried by trek leader
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- One night’s deluxe accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
- Staff costs covered including salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
- Private vehicle transfer from Nayapul to Pokhara post-trek
- Tourist bus transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- 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…
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- 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
- Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner) during the trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek, inclusive of Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill, embarks towards the globe’s loftiest lake situated within the Manang District of Nepal. Initially following the Annapurna Circuit path, we divert from Manang heading west towards the main valley, ascending to the resplendent Tilicho Lake. The trail merges once more with the Annapurna…
The Annapurna Circuit trek, inclusive of Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill, embarks towards the globe’s loftiest lake situated within the Manang District of Nepal. Initially following the Annapurna Circuit path, we divert from Manang heading west towards the main valley, ascending to the resplendent Tilicho Lake. The trail merges once more with the Annapurna Circuit, traversing the elevated Thorong La pass, among the highest on the planet. Additionally, we ascend Poon Hill, renowned for its breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Our 17-day expedition takes us through woodlands, over unspoiled grasslands, immersing us in a diversity of flora with the magnificent Himalayas as our constant backdrop.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.