Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
Quick Contact
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Trip Duration 24 Days
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Destination Nepal
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Trip Difficulty Moderate
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Trip Cost Contact Us
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Trip Style Trekking
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Transportation Private Vehicle/Tourist Bus
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Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara and all meals during the trek
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Accommodation Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara and lodge/teahouses during the trek
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Group - Size 1-10 people
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Max-Altitude 5,416m/17,769ft.
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Arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal
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Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek
The Annapurna circuit trek has been one of the most famous trekking routes since the 1980s. The trek starts from lower than 1000m and climbs to 5416m above the sea level. Green valleys and fascinating villages offer impressive snow-capped views of the white Himalayas. It gives us a chance to explore the Himalayas from bottom to top and from many different angles and perspectives. At the same time exploring the lifestyles of various villages – hilly, mountain and town is an extra appeal of this trek.
Tilicho Lake is the world’s highest fresh water lake situated on 4919m above the sea level. This lake which is incredibly beautiful, is the central attraction of this trek. This trek is divided into two parts, before crossing Thorong La and after. The valleys are close in distance but have very different flora and fauna from each other. It is mentally and physically challenging for trekkers on the way to the highest passes but once you are there the views of Manang, Muktinath, Kagabani, Marpha, Poon Hill are fantastic and leave life long memories. After crossing highest pass, the valley looks more or less similar to Tibet, it is the mini Tibet of Nepal. Most of the time the trails follows the Mursangdi and Kaligandaki valley; it is the two habitats that make this trek so beautiful.
The lodges and tea houses in the Annapurna Trekking Region are well equipped with extensive menus ranging from the typical Nepali dahl bath (rice with lentils) to pizza and mo mo, and much more. The local products are mostly organic. Hot showers are readily available as well. Most of the teahouses along the way do have Wi-Fi so that you can contact your love ones at home and even send them some photos of the day.
It is possible to do this trek in all seasons; however, in the winter the Base Camp can sometimes be closed due to the snow level. In spring time, the huge rhododendron forests are in full bloom which gives the trek an extra appeal.
For those who love walking, nature and the Himalayas, there is no question that this is one of the best place in the entire world for all three.
Trip Highlights
- Historical, cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Experience a complete ecosystem in the Himalayas
- View of some of the world’s highest mountains: Dhaulagiri I (7th), Manaslu (8th) and Annapurna I (10th)
- Cross the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
- Visit the famous pilgrimage place of Muktinath
- Visit the world’s deepest gorge in the Kaligandaki valley
- Bathe in natural hot springs at Tatopani
- View impressive sunrise and mountain views from Ghorepani and Poon Hill
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu,(1,300m/4,264ft).
- Day 02:Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
- Day 03:Drive to Besisahar (830 m/2,723ft.) and Take a Jeep to Syange (1,100 m/3,608ft.); - 8 hours
- Day 04:Syange to Tal (1,700 m/5,577ft.): 5-6 hours.
- Day 05:Tal to Danaque (1,860 m/6,102ft.): 5-6 hours
- Day 06:Danaqueto Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 6-7 hours
- Day 07:Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours
- Day 08:Pisang to Manang: (3,540m/11,614ft.) 6 - 7 hours
- Day 09:Manang: Acclimatization day
- Day 10:Manang to Khangsar Village (3,700 m/12,139ft.): 4-5 hours.
- Day 11:Khangsar Village to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m/13,779ft.) – 5 hours.
- Day 12:Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m/16,138ft.) and Return to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m/13,779ft.) – 6 hours.
- Day 13:Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 5-6 hours.
- Day 14:Yak Kharka to ThorongPhedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 - 4 hours
- Day 15:Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La passes (5416m/17764ft): 7 - 8 hours
- Day 16:Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,810m/8,760ft): 4-5 hours
- Day 17:Kagbeni to Marpha (2,670m/9,219 ft.): 4 - 5 hours
- Day 18:Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft.): 5 - 6 hours
- Day 19:Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937 ft): 6 - 7 hours
- Day 20:Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours
- Day 21:Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tikhedhunga (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 - 7 hours
- Day 22:Tikhedhunga to Pokhara (850m/2,789ft) via Nayapul: 3-4 hours trek, 1.30 hour drive.
- Day 23:Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6-7 hours
- Day 24:Final departure
Cost Includes:
- Airport / Hotel pick up & drop off by private tourist vehicle.
- Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All meals during the trek
- Three star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
- Teahouses during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Local licensed proficient English speaking guide.
- The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
- Food, accommodation, salary, transportation, insurance, equipment and medicine for our staff.
- Annapurna National Park permits ACAP and TIMS permit for trekking.
- Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Tourist Saga Tourism (which must be returned after the trek).
- Complimentary snacks (cookies, fresh fruits) on the Trek.
- Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance
- All Nepali government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
- Official expenses.
Cost Excludes:
- Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara (Requires approximately USD or equivalent currency $15 to $25 per person per day)
- Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation (compulsory).
- Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. See above for information.
- Mineral water, Alcoholic, and cold drinks.
- Personal trekking Equipment.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide, porter (Tipping is expected).
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Cost Includes' section.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu,(1,300m/4,264ft).
A hearty welcome to Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital and cultural hub. We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel by private tourist car. We will then have an early evening briefing about your trek and introduction to your guide.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we go on a cultural tour to some of the most historic and architectural attractions in Kathmandu valley which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We visit the famous Temple in the town, 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and Hindu divine temple of Pashupatinath. In the evening introduced to fellow participants, and briefly discuss our trip.
Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (830 m/2,723ft.) and Take a Jeep to Syange (1,100 m/3,608ft.); - 8 hours
Today we start the formal part of our trip. Your guide will have explained everything to you the night before. All our backpacks must be ready before breakfast as breakfast will be served early in the morning at our hotel. We will be picked up from the hotel around 6:30am and head to the bus station. The bus leaves at around 7:00am from Kathmandu and normally stops two times on the way for lunch and snack breaks. We will have refreshing views of the river valley with rice paddies and millet and other grain fields. Finally in the afternoon we will reach a beautiful place, Besishahar. From here we will drive by Jeep to our trek starting point in Syange. Syange is a small settlement on the banks of the Marsyangdi River. Stay overnight in a teahouse.
Day 04: Syange to Tal (1,700 m/5,577ft.): 5-6 hours.
While hiking today we will have interesting views of forests and villages and may see various species of birds. After crossing several mountain villages we reach Chemche where there is a large waterfall. After crossing a suspension bridge, the trail goes steeply uphill until we reach Tal, which is a very nice village on the banks of the Marshyangdi River. Stay overnight at Tal.
Day 05: Tal to Danaque (1,860 m/6,102ft.): 5-6 hours
In the morning, we will start another long day along the Marshyangdi River Valley. The walk will be easy for about an hour; along the way we will see another nice waterfall. We cross a suspension bridge and again the trail heads steeply uphill. We will stop for lunch in Dharapani. From there the trail is mostly flat and easy up to the village of Danaque. Stay overnight in Danaque for a good rest and sleep.
Day 06: Danaqueto Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we start our hike to Chame, which is the headquarters of this area. From Danaquy it is a steep uphill climb to the wonderful village of Timang. We are getting higher and closer to the big mountains with panoramic views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himalia, Annapurna and Manaslu. From here we walk through alpine and rhododendron forests, crossing a few villages. Finally we arrive in Chame which is a small nice town. In the afternoon we can explore Chame and the hot springs where we can bathe in the evening. After soaking in the hot springs our tired muscles will feel relaxed.
Day 07: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours
Today we start our day in the alpine forest. At first, the trail is gradual and wide with breathtaking views of Lamjung, and Annapurna Mountain. We cross a suspension bridge along the Marshyangdi River and walk steeply uphill to Dhuker Pokhari. We will have lunch here. From here, the valley becomes much wider with views of the high Annapurna Himalayas range. After an hour of easy walking we reach Lower Pisang. Stay overnight at Pisang.
Day 08: Pisang to Manang: (3,540m/11,614ft.) 6 - 7 hours
There are two trekking routes to Manang. The lower one is much easier and shorter than the upper one. The upper one is more difficult but has more scenic views. One route is on the left hand side and the other is on the right hand side of the valley of the Annapura Mountain range. After a very nice and long walk we reach Manang, which is the largest village in the Manang district. We will stay overnight in Manang for a good rest and sleep.
Day 09: Manang: Acclimatization day
Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the high altitude. There are several things to do around Manang to acclimatize. After breakfast, we will take a short hike up to the Gangapurna Lake; climbing even higher will really help with acclimatization. In the afternoon, we will explore Manang and rest. Stay overnight at Manang.
Day 10: Manang to Khangsar Village (3,700 m/12,139ft.): 4-5 hours.
After acclimatizing at Manang, we continue our adventure towards the Tilicho Lake. We follow the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola, we reach Khangsar and head toward the village region. Khangsar Village is very traditionally Tibetan and is known as the Last Village of Manang. Overnight in Khangsar Village.
Day 11: Khangsar Village to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m/13,779ft.) – 5 hours.
We continue our trek from Khangsar Village on a large path passing a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead is a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point there is an intersection. One path maintains the current altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. We will take the new trekking path, reach a high crest, and descend on carved out slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At the bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as the Tilicho Base Camp at 4,200 m. Stay overnight at teahouse at Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 12: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m/16,138ft.) and Return to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m/13,779ft.) – 6 hours.
Today we start our hike around 6AM to avoid the afternoon wind. From the Base camp to the Tilicho lake takes 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world at 4,919m; it is a cold barren place in the afternoon. We will spend some time around Tilicho Lake and then return the same way back to Base Camp. Stay overnight at teahouse at the Base Camp.
Day 13: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 5-6 hours.
Today we start our hike around 6AM to avoid the afternoon wind. From the Base camp to the Tilicho lake takes 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world at 4,919m; it is a cold barren place in the afternoon. We will spend some time around Tilicho Lake and then return the same way back to Base Camp. Stay overnight at teahouse at the Base Camp.
Day 14: Yak Kharka to ThorongPhedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 - 4 hours
Today is a short walk to Throng Phedi. We should walk slowly so as to adjust to the altitude. At first the trail goes gradually uphill. After we cross a suspension bridge along the Throng Khola, the path becomes steep and rocky on the way to Throng Phedi. Now you may start to feel the high altitude. After lunch here, we will spend time resting and preparing for tomorrow which is our biggest day of this trip.
Day 15: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La passes (5416m/17764ft): 7 - 8 hours
Finally, our dream comes true!! Our biggest and longest day starts early in the morning; we start walking in the dark with the help of a head lamp. The rocky trail heads uphill with some parts steep and some parts more gradual. It is a good idea to take it slow, drink enough water, breathe deeply and walk together in the group. Finally we reach the top of Throng La which is the oldest and highest pass. The view of all the Himalayas is incredible. We will spend a short time here capturing amazing photos. There is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. As we start heading down, some parts are very steep; we must be careful because the way is narrow and may be slippery due to ice. By the afternoon we will reach Muktinath. Stay overnight in Muktinath for a good sleep.
Day 16: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,810m/8,760ft): 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we will start hiking. The way to Kagbeni is downhill through a few mountain villages. Here the valley is much wider. We call this is a cold desert in Nepal. Very little rain falls here so everything is dry but interesting. Finally, we are in the very old town of Kagbeni, one of the most unique and interesting villages of this whole trip. It is the gateway to the Upper Mustang Kingdom. In the afternoon, we will explore very old houses, temples and the almost 700 year old Kagbeni Monastery. Stay overnight in Kagbeni.
Day 17: Kagbeni to Marpha (2,670m/9,219 ft.): 4 - 5 hours
Today we have only a short walk of about 4 hours; the trail is flat all the way along the Kaligandaki River. It is a windy valley so we will start in the morning to avoid the big winds that blow in the afternoon. We will pass through Jomsome, which is the headquarters of the Mustang District. The trail continues to the south; an hour’s hike takes us to the beautiful Apple Valley of Marpha. Marpha is known as the capital city of all things apple; in the autumn season we can enjoy fresh apples, apple juice, apple pie, apple brandy and many more apple product. We can also find the tasty Thakali Khana Set, an authentic dish with rice and vegetable. In the afternoon we will visit the Buddhist Monastery and explore this unique town. It is a very peaceful, clean and amazing place. Stay overnight in Marpha.
Day 18: Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft.): 5 - 6 hours
Today we will follow the Holy River Kaligandaki on a flat and wide trail. We will pass several Thakali villages. We will be able to see Mt Annapurna I, Dhulagiri, Tukuche and more fantastic views along the way. Finally we reach Kalopani. Stay overnight at Kalopani for a good rest and sleep.
Day 19: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937 ft): 6 - 7 hours
Today is another long day trekking along the Kaligandaki Valley. Mostily, we are heading down through alpine forest. We cross a very high suspension bridge at Ghasa then continue heading down through Kopchepani. We can stop here to enjoy a view of the waterfall, Rupche Chhahara and the nearby old and deep Gorge in Dana. We will cross a few suspension bridges and villages. After a long walk, we are in a lower place with the lot of orange, gove and banana trees along the trail. The rice paddies and millet and other grain fields are really wonderful. We will have the privilege of observing the lifestyle of the local people. By the afternoon, we will reach Tatopani which means the place of Natural Hot Springs. In the Evening, we can bathe in the hot springs to relax our tired body and legs.
Day 20: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours
Today is another long day. Almost all of the trail is uphill, sometimes steep and sometimes gradual. A short walk from Tatopani, we will cross a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River. We pass a few nice villages on the way to Sikha. Again we will have the privilege of observing the lifestyle of the local people. We will walk along the rhododendron forest where in the spring season it is very beautiful with plentiful flowers. Finally we reach Ghorepani at the top of the hill. It is a cold place; in the teahouse we will warm ourselves by the wooden fireplace. Stay overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 21: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tikhedhunga (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 - 7 hours
Today, around 4.30 am, we will start our hike. We will hike for about an hour, with the help of our head lamps, to Poon Hill at 3,210m. It is a very steep uphill but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. POON HILL is the best viewpoint to see the Annapurna range, Dhulagiri, Tukche, Lamjung himal, Fishtail and many more. Sunrise over the mountains is astonishingly beautiful. We will spend about half an hour at this viewpoint capturing some this incredible beauty before heading back to the teahouse. We will eat a hot breakfast before starting our trek to Tikhedhunga. The trail is downhill all the way. Walking through rhododendron forests makes this part of the trek quite beautiful. Finally we come to Tikhedhunga after the long descent. This is our last night in the wonderful mountains. Over night at Tikhedhunga.
Day 22: Tikhedhunga to Pokhara (850m/2,789ft) via Nayapul: 3-4 hours trek, 1.30 hour drive.
From Tikhedhunga we will walk downhill and pass several villages; this is one of the best and most relaxing walks along the hillside of western Nepal. After reaching Nayapul, an hour and half drive will take us back to Pokhara.
Day 23: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6-7 hours
We will leave from Pokhara in the morning. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest. In the afternoon, we can shop for souvenirs. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Stay overnight in Kathmandu
Day 24: Final departure
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! We wish you all the best!! We can exchange emails and photos with your travel companions and Zam Zam Trekking P. LTD. A representative from Zam Zam Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
Departure Detail
Trip Note
You are welcome to make your own custom-made itinerary. Kindly be advised that we suggest that you make provision for at least 1 to 2 extra days in your trip.
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