Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

The road leads us to Besisahar today. The drive goes along the Prithvi highway which later takes a quick turn from Galchi. The road is a combination of well-paved and off roads. From Besisahar, we shall collect our belongings and start the trek to Bhulbhule. The trail runs along the Marsayangdi River all the way to Bhulbhule. Overnight in Bhulbhule.

We walk on the eastern part of the Marsayangdi River before finally walking on flat trails. The climb to Ngadi is steep but after climbing a steep path, we reach the Bahundanda village. This is a great place for sightseeing and a picnic. After having lunch here, we head to Ghermu which is a small village on the Annapurna Circuit and is mostly inhabited by Gurung’s. Overnight in Ghermu.

As we head from Ghermu, we need to cross an elongated suspension bridge from which the road later ascends up to 200 meters. The flatter section of Jagat leads us to Tal and it takes an additional 1.5 hours to reach Chamje. From Chamje, it is a steep 2-hour climb to reach Tal. From here, the view of the mountains in the Manaslu and Lamjung Himal ranges is tantalizing. Overnight in Tal.

From Tal, the road takes us to Chame. To reach here, we need to walk on the banks of the Marsayangdi River. Passing Dharapani and Danakyu on the way, the trail heads west towards Chame. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District and there are small monasteries and temples here. The residents here are mostly Gurung and Thakali. Overnight in Chame.

From Chame, we shall head on the flat trails of Koto. As we walk through the alpine meadows, we can see glimpses of the Annapurna I (8091m) and the vegetation transforming from green to dry and arid. There are paintings carved on the rock and the amazing Dhikur Pokhari is a sight to behold. A short walk from here leads to Pisang. It is the district headquarters and has many teahouses and lodges. Overnight in Pisang.

The trail from Pisang to Manang goes along the valley via Hongde. You can even choose the route from Ngawal. We need to walk on this trail for quite a while before climbing Ghyaru. We can see ancient houses and settlements at Ngawal as well as amazing glimpses of the Annapurna range. After crossing the huge suspension bridge, we arrive at Manang. Overnight in Manang.

Today we won't be doing any sort of trekking but rather we shall spend the day acclimatizing. Manang is a fascinating place and it has huge cliffs which are worth a visit. We can explore the Boozo Gompa and Gangapurna Lake. Alternatively, you can also visit the Ice Lake and Braga Gompa. It is recommended that you don't do any sort of heavy trekking to prepare for the upcoming treks. Overnight in Manang.

Khangsar is the starting point for those on the Tilicho Lake trek. We need to walk on the banks of the Marsayangdi River and observe the dramatic view of the mountains in Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. The route goes through the Ghunsang village and heads further west. As we admire the Tilicho Peak (7134m), we reach Khangsar. Overnight in Khangsar.

As we navigate through the grasslands, the trail climbs a hill where one can observe surreal views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. The trail takes about 5 hours to complete and once we arrive at the Tilicho Base camp, we are greeted by the Tilicho Peak (7134m). We need to walk through landslide-prone paths in order to reach here. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.

Tilicho Lake has a reputation for being the lake situated at the highest altitude in the entire world. As we walk along the glacial moraines, we are blessed with amazing views of Mt. Nilgiri (7061m), Annapurna (8091m), and Dhaulagiri (8167m). Take some rest and observe the majestic beauty of Tilicho Lake. The lake surrounding also offers a great display of Tilicho Peak (7134m). Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Tilicho Lake and then trek back to Khangsar using the same route. Overnight in Khangsar.

As we make our way out of the Tho River valley, we are blessed with amazing glimpses of the alpine meadows. We walk through the damaged remains of Khangsar village. Then, we cross a log bridge that connects Yak Kharka and Ghunsang. Yak Kharka is a place where yaks and cattle graze. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

The distance from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi is relatively short in comparison to the previous days. We take a quick break at Ledar village and interact with the residents and visitors here. We reside at Thorung Phedi today. It is a small campsite before climbing the Thorung La Pass (5416m). Overnight in Thorung La Phedi.

We shall head to the holy Muktinath temple today. To reach there, we need to cross the Thorung La Pass (5416m) which is one of the biggest passes in the world. We need to walk uphill moraines and from the top of the pass, we can admire the magnificent views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers. The Muktinath, Annapurna, and Nilgiri ranges are magnificent from the top of the pass. As we descend from the pass, we arrive at Muktinath. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight in Muktinath.

The early morning shall be spent exploring around the Muktinath Temple. We shall take part in the morning prayers and learn about the culture of the people there. After we pack our bags, we head to Kagbeni where we can find numerous Memorial Stupas. After walking on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, we reach Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

We shall aim to reach Tukuche today. It is a small Thakali settlement that gives an impression of a Tibetan settlement. As we descend the Kali Gandaki gorge, we can see Tibetan prayer flags along the way. We trek past Marpha and Kali Odar to reach Tukuche. In Tukuche, there is a monastery that is worth a visit. Overnight in Tukuche.

Ghasa is situated to the south of Tukuche and to reach here, we must trek for about 5 hours. Leaving Tukuche, the trek heads to Kalopani along the Kali Gandaki River. The village is decorated with traditional houses and is home to a number of illustrious monasteries. Overnight in Ghasa.

From Ghasa, we will head to Tatopani. It is a natural spring that acts as a resting point for many on the Annapurna circuit trek. We trek south to reach the Rukse Chhahara and continue along the Kali Gandaki to reach Guithe. As we admire the scenery of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri ranges, we arrive at Tatopani. Overnight in Tatopani.

The trekking trail leaves Tatopani and heads south towards Ghara. We need to walk a number of uphill and downhill paths to reach Sikha. Sikha is a small village in the Myagdi district. It is sparsely populated and is a frequent resting point for those on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Overnight in Sikha.

From Sikha, we shall make our way to Ghorepani. Passing the villages of Phalate and Chitre, we head further south. Hereon, the trail sees a slight increase in altitude and passes dense rhododendron forests on the way. Ghorepani is mostly inhabited by the Poon Magars and Gurung. You can also observe the Himalayas in the Annapurna range from the village. Overnight in Ghorepani.

The road from Ghorepani will now lead us to Poon Hill. Poon hill is a popular vantage point from where we can see amazing views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Tukuche ranges. The vistas of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscape is even more majestic if timed with the sunrise. After observing the view from Poon Hill, we descend back to Ghorepani. Then, we resume the trek and head towards Ulleri. Ulleri is also the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Overnight in Ulleri.

From Ulleri, we shall make our way back to Pokhara. The trail is now pretty crowded as we approach human settlements. We can also find a number of trekkers on the ABC Trek or the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. The trail heads south to reach Nayapul from where we drive to Pokhara. In Pokhara, we can celebrate the success of our trip. Overnight in Pokhara

From Pokhara, we shall drive back to Kathmandu. The road goes along the Prithvi highway and it offers amazing views of the Trishuli River and green hills. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can go souvenir shopping in Thamel. Later, in the evening, you will participate in a farewell dinner hosted by us. Overnight in Kathmandu.

We will bid you farewell with the best of wishes. A representative will come and pick you from your hotel and make sure you reach the airport on time. Your journey ends today as you fly to your next destination.