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Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake

  • 15 Nights /16 Days
  • All around the year except rainy season (June and
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Nepal with the Annapurna and Tilicho Lake Trek. Traverse the famous Annapurna region, reaching the stunning Tilicho Lake at 4949m, one of the highest lakes globally. Experience diverse climates, from semi-tropical to desert landscapes, and witness ever-changing scenery, from sub-tropical forests to alpine terrain and snowy barren vistas, leading to the majestic Thorong La pass at 5416 meters. The journey begins with a drive to Besisahar, commencing the trek from Chame. Concluding in Jomsom, you'll fly to Pokhara, cherishing the memories of this extraordinary adventure amid Nepal's picturesque landscapes.

Highlights

  • Hard
  • 15 Nights /16 Days
  • All around the year except rainy season (June and
  • Tea House Accommodation & Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Chame
  • Jomsom
  • Trek


Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival (1400m/4600ft) approx. 30 minutes' drive (B)
  • Day 2 Drive Kathmandu (1400m) to Beshisahar (760m/2490ft) : 176kms: approx. 7-8 hours' drive (B, L, D)
  • Day 3 Drive Beshisahar- Chame (2710m/8891ft): 67kms: 6-7 hours' drive (B, L, D)
  • Day 4 Trek Chame - Pisang (3185m/10450ft) approx. 13kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)
  • Day 5 Trek Pisang - Manang (3540m/11615ft) approx. 15km: 6-7 hours walk (B, L, D)
  • Day 6 Acclimatization at Manang (B, L, D)
  • Day 7 Trek Manang to Khangsar (3745m/12287ft) approx. 10kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)
  • Day 8 Trek Kangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13583ft) approx. 6Kms: 2-3 hours walk (B, L, D)
  • Day 9 Explore Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16237ft) approx. 4/4 km & 5-6 hours (B, L, D)
  • Day 10 Trek Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m/13255ft) approx. 8kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)
  • Day 11 Trek Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi (4500m/14764ft)/high camp (4700m/15420ft) approx. 9kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)
  • Day 12 Trek Thorang Phedi -Muktinath (3800m/12468ft) via Thorang La Pass (5416m/17769ft) approx. 13kms: 7 to 8 hours walk (B, L, D)
  • Day 13 Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft) via Kagbeni: 5-6 hours (B, L, D)
  • Day 14 Fly Jomsom to Pokhara: 30mins flight (B)
  • Day 15 Drive Pokhara - Kathmandu: approx. 210kms: 6-7 hours: Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant with live cultural show (B, D)
  • Day 16 Departure (B)

Includes

Cost Includes:
1. Transport
• Arrival & Departure transfer
• Kathmandu to Besisahar in jeep
• Besisahar to Chame in jeep
• Jomsom to Pokhara in flight
• Pokhara-Kathmandu in private car

2. Accommodations:
• Kathmandu (2Ns):
• Pokhara (1N):
• Tea House Accommodation during trekking (12Ns)

3. Meals:
• All breakfasts
• Lunch: 12 lunches during trekking
• Dinner: 12 dinners during trekking & 1 typical Nepali Dinner with live cultural show

4. Trekking Package:
• Tea House Accommodations, English Speaking License Holder Guide and all his expenses and all meals

5. Taxes and Permits:
• All the applicable services charges, government taxes, ACAP, TIMs card

Excludes

Cost Excludes of above program:
1. International Airfare, Nepal VISA Fees ($50 per person), Excess baggage charge in Domestic flight, Travel Insurance
2. Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary
3. Meals not listed in an itinerary
4. Cost for Porter (if required)
5. Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc
6. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional activities, etc
7. Payment Transfer Charge
8. Hotels check out as per the hotel rules.
9. Any extra expenses incurred from flight cancellation or delay, sudden price escalations in hotels, transport, flight or any other items, any form of rescue

Detail Itinerary

1Day 1 - Kathmandu Arrival (1400m/4600ft) approx. 30 minutes' drive (B)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, one of our representatives from Aarya Village Travel shall meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel. You will enjoy welcome drinks while you will be briefed about your Nepal Travel Itinerary. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Kathmandu Arrival (1400m/4600ft) approx. 30 minutes' drive (B)
Kathmandu Arrival (1400m/4600ft) approx. 30 minutes' drive (B)
2Day 2 - Drive Kathmandu (1400m) to Beshisahar (760m/2490ft) : 176kms: approx. 7-8 hours' drive (B, L, D)

After breakfast accompanied by our guide we drive (approximately 7-8 hours) to Beshisahar on in public sharing bus or jeep. Kathmandu lies at an elevation of 1400m, we then drive downhill on a highway through green hills and along a beautiful river called Marsyangdi that accompanies you throughout the drive. Passing through the Marsyangdi valley we reach Besisahar.
Overnight at Besisahar.

Drive Kathmandu (1400m) to Beshisahar (760m/2490ft) : 176kms: approx. 7-8 hours' drive (B, L, D)
Drive Kathmandu (1400m) to Beshisahar (760m/2490ft) : 176kms: approx. 7-8 hours' drive (B, L, D)
3Day 3 - Drive Beshisahar- Chame (2710m/8891ft): 67kms: 6-7 hours' drive (B, L, D)

After a hearty breakfast we leave Besisahar. Driving downhill on a local sharing jeep through Chame, Chamje and Dharapni Villages. We pass through barley, rice and potato fields; and the waterfalls. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. We continue up the river valley an pass the Gurung Village of Thnonje to Bagarchhap. At Bagarchhap take in astonishing views of Mt. Manaslu (8163meter) and the peaks above Larkya La. Throughout the day you will see scenic views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7525m). Spend your night in a guesthouse at Chame.

Drive Beshisahar- Chame (2710m/8891ft): 67kms: 6-7 hours' drive (B, L, D)
Drive Beshisahar- Chame (2710m/8891ft): 67kms: 6-7 hours' drive (B, L, D)
4Day 4 - Trek Chame - Pisang (3185m/10450ft) approx. 13kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)

Our trek today will take around 6 hours to Pisang. Passing the older part of Chame we then climb to Telekhu at 2840 m. The trail is pleasant and mostly level as we walk throught the forest to Baathang at 2850m. As you round the bend here you will get your first glimpse of Paungda Danda rock face, a gigantic rock slab rising to 1500m from the river. Onward we cross the south bank of the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge at 3080m, then a gentle uphill climb over a ridge through pine forests. The trek heads to the upper part of Manag valley to Pissang. Pissang marks the beginning of the region known as Nyesyang, the upper portion of Manang district.

An excellent view of Annapurna II can be seen to the south as you are now behind the main Himalayan peaks in their rain shadow area.

Trek Chame - Pisang (3185m/10450ft) approx. 13kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)
Trek Chame - Pisang (3185m/10450ft) approx. 13kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)
5Day 5 - Trek Pisang - Manang (3540m/11615ft) approx. 15km: 6-7 hours walk (B, L, D)

Today you have to trek slowly to climb up to the Tibetan-style village of Bryaga at 3500 meter following the valley floor. The architectural landscape is amazing, here the houses are stacked atop each other, and some roof tops serve as verandas for your neighbor. There is a Gompa, the largest in the district and displays various statues, is perched on the cliff overlooking the Village.
The landscape dominated by strangely shaped yellow cliffs, pillars have formed due to erosion alongside the trail on our journey to the Village of Manang. You will be surprised to see shops well stocked with supplies. This trek alst for 5 hours. Tonight we spend at Manang.

Trek Pisang - Manang (3540m/11615ft) approx. 15km: 6-7 hours walk (B, L, D)
Trek Pisang - Manang (3540m/11615ft) approx. 15km: 6-7 hours walk (B, L, D)
6Day 6 - Acclimatization at Manang (B, L, D)

Acclimatization plays a very important role for trekkers reaching high altitudes, Not getting used to the altitude is detrimental to your health. From here we will reach an altitude of 4700m. Therefore, today we spend the day at Manang. We can spend the day visiting the monastery, or take a side trip to Gangapurna Lake, or taking part in excursions to the nearby village(s). The Himalayan Rescue association Clinic is a great place to visit too. Here we spend a comfortable night at the Guesthouse.

Acclimatization at Manang (B, L, D)
Acclimatization at Manang (B, L, D)
7Day 7 - Trek Manang to Khangsar (3745m/12287ft) approx. 10kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)

Today we head to the Village of Kangsar, the trail cuts through a gorge, we can see the Tilicho peak weather permitting. All along the route you will be in awe at the beauty of the Annapurna Range. There are many picturesque settlements and the Tore Monastery on the trail. You can also see the Khangsar river and the grand barrier.

Trek Manang to Khangsar (3745m/12287ft) approx. 10kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)
Trek Manang to Khangsar (3745m/12287ft) approx. 10kms: 5-6 hours walk (B, L, D)
8Day 8 - Trek Kangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13583ft) approx. 6Kms: 2-3 hours walk (B, L, D)

Today's trek offers views of the entire valley with grassy fields. After an ascending portion we enter Tilicho Base Camp. Here, camping is the only option and one that our guests prefer, offering them an authentic and natural way to experience the journey at this destination.

Trek Kangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13583ft) approx. 6Kms: 2-3 hours walk (B, L, D)
Trek Kangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13583ft) approx. 6Kms: 2-3 hours walk (B, L, D)
9Day 9 - Explore Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16237ft) approx. 4/4 km & 5-6 hours (B, L, D)

Traverse through moraines after an initial descent which then cuts along the side of the muntain. The spectacular views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks are always here looking over you. The serene Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world (by size) and sometimes the reflection of the surrounding peaks are seen on the turquoise waters, at other times the lake is literally frozen. A well-deserved break is what is required beside the calm waters to soak in the astounding views of the place. Later we head back to the base camp. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp/Kangsar.

Explore Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16237ft) approx. 4/4 km  & 5-6 hours (B, L, D)
Explore Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16237ft) approx. 4/4 km  & 5-6 hours (B, L, D)
10Day 10 - Trek Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m/13255ft) approx. 8kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)

Returning from Tilicho base camp the vegetation changes to alpine as we head out of Marsyangdi valley, We then head towards Khangsar Village and the old ruins crossing a wooden bridge over the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. Here you wills see plenty of yaks grazing and also see amazing views of Annapurna III

Trek Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m/13255ft) approx. 8kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)
Trek Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m/13255ft) approx. 8kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)
11Day 11 - Trek Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi (4500m/14764ft)/high camp (4700m/15420ft) approx. 9kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)

Today you will reach not just the highest point of the trek, but quite possibly the highest point in your life. We continue to climb from Yak Kharka along the eastern banks of the Jarang Khola up to Thorung Phedi, this rocky meadow is surrounded by vertical cliffs at 4420 m. IF you are lucky you might get a glimpse of the blue sheep and even snow leopards that roam this area. Lammergeyers and Himalayan griffons can be seen too circling around. The walking time for this trek is 3-4 hours

Trek Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi (4500m/14764ft)/high camp (4700m/15420ft) approx. 9kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)
Trek Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi (4500m/14764ft)/high camp (4700m/15420ft) approx. 9kms: 4-5 hours walk (B, L, D)
12Day 12 - Trek Thorang Phedi -Muktinath (3800m/12468ft) via Thorang La Pass (5416m/17769ft) approx. 13kms: 7 to 8 hours walk (B, L, D)

Today we cross one of the highest passes in the world, the Thorong La Pass, which will be our main purpose today. We shall cross the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest route. We have to wake up at 3:00 am in the morning to make this journey which is totally worth it when you get to the top. We rest for a while, take some beautiful pictures and then head to Muktinath Valley that lies at the foot of the Thorong La Pass. We spend the night at Muktinath.

Trek Thorang Phedi -Muktinath (3800m/12468ft) via Thorang La Pass (5416m/17769ft) approx. 13kms: 7 to 8 hours walk (B, L, D)
Trek Thorang Phedi -Muktinath (3800m/12468ft) via Thorang La Pass (5416m/17769ft) approx. 13kms: 7 to 8 hours walk (B, L, D)
13Day 13 - Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft) via Kagbeni: 5-6 hours (B, L, D)

An important pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath is a power place. Here you can visit the Muktinath temple aspeople have done from the world over. We continue our trek and visit fresh water sprouts channeled from streams from above the temple. Here we get fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. If you are a fossil collector, this is the place you can procure fossilized mollusks, called “Shaligram”, to keep as a souvenir. We pass through meadows, streams and hills over to Kagbeni, where there is a monastery and many, many chortens (memorial stupas). After lunch we continue to Jomsom through the Kali Gandaki Valley. We spend the Night at Jomsom.

Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft) via Kagbeni: 5-6 hours (B, L, D)
Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft) via Kagbeni: 5-6 hours (B, L, D)
14Day 14 - Fly Jomsom to Pokhara: 30mins flight (B)

On our flight to Pokhara, after breakfast, you get to see the spectacular mountains, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and over the deepest gorge in the world. Once we're at Pokhara, in warmer climate, we can indulge in some boating on calm waters of the Fewa Lake. We can also visit Davi's Falls. In the evening you can stroll around the lake and meet with fellow travelers at this touristy place.

Fly Jomsom to Pokhara: 30mins flight (B)
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara: 30mins flight (B)
15Day 15 - Drive Pokhara - Kathmandu: approx. 210kms: 6-7 hours: Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant with live cultural show (B, D)

After Breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu in a private car. It will take around 6-7 hours drive (depending on traffic). We then check into the hotel for some rest and refreshment.

In the evening, you will be taken to an authentic Nepali restaurant for a Typical Nepali Dinner along with live cultural show performed by different ethnic groups. It may last for 3 hours.

Drive Pokhara - Kathmandu: approx. 210kms: 6-7 hours: Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant with live cultural show (B, D)
Drive Pokhara - Kathmandu: approx. 210kms: 6-7 hours: Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant with live cultural show (B, D)
16Day 16 - Departure (B)

Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Aarya Village Travel will transfer you to the airport for your journey onward.