Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek- 15 Days

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Nepal! Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Once settled, take time to recover from your journey or explore nearby areas like Thamel, full of trekking shops, cafés, and cultural sights. Overnight in a 3-star hotel.

Begin this day with a guided tour of the city's UNESCO-listed heritage. Witness the revered Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, the massive Boudhanath Stupa, the biggest in Asia, and Patan Durbar Square courtyards' artistic excellence. Evening pre-trek orientation by your trekking leader, featuring most important information on altitude, gear, and trail safety. Welcome dinner with Nepali cuisine and local cultural dance performance. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Embark on a scenic but time-consuming drive through Nepal's landscape. The first drive to Besisahar is on bitumen road, over terraced fields and river-townships. From Besisahar, the road turns rough as you drive along the Marsyangdi River upstream in a private 4WD. Drive over suspension bridges, by waterfalls, and through forested hills to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang and technically the beginning of your trek. Overnight at a teahouse.

Your first day trekking begins with a pleasant stroll in thick pine forests and typical villages. You have excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV while climbing steadily. Apple orchards and prayer wheels are encountered en route before arriving in Upper Pisang, a picturesque village with broad views of the Annapurna range and well-placed monastery. Overnight at a teahouse.

Go the high route today through old Tibetan-influenced villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal. Steeper and longer, it's blessed with some of the best views of the Annapurnas. The trail traverses dry alpine slopes with glacial views in the distance. Arrive at the vibrant, well-established village of Manang, situated below Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Vegetation and way of life will start to alter with high altitude here. Overnight in a teahouse.

To acclimatize to higher elevations, spend the day in Manang. After a relaxed breakfast, take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake and the viewpoint above, with great views of Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and the glacial fields. Alternatively, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association for a briefing on altitude sickness. The rest of the afternoon is free to visit nearby bakeries, monasteries, or simply relax. Overnight in a teahouse.

Branch off the Annapurna Circuit trail and go to Tilicho Lake. Today's trail is wider and less used, and you get a sense of solitude. Alpines scrub, juniper forest, and exposed hillside take you to Shreekharka. You'll be trekking on slopes that are prone to minor landslides, so be safe. The views of the ripped valley and white peaks become more breathtaking as you gain altitude. Overnight in a teahouse in this peaceful mountain surroundings.

Start early as you make your gradual way up to Tilicho Base Camp. Today's path hugs the steep edges of scree slopes and requires careful steps in some places, especially when it is cold enough that icy pieces are probable. There is minimal vegetation here at such high elevation, so the landscape is wide open, and Tilicho Peak dominates the horizon. Rest and rehydrate well upon arrival in preparation for the big day ahead. Overnight in a basic teahouse at Base Camp.

Begin the trek to Tilicho Lake early in the morning to avoid the winds of the afternoon. The climb is steep but picturesque. Upon arrival at the high-altitude lake, one of the highest glacial lakes in the world, you're presented with an unearthly turquoise mass of water that's situated amidst towering snowy cliffs. After becoming impressed with the view and clicking pictures, make a cautious return trek to Shreekharka for the evening. This is one of the most beautiful and satisfying days of the entire trek. Overnight at a teahouse.

Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit main trail and ascend steadily through the valley of the river. Pass over thin yak pastures, ancient stone hut dwellings, and extensive panorama views over glacial land. The route is relatively moderate in gradient, allowing your body to recover from Tilicho. Arrive at Yak Kharka or Lether, a small but beautiful village surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snowy ridges. Overnight in a teahouse.

Today's hike is short but essential for acclimatization. You'll ascend the narrow gorge, go over a landslide area, and reach Thorong Phedi, Thorong La crossing base camp. Depending on weather and your condition, you can ascend an extra hour to High Camp, shortening tomorrow's hike. Rest well and hydrate lots to acclimatize for the high pass. Overnight at the teahouse.

Rise early to overcome the most difficult but most rewarding part of the hike, the Thorong La Pass. The incessant, high-altitude ascent can be tiring, but prayer flags and stunning Himalayan vistas keep morale high. Standing atop is an accomplishment. After absorbing the scenery and photos, begin on the long descent to Muktinath, a holy Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site. Treat this fantastic achievement to a hot meal and relaxation. Overnight at a teahouse.

Bid goodbye to the trek and board a private 4WD jeep for a daylong drive back to Pokhara. The journey descends through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world, and passes through Jomsom and Marpha, famous for apple orchards and wind-whipped landscapes. Late afternoon or evening, you are in Pokhara. Spoil yourself with a hot shower, real bed, and lakeside meal. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Scenic and short domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The bird's eye view of the Annapurna and Langtang ranges is a delight if skies are clear. Arrive and transfer to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure, visit the shopping streets of Thamel for souvenir shopping or have coffee at a café. Overnight in a 3-star hotel.

After breakfast, we will take you to the airport for departure. You leave Nepal with unforgettable memories, stunning pictures, and the fulfillment of having accomplished one of the most renowned Himalayan treks.