Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

1st Day- Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Welcome to Nepal! A Himalayan Dream Team representative will welcome you with a Nepali flower at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and facilitate your private transfer to the hotel. You can relax and recover from your journey at the hotel and, when you feel ready, enjoy a gentle stroll around the neighborhood to get your first taste of the city.
As an introduction to your journey, we would like to treat you to dinner at one of best restaurant, which is guaranteed to give you the best impression of authentic local cuisine and hospitality.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: After a delicious lunch, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site showcasing stunning Newari architecture. Enjoy a photo session with locals in traditional attire or Hindu holy men (Sadhus), perfect for capturing unique and memorable portraits.

Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day with a visit to the bustling vegetable and spice markets. Capture dynamic street photography of vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Kathmandu.

We start our trek with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chamje, a charming village located at 1,430 meters. Chamje is known for its lush green surroundings and a beautiful waterfall that attracts both locals and travelers. Overnight stay in Chamje.

After an early start, we begin trekking through lush plantations, waterfalls, and a variety of ethnic communities, some of which trace their roots to Tibet. After crossing a suspension bridge, we tackle some steep climbs before reaching the village of Tal, marking our entry into the Manang district. Continuing through Kodo village, the trail rises and falls until we reach Dharapani, one of the largest villages in the district. 

Today's trek takes us through a mix of steep ridges and forested areas. Along the way, we’ll pass by several landslide-prone zones, so we’ll need to be cautious. Look up to take in the breathtaking views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. A visit to the local hot springs offers a perfect break, letting us relax and recharge. We’ll spend the night in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.

Today’s trail features more ups and downs as we pass through rivers and sparse settlements. As we enter a narrow valley, we’ll catch our first glimpse of Paungda Danda, a curved rock face towering 1,500 meters above the river. The views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak will also impress as we descend into the beautiful Manang Valley.

Today, we have two routes to choose from, and we’ll take the one passing through Upper Pisang via Geru. This path promises spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and other towering giants of the Himalayas. As we approach Manang, the air becomes colder and drier due to the altitude. To lift our spirits, we’ll visit the Barge Monastery, the largest in the Manang district, before settling in for the night in Manang.

After breakfast, we continue our trek toward Khangsar village. The trail descends through a gorge, offering breathtaking views of Tilicho Peak above. We’ll enjoy the stunning beauty of the Annapurna range as we trek, passing through small, picturesque settlements. Along the way, we visit the Tore Monastery and cross the scenic Khangsar River, with the majestic Grand Barrier providing a striking backdrop.

Today’s journey takes us from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp. The trail meanders through wide, grassy fields before a slight ascent offers incredible views of the entire valley. After a steep descent, we reach Tilicho Base Camp, where we’ll rest for the night in preparation for the next day's adventure.

We start early today, ascending a steep trail for about three hours to reach the awe-inspiring Tilicho Lake (4,920m), the world’s highest lake of its size. The sight of the lake, surrounded by mountains and reflecting their snow-capped peaks, is absolutely stunning. We’ll take some time to soak in the serene atmosphere before making our way back to Tilicho Base Camp for the night.

After leaving Tilicho Base Camp, we move out of the Marsyangdi valley, and you’ll notice a dramatic change in the landscape as the lush forests give way to alpine vegetation. Our trail passes through the ruins of the old Khangsar village before crossing a log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. As the name suggests, Yak Kharka is a typical Himalayan village where you'll see yaks grazing. Along the way, we are treated to breathtaking views of Annapurna III. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

Today, we make our way uphill to Thorong Phedi. After crossing a suspension bridge, we pass through Ledar village and continue our ascent, navigating cliffs that offer stunning views. Thorong Phedi, located at the base of the Thorong La pass, is the last stop before our big climb. From here, we can admire incredible views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan. "Phedi" in Nepali means the foot of a mountain, perfectly describing its location. Overnight in Thorong Phedi.

Today is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek, as we cross the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. We start early, around 3 AM, and begin our climb. Once we reach the top, all the effort pays off with incredible panoramic views. After taking some time to enjoy the moment and snap photos, we descend to Muktinath Valley. Muktinath is a spiritual destination for both Hindus and Buddhists, nestled at the foot of the Thorong La Pass. Overnight in Muktinath.

In the morning, we visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, where natural water spouts channel fresh water from streams above. Afterward, we begin our trek toward Jomsom. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and pass through the village of Kagbeni, known for its chortens (stupas) and a small monastery. After a break in Kagbeni, we continue our trek through the Kali Gandaki Valley, a windy and scenic route, before arriving in Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

After breakfast, we take a short but scenic flight to Pokhara, flying over the deepest gorge in the world and enjoying breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Once in Pokhara, you can relax by Phewa Lake or take a boat ride with stunning views of Fishtail Mountain reflecting on the water. You may also visit popular sites like Davis Falls. In the evening, explore the lively Lakeside area and shop for souvenirs. Overnight in Pokhara.

You have the option of either a 25-minute flight or a 6-7 hour scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive follows the beautiful Trisuli River, offering wonderful views of the countryside. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

On the final day, a representative from Himalayan Dream Team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable trekking adventure in Nepal.