Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival

1. Kathmandu
   25m
   Our representative from Himalaya Sanctuary will meet you after landing and custom clearance in the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) than transfer you to the hotel for overnight in Thamel, Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu valley Sightseeing ( 4- 5 hr)

1. Kathmandu
   5h
   Day tour of Kathmandu city , after breakfast you will be Proceed on to Boudhanath Stupa , Pasupatinath Temple , Patan Darbar square and Swayambhunath Stupa. Swayambhunath is a Buddhist Stupa said to be more than 2000 years old, is perched on a hillock 77 meters above the valley floor and offering a bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu City. Afternoon, tour of Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the “city of beauty” is the oldest city in the valley. A great center both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts & crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu
   Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1100m/3608 ft): 7 – 9 hours

1. 8h
   Early morning we drive from Kathmandu for about 8 hours to the village of Syange. En route we can see many beautiful villages, farms, flowing rivers and glimpse of beautiful mountain ranges.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Trek from Syange to Dharapani (1,860m/6,430ft): 5 – 7 hours

1. Jagat
   5h
   After breakfast we begin our trek , we cross a suspension bridge and after a steep climb we enter the vicinity of Manang region at the village named tal .here we see several waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. We follow trail through barley, rice and potato fields. and pass through the village of Kodo which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley.We cross a suspension bridge, and after a short climb of the the stone Kani we reach Dharapani.
   Included Meals: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Dharapani to Chame (2,610m/8,891ft): 4 – 6 hours

1. Manang
   5h
   Today we follow the trail through forest with pine , fir, oak and maple trees by a river to reach Chame, district headquarter of Manang district. Well be surrounded by the green forest around us and over us we’ll see remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We’ll also stop by a small hot springs where we can relax for a while.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Chame to Pisang (3,200m/10824ft): 4 – 6 hours

1. Manang
   5h
   We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we also see clear views of Annapurna 2 at the south and Pisang Peak at the north east. Next, we descend to the Manang Valley floor
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11,482ft): 5 – 7 hours

1. Manang
   5h
   We trek on the upper trail through upper pisang via Geru, we choose this trail as it offers outstanding views of north face Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho and Pisang Peak .as we ascend well feel the air turn cold, dry and harsher.The trail goes through Tibetan settlement and and we get a chance to explore Buddhist culture in a short visit to Barge Monastery, largest in Manang
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Manang Acclimatization day

1. Manang
   5h
   For our body to acclimatize we spend this day exploring Manang , early morning we hike up to Gangapurna Lake and Base Camp spend the day admiring Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang and Chulu Peaks ,roam around Manang Village and Monasteries.during the afternoon we may visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village where we will be briefed about acute Mountain Sickness., its symptoms and preventions.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Manang to Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft): 4-5 hours

1. Manang
   5h
   Today’s trek will be a little easier. we take the upper route which follows a path down down to a river. We cross the river walk through coniferous forests , after -3 hours walking we arrive the Tibetan settlement Khangsar.After an hour more of walking we reach Shiri Kharka. Throughout the trek we will have a clear view of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours

1. Tilicho Lake
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Today we walk an easy path that leads through the middle of the landslides area where we can view impressive rock formations we trek up till Tilicho base camp where we can get a good view of Tilicho Peak and other snow Cover Mountains.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,920m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka: 5-6 hours

1. Tilicho Lake
   6m · Admission ticket included
   We start the day early to avoid afternoon wind. After a steeps consistent climb of 2-3 hours we reach Tilicho lake, The highest lake in the world also referred as the “the great ice lake” by the leader of the French expedition team .this is a large sparkling lake that lies at the foot of the north face of tilicho peak, after spending some time here we take the same route back to siri kharka.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Siri kharka to Yak kharka (4060m/13,020ft):4-5 hours

1. Manang
   5h
   We descend to the uninhabited Khangsar village ,pass Tare gumba,a thousand year old monastery then follow a rock wall out of Khangsar to descend a bridge in the Thorong Khola valley.We go across a river ,hike up to a plateau to reach yak kharka . from her you can see Annapurna mountains range, other peaks, blue sheep (bharal) and if you are lucky you might spot a snow leopard.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Yak kharka to Thorang Phedi: (4525m/14501 ft): 3-4 hours

1. Manang
   5h
   We walk uphill to Thorong Phedi.a small busy settlement with an amazing view of mountains and landscapes. On our way we get the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan.
   Included Meals: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner

Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass (5416 m/17764 ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7 – 8 hour

1. Muktinath
   7h
   Today’s the most challenging part of the trip, we cross Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, and the highest point of the trek.we have to wake up early morning at 3 to complete this challenge . we have to push ourselves through the icy air , and high altitude but the view from the pass will make it totally worth it. We will see a panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks extending northwards into Tibet,at the back we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. We then descend all the way to Muktinath a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.The Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means “Hundred Waters”.
   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m/3937 ft): 6 – 8 hours

1. Muktinath
   5h
   We visit Muktinath temple before continuing our journey in a car ride to Tatopani. Tatopani is famous for natural hot spring; it is place where we can soak in the hot springs.
   Included Meal : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 – 9 hours

1. Ghorepani
   8h
   We ascend to Ghorepani through villages of Sikha and Chitre, the villages of ethnic thakali people.we go through a terraced farmland with mountains all around.then pass lush forests filled with rhododendron, birch, magnolia we stop at Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top.
   Included Meal : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 17: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara: 5-6 hours trek and 1 hour drive

1. Pokhara
   6h
   We ascend to poon Hill (3,210m) early morning to view sunrise over the whole Annapurna , Dhaulagiri massif including Mt Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) , Mt Manaslu and surrounding rice terrace A favourite spot among photographers After visiting Poonhill, we will trek back to nayapul then drive to pokhara.
   Included Meal : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5- 7hours

1. Kathmandu
   7h
   After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu in a tourist bus . You may also choose to return by a 25 minute flight (not included in package).
   Included Meal: Breakfast

Day 19: Departure from International Airport

1. Kathmandu
   30m
   Our driver will drop at Tribhuvan International Airport to Catch the Flight for onward Destination.
   Included Meal : Breakfast

Pickup details

One of our representative will be waiting you outside the airport terminal gate holding your name than transfer you to the respective hotel.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
• Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure Represent who will drop us off at our hotel.
• Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
• Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Glacier briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
• Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1100m/3608 ft): 8 - 10 hours
• We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms and of course the mighty Himalayas. Overnight in Syange.
• Day 04: Trek from Syange to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7 - 8 hours
• We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail passes through barley, rice and potato fields; and the waterfalls continue to accompany us even today. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Overnight in Dharapani.
• Day 05: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours
• Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.
• Day 06: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours
• We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna 2 to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. Next, we descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang.
• Day 07: Pisang to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft): 6 - 7 hours
• From Pisang there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we walk near Manang the climate becomes more cold and dry. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District should cheer us up. Overnight in Manang.
• Day 08: Manang: Acclimatization day
• In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
• Day 09: Manang to Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft): 4-5 hours
• From Manang we head out through the western gates and follow the path down to the river. We cross the river and continue walking on its southern side through coniferous forest. After reaching Kangsar Village we walk further up towards Siri Kharka and pass a monastery on the way. The uphill walk could be tiring but we will have Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu in the backdrop to keep us company. Overnight in Siri Kharka.
• Day 10: Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours
• While the path from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp isn’t very steep or physically strenuous, it could be exhausting as we have to walk on narrow paths in loose scree and landslide area. Our trail goes through the middle of the landslide area whereby we can see impressive rock formations along the trail. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.
• Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka: 5-6 hours
• After the initial tough, steep, switch backed ascent, our trail continues to hug the side of the mountain in a gradual to steep incline before reaching the watershed. On the way we enjoy yaks and deer grazing above and below our trail. On the other side is Tilicho Lake, a large spectacularly set lake nestled at the foot of the north face of Tilicho Peak. The lake was reffered to by the leader of the French expedition team as ‘The Great Ice Lake’. The Lake also holds an important place for the Hindus as this sacred lake features in one of the holiest texts of the Hindus, The Ramayan. We retrace our step and return to Siri Kharka. Overnight in Siri Kharka.
• Day 12: Siri kharka to Yak kharka (4040m/13,020ft):4-5 hours
• We leave Siri Kharka and descend towards Khangsar Village. On the way, we pass Tare Gumba, a thousand year old monastery which is very important to the local people. Upon reaching Khangsar Village we realize that it is un-inhabitated except for occasional herders during festival times. We follow a rock wall out of Khangsar. We walk further more until we reach a seasonal bridge in the Thorang Khola valley. After crossing the river, we ascend for a while to a plateau. Next, walk furthermore until reaching Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
• Day 13: Yak kharka to Thorang Phedi: (4420m/14501ft): 3-4 hours
• It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.
• Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7 - 8 hours
• Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.
• Day 15: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m/3937ft): 6 - 8 hours
• In the morning we visit the Muktinath Temple which a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. In Hinduism, the temple is believed to be a sacred place called Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the "place of liberation or moksha". After a visit to the sacred place, we drive to Tatopani and spend the night.
• Day 16: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours
• We leave the Kali Gandaki and headed up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100" will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking furthermore we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani.
• Day 17: Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara: 5-6 hours trek and 1 hour drive
• The trek from Ghorepani will be all the way down to birethanti through a thick forest of rhododendron trees. From here, we enjoy the towering views of the Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight in Pokhara.and we will drive to pokhara nearly 2 hour.
• Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours
• After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
• Day 19: Departure Day
• Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A HimalayanSanctuary adventure representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.