←The Annapurna Region
Annapurnas circuit via Tilicho lake
The Annapurna Circuit is a legendary trek in the heart of the Nepali Himalayas. It passes through spectacular landscapes, from lush valleys to high snow-covered passes. An unmissable detour leads to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, nestled at 4,920 meters above sea level. This section adds a wild and unforgettable touch to the trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Dharapani (1,920m)
Departure by private jeep to Besisahar, then onward to Dharapani. A long day on the road — about 9 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 2: Dharapani – Chame (2,630m)
Start of the trek: ascend to Timang, then Koto, and finally the village of Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. We are at the foot of the north face of Annapurna II and IV, and Lamjung Himal. About 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 3: Chame – Pisang (3,185m)
Ascent through the forest, arriving in the upper Marsyangdi Valley. Views of the Annapurnas along the way, as well as Pisang Peak (6,091m). Trekking for 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 4: Pisang – Manang (3,530m)
Steep ascent to the village of Gyaru (3,670m) via a trail on the north bank, followed by a pleasant terrace walk to Ngawal (3,600m). Spectacular mountain scenery lies ahead. We then descend to Braga via the upper path through the small village of Julu to reach the larger town of Manang, which will serve as a rest base before ascending to higher altitudes. Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 5: Manang
Acclimatization day with a short excursion around the area. About 3 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge in Manang.
Day 6: Manang – Khangsar (3,730m)
We will reduce our walking time to avoid fatigue and allow for better acclimatization. Ascent to the village of Khangsar, with magnificent views of Gangapurna and its glacier. About 3 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 7: Khangsar – Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)
Continue toward Tilicho Base Camp via a steep trail. The landscape is lunar and otherworldly. About 3.5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 8: Tilicho Base Camp – Tilicho Lake (4,920m) – Sri Kharka (3,900m)
Ascent to Tilicho Lake, with beautiful views of Tilicho Peak, the main ridge, and Muktinath Himal. Return to Tilicho Base Camp, then continue to Sri Kharka. About 6 to 7 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 9: Sri Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,400m)
Ascent to Yak Kharka, then onward to Thorong Phedi. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 10: Thorong Phedi – Thorong La (5,416m) – Muktinath (3,800m)
Crossing Thorong La Pass, a long day of 8 to 9 hours of trekking to Muktinath. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Overnight in a lodge.
Day 11: Muktinath – Lupra – Marpha (2,670m)
Gradual ascent with beautiful views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, the Annapurnas, and the Nilgiris, followed by a descent to the village of Lupra and then down the Kali Gandaki Valley to the picturesque village of Marpha. We avoid the road at Jomsom and walk on the opposite side of the river to reach Marpha. About 5 to 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 12: Marpha – Ghasa – Tatopani (1,220m)
By local bus to the village of Ghasa, then on foot to Tatopani via the old trail on the opposite side of the river. Beautiful views of the Annapurnas, Nilgiris, and Dhaulagiri. About 1 hour by bus and 4 hours of walking. Hot springs available. Overnight in a lodge in Tatopani (1,220m).
Day 13: Tatopani – Ghorapani (2,800m)
Cross the Kali Gandaki River to ascend to the Ghorapani Pass. This area is fairly populated, with terraced fields. About 7 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 14: Ghorapani – Poon Hill (3,100m) – Tadapani (2,540m)
Early morning ascent to Poon Hill above Ghorapani for a spectacular sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiris, and the Annapurnas. Then return to Ghorapani and descend to Tadapani. About 6 to 7 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 15: Tadapani – Ghandruk (1,940m)
Pleasant forest descent to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk. Views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. About 3.5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 16: Ghandruk – Nayapul – Pokhara
After descending to Syauli Bazar, we follow the Modi Khola River to Birethanti and then Nayapul, followed by a private minibus transfer to Pokhara. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 17: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Departure by tourist bus to Kathmandu.
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