Classic Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking 23 daysClassic Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking 23 days

Annapurna Round Trekking

4 reviews
  • Duration21 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 5,416 m
  • Activity Trekking
  • Accommodation Comfortable Hotel in KTM- Pokhara , Local Lodges on trek.
  • Meals Full package on the Trekking
  • Transportation Domestic Flight & Private Vehicle
  • Starts KTM-Jagat
  • Ends Pokhara
  • Best Season Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) & Spring (March-April-May)
Overview
Trip Highlights
  • The legendary and classic trekking,
  • One of the world’s dominating travel destination
  • Visiting an ancient Monasteries, passing several Buddhist monuments and their traditional stone-walled villages,
  • Smooth gradual walking up through subtropical the dense Rhododendron and Pine forest to a Tibetan-influenced valley,
  • Scenic high mountains, Sub tropical lands to rain-shadowed alpine landscapes,
  • Wonderful famous Thorongla pass (5416m)
  • Mixed cultures community of Hindus and Buddhists ( kshetra, Brahmin, Gurung, Magar, Manangis and Thakali
  • Historical ancient Milarepa cave, Ice Lake and
  • Highest Lake in the world Tilicho and glacial Lake Gangapurna
  • Hindu temple religious shrines at Muktinath with 108 waterspouts holy taps,
  • An ancient Buddhist nunnery monastery with holy flame ( Natural gas burning)

Nepal is one country in the world that offers several ways of enjoying holidays for travelers. Among them, trekking is one of the best ways to explore the facts of Nepal and harvest the benefits of traveling. Only through trekking, one can visit easily the hilly region, on the fold section of big mountains terrain, jungle, arid landscape, cultures villages, panoramic natures, and lush forest zone. There travelers meet several culturally, naturally, anthropologically, historically, and geographically diversified things. These will amuse travelers' experiences and make their holidays fruitful in Nepal.

The waterfalls on the trail

Trekking in the classic Annapurna circuit is a very popular destination across the whole world. It is one of the major listing trekking regions for normal to highlander trekkers and it is a dream plan for most of the world’s outdoor sports, famous climbers, travelers, or adventurers. The trek starts at a very comfortable temperature and goes gradually up to the Himalayas. Of course, the legendary trekking trail has been destroyed by road extension however the walking path is created by the side or alternatively. In the former time, Annapurna Circuit trekking needed month-long holidays but the road development made it shorter now. So that trekkers can make the Annapurna circuit trekking minimum in a week and can extend according to their own time schedule.

Trekkers must drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar or nearby places by bus or private vehicle and sift into a local jeep service. Buses, cars, or taxis can’t drive on that road except four-wheel drive, local jeeps are providing daily driving from Besisahar to Manang. We don’t recommend trekkers directly drive to Manang due to altitude problems.

Jeep Drive from KTM
Local Jeep Drive from Besishar to Jagat

If you are taking a private four-wheel drive from KTM then just drive up to Jagat or Maximum to Chame (headquarters of Manang District) then start trekking. Going directly to the very high altitudes is a big risk of altitude sickness. If someone is well-acclimatized at high altitudes then can be driven directly to Manang at 3500 meters above Sea level otherwise it is not recommended.

Annapurna trail

Annapurna Circuit trekking provides really magical joys of nature, cultures, traditions, history, geography, and anthropology. It begins at a greenery terraced agricultural field with picturesque villages and rounds up into the arid panoramic landscape and crosses over 5,416 mtr Thorong- La pass at the Himalayas. Walking through the beautiful Bhanjyang (hilltop), passing Rivers with suspension bridges & waterfalls, crop fields, landslide sections, sacred temples, Stupas, Monasteries, Chortens, and holistic Caves. Visiting different ethnical groups with different hospitalities, spending nights at their lodges, eating hygienic foods, zigzags up and down trails, amazing flora and fauna, beautiful yaks, enormous Glaciers, mind-blowing snow-capped mountain views, Lakes and alpine pastureland is a rewarding lifetime trek.

Annapurna Himalayas

Instead of big and high mountains, there are many things to do and places to see on this trek such as Ngawal Cave, Ice Lake hiking, Gangapurna Base Camp hiking, Annapurna III Base Camp hiking, Holistic Milerepa Cave visit, Manang Monastery, Braka Monasery, Tilicho Lake excursion, Muktinath holistic temple, Jharkot Monastery, Kagbeni Monastery and Kaligandai River bank walking. If the trek is extended from Muktinath or Jomsom then pass through the world’s deepest gorge at Danaque to Tatopani and take the magical natural hot spring bath with sips of cold drinks. Plunging into a hot spring will relax and reinforce your tired muscles well. Hiking up to Ghorepani and attending the regionally dominant splendid Poonhill viewpoint and mystical views is a lifelong reward of the tour. Trekkers may end their trek at Banthanti and drive to Pokhara or continue some more days via the famous Ghandruk Village from Ghorepani.

Itinerary

Arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, greeting with marigold garland flower and transfer to your hotel.

Trekking preparation day or you can make the sightseeing tour around UNESCO” S world heritage sites. And then free time, farewell dinner with a trekking briefing in the evening.

Take a morning overland drive along the Prithvi highway to Dumre and leave the road to Pokhara by turning right valley towards Marsyangdi River until you arrive at Besishahar. Prithvi highway is one of the most important roads connecting Kathmandu with western parts of Nepal including India that’s why you may stock several times along the highway until “Muglin” a little town. The road from Muglin to Pokhara is also under widening construction so you may have bumping drive till Dumre. This drive will be enjoyable, exciting, and adventurous because of different natural diversities, cultures, people, and villages, along the famous Trisuli River bank.

You must change the vehicle at Besisahar. The road is already extended till Manang from Besisahar so that better to take a jeep ride until the Jagat while the trekking trail is already destroyed by the road otherwise trekkers must walk along the dusty rough road. Starting trekking from Jagat has two benefits one is for altitude reserve and the other for walking along old scenery trekking trail.

 

Start you’re trekking after breakfast, beginning of the trek must follow along the road until Chamche village. The sky touching looks like hills standing on both sides of the River, Wild bees, and beautiful waterfalls are major attractions of the day. Avoid the road at Chamche, cross another side of the River over a suspension bridge, and walk via the classic trekking trail to Taal. Taal is a very beautiful 1st settlement of Manang District and has been destroyed many times by natural disasters. There is a very interesting old trekking trail from Taal to Dharapani but it is closed during the rainy season due to landslides and rock falling problems. If it is closed cross the suspension bridge beyond Taal and walk along the street to Dharapani and overnight at a local tea house.

The valley extends westward through the heavy bushes of fir and pine forests. After half an hour of walking, we reach Bagarchap (2160m) the village was once swept away by the flooded avalanche. After 25 minutes of walking you get in touch with Danaque village then walk steeply up to Timang village (2100m) through the forest.

Timang

From Timang you will have excellent views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II (7937m), and Annapurna III (7555m). Make a small break in this typical Tibetan architectural village. Their typical homes are very beautiful with stacking firewood on the roofs in preparation for the long, hard winters. The village marks the transition between the lower wet valleys and the higher dry arid areas of the Manang Valley. The path is gradually flat to Thanchok (Buckwheat, potatoes, and barley land) then Koto to the headquarters of Manang district Chame (2685m).

After breakfast slowly scale up the way, Mt. Annapurna II, III, and Lamjung are still very close to your panorama. You see the village Bratang (former Khamba rebels) settlement where you can buy some local apples if it is in the harvesting season. Then the zigzag path continues mostly into the pine forests, crosses the suspension bridge below a long and bowl-shaped rocky Collins then climbs up. It would take almost 1 hour to arrive at Dhukur Pokhari for a lunch stop. This place would be one of the best places within your trekking due to the fantastic and massive views of mountains and a gorgeous valley. There are two Pissang villages upper side and the lower side, we recommend you stay at lower Pissang due to the lower altitude. Take some warm drinks and hike up to Upper Pisang, the monastery for an evening visit, and descend to Lower Pisang overnight.

Pisang
Lower Pisang village

 

Avoid the road walk via Hongde airport, and follow the trail to another side of the River that is much more interesting and beautiful. The trail goes easily through the black pine trees and offers panoramic views of several Mt. Annapurna ranges, Chulu ranges, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, and Pisang Peak. After some hours of demanding climbing you arrive at Gyaru village one of the oldest Tibetan settlements. Enjoy the paradise-looking views with warm tea here for some minutes then the trail goes mostly flat zigzag to Ngawal village for lunch. The trail from Nar Phu comes to meet in this Tibetan typical village. You see everywhere every house's rooftop is widely staked with a lot of firewood. It is believed that those who have a lot of firewood stored on the rooftop that is a proud and rich family. Along the way, you will see an airstrip Hongde Airport of Manang District that operates only seasonal flights. The trail descends to a fairy pine forest flat valley and continues to Braka a famous old settlement. Braka village has one of the oldest beautiful monasteries, it will take half an hour to reach Manang village the hidden paradise land of Manangies.

Lama
Buddhist ceremony at Manang

 

Manang is a tight compact village with about 550 flat-roofed houses set amongst spectacular scenery. The huge icefall of Annapurna rears over the village. Annapurna II Annapurna III, IV, and Gangapurna are towering to the southeast, with Tilicho (7132m), RocNoir (7485m), and the Grand Barrier to the west. Chulu West (6630m) and East (6200m) are on the Northern. The rest day is designed to aid acclimatization and we can choose to relax, walk in the city, or trek above the village where there are great views. We highly recommend you make a day hike up to the Ice Lake, Milerepa holistic cave, or Gangapurna Glacier rather than staying in the town.

Tilicho trail
The trail to Tilicho Lake

The trail separates just 200 meters away from Manang village and follows the River bank trail to Tilicho base camp. The Tanki village is just above the stupa that is known as the old Manang village. Keep following easy walking along the rough road by crossing a suspension bridge to the old Tibetan settlement Khangsar village. The trail slowly starts uphill from Khangsar village passes via a majestic newly-built Monastery and arrives at Shree Kharka for the lunch break. The trek is mostly easy however you must be very careful after Shree Kharka because the trail is narrow and pass through rock rolling cliff. Wild animals such as blue sheep, foxes, and yaks often pass high above the way, ice melting after the sun shines, strong wind blows, etc. making rocks fall. You must watch the upper site time by time during your walk. If rocks fall then run ahead, back, or hide in the wall and wait until the end and make a chance to escape immediately. The views are so pretty for the day including the beautiful valley outlet. The massive Himalayas with panoramic scenery is the major attraction for the day. Tilicho Base camp has only very limited hotels or lodges so it might be very full however they provide good rooms and a hot dining room with a fire (Yak dung) hitting system.

Tilicho Lake is known as the Lake at the highest altitude in the world. Start your hiking very early in the morning. Take a packed breakfast with enough drinking water, you must not bring everything with you for hiking. Just bring your personal day hiking rucksack including warm clothes and some energy bars. The morning is very cold and demanding way up from the rocky moraine and glacier. It would be warm after the sun's shine but it is mostly windy so that better to wear your gore tax on. You will need 3.5 hours to arrive at the heavenly beautiful Tilicho Lake. The popular adventure route Mesokanta Pass trekking belongs to this route. If someone makes Mesokanta to Jomsom trekking that may need climbing and sure tented equipment with sufficient carrier. Enjoy your time in the Lake with rounding paradise and return to the Base camp for lunch. Make a bag pack and return to Shree Kharka overnight.

Way to yak Kharka

walking along the barren yak pasture field with panoramic views of Mt. Chulu, Pisang, Manang Valley, and Gangapurna Mountain makes the trek heavenly and joyful. Descend to the Riverside and slowly start climbing on the way up to catch the legendary circuit trail. The trail is often gradually climbing via some settlement to the yak kharka.

The distance is not so long however it takes a long time to arrive at Thorong Phedi. The gradual walking in the deep Himalayan valley will lead and provide enormous joy, also you will see some roaming groups of blue sheep. It ensures that a slow walk and enough drink is a good acclimatization method in the high mountain excursion. We cross the Jarsang Khola on a covered bridge and then follow the left bank of the river over loose scribes on the steep-sided valley. We will arrive at Thorong Phedi by lunch and have an afternoon free to relax and prepare for crossing the pass the next day. For better ensure of altitude sickness, we advise you not to go high camp overnight. Most of the trekkers think that they better go to a high camp and sleep there which would make their way easier for the next day. The high camp is at 4800 meters. Altitude so that it may produce altitude sickness over the night. So start earlier in the morning but be and make sure your Mission (pass) by staying at lower Phedi.

Thorongla Pass
Thorongla Pass 5,416 Meters

Breakfast should be made very early in the morning and ascend up to the high camp. The trail to high camp is steep uphill then gradually crosses several false-up climbing summits before reaching some stone cairns marking the true crest of the pass at 5416m. In fine conditions, the views from the pass are truly fantastic offering an amazing panorama of the Annapurna, Mukut, Mustang ranges, and the Kali Gandaki valley far below. From the past it is steep, slippery, and long descends to Muktinath but compensated with enormous views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and other beautiful natural paradises. Keep walking via Phedi, it is sure long descending from the pass to Muktinath Temple where you spend your overnight.

Muktinath temple is equally important for both Hindus and Buddhist religious. Thousands of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims visit Muktinath across the whole world. It is better to have a temple tour in the morning before your breakfast. Thousands of pilgrims are queuing and holding the offering to the temple. Muktinath means to get rid of the sins that are done in the lifetime. The main temple is called Bishnu (the deity protector) Behind the temple there are 108 running taps to offer the fresh ground growing water shower for pilgrims. The Nunnery Water Monastery with 24 hours of flame burning including several religious monuments. Bronze bells, Tibetan prayer flags, Buddhist stupas, monasteries, Ocean caves, and many other religious sites are the property of this heritage.

Muktinath

Get down to the hotel make your breakfast and start walking via a hidden Tibetan typical village Jhong to Kagbeni. The village is full of Tibetan tradition with several Buddhist remarks, the walking trail provides a Moonly landscape and finally joins the Kagbeni the conjoint point of upper Mustang and lower Mustang overnight at the local hotel.

The trek from Kagbeni-Jomsom- to Tatopani is completely invaded by the road, that’s why it is a better idea to get drive jeep. Walking along the dusty, windy road does not make it interesting. It may take 5 hours of rough tough driving via Jomsom, Marpha, Larjung, Kalopani, and the deepest gorge Danaque to Totopani. Take some warm drinks then go to take a warm bath at a natural hot spring. Swimming in hot springs with ships of cold beer may offer an unforgettable joy of travel.

Follow the Kaligandaki River for a while and take the uphill climb towards the left hill. Today is mostly gradual climbing through the different villages, terraced fields, and greenery rhododendron forest. Lunch will be in the famous British Gurkha village Shika and loom into a protected tropical forest walk with panoramic Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri views decorated on the left. Finally, a village appears on the fold of hilltop cradled by a rhododendron forest Ghorepani (a paradise pun settlement) overnight at the local lodge.

Wake up early in the morning and start around 5: 30 AM for a poon hill (3200mtr) excursion for unobstructed views of the Himalayas with bloomy sunrise. You will see the Daulagiri ranges Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri range, Annapurna range, Fishtail, Manaslu, and nicely decorated green meadows of landscape valley. Get down to the hotel for breakfast and start your trekking via the beautiful rhododendron forest along the ridge trail towards Deurali, Banthati to Tadapani. Tadapani is really a very beautiful small village in the middle of the forest. The Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna II, IV, and Mt. Lamjung are panoramic views from here.

Sunny garden with surrounding natural paradise makes the enjoyable breakfast in the hotel yard. Walk down to the popular Ghandruk Gurung village through the den rhododendron forest. It is a part of the prime rhododendron forest in the Annapurna region. The white languors, some other wild animals, and Himalayan birds mostly appear in this part. The trail is simply rough tough down stairs till the village. Reach the hotel take a hot shower and make an excursion around the famous village including a Museum Visit.

Drive out from Ghandruk by private jeep via, Syauli Bazaar, Birethanti, Nayapul, Kande to Pokhara about 3.5 hours. You will see so many local villages, terraced fields, Mountains, Rivers, Landscapes, and forests on the way. Jeep will be stopped in some places from where you will see perfect views. You will arrive in Pokhara by noon time and take free or private time in Pokhara. Overnight at the luxury hotel

Visiting the international museum, Davi’s Fall, Gupteswor temple, and Lake Side are quite interesting in Pokhara. The tour will be over in the afternoon then take time for shopping and relaxing at the hotel. Evening dinner will be at the good restaurant around the lakeside.

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