Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek - 17 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Traverse who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a res. We may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Traverse. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture.

Included meals:Breakfast

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 Traverse 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.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Drive to Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft): 6-7 hours

Starting the day early for the trek would be a good idea; we will travel by road from Kathmandu to Chamje village which will be the starting point of the trek. Chamje is a small village in the Annapurna Region at an elevation of 1430 m. There is a waterfall which is an attraction for both locals and tourists alike. The beautiful greenery all around will fuel us for the trek ahead. Overnight in Chamje. 

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 5 - 6 hours

We begin the trek early in the morning. The trail takes us through various vegetable plantations, waterfalls and mixed communities that are believed to have migrated from Tibet.  After crossing the suspension bridge below Chamje and climbing two steep sections, we reach the village of Tal. From Tal, we enter the Manang district. On the way we also pass through Kodo village and walk on the trail that rises and falls and cuts across a mountain side to one of the biggest villages in the Manang district, Dharapani.  Overnight in Dharapani. 

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

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 will be a sweet respite from the tiring trek and help us relax for a while. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District in the Gandaki Zone of northern Nepal Overnight in Chame.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours

Today the trail continues up and down, passing several rivers and sparsely populated settlements. We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500 m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna 2 to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. We descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

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 near Manang, the climate becomes colder and drier. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District, should cheer us up. Overnight in Manang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08: Manang to Khangsar (3745m/12286ft): 2-3 hours

After breakfast our trek continues up to the village of Khangsar. As we walk ahead, the trail cuts down through a gorge and the Tilicho Peak can be spotted shrouded in clouds far above.  We get to appreciate the natural beauty of the Annapurna range all along the way. We also pass through small scenic settlements and the Tore monastery and get to enjoy the breathtaking Khangsar River and the grand barrier before reaching Khangsar. Overnight in Khangsar. 

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours

As we begin the trek from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, we come across wide grassy fields and, after making a slight climb up a small hill, witness the glorious views of the entire valley. After trudging down a steep inclination, you now enter the Tilicho Base Camp. Camping is the only option as there are not many lodges out here. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp. 

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,138 ft) then trek back to base camp: 5-6 hours

After the initial tough ascent, our trail traverses onto a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain. However, the spectacular views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks are always close by to cheer us up. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, we get to admire its tranquil beauty. Sometimes reflections of the surrounding peaks are seen on its turquoise waters, at other times the lake remains frozen. We take a break beside the calm waters and soak-in the astounding views before heading back to the base camp. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp. 

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11:  Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m/13,020ft): 4-5 hours

When returning from the Tilicho Base Camp, the trail leads out of the Marsyangdi valley and the abrupt change in surroundings can be noticed as the trees are left behind and replaced with more alpine vegetation. Our trail continues through the ruins of the old Khangsar village, until we cross a log bridge over the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. The typical Himalayan village of Yak Kharka is an accolade to its name, as lots of yaks can be seen grazing and standing around. From here we also get breathtaking views of Annapurna III. Overnight in Yak Kharka. 

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: 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 further and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass.  On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 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.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft): 5-6 hours

Muktinath, an ultimate destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, is a beautiful place. We visit the Muktinath Temple before embarking on the trek ahead. There are water spouts where fresh water pours out channeled from the streams above the temple. As the trail extends we can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You can even buy a fossilized mollusk, called ‘Shaligram’ as a memento. We move ahead among meadows, cross streams and hills over to Kagbeni, a village laden with chortens (memorial stupas) and a small monastery. Continue the trek after a lunch break at Kagbeni and over to Jomsom on the Kali Gandaki Valley as the trail cuts through windy areas. Overnight in Jomsom. 

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft): 30mins

We fly to Pokhara after breakfast. The flight itself is spectacular; we fly while looking at views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and over the deepest gorge in the world. The warmer climate in Pokhara will definitely make us feel better. We can take a boat ride in the serene waters of the lake with the reflection of the Fishtail Mountain on its waters. We could also visit the Davis falls. In the evening, we can stroll around the lakeside area and buy souvenirs for loved ones. Overnight in Pokhara.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 16: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 30mins

Another short flight takes you back to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. We can take a rest in our hotel room and spend the rest of day in leisure. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Traverse to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 17: Final departure

Our representative will take us to Tribhuwan International Airport for our next flight, approximately 3 hours earlier than the scheduled time.

Included meals:Breakfast

(Note: Booking must be confirmed 6 months before in advance)