Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
The 16-day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and cultural immersion. Below is a detailed explanation of each day of the trek:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m / 4593 ft)
– Highlights: Arrival at Kathmandu airport, transfer to your hotel.
– Details: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the trek representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, there will be a briefing about the trek and preparations. Optionally, you can add a day for cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
Day 02: Trek Preparation & Jamacho Hike (2130m / 6988 ft)
– Highlights: Acclimatization hike to Jamacho.
– Details: A short acclimatization hike to Jamacho for adjusting to the altitude. You’ll also prepare for the trek, ensuring everything is set for the days ahead. The hike to Jamacho offers views of the surrounding valley.
Day 03: Drive to Dharapani via Besisahar (2060m / 6758 ft)
– Duration: 2-3 hours by drive.
– Details: You’ll take a scenic drive to Dharapani, passing through Besisahar. From here, the trek begins on foot. Dharapani is a small village that serves as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.
Day 04: Trek to Chame (2650m / 8694 ft)
– Duration: 6-8 hours.
– Details: The trek continues to Chame, the district headquarter of the Manang region. The route passes through lush forests and along the Marsyangdi River, offering great views of the surrounding peaks. Chame has small local lodges where trekkers can rest.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3240m / 10629 ft)
– Duration: 7-8 hours.
– Details: The trek leads to Pisang, which is known for its beautiful views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak. The village of Pisang is located in a valley surrounded by beautiful forests and offers views of the Annapurna range.
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3540m / 11610 ft)
– Duration: 6-8 hours.
– Details: Trek to Manang, a key stop on the Annapurna Circuit. Manang is a picturesque village where you can explore the Tibetan-influenced culture. Manang is also an important acclimatization stop to prepare for the high-altitude regions ahead.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Manang
– Highlights: Acclimatization at Manang.
– Details: A full rest day in Manang for acclimatization. You can explore the village, visit the local monastery, or hike up to nearby viewpoints to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna III and Gangapurna.
Day 08: Trek to Khangsar (3740m / 12235 ft)
– Duration: 4-5 hours.
– Details: From Manang, you will trek to Khangsar, a small settlement with views of the Annapurna peaks. This is a quieter part of the trek where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m / 13780 ft)
– Duration: 5-6 hours.
– Details: The trail continues to Tilicho Base Camp. This part of the trek takes you through a landslide-prone area, so extra caution is needed. You’ll spend the night at Tilicho Base Camp, which is the starting point for the next day’s trek to Tilicho Lake.
Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4919m / 16138 ft)
– Duration: 6-8 hours.
– Details: A challenging and scenic day as you trek to Tilicho Lake, the world’s highest lake at 4,919 meters. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountain views. After spending some time at the lake, you will return to the base camp for the night.
Day 11: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450m / 14640 ft)
– Duration: 5-6 hours.
– Details: The journey continues towards Thorong Phedi, which serves as the base camp for crossing Thorong La Pass. The trek is relatively short, allowing you to rest before the challenging day ahead.
Day 12: Cross Thorong La Pass (5416m / 17769 ft) and Trek to Muktinath (3800m / 12467 ft)
– Duration: 8-10 hours.
– Details: A very early start as you cross the Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters. This is one of the most challenging sections, as the altitude and steep incline make the climb difficult. After crossing the pass, descend to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist site, where you can visit the famous Muktinath Temple.
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom (2700m / 8858 ft)
– Duration: 5-6 hours.
– Details: After visiting Muktinath, the trek continues to Jomsom, which is a major hub for trekkers and a gateway to the Mustang region. The route offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Day 14: Flight to Pokhara
– Duration: 30-minute flight.
– Details: You will embark on a picturesque flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding landscapes. The flight offers amazing aerial views of the Annapurna range and the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can relax or explore the lakeside city.
Day 15: Rest Day in Pokhara
– Highlights: Rest and sightseeing in Pokhara.
– Details: Enjoy a rest day in Pokhara. You can visit places like Phewa Lake, Devi’s Fall, or the World Peace Pagoda. This day gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Pokhara.
Day 16: Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu
– Duration: 6-7 hours by drive or 25-minute flight.
– Details: Travel back to Kathmandu by either flight or drive. Once back in Kathmandu, you can enjoy some final activities like shopping or sightseeing. The trek concludes with a farewell dinner.
Key Highlights
– Thorong La Pass: The highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters.
– Tilicho Lake: The world’s highest-altitude lake.
– Scenic Views: Stunning views of peaks such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and many others.
– Cultural Immersion: Interaction with local communities, including Gurung, Manangi, and Tibetan influences.
– Trekking Terrain: Varied landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine deserts, showcasing the natural diversity of Nepal.
Best Time for Trekking
– Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November) are the best seasons for this trek, offering clear skies and mild temperatures, ideal for trekking in the Annapurna region.
This trek is a combination of adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for trekkers.