Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake Trek

The adventure truly begins as you set off early in the morning on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Cheme. The journey takes you along the Prithvi Highway, offering spectacular views of the Trishuli River, terraced fields, and traditional Nepali villages. After reaching Besisahar, the road becomes more rugged as you continue through Syange, Jagat, Tal, and Dharapani, each settlement reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. The lush landscapes slowly give way to alpine scenery, signaling the start of the Annapurna Circuit. The drive is long, about 8 to 9 hours, but the changing vistas and the anticipation of the trek make it worthwhile. By evening, you arrive at Cheme, a quaint village surrounded by stunning mountain views. After checking into a teahouse, you can relax, enjoy a warm meal, and rest in preparation for the next day’s trek.

The first day of trekking begins as you leave Cheme behind, heading towards Upper Pisang. The trail meanders through dense pine forests, crossing suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. As you ascend, the landscape gradually changes, revealing majestic views of Annapurna II and IV. You will pass through picturesque villages like Bagarchhap and Dhukur Pokhari, where traditional stone houses and terraced fields showcase the local lifestyle. Upon reaching Upper Pisang, you are greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna range. The village’s traditional Buddhist monasteries and Mani walls add a spiritual charm to the place. As the evening descends, the snow-capped peaks turn golden with the sunset, creating an unforgettable view.

Today’s journey follows the high route from Upper Pisang to Manang, renowned for its incredible mountain vistas. The trail ascends steadily with the Annapurna range towering to your left. The walk is exhilarating as you pass through pine groves and alpine meadows. One of the highlights is Ghyaru, a traditional village perched on a hillside, offering panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna. The trail continues through Ngawal, where the architecture reflects Tibetan influence. After a few hours of walking, you descend to the wide valley of Manang. Nestled at the foot of towering peaks, Manang is vibrant with trekkers and locals, offering comfortable lodges and excellent dining options. In the evening, you can explore the village, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association for a short talk on altitude sickness, or relax and acclimate to the high altitude.

Acclimatization is crucial for a successful trek, and Manang is the perfect place to rest and adapt to the altitude. To help your body adjust, a short hike to either Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake is recommended. The walk to Gangapurna Lake is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers. Alternatively, the hike to Ice Lake is more challenging but rewards trekkers with panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Chulu ranges. During the day, you can explore Manang’s monasteries, visit the local museum, or relax at one of the bakeries popular among trekkers. This day of rest and exploration prepares you for the higher altitudes ahead.

Leaving Manang, you branch off from the main Annapurna Circuit to head towards Tilicho Lake. The trail ascends gradually through juniper and alpine meadows with spectacular views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III. After crossing a few suspension bridges and navigating narrow paths, you arrive at Shree Kharka, a small settlement perched on a hillside. The remote location provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for stargazing under the clear Himalayan sky. You will spend the night here, acclimatizing further before the journey to Tilicho Base Camp.

Leaving Manang, you branch off from the main Annapurna Circuit to head towards Tilicho Lake. The trail ascends gradually through juniper and alpine meadows with spectacular views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III. After crossing a few suspension bridges and navigating narrow paths, you arrive at Shree Kharka, a small settlement perched on a hillside. The remote location provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for stargazing under the clear Himalayan sky. You will spend the night here, acclimatizing further before the journey to Tilicho Base Camp.

Today’s trek is both challenging and rewarding. The trail is narrow and rugged, carved along steep hillsides with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys. Caution is needed as some sections are prone to landslides. After a few hours of trekking, you reach Tilicho Base Camp, situated at the base of Tilicho Peak. The base camp is a small cluster of teahouses catering to trekkers heading to Tilicho Lake. The evening is spent resting and acclimatizing, as the next day involves a strenuous hike to the lake.

An early start is essential to reach Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes. The ascent is steep and demanding, but the spectacular landscape and anticipation of seeing the lake keep you motivated. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, the stunning sight of its turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks is breathtaking. The serenity and majesty of this high-altitude wonder leave a lasting impression. After soaking in the views, you descend carefully back to Shree Kharka. The long and tiring day ends with a warm meal and well-deserved rest.

After a restful night at Shree Kharka, you will begin the day by ascending towards Yak Kharka, a high-altitude settlement known for its grazing fields and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail passes through a varied landscape of rocky paths, small rivers, and alpine meadows, with occasional sightings of yaks and other livestock. The altitude begins to be more noticeable, so it’s important to keep a slow and steady pace to avoid any altitude-related issues. As you approach Yak Kharka, the panorama opens up to reveal magnificent views of Annapurna II and IV. The area is peaceful and offers an opportunity to relax and acclimatize. After settling into your lodge, you can spend the evening soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

Today’s trek leads you from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the mighty Thorong La Pass. The trail begins with a steady ascent through a rocky landscape, with a few short descents. The altitude continues to increase, so taking regular breaks to drink water and catch your breath will help you stay energized. As you move higher, the view of Annapurna I and Thorong Peak becomes increasingly impressive. Thorong Phedi itself is a small settlement with basic teahouses where trekkers rest before making the strenuous push to Thorong La. Upon arrival, you’ll have some time to rest and prepare for the crossing of the high pass tomorrow.

This is one of the most anticipated days of the trek. You’ll begin your day before dawn to make the ascent to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit at 5,416 meters. The climb is steep and challenging, requiring a steady pace and determination. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky. Reaching the pass itself is a monumental achievement, and the breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges will make every step worthwhile. After spending some time at the top to take in the panoramic views and celebrate your accomplishment, you begin the descent to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The descent is steep but manageable, and as you reach Muktinath, the air becomes milder. Here, you’ll find the famous Muktinath Temple, a place of deep religious significance. After exploring the temple, you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of this spiritual location.

After your time in Muktinath, you’ll descend towards Jomsom, a major town in the region and the administrative center of Mustang District. The walk from Muktinath to Jomsom takes you through arid terrain with spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges. As you walk, you’ll pass small villages, ancient monasteries, and apple orchards, making it a scenic and pleasant day. The trail is mostly downhill, but you should still take it slow to avoid straining your knees. Jomsom itself is a bustling town with comfortable accommodations and a variety of shops and cafes, perfect for relaxing and reflecting on the trek’s success.

On Day 13, you take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, one of the most scenic short flights in the world. The flight offers you spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will have a chance to rest and unwind by Phewa Lake, exploring its serene shores or visiting some of Pokhara’s famous landmarks like the World Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwor Cave, or Devis Falls. This is your well-deserved break after several days of hard trekking, and Pokhara offers a range of activities to help you relax and recharge.

On this day, you will leave the calm and beauty of Pokhara behind as you head back to Kathmandu. You can either take a 6-7 hour drive through the beautiful countryside along the Prithvi Highway, or you can opt for a short flight (about 30 minutes) if you prefer a quicker and more comfortable route. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the day to relax, shop for souvenirs, or visit any landmarks you may have missed earlier in the trip. In the evening, Mountain King Treks will host a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can celebrate your incredible journey with your fellow trekkers and guides.

Your unforgettable adventure comes to a close today. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to enjoy a final stroll around Kathmandu, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs or visiting a temple. Mountain King Treks will ensure that you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey. As you bid farewell to Nepal, you take with you memories of stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and the accomplishment of completing the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek.