Tilicho Lake and Round Annapurna Trek - 19 Days

After a brief rundown, you’ll enjoy a day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu City and its surroundings. Early in the morning, you will pay a visit to the sacred Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holiest Bagmati River. Continuing with the sightseeing you’ll now stop by the sacred Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath which dominates the horizon is one of the largest Stupa in the world and Swayambhunath also nicknamed “Monkey Temple”.

If the time is on our side then, we will also visit the city of fine arts: Lalitpur flaunts exceptional fine arts compel the one observing it. The city also harbors a Durbar square with impressive engravings on the wooden surfaces representing various deities where you can visit Krishna Temple, Kumbheswore Temple, Golden Temple, and many more. The tour concludes with the final visit to Basantapur Durbar Square.

The Durbar Square that showcases the living goddess Kumari, the freak street, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, etc. looks awe-inspiring under the fading sun. A walk around here observing radiant sunset will infuse you with delight.

Today we will now head from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Beshishahar utilizes about 7-8 hours on a tourist bus/private vehicle depending on traffic conditions. The drive continues via Prithvi Highway till Dumre then, we will take a turn to north heading to a constricted but paved secondary road to Beshishahar.

We can observe beautiful landscapes that include agricultural farmlands, forested hillocks and small human settlements situated south of the Himalayan foothills accompanied by the river Trishuli and Masryangdi which flows along the roadway. Proceeding with the voyage, we now drive to Bhulbhule (8,40m)

Your first experience of trekking starts from right here, right now. Today, we begin from crossing the river Masryangdi on a wooden bridge and keep on with the river’s right from the point where it bifurcates.

We now follow the trail that passes through few terraced fields and tropical trees. Shortly, we will get first sightings of the mighty Mount Manaslu, the 8^th highest peak in the world at 8163m above sea level, as well as Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli and arrive at Ngadi. From here, the trail ascends abruptly to a small Hindu village of Bhaundanda (1,300m).

The village consists of a few teahouses and shops. Afterward, the trail steeply descends to Syange (1,080m). Following the trail, we walk across the river Masryangdi on a suspension bridge and pursue the calm river and ascend to the rocky village of Jagat (1,330m). Now the trail moves down and as it passes across the Ghatte Khola stream, it again ascends through the forest to the Village of Chamje (1,410m).

Keeping in mind about today’s 5-6 hours long trek to our final destination, we ascend the abrupt stone steps through the village of Sattle (1,680m), and then we walk by the potato, wheat, and barley fields, through the Rhododendron forest along the riverside. Finally, we ascend to the open highland of Tal where the magnificent village of Tal (1,700m) is settled.

Continuing the trek, we will climb up on the serpentine trail proceeding through the pine forest first, then the human settlements of Khorte and Karte (1,900m) to arrive at the small but elegant village of Dharapani (1,960m).

Today, first of all, we will register in Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office. We will now ascend through the forest of hemlock, blue pine, oak, and maple, all the way to the village of Bagarchhap (2160m) that reflects the Tibetan architecture. Following the trail established on the south bank of the river, we gently climb through the forest again to the valley of Danaque (2210m) encircled by apple orchards.

Then, we will walk across a suspension bridge and ascend to the Timang village (2600m). Sticking with the trial, we continue to the Koto village (2640m) which is also the gateway for Nar Phu valley trekking. From here onwards, the walk will be easy to the largest village and headquarters of Manang District: Chame Village (2,710m) where we can get appealing sight of the eastern flank of Lamjung Himal (6,983m) on a clear sunny day. The trek from Dharapani to Chame utilizes about 5-6 hours.

Today we continue trekking on the trail along the river bank, walking past by the buckwheat fields to Telekhu (2840m) then to the village of Bharatang (2,850m) that is enclosed by apple orchards.  Continuing the journey, we walk upward on the trail excavated on taper canyon walls, extended through the forest fragranced by pine trees to Dhukur Pokhari Danda (3,190m). When we look east, behind us we can get sight of a noteworthy colossal curve slab of rock known as Paungda Danda rock face also known as “Great wall of Pisang”.

We now stick with the trail that leads to Upper Masryangdi through an abrupt climb then continuing through the river valley to Pisang Village (3,300m). The village provides excellent sight of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. The starting of the upper portion of the Manang region is indicated by Pisang Village. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Pisang from Chame.

Today is the 8^th day of our adventure since we started from Pokhara. Today we trek from Pisang to Manang which will take about 4-5 hours. Leaving Pisang, we now ascend an abrupt hillock which grants us with the magnificent panorama of overall Manang valley and Tilicho Peak (7,134m).

We now will move down, passing by the Manang’s airstrip at Humde (3,420m). The north-east face of Annapurna III rises above us augustly when we arrive at the flatland.  Also, from the extensive plains of Sabje Khola Valley, the majestic Annapurna IV is perceptible. Further this point, we will walk across the river Masryangdi via a wooden bridge to the small human settlement of Munji.

As we move on the trail, we will observe agricultural land around.  We will also catch a glimpse of the village of Braga (3,500m) along with its splendid monastery that is the largest in the district below a rocky mountain as we proceed further.

The Himalayas along with its snow-capped peaks including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7454m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m) to the rear, present us with prepossessing vista. You will also catch the sight of Mani walls and large Chortens that exist in large numbers around there. After a brief but abrupt ascend, we will arrive at Manang (3,540m).

As we move up higher, the air too gets thinner. So, today we acclimatize to the environment currently present around us at Manang village and also provide some rest to our weary bones. It is also a good opportunity to do some laundry! If you don’t want to sit around, you can explore Milarepa Cave or Gangapurna Lake. You can get the sight of endless blue Gangapurna Lake at the bottom of striking Gangapurna Icefall.

But it is highly recommended to take some time acclimatizing to the higher altitude consisting of thin air that is expected in the upcoming days of our adventure. You can also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association outpost to receive some advice regarding high altitude sickness and precautions to be taken for continuing further.

Continuing the journey, we will trek to the Kangshar utilizing about 3-4 hours from Manang. Along the way, we can also detour to the glacier lake at the bottom of enormous icefall plummeting down from the northern scarp of sublime Gangapurna glacier.

Pursuing the narrow trail we arrive at the small village of Kangshar (3,734m) where the beautiful monastery is located.  You can find Chorten, Mani walls, and prayer flags everywhere. We can take pleasure in the exquisite and panoramic vista of Kangshar Khola and the grand barrier.

Pursuing the trail that mounts abruptly through Gumba and prayer flags. In between Gumba and Tilicho Lake, there is huge grassland where Blue Sheep are often observed grazing. Then, ascending across the Juniper treeline, on a path covered by small shrubs and meeting some small streams; we reach a vertex at the elevation of 4,650m with prayer flags presenting us with the view of the entire valley.

Moving down the abrupt path, we will reach Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m) where at trekking season we can have lodging facilities. We can take relish watching the splendid panoramic vista of Tilicho Mountain and many more. It will take about 5-6 hours to reach Tilicho Base Camp from Kangshar.

Today we will trek to Tilicho Lake, the lake situated at the highest altitude in the world which takes about 7-8 hours from Tilicho Base Camp (Including hiking hours required for the return trip). We hike on the trail that begins from a side valley that passes onto a rocky uphill then, forging an extended ascend to the elevation of 4,920m. From this elevation, we can observe the formidable view of Gangapurna Lake, Tarkeghyang, and Khangsar Kang village.

Being the lake situated in highest elevation, Tilicho Lake provides us with enchanting panorama along with the reflection of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, so heavenly and divine that we cannot believe it to be true, giving us a nostalgic feeling and making us believe that it is indeed, heaven on planet earth.

But most of the time, the lake stays frozen. After spending the moments of our lives and capturing it on our hearts, mind, and of course in our cameras at Tilicho Lake, we return back to Tilicho Base Camp via the same route.

 Today we will trek that leads to the north of the valley and abruptly climbs up leaving the huge trees underneath. We will now visualize alpine grasses and scrub juniper around the trail. We will then approach the route progressing past the wrecks of old Khangsar village, atop the current Khangsar Village that guides us to an unheeded trail that proceeds around then downward to walk across the mighty river Masryangdi via an aged bridge leading out of the Masryangdi Valley to the Gunsang Village (3,960m). This worn-out bridge is situated between the village of Yak Kharka and Gunsang.

Then, we will walk on the trail that passes across a large stream flowing from Gundang and Chulu West continuing further to the Mani wall situated in the pleasing grassland. Beyond here is the village of Yak Kharka (4,110m) where we can amuse ourselves by watching massive yaks grazing in the pastureland along with the elegant Annapurna II in the background under the deep blue sky. It will take about 6-7 hours of trekking to arrive at Yak Kharka from Tilicho Base Camp.

Leaving Yak Kharka, we hike about an hour to Chauri Ledar (4,250m) and progress further to ascend along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola then move downward and walk across a stream on a wooden bridge at the elevation of 4,310m. We can spot various birds like large lamer geiers, Himalayan griffons, and choughs (Crow-like bird) up above our head and animals like snow-capped leopards if we are lucky enough.

We now climb shortly on an easy trail to a tea shop located en route. Afterward, we proceed through a narrow trail over the elevated, unsteady inclined path to Thorong Phedi (4,420m) which takes about 3-4 hours from Yak Kharka. Even if our luck runs out and didn’t get to see any rare animals, no worries!! We still get to observe Blue mountain sheep or their herd en route or at Thorong Phedi.

Our trek begins today at early in the morning to Throng La pass at 5,416m above sea level. It’s because we must cross the pass around 9 or 10 am as the wind gets up later making the pass difficult to cross. After leaving Phedi, the trail suddenly becomes abrupt following rocky uplands but becomes easy later. After few hours of ascending, we will reach the top of the Pass adorned with a Chorten, stone cairn built by visitors, and prayer flags.

From the top, we can observe a formidable barren brown picture down into the scorched region of Tibet influenced Mustang valley/Kali Gandaki far below along with the 360^◦ views of the splendid snow-capped peak of Annapurna range, Mt. Gangapurna, and the heavily glaciated peak of Khatung Kang (6,484m). The sight is picturesque and jaw-dropping which will of course freeze you for few moments.

Also, at the top, there is a teashop where we can have hot tea/coffee enjoying the moment at the top but the shop only runs during the trekking season period. We now move down from the top of the Throng La Pass following the abrupt trail to Chabarbu (4,290m) where we can find small seasonal teahouses.

Further, the trail crosses grasslands, descends far down into a gorge, and then, ascends out to pursue an extended trial to the Muktinath (3,800m), a sacred shrine for both Buddhists and Hindus. It utilizes about 7-8 hours from Thorong Phedi to reach Muktinath via Thorong La Pass.

After paying a visit to the sacred shrine of Muktinath, we trek to Jomsom. We will observe the blankets of snow have covered the rocky land making it invisible to the outer world. Passing through various teahouses that offer tea and snacks, we can’t keep our eyes off the elegant snowscape and the mighty mountains that are too anxious to touch the endless deep blue sky; the enchanting picturesque which will pull our heart out of our body. We’ll also see and pass some ancient caves and rocky uneven terrain along with floating cloud overhead.

En route, we will come across numerous people selling handicrafts and merchandise to devotees or tourist that especially includes Shaligram: highly esteemed mollusk fossil to devotees or tourist. The trail wanders amid grassland, poplar, streams, and fruit trees to the lovely village of Kagbeni (2,804m), possessing gumba, shortens, and monastery.

Kagbeni is also a gateway to heavenly isolated Upper Mustang. Beyond here, we now proceed to the graceful city of Jomsom (2,700m) which takes about 5-6 hours long trekking through a blustery trail of the Kali Gandaki River.

Early morning, we will take a short but delightful flight to Pokhara which will take about 25 mins. The enchanting and irresistible sight of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif together with the view of the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki will blow you away, creating a memory in your mind that will never fade away.

After arriving at Pokhara, you can either spent your day relaxing and enjoying the facilities provided by your hotel, granting the much needed and deserved rest to your tired body, or you can just wander over the elegant city sightseeing various landmarks lithe Lakeside and its surrounding area, Bindyabasini Temple, Davis Falls and many more.

You can also relish by cycling around Lakeside and its surrounding area or boating across Phewa and Begnas Lake. Additionally, you can dine traditional, ethnic Nepalese cuisine making your trip memorable through all your five senses.

If everything went smoothly and all according to plan, you’ll have today as a contingency day which you can spend sightseeing around the alluring “Lake city” of Pokhara. Pokhara is renowned among the visiting tourist for its beauty and elegance. Your early morning begins with the view of sunrise over the majestic Annapurna massif and Mt. Macchapuchre. Apart from sunrise, these snow-capped peaks look divine by themselves.

You can visit the remaining landmarks of this beautiful city that you couldn’t visit yesterday. Places like World Peace Pagoda, Mahendra Cave, Bhadrakali Temple, Tal Barahi Temple, International Mountain Museum, Gurkha Museum, and much more. You can also visit Sarangkot, a hilltop located northwest of the city for enjoying enchanting sunset. Likewise, you can also take pleasure via adventure sports that the city offers.

Adventure sports like paragliding, skydiving, canyoning, rock climbing, bungee jumping, etc. can provide you with the adrenaline rush that can give your body much needed internal relief. Ultimately, you can also enjoy your final day in the city with an ethnic Nepalese dinner alongside live music and friendly people.

Today you will head from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a private vehicle/tourist bus via Prithvi Highway that takes about 7-8 hours depending on traffic conditions. The drive becomes significant as you get the chance to see crowded bazaars filled with busy people along with the colorful and vivid towns.

Also, you can see the street markets selling various day to day commodities, roads full of vehicles, people and animals (usually domestic) on the way to Kathmandu. Once arrive at Kathmandu; you’ll transferred to you hotel. You can spend rest of the day relaxing and enjoying hotel facilities or just wander around the city buying souvenirs and clicking pictures of your final moments in the city and in the country.

Today marks the last day of your stay in the country. After living together for so many days, sharing every emotion; it feels like we have known you from ages!! We hope that the short relationship we had, may change into a strong and long-lasting one.

We are really honored to have you here with us and proud that we together conquered the challenges that was laid before us!! If you want, you can plan and execute your next expedition with us, extending your stay in the country or you can fly back home. At airport, we will be with you to bid farewell and to make sure that you have a safe flight back home!! Cheerio!!