The Annapurna and Tilicho Lake Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m).

 Arrival in Kathmandu, depending on your flight times. Welcome by your local guide at the airport exit with a sign from the agency and transfer to your hotel.

Briefing and presentation of the course of the stay. In case of arrival in the morning, day of rest or possibility of visiting the tourist district of the Thamel, for those who wish, your hotel is in the heart of the tourist city.

Day 2: Kathmandu (1350 m) to Besisahar (760 m) to Jagat (1310 m)

Early wake up, breakfast at the hotel then drive along the Trisuli River. Stop for lunch then continue the drive to Besisahar for a change of vehicle. The journey continues by local jeep on the track leading to Jagat. Arrival in Jagat, dinner and overnight stay.
 

The journey between Kathmandu – Besisahar is by private transport and Besisahar to Jagat by jeep or local bus.
- About 4 to 5 hours’ drive to Besisahar (172km tarmac road)
- About 2 hours’ drive to Jagat (34km on track)

Day 3: Jagat (1310 M) to Dharapani (1960 m)

Today’s departure is around 7 am. We cross small Nepalese villages whose population is originally from Tibet. After crossing the suspension bridge of the Marsyangdi River, we climb towards the beautiful village of Tal surrounded by waterfalls. After the lunch break, a gentle climb up to Dharapani, the village of the typical Tibetan and Nepalese populations with its wooden houses, its manis walls and its prayer flags.

Day 4: Dharapani (1960 m) to Chame (2670 m)

This morning, we start around 8 am. We start our day with a gentle climb to the village of Bagarchap. Before entering the village, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Annapurna II which peaks at 7,937m. A beautiful little village, its manis walls and prayer flags decorate your pleasant morning. We continue the climb in a tropical forest before arriving at the village of Timag with a superb, beautiful view of the peaks of Manaslu, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal. We stop at Thanchok for lunch, then easy walk to reach the capital of Manang where we settle for the night. In the afternoon, there is the possibility of taking a short walk or enjoying a bath in the hot springs nearby (see with your guide on site).

Day 5: Chame (2670 m) to Pisang (3200 m)

Today is an easy day of walking in a forest dominated by impressive cliffs, a very gradual climb through villages and terraced crops. Lunch at Dhukur-pokhari, beautiful view of Annapurna II, Pisang peak, Chulu far east. After lunch, continue walking to Pisang. Arrival and installation then in the afternoon visit the old village of Pisang and its recently built monastery. Superb view of the peaks of Annapurna north face then descent to Pisang village.

Day 6: Pisang (3200 m) to Ngawal (3660 m) to Manang (3450 m)

Breakfast. Today we leave a little earlier. This day will allow you to discover the Annapurna massif north face, we gradually climb towards the village of Ngawal passing through the village Gyaru from where you can have a superb view of the enormous glacial barrier of the northern slopes of Annapurna II, III, IV, Pisang peak and Tilicho peak. On the right are the massifs of Chullu, Gangapurna, Tarke Gyang. The landscape is exceptional. Lunch break in Ngawal in front of the giant peaks then descent towards Braga, a very beautiful village then arrive at Manang.

Day 7: Manang (3450 m) Acclimatization Day (Extension to Frozen Lake optional)

This acclimatization day will be defined according to the metalogical condition and the group.

Option 1: Quiet awakening then departure towards the monastery perched on the hill from where you will have a superb view of the Gangapurna summit, the lake and the glacier. Return to the lodge for lunch then in the afternoon you will visit the rescue center, Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Nepal for a check-up and advice on altitude sickness.

OR

Option 2: Extension towards Lake Kicho (Ice Lake) (Frozen Lake) round trip. You will retrace your steps to reach the village of Braga then gradually climb towards Ice Lake. At the top, the efforts are rewarded by an extraordinary view of the Annapurna north face and the Manang valley.

Day 8: Manang (3450 m) to Tilicho Base Camp (4150 m)

This morning, after a good breakfast, we leave for three days of discovery on foot of the high mountains to the Tilicho lake. This constitutes a perfect acclimatization and a preparation for the passage of “Thorong La”, at 5416m.

Day 9: Tilicho Base Camp (4150 m) to Tilicho Lake (4919 m)

This day is dedicated to visiting Tilicho Lake located at an altitude of 4919m. Return to base camp.

Day 10: Tilicho Base Camp (4150 m) to Yak Kharka (4018 M) to Ledar (4200 m)

Head towards Yak Kharka and then to Ledar.

Day 11: Ledar (4200 m) to Thorong Phedi (4525 m)

Departure around 08:00 in the morning for Thorong Phedi. Another short stage but with a high-altitude level. Arrival at Thorong Phedi for lunch. A night in Fedi is essential before crossing the “Thorong la pass”. Try to rest as much as possible in view of the long day the next day.

Day12: Thorong Phedi (4525 m) to Thorong La Pass (5416 m) to Muktinath (3760 m)

Today our goal is to cross the Thorong La Pass which peaks at 5,416m. Very early wake-up, breakfast before a steep climb of about an hour to the high camp then a gradual climb to the 2nd tea shop. We stop for a good black tea then continue walking towards the Thorong pass. Here we are at the summit, you are in the heart of the Himalayas at the highest point of your trek, surrounded by the most beautiful and highest peaks. A few photos for the souvenir then a long descent to Muktinath the pilgrimage site, arrival, installation.

Day 13: Muktinath (3760 m) to Lupra (2790 m) to Marpha (2690 m)

We are at the gates of Mustang, the villages of Muktinath and Kagbeni are the
first gateways to this valley. The landscapes open onto the Tibetan plateaus and offer a new
view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak, Nilgiri. Short climb to a pass then descent to Lupra, then to Jomsom and Marpha.

Day 14: Marpha (2690 m) to Road to Tatopani (1190 m)

Direction to reach the village of Tatopani. This one is in front of the Nilgiri massif and welcomes many national and international tourists. It is an essential stop on the way to Mt. Annapurna, Mustang and Dhaulagiri. It is also known for its hot spring: Tatopani, meaning "hot water". The waters, at more than 40 °, flow into two pools: pilgrims and visitors relax there. Nepalese believe that they can cure their ailments by bathing in these places. It is the best place to relax and rest before leaving for Ghorepani.

Day 15: Tatopani (1190 m) to Ghorepani (2875 m)

After crossing the Kali Gandaki River, we start a climb towards the village of Ghara (1,768 m) then an hour later to the village of Sikha (1,920 m) then we continue the climb for two hours, through terraced crops, to Chitre (2,316 m) then continue walking to the village Ghorepani.

Day 16: Ghorepani (2875 m) to Poon Hill (3193 m) to Pokhara (820 m)

Get up at dawn and leave for the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3193m to admire the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs as well as the Kali Gandaki, Mustang and Dolpo valleys. A perfect place to take a nice selfie and souvenir photos then return to the lodge for a good breakfast then long descent to Birethanti then Nayapul then road to reach Pokhara by private transport, 40km / About an hour's drive.

Day 17: Pokhara (820 m) to Kathmandu (1350 m)

After breakfast, departure by road to reach Kathmandu. The journey allows you to enjoy one last time the rice fields and fields of crops as well as the Trisuli River. Break for lunch, then continuation of the journey. Arrival around 3/4 p.m. and installation at the hotel. It is possible to take advantage of the Thamel district to make souvenir purchases.

Day 18: Departure for Home

As per schedule, return flight to your destination. Your guide will take you to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure.

Additional information about the circuit: 

• The walking time is given as an indication, it is an estimated average. Good physical condition is essential for this trekking. Depending on the weather conditions and the physical condition of the group, the guide may have to modify the program, if necessary,
• Accommodations indicated are subject to availability,
• This trek is of a difficult level, takes place on average then gradually in altitude and accessible to all good walkers, of 16 consecutive days of walking with a maximum altitude of 5416m, the Thorong La Pass which peaks at 5416m. Positive elevation gain of + 1680m and negative elevation gain of - 1770m. About 4 to 7/8 hours of walking per day on suitable trails. You start your trek at 1310m altitude with many climbs and descents in steps, sometimes steep but acclimatization to the altitude remains very gradual. To carry out this trek in the best conditions, we recommend that you practice a sporting activity at least 1 to 2 times a week 2 months before your departure.