Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill - 20 Days

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

When we arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Traverse will meet us and take us to our hotel. Once we check in, we'll have some time to rest. We might also take a walk around Thamel, which is a popular area in Kathmandu for shopping and getting souvenirs. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner organized by Himalayan Traverse. The dinner will feature delicious traditional Nepalese food, giving us a chance to experience the local cuisine.

Included meals:Dinner

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.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1100m/3608 ft): 8 - 10 hours

We start our long journey to Syange early in the morning. Along the way, we have the chance to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Nepal, with its lush green hills, meandering rivers, terraced fields, and of course the majestic Himalayas. We spend the night in Syange.

Day 04: Trek from Syange to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7 - 8 hours

After crossing a large bridge near Tal, we enter Manang district. The trail goes through fields of barley, rice, and potatoes, with waterfalls still present along the way. We pass through the village of Kodo before arriving at Dharapani, which is one of the largest villages in the Manang valley. We stay overnight in Dharapani.

Day 05: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours

Today, we trek along steep forested ridges and navigate a few landslide-affected sections on the way to Chame. Along the route, be sure to look up and enjoy the remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525 m). We also pass by small natural hot springs, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate during the trek.

Overnight stay in Chame.

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

Today, we trek through a steep and narrow valley to reach our first view of the Paungda Danda rock face, an impressive curved cliff rising 1,500 m from the river. From this vantage point, we also enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast. The trail then descends to the Manang Valley floor, allowing us to take in the captivating Himalayan landscape.

Overnight stay in Pisang.

Day 07: Pisang to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft): 6 - 7 hours

From Pisang, there are two routes to Manang. We take the route via Upper Pisang and Geru, which offers spectacular views of Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and surrounding mountains. As we approach Manang, the climate becomes colder and drier. Along the way, we make a short visit to Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang district, adding a spiritual and cultural highlight to the trek.

Overnight stay in Manang.

Day 08: Manang: Acclimatization day

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To acclimatize and stay fit for the upcoming trails, today we enjoy a short hike to Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. For those with extra energy, an additional hike to Vraga Village is possible, where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association to learn about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and high-altitude safety.

Overnight stay in Manang.

Day 09: Manang to Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft): 4-5 hours

From Manang, we head out through the western gates and follow the path down to the river. After crossing the river, we continue along its southern side through coniferous forests. Reaching Kangsar Village, we trek further uphill toward Siri Kharka, passing a monastery along the way. The climb may be challenging, but the stunning views of Gangapurna Himal and Mt. Chulu provide a breathtaking backdrop and make the journey worthwhile.

Overnight stay in Siri Kharka.

Day 10: Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours

While the path from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp isn’t very steep or physically strenuous, it could be exhausting as we have to walk on narrow paths in loose scree and landslide area. Our trail goes through the middle of the landslide area whereby we can see impressive rock formations along the trail. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka: 5-6 hours

After the initial tough, steep, switch backed ascent, our trail continues to hug the side of the mountain in a gradual to steep incline before reaching the watershed. On the way we enjoy yaks and deer grazing above and below our trail. On the other side is Tilicho Lake, a large spectacularly set lake nestled at the foot of the north face of Tilicho Peak. The lake was reffered to by the leader of the French expedition team as ‘The Great Ice Lake’. The Lake also holds an important place for the Hindus as this sacred lake features in one of the holiest texts of the Hindus, The Ramayan. We retrace our step and return to Siri Kharka. Overnight in Siri Kharka.

Day 12: Siri kharka to Yak kharka (4040m/13,020ft):4-5 hours

We leave Siri Kharka and descend toward Khangsar Village, passing Tare Gumba, a thousand-year-old monastery that holds great significance for the local community. Khangsar is mostly uninhabited, with only occasional herders visiting during festival times.

From Khangsar, we follow a rock wall trail and continue until we reach a seasonal bridge in the Thorong Khola Valley. After crossing the river, we ascend to a plateau and trek further until we arrive at Yak Kharka.

Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

Day 13: 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 furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La.  On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.

Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7 - 8 hours

Today’s ultimate objective is crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. We cross the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath), the safest and most manageable direction.

We start early, around 3:00 AM, and ascend the mountain under the morning sky. Upon reaching the top of Thorong La Pass, the breathtaking views make every step of the journey worthwhile. After capturing photos and soaking in the panorama, we descend into the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the pass.

Overnight stay in Muktinath.

Day 15: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m/3937ft): 6 - 8 hours

In the morning we visit the Muktinath Temple which a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. In Hinduism, the temple is believed to be a sacred place called Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the "place of liberation or moksha". After a visit to the sacred place, we drive to Tatopani and spend the night.

Day 16: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours

We leave the Kali Gandaki Valley and head up the Ghar Khola Valley, trekking through terraced farmland surrounded by majestic mountains. Along the way, we pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre, eventually entering a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom, the towering rhododendron trees, some reaching up to 100 feet, are adorned with vibrant pink and red flowers, creating a spectacular scene.

Continuing further, we arrive at Ghorepani, a charming village perched atop a ridge, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas.

Overnight stay in Ghorepani.

Day 17: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 - 7 hours

To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, we begin an early morning climb along the steep trail to Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,529 ft), one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. From this viewpoint, we can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Mustang, Pokhara, and over 20 of the highest Himalayan peaks, including close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snow-capped mountains glow beautifully in the morning light, creating a truly unforgettable scene.

After taking photographs, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then we continue eastward, climbing a nearby ridge before descending through rhododendron forests and past spectacular waterfalls, finally reaching Tadapani for the night.

Overnight stay in Tadapani.

Day 18: Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara: 5-6 hours trek and 1 hour drive

The trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk takes us through a dense rhododendron forest, offering a serene and scenic journey. After some trekking, we arrive at Ghandruk, a hillside village with traditional stone houses, primarily inhabited by the Gurung community. From the village, we enjoy stunning views of Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

We continue trekking to Naya Pul, where we then drive back to Pokhara.

Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 19: Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu: 25 min

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free for relaxation or souvenir shopping. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Final departure

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative of Himalayan Traverse will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight.

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