Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek - 17 Days

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

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Traverse will welcome us and transfer us to our hotel. After checking in, we can take some time to rest and refresh. If desired, we may also explore the streets of Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist hub, for souvenir shopping. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted by Himalayan Traverse, featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine, giving you a delightful introduction to the country’s rich food culture.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual sites. Highlights include Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the famous Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. At noon, a pre-trek briefing will be held, giving you the chance to meet your trek leader and fellow team members. The Himalayan Traverse team will provide essential information about the trek and answer any questions, ensuring you are fully prepared for the upcoming adventure.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Drive to Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft): 6-7 hours

We start the day early and travel by road from Kathmandu to Chamje, a small village in the Annapurna region at an elevation of 1,430 m, which serves as the starting point of our trek. Chamje is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a refreshing atmosphere for the journey ahead. The village is also home to a picturesque waterfall, popular among both locals and tourists. We spend the night in Chamje.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 5 - 6 hours

We start the trek early in the morning, following a trail that passes through vegetable plantations, cascading waterfalls, and diverse communities believed to have migrated from Tibet. After crossing the suspension bridge below Chamje and ascending two steep sections, we arrive at the village of Tal. From Tal, we continue into the Manang district, passing through Kodo village and trekking along trails that wind up and down the mountainside. The day ends at Dharapani, one of the largest villages in the district, where we spend the night.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Today’s trek takes us across steep, forested ridges and a few landslide-prone sections en route to Chame. Along the way, we are treated to stunning views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525 m). The trail also passes by natural hot springs, offering a relaxing break from the day’s exertion. Chame, the headquarters of the Manang District in the Gandaki Zone, welcomes us for an overnight stay.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Today’s trek takes us along a trail with ups and downs, crossing several rivers and small, sparsely populated settlements. We enter a steep and narrow valley to witness the impressive Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic cliff rising 1,500 m above the river. From this vantage point, we also enjoy excellent views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast. The trail then descends to the Manang Valley floor, where we take in the captivating landscape.

Overnight stay in Pisang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

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

From Pisang, there are two possible routes to Manang. We take the path that passes through Upper Pisang via Geru, offering stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and surrounding peaks. As we approach Manang, the climate becomes colder and drier, adding a crispness to the air. Along the way, we make a short visit to Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang District, providing a cultural and spiritual highlight of the day.

Overnight stay in Manang.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08: Manang to Khangsar (3745m/12286ft): 2-3 hours

After breakfast, we continue our trek towards the village of Khangsar. The trail descends through a narrow gorge, offering glimpses of Tilicho Peak peeking through the clouds above. Along the way, we enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Annapurna range, passing through small picturesque settlements and visiting the Tore Monastery. The Khangsar River and surrounding cliffs provide dramatic views before we arrive at Khangsar for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Khangsar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours

From Khangsar, our trek heads toward Tilicho Lake Base Camp. The trail passes through wide grassy meadows, and after a gentle climb up a small hill, we are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Descending a steep section, we finally arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, where camping is the only accommodation available due to the remote location.

Overnight stay at Tilicho Base Camp.

 Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,138 ft) then trek back to base camp: 5-6 hours

After a challenging initial ascent, the trail moves onto a moraine and winds along the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar, and Muktinath peaks. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, we pause to admire its serene beauty. Depending on the season, the lake may reflect the surrounding peaks on its turquoise waters or remain frozen under ice. After enjoying this spectacular scenery, we return to Tilicho Base Camp for the night.

Overnight stay at Tilicho Base Camp.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11:  Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m/13,020ft): 4-5 hours

On our return from Tilicho Base Camp, the trail exits the Marsyangdi Valley, and the landscape gradually changes from forested areas to alpine vegetation. We pass through the ruins of old Khangsar village and cross a log bridge spanning the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. The village of Yak Kharka lives up to its name, with numerous yaks grazing and resting in the fields. The day also offers breathtaking views of Annapurna III before we settle in for the night.

Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Yak kharka to Thorang Phedi: (4420m/14501ft): 3-4 hours

The trek today takes us uphill to Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La Pass. Along the way, we cross a suspension bridge, pass through towering cliffs, and reach Ledar village before the final ascent. The journey rewards us with stunning views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan. In Nepali, the word “Phedi” means the foot of a mountain.

Overnight stay in Thorang Phedi.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 - 8 hours

Today, our ultimate goal is to cross Thorong La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. We follow the east-to-west route from Manang to Muktinath, which is considered the safest and easiest direction. Starting around 3:00 a.m., we begin the ascent under the early morning sky. Upon reaching the summit, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, and we take some time for photographs. After soaking in the scenery, we descend to the Muktinath Valley at the base of the pass.

Overnight stay in Muktinath.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft): 5-6 hours

Muktinath, a revered destination for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, is a truly picturesque location. We begin by visiting the Muktinath Temple, known for its sacred water spouts, where fresh water flows from streams above the temple. As we continue along the trail, we are treated to magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Along the way, travelers can purchase a fossilized mollusk called ‘Shaligram’ as a keepsake. The trek then passes through meadows, streams, and gentle hills before reaching Kagbeni, a village adorned with chortens (memorial stupas) and a small monastery. After a lunch break in Kagbeni, we continue through the windy Kali Gandaki Valley to arrive at Jomsom for the night.

Overnight stay in Jomsom.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft): 30mins

We fly to Pokhara after breakfast. The flight itself is spectacular; we fly while looking at views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and over the deepest gorge in the world. The warmer climate in Pokhara will definitely make us feel better. We can take a boat ride in the serene waters of the lake with the reflection of the Fishtail Mountain on its waters. We could also visit the Davis falls. In the evening, we can stroll around the lakeside area and buy souvenirs for loved ones. Overnight in Pokhara.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 16: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 30mins

Another short flight takes you back to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. We can take a rest in our hotel room and spend the rest of day in leisure. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Traverse to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 17: Final departure

Our representative will take us to Tribhuwan International Airport for our next flight, approximately 3 hours earlier than the scheduled time.

Included meals:Breakfast

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