Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Private vehicle will take you to Chame via Besisahar Lamjung. Witness the highway lifestyle of Nepalese people while driving towards Chame. Trip up to Besisahar is smooth over black topped road but from Besisahar the trip can be bumpy. Hilly postal road might be treacherous but scenic view of mountains, hills and villages will be rewarding.

A steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice fields, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. We follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf, which juts out into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.

A steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice fields, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. We follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf, which juts out into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.

The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.

During high altitude trekking proper acclimatization is utmost necessity. For acclimatization we will do short hiking trips. Walking around Manang is also best way to acclimatize as well as understand geography and culture of people. Bhojo Gumba and Gangapurna Lake are usual short hiking destination on this day.

After a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we head off for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trekking trail meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang.

As we continue with our trek, further afield from Pisang we head along a steep ridge savoring beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang's airstrip, we come to Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get the majestic view of Annapurna IV [7525m]. Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, as the Marsyangdi Khola gushes below us. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m].

After reaching Manang, we take a day off for complete rest and adequate acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La. We can spend this day strolling down the river to see the tremendous ice-fall cascading down from the glaciated mountain peaks or by simply take in the panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range and the Manang Valley. A short visit to Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post makes for an interesting visit.

Journey can be arduous today because of uphill trail. Ledar Village is on the way and passing by the village we walk past high cliffs to reach Thorang Phedi. This is the last village before we cross world famous Thorong La Pass. You might have sore legs or tired muscles but heart will pound with astounding sight of mountains like Gundang, Thorung, Khatungkan and others.

Today is the most iconic day after the day when we reached Tilicho Lake. Crossing Thorong la Pass can be the most cherished moment of your life. From top of Thorong La pass panoramic view of mountains is marvelous. It is definitely a photographer’s paradise. Capture the moments on your camera in the world’s most famous high altitude pass. Upon crossing the pass we will reach Muktinath.

We will explore the harmonious temple of Muktinath and nunnery before walking downhill to Jomsom. The temple is the most sacred place for Hindus as they regard the temple as home of Lord Vishnu. Nunnery present in the area really symbolizes great harmony between Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal. Journey descends steeply towards Kaligandaki River and follows the river all the way to Jomsom (Windiest town of Nepal). This town on the bank of Kaligandaki River is alluringly placed as you can see mountains and alpine forests right in front of you from your room as well.

Scenic morning flight will take you to Pokhara. The view from flight could also be the one to remember as we will fly over hills, forests, villages and rivers with mountains in backdrop. Enjoy your evening in the Lake City Pokhara. There are numerous eateries and bars at Lakeside Pokhara where you can relax. The clamor of such vibrant touristic city can be rewarding for you after such a long walking holiday.

We will take private vehicle or tourist bus to get back to Kathmandu. Company management will host the farewell dinner in Nepalese cuisine restaurant.

Today is farewell, our representative will make your farewell with Buddhist Khada for your Best Journey. We will transfer you to international Airport for your Final departure.