Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Base Camp

The journey of your trekking starts from Kathmandu by jeep/bus.The road beside Trishuli and Marsyangdi river, passing through Naubise And Mugling , terraced farms on the lap of the greenery hills like Chandragiri hills, Kurintar and Mahabharat range.At evening time,you reach Chame, the headquarters of Manang District, which is the most popular stop of the Annapurana Circuit trek.

The route passes through dense pine and fir forests beside the Marsyangdi River. The road passes through narrow villages and rocky hills. By crossing the suspension bridge over Marsyngdi River  and walking you feel awesome views and the beautiful village of Upper Pisang.Along the way, enjoy sightseeing views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Pisang Peak which is one of the most photographed parts of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

The day starts with a higher trail and the best mountain views in Annapurna Circuit.You can get experience of traditional villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal with Tibetan-influenced culture.Ghyaru and Ngawal feature centuries-old stone houses, Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, chortens, and colorful prayer flags, reflecting the region's Tibetan Buddhist heritage. After reaching Manang,views are seen with snow-covered peaks such as Annapurna II,Annapurna III, Annapurna IV,Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak.

After a short hike to Ice lake called Gangapurna you will be sightseeing from mountainous views of Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and Manaslu.  Here you are prepared for high altitude and body adjustment of thinner air level which helps to reduce altitude sickness. You will visit glacial lakes, Manang valley and Buddhist monastries.You will get various local shops around there with traditional Nepali cuisine where you enjoy freshly prepared meals such as Dal-Bhat,Thakali meals set, momos, noodle soups and locally grown apples.

The route of the trek crosses through the traditional village of Khangsar and then rocky hillsides having landslides with breathtaking awesome views of the surrounding mountains, Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks. The short trek into the narrow trail,climb to Tilicho Base Camp.You have to stay overnight at Tilicho Base Camp and prepare for Tilicho Lake the next morning.

Early in the morning, steps forward to Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest altitude  lakes of height 4,919m above the sea level in Manang District which is famous for its blue water. You experience the mirror views of mountains seen inside the blue water of Tilicho lake like Niligiri and Tilicho peak.  After spending time at the lake for photographs and to enjoy the scenery, trekkers descend carefully back to Tilicho Base Camp for a short rest and meal. The journey then continues downhill to Shree Kharka, where you will spend the night before rejoining the main Annapurna Circuit.

Today is the day to hike towards Yak Kharka where you see the himalayan yaks grazing in the alpine forest.It is an ideal place to rest, hydrate, and continue acclimatizing before the climb toward Thorong La Pass.You will also see  blue sheep called “Bharal” in nepali, himalayan birds like Siberian Stonechat, Olive-backed Pipit and Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch which are inhabitants in the himalayas. Here you find herbs like Yarsagumba and Kutki.

The route passes through dry mountain terrain to High Camp. As you reach high altitude, air becomes thinner as oxygen level gets down so you have to walk slowly and stay well hydrated. You will experience awesome views of the Annapurna and Damodar Himalayan ranges. After staying overnight here, you will prepare for hiking to Thorong La Pass early in the next morning.

Today is the most challenging, memorable and rewarding day of the trek, usually you start trekking around 3-4 AM  early in the morning to take advantage of calmer weather and reach the pass early in the day.The dawn of the day and climb gradually to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the journey. You can celebrate your journey achievement with spectacular 360-degree himalayan views before descending towards Muktinath temple which is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists Culture which is also  known for its 108 sacred water spouts, eternal flame, and peaceful monastery complex. The village also offers comfortable teahouses where you enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine like freshly prepared meals such as Dal-Bhat,Thakali khana sets and local apples.

After driving through the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley which is one of the deepest river valleys in the world, with impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.The route passes through several traditional Thakali villages, including Jomsom and Marpha which is famous for their apple orchards, stone houses, and local culture.From Marpha, the road continues south along the Kali Gandaki River, passing waterfalls, terraced fields before reaching Tatopani.You arrive at Tatopani where you get experience of natural hot springs water where you feel and relax after several days of hiking altitude.

The trek again started after climbing through beautiful forests filled with different colors of rhododendron,oak trees and bamboo forest.You get experiences of traditional Magar villages and local hospitality. Crossing the forest you reached Ghorpani village which is known as the incredible sunrise viewpoint.Peaceful overnight stay at Ghorepani, preparing for the famous sunrise hike to Poon Hill in the following morning.

Stay overnight at Ghorepani, hike started towards Poon Hill,from where you see sunrises with golden light from breathtaking panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The sunrise over the snow-covered peaks is one of the most memorable experiences of the Annapurna region.

The walk route passes through peaceful forests and traditional Gurung villages and brilliant views of mountain.After several steps of walking you reach Chhomrong also called gateway of Annapurna Base Camp,where the impressive peaks dominate the skyline.Overnight stay in Chhomrong, preparing for the journey toward Annapurna Base Camp.

The route passes through bamboo forests and rhododendron forest and you also cross several suspension bridges over mountain streams and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before arriving at Dovan.You get beautiful views of the Modi Khola gorge and surrounding cliffs which makes the mind fresh and energetic to hike forwards.The area provides a peaceful overnight stop before continuing toward Machapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.

A short trek from Dovan to Deurali takes you deeper into the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary.As you reached to high altitude,the landscape changes to a more alpine environment with dramatic mountain scenery from dense forests.Your journey continues through a narrow valley which is surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls between the cliffs.The herbal trees become thinner,the magnificent views of the valley and nearby mountains appear.Now you reach closer to Annapurna Base Camp.

Unforgettable views of Annapurna Sanctuary are seen before you enter Machhapuchhre Base Camp which is surrounded by  the some of the highest mountains in the world like Annapurna I,Annapurna South,Hiuchuli and Machhapuchhre.You get spectacular mountain panoramas views upon the arrival at Annapurna Base Camp.The breathtaking views of various glacial mountains feels the heaven in the Earth.

You enjoy the final sunrise at the base camp before descending through the same valley.After leaving the high alpine landscape behind, the  route of the journey crosses through glacial villages called Deurali village,Himalaya and Dovan. The route follows the Modi Khola valley,waterfalls and peaceful atmosphere streams from mountains.As the altitude decreases,the alpine terrain gradually gives way to dense forest,rhododendron and oak.The temperatures and rich herbal plants provides a refreshing contrast to the high altitude environment of Annapurna Base Camp. At Bamboo, you stay here overnight.

The final day of the trek begins with a scenic trek from Bamboo,the familiar forest path through bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest. After trekking and driving several hours you reached Jhinu Danda which is beside the Modi Khola River where you relax in the natural hot springs.After refreshing break you are driven to Pokhara in comfortable and accommodating lakeside restaurants.

Pokhara is the most beautiful and popular tourist destination of Nepal.The famous lake called Phewa Lake which is surrounded by  the green hills.You get boat rides to reach the temple Taal Barahi, situated on the small island, middle of the Phewa Lake. 

After Phewa Lake,you can enjoy unique views of the waterfall called Devis falls which disappeared into the underground tunnel.Besides this, you see Guptoshwor Cave which is the sacred cave of Lord Shiva. 

Then after a short drive you to the World Peace Pagoda from where you see a beautiful view of Phewa Lake. 

Pokhara is also known as an adventure destination, offering activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, boating, mountain biking, hiking, and ultralight flights over the Himalayas.

Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
Drive Time: 6–8 hours
Optional Flight: 25 minutes

After breakfast, return to Kathmandu by road or take a short scenic flight. Your unforgettable journey through the Annapurna region comes to an end, leaving you with lifelong memories of high mountain passes, alpine lakes, traditional villages, and some of the world's most beautiful Himalayan landscapes.