Tilicho Lake With Annapurna Circuit Trek

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met by a Sherpa Teams representative and taken to your hotel near Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.

This morning we will drive for about 5 to 6 hours before arriving at Besisahar - about 190 kilometers from Kathmandu. From Besisahar we will go by jeep to Syange where you will have some breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna II (7937m), Mt. Manaslu (8156m), and Mt Lamjung (6983m).

This morning we follow the trail through a gorge with incredible waterfalls cascading down into it and with a number of awesome views of snow-capped peaks along the trail. The winding trail leads us from Syange and via Jagat village (1410m) before coming to Chamje Village. After crossing the bridge there is a steep ascent before we reach the village of Tal (1700m) situated beside the Marsyangdi River. From Tal we continue on before reaching today’s destination, Dharapani village where we will stay the night.

Today we trek from Dharapani slowly climbing higher and with a noticeable change and cooler conditions. You will also notice a change in the terrain at this higher elevation as the trail passes through forests before reaching the Tibetan village of the Bagarchhap with its typical Tibetan architecture. Heading higher we come to the apple-growing region with farms along the way, pine forests and views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. We then follow the Marsyangdi River upstream and pass the villages of Manang and Koto before arriving at Chame. It is an easy walk from Koto to Chame where we will spend the night. Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang region.

Leaving Chame we pass through Telekhu Village and along the trail have some wonderful views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m). We then have to re-cross the river on a suspension bridge to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River. We then head higher passing a pine-forest as we trek through the upper reaches of the Manang valley to Pisang. Tonight we stay at Pisang.

The town of Pisang is the beginning of our trek in the upper Manang area. Today we follow the trail to Braga; a Tibetan village with its unique architecture and houses constructed one upon the other. One of Manang’s main attractions is its Gompa (Buddhist fortification), the largest in the Manang region. Manang is a popular destination with trekkers and is also a place to acclimatize before trekking to higher altitudes.

Medical professionals strongly recommend that before heading to higher elevations trekkers spend some time acclimatizing. They also suggest you stay active during this time. From Manang you will have some truly spectacular views of Annapurna II; Annapurna III (7555m); Gangapurna (7454 m); and to the south to Tilicho (7132 m); and the Grand Barrier (a 7000m ridge) to the west; Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) in the north. Today, to better acclimatize to these higher altitudes we will climb up to Khangsar (3756m). Tonight we stay at Manang.

This morning we leave Manang and trek for 4 to 5 hours before coming to Kangsar Village (3756m). The trail then heads uphill to Siri Kharka. The trail is physically demanding, but once we reach higher altitudes the views will make up for it. You will have some astonishing views of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. We have to be careful on this section of the trail to avoid slips on the rough stony path and the possibility of avalanches. Tonight we will stay at Tilicho Base Camp.

At around 4:30 am we get up and head to Tilicho Lake and then head back via Tilicho Base Camp where we will stop for lunch. We then head to Shree Kharka for the night.

We begin the day with a steady climb as pass the last village near Manang. As we climb higher we are rewarded with great views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and close up views of Chuli Peak. As we head higher the vegetation thins and is more barren with only juniper bushes along the trail. We then arrive at the small settlement of Yak Kharka where we will stay overnight. You will arrive in time to wander around the village.

This morning we continue to head higher and will reach Thorong Phedi where we will stay the night. If we arrive early enough we may decide to climb the zigzag trail Upper Phedi or High Camp where there are several teahouses and a lodge. If we decide on this trek higher it means we have less distance to cover on the trail tomorrow to the pass.

Another early start means we can reach the pass early enough to avoid the common strong winds later in the day. From the pass, we have views of Annapurna, Damodar, Bhrikuti, and the Dhaulagiri range. Crossing the pass is relatively easy, but due to the high altitude and possible snow, it can be physically draining. The descent is steep and rough going, but on the way down you have exceptional views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m). We eventually arrive at the holy village of Muktinath that attracts pilgrims from Nepal and India during significant holy days of the Hindu and Buddhist calendar.

From Muktinath we descend around 1,200 meter to the Kaligandaki River with a short stop at Ekle Bhatti at one of its teahouses. Following the trail through the valley the weather can be quite windy. Continuing on we arrive at Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang region and with its airport just above the Kaligandaki River. Tonight we will stay at the quaint village of Marpha with its whitewashed houses, paved streets and several well maintained lodges. Tonight you may wish to sample the well known apple products, such as apple cider, brandy and juice.

You have an option An early morning 30-minute scenic flight takes us to Pokhara. from Jomsom. If you want to take a flight the trip price will be an extra USD 142 per person. On arrival at Pokhara, you will be taken to your hotel near Phewa Tal (lake). This afternoon you will be taken on a tour to the close by Devi’s Falls, the museum, the nearby Tibetan refugee camp, and to the Gupteshwor Cave. In the evening you may wish to unwind at one of the many bars and restaurants along Lakeside.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many warm memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. We may decide to fly back to Kathmandu on the 30-minute flight. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotels near Thamel where you can catch up on some last-minute shopping or hang-out at a café or bar.

A representative from Sherpa Teams will take you to the airport at least three hours prior to your departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic adventure will be firmly embedded in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us to this amazing mountainous region.