Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho and Poonhill – 15 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho and Poonhill – 15 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho and Poon Hill takes us to the highest lake of the world which is situated in the Manang District of Nepal. The trek is much admired trek nowadays as the charm of Tilicho lake is increasing considerably in the last decades. This diverse and exciting journey is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The first part of the trek is identical to that of the Annapurna Circuit Trek comfortably condensed to a quick arrival in Manang including 2 days drive from Kathmandu to Chame and 2 days trail from Chame to Manang. Unlike the classical circuit trek, our route now diverts to Northwest origin of Marshyangdi river to Tilicho Lake. We then trail Northeast to connect our route to the Annapurna Circuit on the way to Yak Kharka and crosses the Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world. We also climb up to Poon Hill which is famous for its spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (7-8 Hrs Drive) 800m/2624ft

Stop At: Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati Zone, Central Region
We start our trip with a journey into the hills on twisty roads and hairpin bends along the Trishuli River. We will drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via Prithivi Highway with Dhaading Bazaar on the way. We then divert off the highway to the bustling town of Dumre and continue an hour and half to Besisahar where we get the first glimpse of gorgeous Mt. Manaslu. Overnight stay in Besisahar.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Besisahar

Day 2: Besisahar - Chame (6-7 Hrs Drive) 2710m/8891ft

Stop At: Besisahar, Besisahar, Gandaki Zone, Western Region
To avoid the dusty and tedious walking over hard road surfaces, we shall take a jeep ride to Chame where the actual trail and natural beauties of the circuit trek will begin. In this way, we also get a chance to enjoy the famous and beautiful waterfall jharana where you will ponder yourself being much lucky to rejoice in this cool natural boon. Over six hours of driving, we will reach Chame. Astounding views of himalayas including Annapurna II , Annpurna IV and Lamjung Himal can be seized from Chame. Here, you may end your day with natural hot spring dip to tranquilize your physical tiredness and relax mentally to prepare yourself for the ultimate trail which will set off tomorrow. Overnight stay at Chame.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Lodge


Day 3: Chame to Pisang (5-6 Hrs) 3300m/10824ft

Stop At: Chame, Chame, Gandaki Zone, Western Region
Today, our journey starts as we walk through a narrow path in a dense forest followed by a substantial root carved through the vertical rock hill by the river. The acrophobic way stands 1500m above the river and is probably the steepest part of Marsyangdi Valley. We now cross two long bridges at an approximate elevation of 3000m, from where the views of the majestic vista of Paungda Danda rock begins to appear. This is a gigantic slope naked rock hill stretching upto 1500m above the trail route. We can now choose to head towards either Lower Pisang or Upper Pisang separated by Marsyangdi River. To observe exalted jaw dropping views, we recommend walking to Upper pisang for an overnight rest.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Lodge

Day 4: Pisang - Manang (4 Hrs) 3540m/10824ft

Stop At: Manang, Manang, Gandaki Zone, Western Region
Today we continue through the drier upper part descending towards the junction to meet the way to Manang from alternative lower Pisang route at Mungi. In this way, the southern route by Humde with its airfield at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Gheru, though there is a better view on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. We continue to Braga at 3475m where resides beautiful 700 years old monastery. From here we walk an hour and a half in almost plain terrain to reach Manang at 3500m. The trail guarantees excellent views of beautiful landscape and mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Lodge

Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization Day in Manang

Stop At: Manang, Manang, Gandaki Zone, Western Region
For a healthy trekking, it is necessary to spare a rest day here above 3500m for acclimatization. We will have a beautiful sight seeing day as there are lots of places to wander in Manang. Many people go hiking to ice lake or nearby excursions. We relax in the Gangapurna lake situated at the feet of Annapurna and Gangapurna peak where we can behold the majestic scenario of whole snow covered Gangapurna mountain melting slowly to change into Gangapurna lake. We see ice caves in Gangapurna Himal at front and the Manang valley at back. We may take training sessions regarding information to tackle altitude sickness. Manang is an incredibly beautiful valley and is also known to be an existing sacred Kingdom. It is highly rich with cultural shockers.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Lodge


Day 6: Manang - Sri Kharka (4 Hrs) 4060m / 13,320ft

Stop At: Manang, Manang, Gandaki Zone, Western Region
Today’s will be a shorter and easier. We will climb a steady uphill route to Sri Kharka which lies over a hill ridge on the way to Tilicho. We will come across a beautiful Tibetian settlement - Khangsar, from where the ascent to Sri Kharka begins. As we move forward, the air gets thinner as the altitude gradually increases. We get many angular views of the beautiful white covered mountains. We will have clear views of Gungang Himal, Mt Chulu and Nilgiri Himal. We will stay overnight in a teahouse in Sri Kharka.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Hotel

Day 7: Sri Kharka - Tilicho Base Camp (5 Hrs) 4150m / 13,583ft

Stop At: Tilichol Lake, Manang Nepal
After an early breakfast, we head towards Tilicho Base Camp. The walking path is easy with close elevations and level surfaces, but the trail is highly challenging due to windy atmosphere in landslide areas. We will make our way through sandy and rocky narrow roads traced across the steepy landslide slopes. The views of white mountains above and Marshyangdi gorge below you will be mouth-watering. This trial will be one of the memorable trails throughout our journey. After this terrific walking we reach Tilicho Base Camp, where we stay in one of the lodges available. Strolling around the beautiful natural remarks in this peaceful isolated place will bliss you out.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Lodge

Day 8: Tilicho Base Camp - Tilicho Lake - Tilicho Base Camp (5-6 Hrs) 4,919m / 16,135 ft

Stop At: Tilichol Lake, Manang Nepal
Today we start our hike to Tilicho after an early breakfast to avoid windy afternoon. After a couple of hours of steep steady climb, we will reach a flat deserted way. Then we walk slowly around half an hour in the high altitude over the foot of snow-covered Tilicho Peak on our left. Now, as we walk further, luscious blue calm lake of Tilicho looms bigger in our vicinity. This will be one of the most incredible moments of your journey. The lake is the highest recorded lake in the world at an altitude of 4919m. After spending some time here, we take the same route back to Tilicho Base Camp.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Hotel

Day 9: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (6-7 Hrs) 4110m/13484ft

Stop At: Tilichol Lake, Manang Nepal
We depart from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka. We return the same thrilling route back to Sri Kharka where we deviate towards North to connect our way to Old Khangsar fort. The beautiful 300 years old abandoned fort remainings are much valued for its historical and aesthetic significance. It is located in a very pleasing view point where you can see the Manang valley, Marshyangdi river and the surrounding mountains. Further ahead, we encounter number of Yaks on our way. Significant numbers of Yak herds are found grazing in the pastures. Continuing along Jarsang Khola Valley to the north, we pass across a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and Yaks graze. After a few hours of walk uphill, we reach Yak Kharka where we find a lot of trekking lodges to stay.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Lodge

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (3-4 Hrs) 4600m/15092 ft

Stop At: Annapurna Mountain Range, 33500 Nepal
Today, we start with walking through relatively plain wide land with cold dry meadows and tiny bushes scattered to reach Leddar village. Further trail from Leddar includes uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. We cover comparatively short distance to reach Thorang Phedi, but the trail will not be easy as anticipated due to cold dry climate and high altitude. We ascend and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last locale prior to the Thorang La Pass. On the way, we are privileged with the best views of Mt. Gundnang, Mt. Syagang, Thorang Peak and Mt. Katungkan. There are two renowned hotels in Thorang Phedi. We will have a comfortable stay there to prepare ourselves for the next day which will be the most difficult and beautiful trail of our adventure.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Lodge

Day 11: Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3800m/12467 ft) via Thorang La Pass (7-8 Hrs) 5416m/1764ft

Stop At: Muktinath, Muktinath, Dhaulagiri Zone, Western Region
Today we cross Thorang La Pass (one of the highest passes in the world). This is going to be a long trail, and to escape windy afternoon, we start our trail early viz. before 4 a.m. in the morning.The journey from Phedi (foot of the hill) to the 5416m Thorang La Pass will include steep and gradual climbing. The altitude will be challenging, so will be the hills if covered by snow. After 5 hours of climb, we reach Thorang La Pass marked with Chortens and Buddhist prayer flags. Stunning views of the Himalayas and sunshine over these Himalayas are the rewards we receive on the way and on the top for accomplishing the hard climb. A small tea cafe is located at the pass for our service. After a long refreshment on the top, we gradually descend to Muktinath (3800m) to an elevation drop of around 1600m. Our biggest adventure day will come to an end with a goodnight sleep at Muktinath.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Lodge

Day 12: Muktinath - Tatopani (6-8 Hrs) 1200m / 3937ft

Stop At: Muktinath, Muktinath, Dhaulagiri Zone, Western Region
Muktinath is a holy place and is regarded as an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists. The place is also busy and crowded with internal tourism. After our visit to Muktinath, we continue our trip in a car or jeep ride to Tatopani. Tatopani is a famous natural hot spring. You can take hot spring dip to tranquilize your sore muscles and walking exhautions. Overnight stay at Tatopani.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Hotel

Day 13: Tatopani - Ghorepani (7-8 Hrs) 2850m/9350ft

Stop At: Ghorepani, Ghorepani, Dhaulagiri Zone, Western Region
The trail is going to be relatively hard and long as we hike again to Ghorepani. Climbing the perfect gradient slope of the hills will require extra strenuous effort. On the way, we pass through Shikha and Chitre (the Brahmin and Magar indegeneous peoples’ settlement) before reaching to beautiful Rhododendron forest. Walking further we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at the ridge. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Lodge

Day 14: Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Birethanti - Drive to Pokhara (6-8 Hrs) 3210m/10530ft

Stop At: Poon Hill Marga, Ghode Pani 33200, Nepal
We start our day with an early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210m) where we can seize the sunrise view over mount Dhaulagiri, Vahara Sikhar, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak, Annapurna I, Lamjung Himal and other snow-capped mountain peaks of that range. Views from Poon Hill is actually mesmerizing as this viewpoint is regarded as the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. Views include close-up views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest peaks including Annapurna and Dhauligiri ranges. The snowy peaks of mountains loom large around us smouldering in the morning sunshine. After breakfast we head to Birethanti with 6 hours walking followed by an hour and a half drive to Pokhara via Nayapool.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Hotel

Day 15: Pokhara - Kathmandu (6 Hrs Drive)

Stop At: Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati Zone, Central Region
After breakfast, we will drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu in a tourist bus. Our trekking package completes in Kathmandu where we will exchange our good-byes as you will be leaving Nepal with all the good memories and incredible experiences. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening and hotel accommodation to celebrate success in completion of our Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Hotel