| Trip code | ACTPHT-42 |
| Package name | Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake poon Hill Trek |
| Duration | 22 Days |
| Max. elevation | 5416 Meter |
| Level | MODERATE |
| Transportation | private vehicle, public bus tickets during the trek |
| Accomodation | Three-star Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara; best Available Lodges on route trek |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu-Beshi-Shar-Chamche-Bagarchap-Chame-Pisang-Manang-Tilicho Lake-Siri Kharka-Yak Kharka-Phedi-High camp-Muktinath-Thorang-La Pass-Marpha-Jomsom-KaloPani/ Lete-Tatopani-Ghorepani-Poon-Hill-Pokhara-Kathmandu |
| Cost | USD 1,286 per person |
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho and Poon Hill Trek, a great combination takes around one of the top best picturesque walks. In the whole Himalayas range, where one can enjoy the adventure of overlooking views of the world's three highest mountains range.
From Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu to Mt. Dhaulagiri with arrays of snowcapped peaks that include Chulu and Damodar Himal. Where the walk follows the raging Masrsyangdi River to its glacial source in Manang and Tilicho Lake.
An interesting walk to experience local impressive culture along with stunning mountain views on daily treks visiting traditional villages. An adventure of great fascination trekking around both sides of the massive Annapurna Himalaya ranges from North to South. Where all villager offers great warm hospitality and the comfort of a nice mountain lodge, with rooms facing views of snow peaks.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho and Poon Hill Trek begins from the capital Kathmandu taking an exciting drive towards Nepal Mid-West. Within low warm country around heavily farmed areas of Lamjung, and then heading towards high cooler hills to start the trek. The walk begins from the hill village of Chamche to enter the district of Manang at Tal and Dharapani villages.
As the adventure continues further north-west heading past lovely farm areas of Bagarchap, Timang to reach a large town at Chame. Headquarters and administrative center of Manang, the walk follows the river Masrsyangdi into the lovely cool forest of pine and rhododendron trees. During walks glorified by the stunning scenery of beautiful landscapes with snow peaks of Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, Pisang, and Chulu peaks.
After a few days of scenic walks as altitude gains slowly then enter Manang valley and its lovely villages. Where you will be surrounded by an array of snow peaks in close harmony with local villages adorned with Buddhism religion. As well as the exciting culture of great age-old heritage and custom amidst a high scenic valley enclosed by mountains.
At Manang enjoy a rest day with a hike to a scenic viewpoint and explore the villages of great colorful culture and customs. From Manang head towards our main highlights at beautiful emerald-colored Tilicho Lake, where a walk takes you around the windswept country.
The adventure leads past the last village Khangsar of Manang to reach the arid and dry mountain wilderness at Lake Tilicho. Hindus believe that Tilicho Lake, the ancient KakBhusundi mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Where a sage KakBhusundi is believed to have first told the happenings of Ramayana to Garuda - king of birds, near this lake. The sage took the form of a crow while telling the story to Garuda. Crow translates to Kak in Sanskrit, hence the name KakBhusndi for the sage.
Tilicho Lake is located at 4,949 m and 16,138 feet north of the Annapurna Himalaya range, known as the highest lake for its size in the world, even though there are lakes at higher altitudes even in Nepal, and larger, higher lakes in Tibet. After an enjoyable visit to Tilicho Lake head back on the main Annapurna circuit trail to cross the highest point.
Where climb leads to Thorang-la at 5, 416 m high facing a breathtaking panorama of the giant mountain range that surrounds Thorang-La pass. bypassing the throng la pass, you have left Manang district and go to mustang district. a mustang district is a place full of beauty of its own.
Nepal's upper mustang trekking route also falls in this area. From Thorang la pass descends to the holy site of Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for Hindu followers to the temple of Lord Vishnu.
One of many great gods of the Hindu religion, the word Muktinath means Liberation to Nirvana. From Muktinath, the rest of the walk is much easier on a downhill trail to Kali Gandaki River valley. As route follows through the nice town of Jomsom and the lovely villages of Marpha, Tukuche, and Ghasa back into tree lines.
This grand adventure takes you to the world’s deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki River valley to reach Tatopani. A village with a natural hot spring to enjoy a refreshing dip and relax your muscles after many days of walking.
Tatopani village, situated at low warm sub-tropical temperatures, and then our trek continues heading uphill through lovely rhododendron and pine forest. Then reach the cooler and high scenic village of Ghorepani, where next early morning a short hike takes you to the top Poon-Hill. From this high hill enjoy striking sunrise over a chain of the Himalayan mountain range, and then the rest of the trek is pleasant.
As the adventure slowly ends take a long downhill to low warm farm villages for an interesting drive to the beautiful city of Pokhara. A nice and wonderful place to complete our long trek of more than two weeks. Where you can enjoy relaxing and marveling at the views of Phewa Lake and Annapurna Himalaya. The dramatic deep valleys, Buddhist Culture, and the scenery of mountains are the reason for this wonderful Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho and Poon Hill Trek.
Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake and poon Hill Trek for Best seasons:
Choosing the perfect time for Annapurna Circuit Trek along Tilicho Lake depends on how you want to hike and what you want to see during the hike. However, autumn and spring are considered the best seasons for trekking in Nepal.
September-November (autumn) is considered the best season. The weather is very pleasant and comfortable in this season. This is the perfect time to experience the beauty of the mountains. Nepal's two major festivals also meet in the autumn, so you will have the opportunity to experience Nepal's festivals along with the trek.
December-February (winter) is an adventurous season as you meet a few tourists and very few teahouses in operation. At an altitude of more than 5,000 meters, the weather here is cold in winter. Extraordinarily cold weather with frequent snowfall can be extremely challenging. The surrounding scenery is covered with snow, so locals move to the lower ground. Therefore, we do not recommend you this season for hiking at high altitudes, such as the Annapurna Circuit.
March-May (spring) is a fun season for hiking. With warm and long days, this is considered the second peak season for circuit trekking. Rhododendron forests covered with mountains will make your trail clearly satisfying. Clear weather helps you to see the beautiful scenery of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges as well as the red gourds that bloom everywhere. This season is also highly recommended.
June-August (Summer) Nepal gets hot weather along with monsoon rains. Despite the cold weather in the highlands, torrential rains, landslides, and broken road tracks have made it impossible to walk on the Annapurna circuit. The southern region of Annapurna, Pokhara, receives heavy rainfall, while the northern region, including Mustang, is less rain-prone. You are only going to trek this season if you are a rain lover and you enjoy the adventure with slippery wet trails.
Authentic Nepali, as well as ordinary international food, is also available. Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the tea house where we are staying, while lunch will be provided on the way to another destination.
All accommodation along the trek is included in the package. We provide hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek, you will stay in comfortable hill lodges or tea houses which may not include all the amenities like in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Accommodation will be provided on a two-partnership basis.
The same room can be arranged according to your need if available at extra cost during the trial. Some teahouses have bathrooms, while others may have shared bathrooms.
Hikers who can walk for 5 to 6 hours a day can complete the Annapurna trek from Tilicho Lake. Please note that walking at a higher altitude is physically necessary than walking at a lower altitude. Exercising and running regularly a few weeks before the trip will increase your stamina, and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable your hiking experience will be.
To join the Annapurna Circuit Walk of Lake Tilicho, you need to be healthy with general physical fitness and a good dose of positive attitude, confidence, and determination. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should notify us before booking the trek.
Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.ftr5cwszxtrfw
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you on trekking.
On arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport via various international airlines, received our guide and staff for a short transfer to the heart of Kathmandu city. Where is your hotel located, after checking into your rooms, and then meeting other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for a briefing?
The briefing includes important information regarding Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trek, to make your holiday in Nepal more enjoyable. The evening group welcomes dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to the culture of Nepal with folk dance and music.
Meals: Breakfast, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu, Distance: 5 kilometers From Airport to Thamel
After early breakfast, a scenic drive leads towards the scenic highway. This is an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalayas. The road has been greatly improved in recent years.
As our route diverts from Dumre town towards north to Besisar from the main highway. A large town and headquarter of the Lamjung region. From here drive continues on a rough track following the Masrsyangdi River, as the road follows upstream to reach Syange village.
The drive continues high above the river valley to reach Jagat and then at Chamche village for an overnight stop, after a long exciting overland journey from Kathmandu. Transfer into a nice local lodge and get rest for the next morning's walks towards Manang and Tilicho Lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Chamche, Distance: 207.9 Kilometers
After a pleasant overnight stop at Bagarchap, a cool morning walk begins as altitude gains slowly reaching the apple country area at Dhanaqi village. As the walk leads past a farm area of apple orchards and a beautiful pine forest with views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks.
From here climb to Timang village for the lunch stop, a large village of mixed hill tribes with views of Lamjung, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalaya towards the east. The afternoon walk follows the river Masrsyangdi upstream past Koto village which is near Chame. From Koto, a short hour of easy walk brings you to Chame for an overnight stop. Chame is an important place in the Manang region, and the district headquarters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Chame, Distance: 13.5 Kilometers
The walk from Chame follows on the other side of the river's northern bank, on leaving Chame, walk through pine and rhododendron woods with a few ups and downs till Bratang village.
After a short rest walk continues on a gradual path up to a bridge and then climbs into a pine forest to reach a high ridge called Dukure Pokhari for a possible lunch stop before Pisang village. From here an easy downhill walk facing views of Pisang and Chulu peaks with Pisang village, an hour's walk brings you to Pisang village for an overnight stop, and from here on into the wide Manang scenic valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Pisang, Distance: 13.6Kilometers
From Pisang onward walks lead with grand views of high snow-capped peaks, as the trail climbs steeply up for an hour, after a short gradual walk from the Pisang village to reach the top of a small hill. The top offers dramatic views of Manang valley and the surrounding high peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilicho, and on the right Chuli east, on the back facing Pisang peak.
After a great view downhill on a gradual path to Hongde village with a small airstrip. From Hongde walk is more or less flat on a wide trail to Manang. As altitude gains were slow as you reach Braga village near main Manang village.
At Braga visit Braga Monastery the oldest and most important Buddhist monastery located on top of a village, it has an outstanding display of statues and Thangka (religious paintings) with ancient Buddhist manuscripts. From here it is only an hour's walk to the main Manang village for an overnight stop.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Manang, Distance: 13.7 Kilometers
Manang is a large main village of the district after Chame town, enclosed by high peaks of the Annapurna range in the south with a Chulu group of peaks towards the north. Manang is a perfect place and altitude for a necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading to higher ground, the morning after breakfast explore Manang.
The village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, a picturesque setting amongst some spectacular scenery of Annapurna- II, Annapurna- III, and Gangapurna to the South - Tilicho peak at 7,132 m. includes the Grand Barrier to the North-West - Chulu West, and Chulu East peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Manang, Distance: 3-4 Kilometers
After Manang village morning walk leads to another highlight of the trip, as the route diverts from the main Annapurna circuit trail to reach the last village of Manang at Khangsar on route Tilicho Lake.
From here head further with an up-and-down path on windswept terrain to reach a small settlement at Siri Kharka with a few fine simple lodges for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Siri Kharka, Distance: 9.8 Kilometers
The morning starts with the scenic hike to one of our main destinations beautiful Tilicho Lake situated within the complete wilderness. Surrounded by the high peaks of Tilicho and Gangapurna Himal, from here onward into the dry and arid country, as morning heads downhill for some time, then steep up for a while, and then descend to reach Tilicho Lake, after a hike of few hours from base camp.
Tilicho Lake, fed from the glacier of Tilicho and Gangapurna peaks including other smaller mountains of Nilgiri peaks, this scenic lake is regarded as holy by the Hindu and Buddhist followers, the spiritual mystical story is based on ancient Hindu sacred books. Here enjoy the fabulous scenery within the lake premises and return to base camp and continue walking for another few hours to SiriKharak for an overnight stop after a marvelous time around Tilicho Lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Siri Kharka, Distance: 15.2 Kilometers
After a pleasant overnight at Siri Kharka, the morning starts with downs and ups and a gradual path to Khangsar village. Having a refreshing break continue to walk to reach the main trail of Annapurna Circuit, as the route leads to a small settlement of Ghunsang village, and then reach Yak Kharka for an overnight stop.
Enjoying a scenic trek with views of snowcapped mountains, crossing a small stream to Yak Kharka, a small settlement with several good lodges facing views of Gangapurna, Annapurna-III, and Chulu Peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Yak Kharka, Distance: 10.2 Kilometers
From Yak Kharka, the morning leads on gradual ups as elevation gains to reach the base of Thorang-la, after crossing a bridge and then climbing along a riverbank of Jarjung. A walk leads to Thorang Phedi, and after a short stop at Phedi continue to climb for an hour to reach Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in High camp, Distance: 6.9 Kilometers
Today, another highlight of the adventure as the walk starts after an early breakfast is a long climb to Thorang-la with a steep and winding path to reach atop Thorang La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high. The highest spot of the journey enjoys the spectacular panorama high mountain range of Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar Himal with Dhaulagiri snow-capped peaks.
The pass festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, and from here a long downhill to Muktinath around the Lower Mustang area. After an easy walk from the bottom of Thorang-La reach Muktinath for an overnight stop, a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath means a place for Liberation from the present life to Nirvana.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Muktinath, Distance: 17.7 Kilometers
After Muktinath, the adventure continues with an easy descent of 1,200 m drop to Kaligandaki River valley, as the walk passes Ekale Bhatti as the valley gets very windy in the afternoon time. Walk from here and follows the gentle trail for another two hours to reach Jomsom town. Jomsom, headquarter of the Mustang district with a small airstrip, above Kaligandaki River.
Stopping in Jomsom for lunch and then a few hours of easy walking brings you to Marpha village for an overnight stop. A lovely place with whitewashed houses, paved streets, and many well-kept lodges. Here enjoy and celebrate with local apple products like cider, brandy, and juice. Marpha and Kaligandaki River valley are famous for delicious apples and the local products from the apples.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Marpha, Distance: 22.4 Kilometers
From Marpha, an enjoyable trek follows the Kaligandaki River downstream to reach another lovely village of Tukuche, located beneath the high Tukuche peak and Mt. Dhaulagiri and its massif Ice-Fall. From here close views of Mt. Nilgiri. After Tukuche down to Larjung village, then cross over a wide river bed, either by series of temporary small wooden bridges or take a high suspension bridge.
After an hour's walks, head back into a tree line of pines, oaks, and rhododendron, the path meanders away from the river for a while and then back to the river bed just before Kalapani and Lete village. As a walk leads to crossing a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River.
From the bridge a short walk to Kalapani village. Kalapani is another lovely village of more than 20 houses with excellent lodges with a grand view of Mt. Annapurna- I, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri above beautiful forest surrounding, and then a short descent takes you to Lete village for an overnight stop.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in KaloPani, Distance: 21 Kilometers
Morning enjoys views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri range of peaks, and then start gently from Kalapani or Lete, as the trail leads to a dramatic change of vegetation from dry, arid desert to pine and conifer forests walk leads through in-between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya that forms into the world's deepest gorge of Kaligandaki. The first two hours trek head through Ghasa village, which is the end of the Mustang area.
As you enter within Mygdi district enjoy the view of snow-capped peaks and walk past the cool forest surrounding, as the route heads past many farm villages, to reach an open wide lower warm country of paddy fields to reach Tatopani.
The pleasant walk amidst beautiful surroundings continues back to the terraced paddy fields and into the warm sub-tropical climate to the village of Tatopani walking past the beautiful waterfalls of Rupsi. Then finally end the day at a village with a natural ‘Hot Spring’ hence the village name is Tatopani.
The warm valley of Tatopani is quite constricted with a sub-tropic climate and vegetation. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon with a dip in a hot pool near your lodge in Tatopani village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Tatopani, Distance: 22.8 Kilometers
After a refreshing time at Tatopani, the trek continues on a gradual trail for an hour to cross a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River.
A walk leads by the river for a while to reach the mid-way of the Beni and Ghorepani routes. Our walk diverts heading for a steep climb, from here onwards heading towards the terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages.
After the steep climb of a few hours, and then on a gradual path within farm terraces as the walk enters into a cool dense rhododendron forests to reach Sikha and Chitre villages. As the climb gains heights then end the long day at Ghorepani village for an overnight halt in a nice lovely warm lodge with views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani, Distance: 16.8 Kilometers
Early morning an hour hike and climb to Poon-Hill at 3,210 m high, to catch stunning sunrise over the panorama of Himalayan peaks, that includes Dhaulagiri-Annapurna to Mt. Manaslu range. After a busy photo session return to Ghorepani for breakfast.
From Ghorepani walk on the main trail with much downhill through lovely rhododendron and pine forest. As the walk follows past Bhanthati village to reach a large Ulleri village. From here on stone-paved steps to the suspension bridge at Tirkhedhunga. After Tirkhedhunga, pleasant walk downhill to the beautiful village of Bhirethati, located by the river Modi.
From this village another half hour of easy walk to Nayapul, which is on the main highway of Beni and Pokhara. From here a scenic drive of fewer than two hours to reach Pokhara for an overnight stop by the serene Lake Phewa with time for a visit around the Lake and bid farewell to the rest of the trekking staff and porters.
Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Pokhara, Distance: 67.2 Kilometers
Pokhara is an amazing and beautiful place for all types of adventure sports to enjoy, from paragliding, zip-flyer, ultra-light flights, or taking a Bungee jump. For leisure activities boating on Phewa Lake, biking around Pokhara, and taking a short hike to Peace Stupa opposite the hill from the lake. As well one can enjoy an early morning short drive uphill to Sarangkot, a famous place for striking sunrise views over an array of snow peaks range.
This scenic spot is also famous for other sports activities like Para-Gliding, Zip Flyers, and a short hike within the beautiful backdrop of the Annapurna Himalayas.
After grand views of sunrise and enjoying the panorama of the snow mountain range, then head back to the hotel for breakfast, with a tour of Pokhara's natural wonders of the deep Seti River gorge, the wonderful waterfalls, and spend time in the heart of Pokhara and watch the hill people of western Nepal and their varied culture and custom.
Meal: Breakfast Included, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Pokhara,
An enjoyable time in Pokhara, a great place to relax, from this scenic city morning drive to Kathmandu on the main interesting highway past many farm villages and towns, and then upon the winding road to reach the outskirt of Kathmandu valley.
From the top of Nag-Dhunga and Thankot town, down towards the hustle, and bustle city in Kathmandu, and then back to your hotel, where our great adventure completes.
Meals: Breakfast, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu, Distance: 200 Kilometers
On your last day in Nepal, enjoy a memorable adventure and experience on Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trek, as time for your international flight our staff transfer you to the airport for homeward bound.
We trust you made some incredible memories with us. Thank you, and have a safe journey home.
Meal: Breakfast Included.