Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake poon hill Trek

Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake poon Hill Trek

from 25 reviews

Price starting from

~~$2,509~~ USD 1,585

per person

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Duration

22 days

Max. Elevation

5416m

Group size

Level

MODERATE

Transportation

private vehicle

Best Season

March-may, September -December

Accomodation

Three-star Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, best Available Lodges on route treks

Meals

full board package (breakfast + Lunch + Dinner, and tea /coffee)

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

Highlights

Adventure to high Manang valley visiting North / South of Annapurna Himalaya.
Enjoy the adventure of visiting both sides of Annapurna Himalaya North and South.
Magnificent panorama of Snow Mountain range throughout this scenic trekking.
Walk from low sub-tropical to cool alpine hills to the arctic zone of ice and glaciers.
Amazing walks through lovely mountain villages enriched with impressive cultures.
From the dense forest of pines, rhododendron to the arid and windswept high country.
Following on the ancient Trans Himalaya Salt trade route of Nepal and Tibet.
Adventure in-between world high mountains of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho and Poon Hill Trek, a great combination takes around one of the top best picturesque walks. In the whole Himalaya range, where one can enjoy the adventure 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 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 massive Annapurna Himalaya range from North to South. Where all villager offers great warm hospitality and 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. Headquarter 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 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 the close harmony of 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 rest day with a hike to a scenic viewpoint and explore the villages of great colorful culture and custom. 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 located at 4,949 m and 16,138 feet within the north of the Annapurna Himalaya range, known as the highest lake for its size in the world, even though there are lakes at higher altitude 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. From here descends to a holy site of Muktinath. Muktinath 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 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 of 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 on 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 adventure slowly ends taking 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 of Annapurna Himalaya. The dramatic deep valleys, Buddhist Culture, the scenery of mountains are the reason for this wonderful Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho and Poon Hill Trek.

Important Note

If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for other trips, please contact us.
The above itinerary is basically a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

Trip Itinerary

Day

On arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport via various international airlines, received by our guide and staff for short transfer in the heart of Kathmandu city. Where your hotel is located, after checking into your rooms and then meet other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for briefing. Briefing includes important information regarding Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trek, to make your holiday in Nepal more enjoyable. Evening group welcome dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with introduction to culture of Nepal with folk dance and music.

Day

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 Masrsyangdi River, as the road follows upstream to reach Syange village. 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 next morning walks towards Manang and Tilicho Lake.

Day

Morning from Chamche, walk leads to cross a suspension bridge over raging Masrsyangdi river, after the bridge climb for another 2-3 hours till Tal Besi is reached, the village situated on a wide valley by the side of the Masrsyangdi River. From here on into Manang district, on leaving Tal walk gets easier on the gentle path till to a bridge, from here a short climb to a small place with few teahouses, the walk winds on the up and downhill path coming to a large bridge, after the bridge another hour of great walk brings to the village of Dharapani. From Dharapani the vegetation, people, and the landscapes changes and the air gets cooler, the trail then climbs through forests to Bagarchap, and the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture, facing views of Annapurna peaks. Transfer to a nice lodge, around this quaint village of strong Tibetan culture of Buddhism religion.

Day

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 walk leads past farm area of apple orchard and beautiful pine forest with views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. From here climb to Timang village for lunch stop, a large village of mixed hill tribes with views of Lamjung, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalaya towards east.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 an important place of Manang region, and the district headquarters.

Day

The walk from Chame follows on the other side of river northern bank, on leaving Chame, walk through pine and rhododendron woods with 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 walk brings you to Pisang village for overnight stop, from here on into wide Manang scenic valley.

Day

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 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 slowly as you reach Braga village near main Manang village. At Braga visit Braga Monastery the oldest and important Buddhist monastery located on top of a village, it has an outstanding display of statues, Thangka (religious paintings) with ancient Buddhist manuscripts. From here it is only an hour walk to the main Manang village for an overnight stop.

Day

Manang a large main village of the district after Chame town, enclosed by high peaks of Annapurna range in the south with Chulu group of peaks towards north. At Manang a perfect place and altitude for necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading higher ground, 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.

Day

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 ups and down path on windswept terrain to reach a small settlement at Siri Kharka with a few fine simple lodge for overnight stay.

Day

From Siri Kharka walk towards Tilicho Lake, facing tremendous views of Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks, walk leads beyond isolated areas of Manang valley, morning walk on rough path of stones and scree with ups and down to reach at Tilicho Base Camp for an overnight stop before heading to our destination at Tilicho Lake in a local lodge with chances of spotting some wild-life like antelopes, musk deer or elusive snow leopard.

Day

Morning start scenic hike to one of our main destinations at beautiful Tilicho Lake situated within complete wilderness. Surrounded by high peaks of Tilicho and Gangapurna Himal, from here onward into dry and arid country, as morning heads downhill for some time, then with 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 in 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.

Day

After a pleasant overnight at Siri Kharka, morning starts with down and ups and a gradual path to Khangsar village. Having refreshing break continue walk to reach on the main trail of Annapurna Circuit, as 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, on crossing a small stream to Yak Kharka, a small settlement with several good lodges facing views of Gangapurna, Annapurna-III, and Chulu Peaks.

Day

From Yak Kharka, morning lead on gradual ups as elevation gains to reach on the base of Thorang-la, after crossing a bridge then climb along a river bank of Jarjung. A walk leads to Thorang Phedi, after a short stop at Phedi continue to climb for an hour to reach Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.

Day

Today, another highlight of the adventure as the walk starts after an early breakfast 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 enjoy spectacular panorama high mountain range of Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar Himal with Dhaulagiri snow-capped peaks. The pass festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, from here a long downhill to Muktinath around 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 present life to Nirvana.

Day

After Muktinath, the adventure continues with an easy descend of 1, 200 m drop to Kaligandaki River valley, as walk passes Ekale Bhatti as the valley gets very windy in the afternoon time. Walk from here follows on 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 walk 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 the local apple products like cider, brandy, and juice. Around Marpha and Kaligandaki River valley famous for delicious apples and the local products from the apples.

Day

From Marpha, an enjoyable trek following Kaligandaki River downstream to reach another lovely village of Tukuche, located beneath 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. With an hour walk, 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 cross a suspension bridge over Kaligandaki River. From the bridge a short walk to Kalapani village. Kalapani, 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 descend takes you at Lete village for an overnight stop.

Day

Morning enjoy views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri range of peaks, and then start gently from Kalapani or Lete, as trail leads to dramatic change of vegetation from dry, arid desert to pine and conifer forestsWalk 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 heads 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 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 warm sub-tropical climate to the village of Tatopani walk past 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 sub-tropic climate and vegetation. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon with a dip in a hot pool near your lodge of Tatopani village.

Day

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. As walk leads by the river for a while to reach on the mid-way of Beni and Ghorepani routes. Our walk diverts heading for a steep climb, from here onwards heading towards terraced hillside, dotted with farms villages. After the steep climb of a few hours, and then on a gradual path within farm terraces as walk enters into a cool dense rhododendron forests to reach Sikha and Chitre villages. As 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.

Day

Early morning an hour hike and climb to Poon-Hill at 3,210 m high, to catch stunning sunrise over 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 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, a pleasant walk on downhill to a 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 less 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.

Day

Pokhara an amazing and beautiful place for all types of adventure sports to enjoy, from paragliding, zip-flyer, ultra-light flights, or take a Bungee jump. For leisure activities boating on Phewa Lake, biking around Pokhara, and take a short hike to Peace Stupa opposite the hill from the lake. As well one can enjoy an early morning short drive uphill to Sarankot, a famous place for striking sunrise views over an array of snow peaks range. This scenic spot also famous for other sports activities like Para-Gliding, Zip Flyer, and a short hike within the beautiful backdrop of Annapurna Himalayas. After a 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 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.

Day

An enjoyable time in Pokhara, a great place to relax, from this scenic city morning drive to Kathmandu on main interesting highway past many farm villages and towns, and then up on winding road to reach the outskirt of Kathmandu valley. From the top of Nag-Dhunga and Thankot town, down towards hustle, bustle city in Kathmandu, and then back to your hotel, where our great adventure completes.

Day

A free day to enjoy free individual activities or just relax and join in for an interesting sightseeing tour of Kathmandu major cities of Patan / Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. All the cities are steeped with historical and religious places listed in a world heritage site.

Day

On your last day in Nepal, enjoying 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.

Inclusions

Airport Pick up and drop up service by Private vehicles.
3 Night’s accommodation with breakfast at Three-star Hotel in Kathmandu.
2 Night accommodation with breakfast at a Three-star hotel in Pokhara.
3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea /coffee) during the trek.
Accommodation during the trek (Best Available Tea House).
Private vehicles transportation Kathmandu from Pokhara.
Annapurna conservation permits and TIMS Permits.
One professional trekking guide as well his insurance, well-paid salary, equipment, foods & Hotel.
One porter between two people as well his insurance, well-paid salary, equipment, foods & Hotel.
Private vehicles transportation Pokhara from Nayapaul (Trek endpoint).
Private vehicles transportation Kathmandu to Beshisahar then Chamje (Trek start point).
Pre-Trip meeting.
Farewell dinner before your departure.

International airfare & Nepal Visa Fee (You may easily issue a Nepal visa on your travel).
Nepal Travel insurance.
Meals whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, Down Jacket Tips.
Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays, etc.

Complimentary

Sleeping bag during the treks, if needed (to be returned after the trip completion).
Trekking map.
Fresh fruit each day(apple, orange)
Complementary duffel bag/agency T-shirt.
Certificate of achievement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

On this lovely Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho and Poon Hill trek overnight stop in nice tourist standard lodge and guest house. Having large or small rooms with attached and non-attached bathrooms and toilets includes a large dining room with a warm environment and friendly hospitality and services including an excellent food menu with some home-baked bakeries items. But places like Siri Kharka around Tilicho Lake and at the high camp of Thorang-La pass, the lodge are very simple and limited food menu, but comfortable with nice homely service, clean and hygienic meals to enjoy from few western, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese food available as per the standard of the lodge.

Communication is available in all major trekking destinations from ISTD to STD or Sat-Phone, besides mentioned communication system. Cell phones are used by all Nepalese in whole Nepal. Where you can buy a local SIM for the trek as well, the difference is where you are. Sometimes the network does not work at its best, due to bad weather or in a deep valley and gorge as well enclosed by the high mountain range.

Not at all, the trek is safe accompanied by our expert guide and strong loyal porters. The only health risk could be your personal medical problem or sudden unavoidable circumstance arise like bad weather, heavy snow-fall or rock falls which can happen any time anywhere. Our guides are experts taking care and precaution for the whole group for safety and making secure with an enjoyable holiday in Nepal.

Not a problem, our staff and guide as well Hiker Himalaya representatives will be at the airport to receive you, welcome with a traditional welcome of garland and then escort you to your hotel.

For altitude mountain sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the best is proper acclimatization and taking good rest, and drinking enough fluids like water, warm soup, and light green tea or hot lemon. Walking high and sleeping low is another good way of acclimatizing to high altitude. Trekkers with these symptoms should descend to a lower level with accompanying guides, staff, and close friends or relatives. In a very severe situation immediate rescue medical evacuation taking Helicopter service back to Kathmandu or the nearest city with good hospitals. But on this trek hardly people get altitude sickness as elevation gains slow and gradually and staying overnights at certain heights and walking slowly will prevent you from catching altitude sickness.

Yes, you must get Travel and Medical Insurance in your country, in case of trip cancellation due to bad worse weather. As well roadblocks due to landslides, avalanches including political disturbance, strike, and arson can happen anywhere in the world apart from Nepal. For medical insurance in case of serious medical problems with high altitude symptoms that you might need immediate rescue by the fastest means like Helicopter service. Where all the expenses of the whole journey due to incompleteness, your insurance comes in handy to get reimbursed. Hike Himalaya can only help you by issuing a letter with a doctor's certificate to support the claim from your insurance company.

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