Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill takes us to the world’s highest lake in the Manang District of Nepal. The first part of the trail is that of the Annapurna circuit. However, from Manang we go to the mail valley to the west and trek up to the Tilicho Lake. Our trail again joins the Annapurna circuit route and crosses the Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world. We also climb up to Poon Hill famous for its spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On our 20-day journey we pass through forests, cross pristine meadows, experience the change in vegetation, all the while being in the company of the glorious Himalayas.

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure Represent who will drop us off at our hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Glacier briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1100m/3608 ft): 8 - 10 hours

We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms and of course the mighty Himalayas. Overnight in Syange.

Day 04: Trek from Syange to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7 - 8 hours

We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail passes through barley, rice and potato fields; and the waterfalls continue to accompany us even today. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Overnight in Dharapani.

Day 05: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours

Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.

Day 06: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours

We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna 2 to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. Next, we descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang.

Day 07: Pisang to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft): 6 - 7 hours

From Pisang there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we walk near Manang the climate becomes more cold and dry. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District should cheer us up. Overnight in Manang.

Day 08: Manang: Acclimatization day

In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.

Day 09: Manang to Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft): 4-5 hours

From Manang we head out through the western gates and follow the path down to the river. We cross the river and continue walking on its southern side through coniferous forest. After reaching Kangsar Village we walk further up towards Siri Kharka and pass a monastery on the way. The uphill walk could be tiring but we will have Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu in the backdrop to keep us company. Overnight in Siri Kharka.

Day 10: Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours

While the path from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp isn’t very steep or physically strenuous, it could be exhausting as we have to walk on narrow paths in loose scree and landslide area. Our trail goes through the middle of the landslide area whereby we can see impressive rock formations along the trail. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka: 5-6 hours

After the initial tough, steep, switch backed ascent, our trail continues to hug the side of the mountain in a gradual to steep incline before reaching the watershed. On the way we enjoy yaks and deer grazing above and below our trail. On the other side is Tilicho Lake, a large spectacularly set lake nestled at the foot of the north face of Tilicho Peak. The lake was reffered to by the leader of the French expedition team as ‘The Great Ice Lake’. The Lake also holds an important place for the Hindus as this sacred lake features in one of the holiest texts of the Hindus, The Ramayan. We retrace our step and return to Siri Kharka. Overnight in Siri Kharka.

Day 12: Siri kharka to Yak kharka (4040m/13,020ft):4-5 hours

We leave Siri Kharka and descend towards Khangsar Village. On the way, we pass Tare Gumba, a thousand year old monastery which is very important to the local people. Upon reaching Khangsar Village we realize that it is un-inhabitated except for occasional herders during festival times. We follow a rock wall out of Khangsar. We walk further more until we reach a seasonal bridge in the Thorang Khola valley. After crossing the river, we ascend for a while to a plateau. Next, walk furthermore until reaching Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

Day 13: Yak kharka to Thorang Phedi: (4420m/14501ft): 3-4 hours

It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.

Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7 - 8 hours

Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.

Day 15: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m/3937ft): 6 - 8 hours

In the morning we visit the Muktinath Temple which a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. In Hinduism, the temple is believed to be a sacred place called Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the "place of liberation or moksha". After a visit to the sacred place, we drive to Tatopani and spend the night.

Day 16: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours

We leave the Kali Gandaki and headed up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100" will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking furthermore we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani.

Day 17: Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara: 5-6 hours trek and 1 hour drive

The trek from Ghorepani will be all the way down to birethanti through a thick forest of rhododendron trees. From here, we enjoy the towering views of the Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight in Pokhara.and we will drive to pokhara nearly 2 hour.

Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 19: Departure Day

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A HimalayanSanctuary adventure representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.