Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek - Trekking

A representative from Mercy Holidays welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You are escorted to your pre-booked hotel, where a refreshing welcome drink awaits. After check-in, the guide briefs you about the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, including details about permits, trekking gear, and itinerary. Kathmandu’s bustling streets, colorful markets, and vibrant temples provide your first glimpse of Nepalese culture. Explore lively Thamel at your leisure, visit small cafes, or shop for trekking essentials. The evening is reserved for a traditional Nepali dinner at the hotel while soaking in the excitement for the adventure ahead.

Kathmandu is alive with history, from ancient stupas to intricately carved palaces. Prayer flags flutter atop small shrines, and the aroma of local cuisine fills the streets. The warm hospitality of your hotel sets the tone for the trek. You finalize trekking gear, double-check bags, and relax after your flight. Early bedtime ensures you are well-rested for the next day’s journey towards the trailhead.

As you trek from Dharapani to Chame, the landscape transforms into higher-altitude pine and oak forests. The trail offers stunning views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Small villages showcase stone houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Crossing rivers and narrow trails keeps the trek engaging, and the scenery changes constantly with elevation gain.

Chame, the administrative hub of Manang district, offers larger teahouses and a cozy environment for rest. You explore the village and admire the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna II and Gangapurna. The evening allows for acclimatization talks with your guide, who advises on preparing for the high passes ahead. Warm meals and restful nights in teahouses prepare you for the journey into Manang Valley.

Today’s hike takes you along terraces, rivers, and small villages toward Upper Pisang, where dramatic views of Annapurna II dominate the skyline. The trail weaves through pine and rhododendron forests, occasionally crossing small streams. Along the way, Mani walls and prayer flags remind you of the spiritual essence of this trekking region.

Upper Pisang is a scenic village perched on the hillside, offering teahouses with warm rooms and hearty meals. The higher altitude gives you the first glimpses of snow-capped peaks nearby. Evening walks allow you to explore narrow stone lanes and traditional homes. Your guide discusses acclimatization techniques to prepare for Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass, helping reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Today is an acclimatization day in Manang, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes. You can take a short hike to the Gangapurna Glacier or explore the surrounding alpine meadows. Local gompas (Buddhist monasteries) provide insight into spiritual traditions, while nearby villages offer a glimpse of daily mountain life. The fresh mountain air invigorates you, and panoramic views of Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks enhance the experience.

Manang itself is a vibrant mountain village with well-equipped teahouses serving hot meals. Afternoon walks through stone-paved lanes reveal local crafts and prayer flags fluttering against snow-capped peaks. Your guide provides essential tips on hydration, diet, and pacing for the upcoming Tilicho Lake trek. Evenings are spent relaxing, enjoying tea by the stove, and soaking in the quiet majesty of the Himalayas before the next day’s adventure.

The trail ascends gently toward Tilicho Base Camp, passing alpine meadows, moraine fields, and glacial streams. The scenery becomes dramatic with higher peaks surrounding the valley. You cross small stone bridges and walk through sparse vegetation as the air becomes crisp and thin. Local shepherds and their flocks of yaks add a cultural touch to the journey.

Tilicho Base Camp is a scenic campsite nestled at the base of the imposing Tilicho Peak. The towering mountains and icy terrain provide a sense of accomplishment. Teahouses here offer simple but warm accommodations and nourishing meals. Your guide reviews the route to Tilicho Lake and discusses safety tips for high-altitude trekking. Evening views of snow-dusted peaks create a magical setting under clear starry skies.

You start early for the Tilicho Lake hike, one of the highest lakes in the world. The trail passes rugged terrain, rocky ridges, and patches of snow, depending on the season. The lake’s turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a breathtaking panorama. Trekking poles help navigate the steep ascent while enjoying stunning Himalayan vistas.

After spending time at Tilicho Lake, you descend back to Base Camp for the night. The hike provides a sense of accomplishment and stunning photographic opportunities. Teahouses welcome you with warm meals and a cozy environment. The guide reminds trekkers to monitor altitude symptoms, and evenings are perfect for reflection on the day’s adventure. Clear skies and crisp mountain air make the night serene and peaceful.

You descend from Tilicho Base Camp back to Manang, retracing part of the previous trail. The route offers sweeping valley views and closer looks at traditional mountain villages. Small streams and waterfalls create serene pauses along the path. The descent helps reduce altitude strain while providing additional time to enjoy Annapurna’s majestic peaks.

Arriving in Manang, you settle back into familiar teahouses. The afternoon is free to explore local shops, visit small monasteries, or relax in warm surroundings. Evenings are spent in reflection and conversation about the lake hike, soaking in the beauty of snow-capped peaks from the village. Guides provide advice for the upcoming Thorong La Pass, emphasizing preparation and hydration for the crossing.

Today’s trek takes you from Manang to Yak Kharka, gradually ascending through alpine terrain and grazing lands. The trail is dotted with yak herders’ huts and sparse vegetation. Peaks such as Nilgiri and Tilicho appear dramatically along the route. The hike is moderate, giving trekkers time to enjoy panoramic vistas and take photographs of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

Yak Kharka is a peaceful settlement with teahouses serving warm meals and resting spaces. The crisp mountain air and remote surroundings offer a sense of isolation and beauty. Evening discussions with your guide focus on strategies for the Thorong La Pass, altitude management, and mental preparation. The night sky sparkles above, creating a perfect backdrop for stargazing and quiet reflection.

The trail climbs steadily from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, the last stop before the Thorong La Pass. You trek through rocky terrain, scattered meadows, and small streams. Glimpses of Thorong Peak and Khatung Kang unfold in the distance. The path requires careful footing as the altitude increases, and the crisp mountain air invigorates your spirit.

Thorong Phedi is a small settlement of teahouses serving warm meals and providing cozy rooms for the night. This stop is essential for acclimatization and rest before the challenging Thorong La Pass. Guides review the pass crossing route, weather conditions, and safety precautions, ensuring all trekkers are prepared. Evening time is spent relaxing, enjoying the stunning mountain views, and mentally preparing for the next day’s high-altitude adventure.

You start very early for the Thorong La Pass, often before sunrise, to witness the first golden rays on the peaks. The hike is steep and challenging, with snow patches depending on the season. Careful pacing and hydration are critical. Reaching the top at 5,416 meters, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

After enjoying the summit, you descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by Hindus and Buddhists. The trail passes rugged valleys, waterfalls, and traditional mountain villages. Arriving in Muktinath, you explore the temple complex and the unique 108-water spouts. Teahouses provide warmth and comfort. Evening reflection focuses on the incredible achievement of crossing one of the highest passes in the world.

From Muktinath, the trail descends gradually to Jomsom, moving through arid valleys, terraced fields, and small settlements. The descent is gentler, allowing trekkers to relax and enjoy the dramatic landscape transitions from high alpine to semi-arid terrain. You cross stone bridges over flowing streams and walk past small gompas and mani walls.

Jomsom is the administrative hub of Upper Mustang, bustling with shops and lodges. After reaching your teahouse, you have time to explore the town, enjoy local snacks, and rest after the long trek. The evening is perfect for soaking in views of the Nilgiri and Annapurna peaks. Guides brief you on travel arrangements for the flight back to Pokhara and share stories from the trek, making for a memorable final night in the mountains.

Today, you catch a short scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The flight descends through the Kali Gandaki valley, showcasing terraced hills, river bends, and villages below. Upon arrival, you are transferred to a hotel in Pokhara, a lakeside city known for its relaxed ambiance.

Pokhara offers a perfect contrast to the rugged trek, with calm lakes, cafes, and mountain vistas. You can stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, or enjoy local shops and restaurants. The evening is spent celebrating the completion of your trek with your guide and fellow trekkers. Warm meals, cozy accommodations, and panoramic sunset views over the Annapurna range create an unforgettable farewell to the Himalayas.

On the final day, you either fly or drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying your last glimpses of Nepal’s stunning landscapes. If traveling by road, the drive passes terraced hills, small towns, and rivers, providing insight into rural Nepali life. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are transferred to a hotel for relaxation or city exploration.

Kathmandu is a vibrant blend of culture, history, and modern life. You can stroll through Thamel, visit temples, or rest at your hotel. This final evening is perfect for reflection, packing, and celebrating your Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake adventure. Your guide ensures all permits and arrangements are concluded smoothly, leaving you ready for your onward journey or flight home.