Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Your adventure begins upon landing in Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. At the airport, our representatives will welcome and help transfer you to your hotel. Later, you will meet your expert guides from Global Compass Travels for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing and gear check. This is also the perfect time for last-minute shopping before you head to the high-altitude trails.

You will kickstart your journey with a scenic drive to Dharapani. The journey takes you along the winding highway that aligns the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. You will witness the landscape shift from urban towns to terraced fields and massive waterfalls as you make your way to the trailhead in Dharapani.

Today, you will travel into the heart of the Manang District. The journey begins with a steady climb through pine and oak forests. You will experience the air becoming crisper as you reach a higher altitude. The ascent toward Chame also gives you your first view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters).

Your journey takes you deeper into the mountains along the narrow, steep valley. Along the journey, you can witness a massive, curved rock face of the Paungda Danda. As you approach Pisang, the majestic Annapurna II stands tall, welcoming you to the rain-shadow area of the Himalayas.

Prepare for a picturesque trek along the upper route through Ghyaru. Here, you can find the best possible panoramas, including the “cinema screen” view of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Enjoying the awe-inspiring views, you will reach the bustling mountain village of Manang.

Today is your first acclimatization day. This is a crucial process to ensure your lungs adjust to the increasing altitude. As a part of this process, you will practice the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. You can go on a short hike to Gangapurna Lake, or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) clinic.

After the hike, you can spend the rest of the day in the local bakeries of Manang, witnessing the Tibetan-Buddhist-inspired lifestyle.

Leaving the main Annapurna Circuit behind, you will take a detour toward Tilicho Lake. The path takes you to the traditional village of Khangsar, where you will notice the terrain becoming more rugged.

The trek to Tilicho Base Camp requires careful footing and navigating through the scree slopes. Your expert Global Compass Travels guides will lead you along this section, ensuring the utmost safety.

Tilicho Base Camp sits directly beneath the massive Tilicho Peak. Experience the raw and powerful high-alpine atmosphere as you prepare for the trek to Tilicho Lake the following day.

Today’s trek takes you to one of the significant highlights of the 13-day trek. The trek begins before dawn along the steep terrain to the high-altitude Tilicho Lake. Upon reaching the lake, you will find the deep turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Embrace this spiritual experience at nearly 5,000 meters before heading back to Tilicho Base Camp.

You will descend from the Tilicho Valley and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail. Your trek today takes you along high pastures toward Yak Kharka. Feel the anticipation building as you move steadily toward the base of the Thorang La Pass.

Today’s trek is short but demanding due to the high altitude. You will stop at Thorang Phedi, the base of the Thorang La Pass, and spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the most challenging section of the 13-day Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek.

This is the pinnacle of your trek. You start your journey in the early hours to cross the Thorang La Pass before the midday wind begins. Reaching the summit is a moment of pure triumph. Celebrate your ascent before descending into the Mustang region to reach the sacred Muktinath Temple.

After a morning visit to the revered Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage of Muktinath, you will drive through the rugged Kali Gandaki valley. Witness the landscape transform into lush terrains as you make your way back to the comforts of the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara.