Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake – 24 Days – 23 Days

On the first day of our trip, we will take a local bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which is the gateway to the Annapurna region. The journey covers approximately 175 km (109 miles) and takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The route follows the Prithvi Highway, passing through scenic landscapes, rivers, and small towns.

Local buses are budget-friendly and offer an authentic travel experience, allowing us to interact with locals. However, they can be crowded and less comfortable than private jeeps. Along the way, we will have opportunities to stop for meals and refreshments.

Our first day trekking from Besisahar will lead to Syange at an altitude of 1,100m. Today is quite an easy day of trekking, however; it’s pretty long in distance that keeps you walking all day. We initiate our journey from Besisahar via well-trod, winding path amid lush green hills, small villages, and terraced farmland. It also gradually goes upwards but is devoid of steep ascent or obstacles that are considered problematic. En route, we cross several settlements from where we can observe the local lifestyles and stop for refreshments at teahouses. As we draw closer to Syange, we will have our first views of beautiful waterfalls and the Marsyangdi River flowing alongside the trail.

Today we shall cross the first suspension bridge over the Marshyandi River and encounter the beautiful, tall and gorgeous waterfall. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat (1300m) before climbing through the forest to Chamje at 1400 meters. And finally to Taal (1700m), the very first village to Manang district.

Chame is the head quarter to Manang District. We can also enjoy the hot spring in Chame and we have the views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m).

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. And right where the valley widens stands the PaungdaDanda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 1500m above the trail. We trek for a while before reaching Lower Pissang where we spend the night.

Today we have two routes to Manang, one that takesus to the trail up to Upper Pisang via Ghyaru. This trail has the excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains mount Annapurna and Pissang (6091m). And the other one goes down to southern route of Marshyandi River by Hongde with its airstrip that involves lesser climbing comparatively to Northern route. The choice is yours, since we meet up at Munchi whichever route we take. We shall be noticing a contrast in the landscapeand vegetation from today onwards. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment.

We need to stay fit for our next day trip so, on this day also we shall be doing continuous day walks and capture the magnificent views around the village. We have the option to go for a hike to Gangapurna Lake or Braga village and visit the oldest BrakaGumba.

Today we are trekking to SiriKharka, route way to Tillicho Lake. On the way to our destination we will be seeing the beautiful village fully influenced with the old Tibetan life style which is also known as the last village of Nepal. We shall be passing by few gompas including ThareGompa just before SiriKharka.

Today we shall be trekking towards Tillicho Base Camp (4150m). The path is covered with small crystals and shrubs on both side of the trail that follows to juniper and sea buckthorn bushes. Some places along the trail we even get to cross a few streams.Our main goal for the day isTillicho Lake (4920m), other than that we have outstanding view of Tarkeghyang, Gangapurna and the Khangsar Kang and last but not least for the day is a wonderful sunset. It presents a dramatic spectacle reflection of the surrounding peaks however it is frozen solid most of the season. After spending the wonderful time at Tillicho Lake, we shall follow the trail back to Tillicho Base Camp.

Today we will be heading towards Yak Kharka (4050m) catching up the route to old Khangsar. And following the unmarked path just above us we meet at the tea shop just between Ghunsang and Yak Kharka. And we now follow the way to Yak Kharka.

Today we have an upward following trail to Throng Phedi (4525m). On the way we will be seeing one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. We shall be taking rest in either Throng Phedi or at the High Camp.

Crossing Throng la pass is our main goal for the day so we are waking up early in the morning and walk ahead with the lights on. After making through Throng La pass we shall reach in Muktinath (3760m) in a few hours of walk. It is believed that all our sorrows and pain are relieved when visiting this very temple. The place is surrounded with several other monasteries as well.

Since we are on the other side of Manang most of the land we see will bedry and looks somewhat like the desert. We will continue our trek walking by the bank of KaliGandi River. Most of the time, we will descend with closer view of stupas and really old traditional house and civilization of Mustang.

Descending from Kagbeni village we reach Marpha. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple in Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple like apple pie, and wines. Apple Brandy is another local specialty that we may be lucky enough to taste.

We pass through the valley following the Kali Gandaki River. On this trail, we will have the opportunity to view Annapurna I (8091m) and beautiful landscapes.

On this day we will be trekking through the traditional village of the ethnic Thakali people. Also we will be seeing panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. And in our surroundings will be lots and lots of apple garden.

We will keep passing on by the beautiful villages on our way. Ghasa (2010m) is another beautiful valley we are taking rest at.

We will continue beating our feet towards Tatopani (1190m). On our way we will emerge into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation and see power house that supply regular electricity in this area. In the end reaching Tatopani we get to relax in hot water.

The trek today leads through the rhododendron forests with a terraced farmland surrounded with glowing mountains.

Today we have early morning sunrise to catch up at Poon hill (3193m). From here we will be able to get a close up look at most of the mountains including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After taking few photos and sight-seeing of the mountains we head back to Ghorepani and then head towards Tadapani.

Our trip today will be in the lands of Rhododendron trees. In the time of this flower season the jungle fully turns into red valley covered with blooming Rhododendron and cherry blossoms. Just in few minutes of walk from the jungle is a Ghandruk (1940m), a Gurung residence.

Final day of the trail trip comes to an end at Nayapool (1070m) and soon after we take private Jeep to Pokhara and take accommodation in one of the fine hotel.

Rest day at kathmandu and sightseeing in kathmandu. can visit thamel, and old heritage place and get relax in kathmandu.

And early in the morning we take tourist bus to Kathmandu.