ANNAPURNA SEMI CIRCUIT & TILICHO LAKE TREK
Trip Facts
Overview
Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek with the guidance of Dhan Kumar Rai. An expert and veteran guide of the Nepalese company Kirat Society Adventure and Hiking.
Annapurna Semi Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek, leads you around the massive Annapurna Himalayas. An exciting adventure to experience following the raging Masrsyangdi River from low warm farm fields towards its glacial source.
Leads you in the heart of North Mid-West Himalayas at scenic Manang Valley in the close harmony of age-old cultures. A journey from sub-tropical temperatures to cooler hills and reaching around arctic terrains filled with ice and glaciers.
The walk follows on the famous and popular mainstream route of Annapurna Circuit to Jomsom Town at Mustang areas. The adventure takes you to the scenic and high Manang Valley amidst arrays of snow-capped peaks.
Around the northern side of the massif Annapurna Himalayan ranges at Manang Valley and its traditional lovely villages. Exploring around the scenic viewpoints ridges with close looks of massive Ice Falls and glaciers of Gangapurna Himal.
Adventure diverts from the main trails of Annapurna Circuit heading towards
the world’s highest Tilicho lake. The ultimate destination before crossing the high Thorang-La Pass to Jomsom at Mustang district.
Tilicho Lake at 4,920 m and 16,141 ft. Regarded as the world’ s highest glacial lake. The southern rim of Tilicho Lake, stands the towering peaks of Tilicho, Gangapurna and Nilgiri’s Himal. Explore the picturesque lake of Tilicho, it is also a holy place for the Hindu’s. From Tilicho Lake back on the same high trail to join the main path of Annapurna Circuit towards Thorang-La.
Enjoy the last and final exciting day of the adventure crossing over the highest point of the trek. A slow and steady climb takes you on top of Thorang-La Pass, the boundary of Manang and Mustang districts. From the pass spectacular panorama of the surrounding giant peaks with Mt. Dhaulagiri towards west.
After a great scenic moment on top Thorang-La Pass, a long winding descent towards the Mustang region. Reaching at Muktinath, the holiest of holy pilgrimage destinations for all Hindu followers. From Muktinath the last leg of the journey takes you to the wide Kaligandaki River Valley at Jomsom.
The next morning a swift and scenic flight brings you to a lovely and scenic city in Pokhara. A beautiful spot, and major tourist destination due to its unique location of green hills, serene lakes. In the close shadow of Annapurna Himalaya and Machhapuchare Himal the famed Fish-Tail Peak. From Pokhara, connect the flight to Kathmandu. After a great wonderful adventure and experience on Annapurna Semi Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek.
Major highlights of Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek
”Explore the Manang hidden valley around scenic world’s highest Tilicho lake.
An adventure that takes you to varied dramatic landscapes with scenic scenery.
Following Masrsyangdi River upstream to its glacial source at Manang Valley.
Get immersed amidst awesome snow-capped mountain ranges of Annapurna’s.
From dense forests of rhododendrons and pines to arctic zones of ice and glaciers.
Crossing high Thorang-La Pass towards the hub of Mustang areas at Jomsom.”.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to a hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal Intenational Airport, after visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Outside the exit terminal our staff and guide receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed at the hotel, then join with other members of Annapuna Circuit Trek for a briefing.
Briefing is done by our guide, group leader with full information of the treks, including hotels in Kathmandu. Local cultures with do’s and don’ts.
In the evening a lovely dinner and introduction to Nepali foods and culture.
Day 2: Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.
Moning after breakfast, our city guide takes you on a tour around thenworld heritage sites within Kathmandu city. After an exciting and interesting tour back to the hotel, preparation and packing for trekking.
Non-essential clothing and items not required for treks, can be stored in the Hotel or with Kirat Society Adventure.
Day 3: Drive to Dharapani village 1, 820 m (234 Km / 146 miles) - 07 hrs.
Early moning breakfast, for a long and exciting drive of more than 6-7 hours to Dharapani village. The drive follows Nepal's busy highway, driving along Trisuli River. The drive diverts west towards Dumre and Lamjung areas at Bhesishar town. Leaving the low warm farm areas, the drive heads north towards Manang areas. The mountain road follows the Masrsyangdi River upstream to Dharapani village for ovenight stops.
Dharapani is located within the district of Manang and en route Manaslu valley and Annapuna Circuit Trek. Enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, after a long exciting drive from Kathmandu.
Day 4: Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.
A moderate pleasant winding path to start the first day of trekking from Dharapani to Chame. The headquarters of Manang district, the walk follows through a lovely forest of pines and rhododendron past Bagarchap and Danaque villages. From here onwards observe strong Buddhist religion and cultures as the trail leads along the prayer walls and religious wheels.
After Danaque a steep climb for an hour to a large village of Timang for lunch. Enjoy the grand views of Lamjung and Manaslu Himal.
After lunch a gradual descent to Kodo, a village where the route of Manang and Nar-Phu is located. The walk follows a short climb to Chame town for an ovenight halt.
Day 5: Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.
From Chame onwards towards the scenic valley of Manang, moning walk follows the river through dense alpine forest. Reaching Brathang, and then crossing a bridge with gradual climb to the hilltop. A place with few Tea-Houses and shops, for possible lunch stops facing close views of Pisang Peak.nn nnAftenoon walk heads downhill on a wide field below the towering Annapuna-II and A-IV. Slowly the walk ends, reaching a windswept village at Pisang for an ovenight stop in a nice simple lodge.
Day 6: Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 04 hrs.
Today a short distance walks towards the main Manang village.
Moning starts with gradual climb amidst lovely trees of pines and rhododendron to a high ridge. Enjoy the superb views of Manang Valley with snow-clad peaks of Annapuna and Chulu’s outlines of the Manang Valley.nn nnA slow descent leads to Humdre village with a small airport, where flight seldom operates from Pokhara to Humdre. From here on a gradual wide trail to Braga, a small village with an old monastery. A short climb to the monastery enriched with ancient religious arts and idols of Lord Buddha, holy Gurus. The monastery offers spectacular views of Chulu’s, Pisang peaks with Annapuna Himalaya.
After an interesting visit of the monastery, a short walk to Manang village,nthe main major settlement of Manang district. At Manang, nice good lodges for ovenight stops, and enjoy excellent food with close views of snow-mountains.
Day 7: Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.
A leisure day in Manang for acclimatization before venturing towards Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the moning exploring the traditional village of Manang adoned with Tibetan Buddhism culture and colorful heritage.
The best hike is to Gangapuna glacier and Ice-Fall, located south of Manang village a few hours walk to the river. Crossing a bridge, a short steep climb takes you close to Gangapuna Himal Ice-Fall and glaciers. Enjoying the glorious moning views of the surrounding towering peaks. Aftenoon at leisure with the grand views that surround Manang valley and the village.
Day 8: Trek to Khangsar 3,734 m - 05 hours.
Today our walk from Manang takes you towards Tilicho Lake, our route diverts from the main popular trail. The walk leads off-the-beaten tracks with close views of high Himalayan peaks. Hiking around the windswept barren landscapes to Khangsar village ovenight. The last permanent village after Manang en route Tilicho Lake
Day 9: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m - 05 hours.
From Khangsar, towards Tilicho the path heads to higher ridges facing close views of Gangapuna Himalaya with Tilicho Peaks. The walk continues amidst dramatic landscape around windswept mountain wildeness. The green vegetationngets sparse, except for a few short juniper and Burberry bush.
Walk leads to a trail covered with rocky scree on narrow path as climb continues to ovenight stop. Reaching at Tilicho Base Camp, an isolated spot with facilities of few small nice lodge accommodations.
Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,920 m/16,141 feet and walk back to Shiri-Kharka 4,000 m -06 hrs.
Moning walk starts from the base camp towards our main highlight.
The climb leads to a ridge of rocky dune and then down to the shore ofnturquoise colored Tilicho Lake. A scenic spot located within picturesquensurroundings with high snow peaks of Tilicho, Gangapuna Himal and Nilgiri’s.
Enjoy the glorious views of Tilicho Lake, regarded as a holy spot by the Hindus.
It is also the world’s highest lake and a photogenic location amidst windswept landscapes with giant peaks. Hindus also believes that Tilicho Lake is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. The Sage Kak Bhushundi believed to have first narrated the historical Ramayana to the Garuda (Griffon and a human).
From Tilicho Lake, the retun jouney leads to base camp and beyond to Siri-nKharka for ovenight stop.
Day 11: Trek back to Khangsar - 05 hrs.
After an enjoyable time around the tranquil undisturbed area of Tilicho.
Retrace the jouney back to Khangsar village for an ovenight stop.
Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs.
A short day walk from Khangsar to Yak Kharka, moning walk heads west towards Manang Valley rim. An enjoyable and pleasant trek with gradual climb on a winding path to Ghunsang. On walks views of Gangapuna, Tilicho peaks.
The walk proceeds with a close look of Chulu West peak, finally the moning hike ends at Yak Kharka. A small settlement with several nice lodges and guest-houses, enjoy lunch and an ovenight stop. Aftenoon at leisure to enjoy a short walk and marvel at the glorious views of Gangapuna, Tilicho peak and Chulu West.
Day 13: Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.
A moning hike of a few hours to the High Camp of Thorang-La Pass, the gain in altitude makes the walk slower. The walk leads on a gradual trail to Ledar, a small settlement with few Tea Houses and lodges. Located en route Chulu West Base Camp, and towards Thorang-La. From Ledar on a winding pleasant trail with a short descent to Jarsang Khola / stream. A slow climb and then on an almost level path to Thorang Phedi. Situated on a coner at the edge of Manang Valley rim, having a refreshing break. From here the last steep climb of less than an hour to High Camp. Stands on a flat ridge-top offer few simple good lodges, hidden behind massive snow peaks and rocky cliffs. Check into a room with basic facilities, this will be the highest point of the trek for lunch and an ovenight stop.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m crossing high Thorang-La pass - 5,416 m /17,697 feet - 06 hrs.
A big day of adventure, rising early for breakfast and then starting the cool moning walks. The first part of the trek follows a gradual path for a short while.
The walk continues with a climb for an hour to a small icy pond, from this spot uphill continues. Heading up for an hour or more to Thorang-La Pass, the ridge-top festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. A sign board stands with the name of the pass with altitude. After a strenuous climb, having time to catch your breath, enjoy the overwhelming Himalayan panorama. Majestic views of Dhaulagiri Himal with peaks of Upper Mustang. Includes views of Annapuna Himal range with Damodar Himal and Chulu’s as far as Manaslu Himalaya.nn nnEnjoying a refreshing stop, walk down to the westen base of Thorang-La, located within the district of Mustang. A small place having few shelters serving as Tea-Houses, and shops. From here follows a pleasant trail to Muktinath for an ovenight stop. After a long and tough trek of the adventure.
Muktinath, is one of the holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites for the Hindu and for some Buddhist followers. After checking into a nice lodge with time to explore the Muktinath Temple premises, with 108 water spouts. The water runs from a fresh hidden spring, which is also the tributaries of Kaligandaki River. For the rest of the day enjoy relaxing with views of Dhaulagiri North West Face.
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m / 8,907 feet - 05 hrs.
Last day and short walk of the adventure to Jomsom town. The moning walks head downhill to Kaligandaki River valley. The trek continues on a river bed then ends on reaching Jomsom. A big town with many excellent lodges, hotels and inns for ovenight stops with fancy restaurants and fresh bakeries.
Jomsom is the headquarter town of Mustang region with a small airstrip above the Kaligandaki River. An interesting dry country with fantastic landscapes of the windblown hills and canyons.
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara and transfer to a hotel with a free afternoon.
Moning a short walk to Jomsom airport for a scenic short flight to beautiful Pokhara. During the short flight fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapuna Himalayan peaks. On reaching Pokhara, the most sought tourist destinations in all the Himalaya. A picturesque city overlooking views of the massive Annapuna Himalaya. Includes the magnificent Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail'.
From the airport a short drive to the hotels, close around the serene Phewa Lake. Aftenoon, with time to explore around scenic Pokhara and its natural wonders.
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu in a 30 mins flight and transfer to a hotel.
Moning catching the last views of Annapuna Himalaya with majestic Machhapuchare Himal or Fish Tail. Transfer to Pokhara airport for a smooth short flight to Kathmandu. Back to the hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu.
After a great adventure and wonderful experience around Annapuna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Tre. Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs or join in for a short tour around places of great interest.
Day 18: International departure for homeward bound.
Final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your intenational flight for homeward bound or next port of call. Transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal intenational airport bidding farewell to the guide and staff. After a marvelous and enjoyable adventure on Annapuna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake trek.
Essential Information
Best Seasons for Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek:
One can enjoy Annapurna Semi Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek nearly all seasons, except for the wet monsoon season from mid-June to August.
The best seasons are spring and autumn/fall. The spring begins from March to May, most days are longer with sunlight hours. Normally the morning till mid-afternoon, most days are clear for views and scenic walks. It can get overcast in the late afternoon sometime.
Expect snowfalls, cold mornings and in the nighttime, the mid-hills are covered with tall rhododendron, pine and juniper trees. A lively time with wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendrons of various colors.
The next high season is autumn/fall, starts from September and ends in November. Most days are fine with crystal clear blue sky, a pleasant time for scenic walks. Days are shorter due to limited sunlight hours, cold afternoons, and nights till morning time. Expect snowfall sometimes, but with a bright starry night sky.