Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake

The guests will be greeted by a representative ofTouching the void who is responsible for taking them to their hotel upon their arrival. The dinner comprising of authentic Nepali food is the preliminary firsthand experience of the Nepali culture that the company offers you.

A guided tour around the historically and spiritually significant landmarks in Kathmandu will be scheduled after breakfast. These landmarks constitutes of Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath – the Monkey Temple, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, pre-trip discussion session will be arranged enabling the interaction between trek leader, crew and the guests.

On this day, we begin a long early morning drive to Syange enjoying on the way the beautiful landscape along the countryside of Nepal filled with lush green hills, terraced farms and winding rivers with mighty Himalayas as the backdrop.

The first day of the trek, we take the trail entering into Manang district crossing over a large bridge near Tal. Passing through barley, rice and potato fields and waterfalls, the trail enters into the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani, one of the biggest villages in Manang Valley.

Traversing through a few steep forested ridges along the several landslides en route to Chame, we will be greeted by the incredible views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. The hot springs along the way help in relaxing and fighting the anxiety of the trek.

Walking through a steep narrow valley offers the first glace of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1,500m above the river. This place also offers tremendous views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. Descending down to the Manang Valley floor takes us to Pisang.

Two routes go to Manang from Pisang of which we follow the one passing through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees the outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak and others. Walking near Manang makes us feel the cold and dry climate. A short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the district is organized so as to help the travelers forget the climatic condition in the serene environment of the monastery.

This is an acclimatization day which will be spent on short hike either to Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If desired and the energy and stamina supports, hike to Vraga village for a visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association for gaining ideas about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) could be taken.

Through the western gates of Manang following the path down to the river, the walk continues on the southern side through coniferous forest. After reaching Kangsar village, further climbing takes us towards Siri Kharka passing a monastery. The tiring uphill climb is made easier by the company of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu in the background where we will enjoy our lunch and after resting for while we will make our journey towards Tilicho Base Camp which takes further 2 to 2 and half hours from Sirikharka .We have to be careful after walking like a hour from Sirikharka as we will be crossing the Landslide part.

The initial tough, steep and switch backed ascend gradually turns into steep incline before reaching the watershed. The trail is accompanied by yaks and deer grazing around the field by the side of the trail. A spectacularly large lake, Tilicho is nestled at the foot of the north face of the Tilicho Peak. Referred to as ‘The Great Ice Lake’ by the leader of French expedition, Tilicho holds an important place for Hindus because of its mention in one of their holiest texts – The Ramayana. After enjoying the tranquil lake and capturing its image into our memories and camera, we retrace our steps as we return to Siri Kharka.

Descending towards Khangsar village passing the Tare Gumba, a thousand year old monastery with high significance among the locals, we learn that the village is not usually inhabited except for the occasional herders coming during festivals. A walk along the rock wall out of Khangsar towards a season bridge in the Thorang Khola valley goes further ascending to a plateau from where few hours walk further brings us to Yak Kharka.

An uphill walk through a suspension bridge brings us to Ledar village from where we ascend further passing the towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong-La.

The ultimate objective of the day is to cross Thorong-La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. It will be crossed from east to west, i.e., from Manang to Muktinath which is the easiest and safest direction. The walk up the mountain starts at around three o’clock in the morning. From the pass, descend towards Muktinath Valley nestled at the foot of the Thorong-La Pass is made.

A visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple is scheduled for the morning. This temple is believed to be “the place of liberation or moksha” which is also called by the term Mukti Kshetra. After the temple visit, drive to Tatopani is made to explore this Nepal-China border trading hub.

Leaving the Kali Gandaki, the trail to Ghar Khola Valley is followed which leads through a terraced farmland surrounded by mountains on all sides. Passing through the villages of Shikha and Chitre the lush red and green rhododendron forest appears ahead. Further walk takes us to Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at the top of a ridge.

Early morning hike to Poon Hill will be arranged to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world. One of the most beautiful trekking destinations in the world, Poon Hill is an ideal site to enjoy the views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than twenty of the highest mountains in the world. From here as we descend to Ghorepani, breakfast will be served at our arrival. Then we head east climbing a nearby ridge gradually descending through the rhododendron forest, impressive refreshing waterfalls until we get to Tadapani.

The trek through the dense rhododendron forests takes us to the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses inhabited in majority by the Gurung people. Further trek down in the company of the Fishtail Mountain, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains takes us to Naya Pul from where a hour long drive takes the travelers to Pokhara.

A scenic drive from Pokhara will bring the team back to Kathmandu where the evening is spend either relaxing or shopping for souvenirs. A farewell dinner will be organized to commemorate the closer of the exciting journey.

On this day, the Touching the void team bids farewell to the guests and one of the representatives will escort the guests to the airport approximately three hours before their scheduled flight.