ANNAPURNA SEMI CIRCUIT & TILICHO LAKE TREK

Morning after breakfast, our city guide takes you on a tour around the world 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.

Early morning 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 overnight stops. Dharapani is located within the district of Manang and en route Manaslu valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, after a long exciting drive from Kathmandu.

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 overnight halt.

From Chame onwards towards the scenic valley of Manang, morning 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. Afternoon walk heads downhill on a wide field below the towering Annapurna-II and A-IV. Slowly the walk ends, reaching a windswept village at Pisang for an overnight stop in a nice simple lodge.

Today a short distance walks towards the main Manang village. Morning 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 Annapurna and Chulu’s outlines of the Manang Valley. A 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 Annapurna Himalaya. After an interesting visit of the monastery, a short walk to Manang village, the main major settlement of Manang district. At Manang, nice good lodges for overnight stops, and enjoy excellent food with close views of snow-mountains.

A leisure day in Manang for acclimatization before venturing towards Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the morning exploring the traditional village of Manang adorned with Tibetan Buddhism culture and colorful heritage. The best hike is to Gangapurna 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 Gangapurna Himal Ice-Fall and glaciers. Enjoying the glorious morning views of the surrounding towering peaks. Afternoon at leisure with the grand views that surround Manang valley and the village.

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 overnight. The last permanent village after Manang en route Tilicho Lake.

From Khangsar, towards Tilicho the path heads to higher ridges facing close views of Gangapurna Himalaya with Tilicho Peaks. The walk continues amidst dramatic landscape around windswept mountain wilderness. The green vegetation gets 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 overnight stop. Reaching at Tilicho Base Camp, an isolated spot with facilities of few small nice lodge accommodations.

Morning 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 of turquoise colored Tilicho Lake. A scenic spot located within picturesque surroundings with high snow peaks of Tilicho, Gangapurna 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 return journey leads to base camp and beyond to Siri-Kharka for overnight stop.

After an enjoyable time around the tranquil undisturbed area of Tilicho. Retrace the journey back to Khangsar village for an overnight stop.

A short day walk from Khangsar to Yak Kharka, morning 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 Gangapurna, Tilicho peaks. The walk proceeds with a close look of Chulu West peak, finally the morning hike ends at Yak Kharka. A small settlement with several nice lodges and guest-houses, enjoy lunch and an overnight stop. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy a short walk and marvel at the glorious views of Gangapurna, Tilicho peak and Chulu West.

A morning 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 corner 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 overnight stop.

A big day of adventure, rising early for breakfast and then starting the cool morning 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 Annapurna Himal range with Damodar Himal and Chulu’s as far as Manaslu Himalaya. Enjoying a refreshing stop, walk down to the western 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 overnight 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.

Last day and short walk of the adventure to Jomsom town. The morning 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 overnight 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.

Morning a short walk to Jomsom airport for a scenic short flight to beautiful Pokhara. During the short flight fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks. On reaching Pokhara, the most sought tourist destinations in all the Himalaya. A picturesque city overlooking views of the massive Annapurna Himalaya. Includes the magnificent Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail'. From the airport a short drive to the hotels, close around the serene Phewa Lake. Afternoon, with time to explore around scenic Pokhara and its natural wonders.

Morning catching the last views of Annapurna 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 Annapurna 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.