ANNAPURNA 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, and 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.

Another short day from Manang to Yak Kharka, morning walk heads west past the village of Manang. 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.

5,416 m /17,697 feet - 06 hrs. 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.

From Tatopani taking a day break from trekking, where motorable roads have reached all over the Mustang area. Walking can be quite disturbing by the vehicles movement on dusty roads. Enjoy the ride on a jeep or similar drive, the journey takes you to a low warm farm village at Tatopani. The drive leads through Jomsom, a big town and headquarters of Mustang district. The drive continues past lovely Marpha and Tukuche villages, famous areas for delicious apples and products. The road follows the Kaligandaki River downstream through forest past the villages of Kalapani and Lete. The route then leads towards the world's deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River. Located in between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. The drive slowly ends reaching lower warm farm areas at Tatopani village for an overnight. Tatopani means Hot-Water, a place with a natural hot-spring. Enjoy the refreshing dip and bathe in warm pools.

Starting the morning trek earlier, the walk begins on an easy trail following the Kaligandaki River. On leaving the river behind, climb starts within the cool shade of a small forest to reach a high ridge. The walk continues past farm villages to Sikha village for lunch. Afternoon walk on gradual ups to Chitre village and then into a dense forest of pines and rhododendron trees. A short steep climb brings you to Ghorepani, a village on a high ridge. Located amidst rhododendron and pine forest. Ghorepani offers good lodges with views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks, situated at the foot of famous Poon Hill.

Early morning before breakfast, enjoy the last climb of the adventure to Poon Hill. A famous and popular hilltop for short moderate treks, enjoy the stunning sunrise views over a chain of Himalayan peaks. After an exciting refreshing morning with glorious views and sunrise, downhill to Ghorepani for breakfast.

Depart from the lodge at Ghorepani for a last day walk to reach the beautiful city of Pokhara. The walk is pleasant through lovely cool forest reaching Ulleri village and then downhill to Thirkhedhunga unto Hille. Where our walk completes, spend the last final overnight in the comfort of a nice lodge at Hille farm village.

From Hille having the last breakfast around the foothills of Annapurna Himalayas. A few hours drive to Pokhara on a nice scenic road. On arrival at Pokhara check into a lovely hotel, situated by the Phewa Lakeside. Afternoon free to explore around the lakeside.

Pokhara is an amazing and unique place on earth with a sub-tropical climate. Yet it is close to the Annapurna Himalayas as the crow fly. Pokhara is famous for Adventure sports activities, besides trekking and mountaineering. One can enjoy Paragliding, Zip-Line / Flyer and Bungee Jumping as well as Ultra-Light Flight and much more.

As time for a short scenic flight to Kathmandu, transfer to Pokhara Airport for a sweeping smooth air journey. After a grand panoramic view of country landscapes and snow peaks, then landing at Kathmandu airport.

From the airport, a short drive back to your hotels, rest of the day at leisure for solo activities.

A free day after a great adventure around Annapurna Himalayas. Enjoy the full day at leisure and shopping or join in for a tour to Patan or Bhaktapur cities, worth a visit.