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Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking.

Overview

TILICHO LAKE & ANNAPURNA SEMI CIRCUIT TREKKING

'Adventure to one of world’s highest Lake of Tilicho around Annapurna Himalayas’

Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking leads to beautiful areas of high Manang Valley, beyond massif Annapurna Himalayan peaks.

An exciting walk in the remote and isolated corners from the main trails of the popular Annapurna Circuit route. Where you will soak into spectacular scenic surroundings of towering peaks of Gangapurna Himal, Nilgiris, and Tilicho.

The adventure begins from the mid-hills enclosed by high rolling hills, covered in lovely woods of rhododendron and pines. As the walk progress heading through nice villages adorned with age-old heritage culture of Buddhism, with rows of prayer walls. Trek leads to Chame, the major town of the Manang region, from here enters into a wide scenic Manang valley.

An exciting large settlement and villages tucked on a valley floor enclosed by giant peaks of Northern Annapurna peaks. As well as facing the Chulu range towards the north, spending an extra day with time for acclimatization, exploring the high land village. Visiting Manang old monastery and up to its viewpoint on the foot of Gangapurna Himal and the massif glacier. From Manang adventure follows on heading south far from the main trail of Annapurna Circuit towards hidden areas

at Tilicho. Where an emerald-colored Tilicho lake is located, one of the world’s highest and deepest glacial lakes. Recently another high lake has been discovered within Manang areas beyond Chame, which is called Kajin Sara Lake.

But still, Tilicho Lake is considered one of the highest at 4,919 m and 16, 138 feet high. As well revered as a holy site for Hindu and Buddhist followers, enjoy and explore its magnificent surroundings.

After a blissful, exciting moment at Tilicho Lake and its unique landscapes of high moraine dunes and close towering peaks. The walk leads back to the main trail and then towards our next highlight of the adventure crossing high Thorang-La Pass.

The adventure leads to the valley rim of Manang, the top of Thorang-La marks the boundary of the Manang and Mustang districts. Heeding slowly to a steep winding path, then reaching on top Thorang-La, the pass festooned with colorful prayer flags. From the top breathtaking views of the giant mountain range that encircles the pass, facing Damodar Himal, Chulu’s, and Annapurna Himalayas.

The view extends as far as Mustang Himal with the Dhaulagiri range of peaks and then heads for a long descent. Where walk follows to the base of Thorang-La pass within Mustang area and reaching Muktinath holy site.

Muktinath, a most sacred place for all Hindus and Buddhist one of the major pilgrimage destinations around the high Himalayas range. Visit the temple premises of great cultural and religious interest of both religions, and then end the walk at Jomsom. After a pleasant downhill to Kaligandaki River valley, and then reach Jomsom for last overnight around the high Himalayan country.

Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang district located on the ancient Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route and Caravan trail to Tibet.

From Jomsom enjoying a wonderful stay in the comfort of a nice lovely lodge, the next morning a swift, scenic flight reaches Pokhara. A beautiful scenic city blessed with the nature of high Annapurna Himalayas snow peaks and lakes.

A wonderful spot to complete our marvelous adventure of a lifetime experience on Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Drive to Jagat 1,440 m via Syange 1,230 m - 07 hrs.

Day 03: Trek to Dharapani 1, 825 m - 06 hrs.

Day 04: Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 04 hrs.

Day 07: Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.

Day 08: Trek to Khangsar 3,734 - 05 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m / 13, 615 feet-05 hours.

Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,919 m / 16, 138 feet walk to Shiri-Kharka 4,020 m -06 hrs.

Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 06 hrs.

Day 12: Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.

Day 13: Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m via Thorang-La pass 5,416 m

/17,769 feet- 06 hrs.

Day 14: Trek Jomsom town 2,715 and transfer to a nice lodge-04 hrs.

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara a 22 minutes flight and transfer to hotel.

Day 16: Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 17: At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

Day 18: Depart for international departure

Trip Highlights

    “An adventure to a hidden and one of the highest turquoise lake of Tilicho Enjoy the spectacular panorama of giant snow peaks throughout the trek Explore the lively villages of high Manang valleys adorned with ancient culture Walk into remote pockets of Manang valley to scenic areas of Tilicho lake Crossing high Thorang-La pass from Manang to picturesque Mustang region”

    Trip Brief Summary:

    Trekking Mode: Staying in best available Lodges

    Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.

    Highest Spot: On top Thorang-La 5, 416 m / 17, 7000 feet high.

    Activities: Exciting drives, scenic trek and short flight.

    Trekking duration: 12 Nights and 13 Days with drives both ways.

    Total Trip: 18 Nights and 19 Days from arrival to departures.

    Best Seasons:

    Annapurna Circuit trekking, the best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks.

    The springtime’s begin from March till May, the high seasons for trekking to Annapurna Circuit and around all Himalayas.

    Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to a bush.

    The next best time is in autumn/fall, another peak season for trekking around the Himalayas. As well for Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Semi Circuit, most days are crystal clear for views and scenic walks. However, days are shorter due to sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time.

    Could get snowfall sometimes on walks from above 2,500 m high, but the clear bright starry night sky.

    Religion, Culture of Annapurna Himalaya region:

    The lower areas are mixed hill tribes of Gurung, Magar, and Newar with Hindu Chettries and Brahmins. The lower warm country villagers due to mixed types of people follow both Hindu and Buddhism religions.

    But around high Manang valley from Dharapani onwards, populated by Manang tribes call themselves Gurung and Ghale. Practice strong Buddhism with a similar culture to their predecessor the Tibetan's heritage and custom.

    On walks encountering religious monuments and prayer walls and spinning wheels, similar cultures followed by Mustang people. On the other side of Thorang-La Pass around Lower Mustang areas' the main tribes are Thakali, interwoven with Buddhism.


Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
Day 2:

Drive to Jagat 1,440 m via Syange 1,230 m - 06 hrs.

Morning an early drive for interesting drive from Kathmandu to Nepal Mid-West. Where journey takes you on main Kathmandu and Pokhara highway past many farm villages and towns, and then route diverts from the main road. As drive enters low warm heavily cultivated farm area within Lamjung district to reach at large town at Besisar headquarter of Lamjung district, from here journey continues following Masrsyangdi River to reach Syange. A small nice farm village where our drive climb on hilly winding dirt tracks above from Masrsyangdi River reaching our first overnight stop at Jagat village, a nice moderate size village within hill farm land facing views of cascading water-falls.
Day 3:

Trek to Dharapani 1, 825 m - 06 hrs.

From Jagat morning first day trek begins heading high above Masrsyangdi River, and with gradual uphill to Chamje village, from here onwards within strong Buddhism religion and culture. Walk leads to cross a small bridge on other side of Masrsyangdi River reaching a forested trail, trekking gradual path for an hour. Then short climb to a ridge as walk leads to a nice valley at Tal Besi for possible lunch stop. From here entering into Manang district on leaving the Lamjung area, afternoon few hour walk with short ups and down. As trail follows to cross a bridge then reaching Dharapani for overnight stop. Dharapani a moderate size village and a junction of Annapurna and Manaslu circuit route.
Day 4:

Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

First day walk from Dharapani village, morning leads into a nice forest of blue pines, rhododendron and fir trees. As walk follows to Bagarchap and Danque villages with garden of apple orchard. Enjoy the views of Annapurna-II and III with Lamjung Himal and Manaslu range of peaks. Walk then climb to a steep up to Timang a nice village facing views of high snow-capped peaks. From here few hours walk reaching at Chame for overnight stop, Chame a large and a major headquarter town of Manang district.
Day 5:

Trek to Pisang 3,115 m- 05 hrs.

After a pleasant overnight in Chame, morning walk follows through a nice forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Following the Masrsyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. After Bhratang village climb to Dukuri Pokhari for lunch facing view of Pisang Peak and Chulu peaks. Afternoon walk downhill reaching at Pisang village for overnight stop. The village located beneath Pisang Peak with views of Chulu and Annapurna-II and IV in the south direction.
Day 6:

Trek to Manang 3,540 m/ 11,300 feet- 04 hrs.

Morning walk into cool forest of firs and rhododendron as climb leads to a scenic hill top facing views of Annapurna-II and III, with Gangapurna Himal, Chulu and Pisang peak. From the top down to Hongde village with a small airstrip, from here tree lines slowly disappears for short alpine bush and shrubs. As walk continues on arid and barren landscapes of arctic zone terrain. Slowly the walk leads to main Manang village, on the way visit the old Braga monastery enriched with old Buddhist relics and great historical idols of Buddha and famous Buddhist gurus. From the monastery super views of Annapurna and Chulu range, after an interesting visit of the monastery. A short walk to Manang village for overnight stop.
Day 7:

Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.

At Manang a perfect place for rest day and acclimatization before heading towards higher terrain to Tilicho Lake and towards Thorang-La pass. At Manang enjoy the day exploring the interesting village, where houses are built in lovely Tibetan traditional architectures. As you notice similar colorful culture and custom to its Tibetan predecessors. At Manang village, hike to a scenic hill near towering Gangapurna Himal facing great views of Ice-Fall, with views of Annapurna-II and the turquoise colored glacial lake of Manang.
Day 8:

Trek to Khangsar 3,734 - 05 hrs.

From Manang after a pleasant rest day, journey continues towards our main destination to Tilicho Lake. Situated to the west end of Manang Valley, following a small path down to a river. On crossing the Khangsar Khola / stream, reaching Khangsar village for overnight halt.
Day 9:

Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m / 13, 615 feet-05 hours.

Morning walk leads past a monastery, as trail follows on with climb towards a high ridge the top with an intersection. Taking the safe and better trail walk continues with climb to another ridge. The other old path, is difficult, as it continues on a steep stone scree; the latter is a new path and much better. Walking along the new path to reach a high crest, and then down to a switchbacks. Which is carved within the cliff slopes on the side of valley and then reaching the bottom of a creek. As walk finally ends at Tilicho Base Camp for overnight stop on route to our destination at Tilicho Lake.
Day 10:

Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,919 m / 16, 138 feet walk back to Shiri-Kharka 4,000 m -06 hrs.

Rise up for an early hike to avoid the strong wind on route Tilicho Lake and back, the walk takes approx. 4 hours. As small path leads up and down with last climb to a plateau where Tilicho Lake is located. A cold and arid windswept place, enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the lake regarded as world’s highest lake. Spending and having pack lunch with ample time at beautiful areas of Tilicho Lake. After a blissful moment return journey on the same way to the base camp, as walk continues along the riverside. Walk on steep landslide area to Shiri Kharka for overnight stop.
Day 11:

Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 06 hrs.

After an exciting adventure at Tilicho Lake and its wild surrounding, morning leads on pleasant up and down. As walk leads on the main trail of Annapurna Circuit and then heading west end of Manang valley. Walk past village of Ghunsang following on a gradual winding up to Yak Kharka for overnight stop. A nice settlement, located on a valley with few lodges for travelers, facing views of Chulu West Peak and Gangapurna Himal.
Day 12:

Trek to High Camp 4,900 m-04 hrs.

Morning from Yak Kharka, walk leads to Ledar a small place with few lodge which is the route to Chulu West Peak base camp. From here walk on gradual path and down to a stream, and then a short steep climb reaching level path to Thorang Phedi, the bottom of Thorang-La pass. After short refreshing stop, an hour climb on steep rocky slopes to Thorang High Camp for lunch and overnight stop.
Day 13:

Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m via Thorang-La pass 5,416 m /17,769 feet- 06 hrs

Having early breakfast start the morning long and steady climb on winding uphill to the top of Thorang-La Pass. On the highest spot at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high, from the top enjoy stunning panorama of snow mountain range with Chulu peaks, Damodar Himal, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. After feeling in high spirit reaching on the highest point of the adventure, a long descend leads to the bottom of the pass at Muktinath for overnight stop. A famous Hindu pilgrimage site as well for some Buddhist followers, where the word Muktinath means a place for ‘Nirvana or Liberation’. A beautiful spot located within Mustang district facing views of Tilicho, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain range.
Day 14:

Trek Jomsom town 2,715 and transfer to a nice lodge-04 hrs.

A pleasant downhill through several interesting villages and the reaching at the Valley floor of Kaligandaki River. From the valley a nice walk of few hours.Reaching Jomsom for last overnight around high country of western Nepal and Mustang area. Jomsom a big town and headquarter of Mustang region, with time to browse around cobbled streets lined with shops, restaurants and stores
Day 15:

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel.

Morning short walk to Jomsom airport, as the small plane arrives from Pokhara. After checking in and then board in the small aircraft for short scenic flight to Pokhara. On reaching at Pokhara airport a short drive to a nice hotel by the beautiful Phewa Lake side. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the lake side of Pokhara an amazing place for last overnight stop.
Day 16:

Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Morning after a pleasant time in Pokhara and around high hills of Annapurna Himalayas. From Pokhara drive leads back to Kathmandu on an interesting highway past farm villages and town. After hours of exciting drive reaching Kathmandu, by late afternoon. Rest of the day free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options for flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara of half hour scenic flight)
Day 17:

At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

In Kathmandu we have spared a day free to enjoy individual activities, as well for shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can join in for another exciting sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur worth a visit.
Day 18:

Depart for international departure.

Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful adventure and experience on Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Semi Circuit trekking.

Gears

    • Duffel/Rucksack bag
    • Day pack
    • Trekking shoes
    • Sports shoes or sandals
    • Sun Hat/cap
    • Warm woolen cap
    • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
    • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
    • Pullover or warm sweeter
    • Raincoat
    • Hand towel
    • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
    • Hand gloves
    • 3/4 pairs of trekking trousers
    • 4/5 pairs of trekking shirts
    • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
    • Sun glasses
    • Water bottle
    • 4 season sleeping bag
    • Flash or Torch light
    • Emergency contact information; Personal medical kit.