Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ice and Tilicho Lakes

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4,600 ft)

Language spoken Nepali/English

Currency: Nepalese Rupees

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight (3-star-hotel)

The 18-days Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho and Ice Lakes begins from the very day of the arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The representatives of Best Adventure Travel shall meet and greet the travelers and transfer them to hotel through private transfers.

In evening, a welcome dinner and cultural show is organized, where we shall be discussing the 18 days itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho and Ice Lakes.

Elevation of Jagat: 1300m (4373 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 9-10 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We begin the journey early in the morning towards Besisahar, Syange and Jagat. On the way we shall acquire a fine view of Manaslu II and Himchuli. Alongside the green country area of Nepal, we pass through the winding rivers, and terraced farms. Overnight shall be spend in Jagat.

Elevation of Lower Pisang: 3200m (10499 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

This day we drive on the west bank of Marsyangdi river. The trail than cross the cliff, and stone village in Jagat. The trial than crosses the Marsyangdi river while we ascend upwards towards Tal (1700m), the first village in Manang district. We pass through several flat valleys and extensive stone staircase to Khotro and Karte and to Lower Pisang. A typical Tibetan influenced cultural village, where we shall be spending an overnight after 5-6 hours’ drive.

Elevation of Manang: 3540m (11614 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We negotiate few steps from Lower Pisang to Manang not missing the remarkable glance offered by the Annapurna range, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna IV (7525m). On the we shall also encounter the Paungda Danda rock, a dramatic curve rising 1500m away from the flowing river. From the cliff we see the excellent view of Pisang Peak, and Annapurna II. To enjoy the captivating valley of Manang we walk through Ghyaru-Newal-Braga pathway for an outstanding view of Pisang peak and Annapurna and reach the destination after 6-7 hours. The weather scenario in Manang cold, and dry. Though embraced by the winds, we make a short visit to Barge Monastery in the Manang District.

Elevation of Ice Lake: 4600m (15125 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Ice Lake takes the explorers to the gleaming ice lake situated in the meditated position of big rocks near Chulu east. The place offers tranquility, with a picturesque view of Manaslu region, Khansar kang, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Annapurna II, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV. The second lake is in a wind moving position which is deep. The ice lake is situated in 4600m, and on the way we can enjoy waterfall, Tilicho lake, Ice lake and hot spring. We trek for 6-7 hours, enjoy the panoramic view and return back to Manang.

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

This day has been separated as acclimatization day. However, we shall spend the day roaming around the settlements of Manang. We will take a short hike to Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we still feel energetic, we shall hike to Vraga Village or visit Himalayan Rescue Association where we shall be taking a short idea of the altitude sickness.

Elevation of Sri Kharka: 4000m (13123 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We take upper route to Sri Kharka and head out to the western gates following the path down the river. We reach Kangsar, the Tibetan village and make our journey further to Sri Kharka. The trekking duration is in between 4-5 hours. The uphill walk can be tiring but the enchanting views of Mt. Chulu and Gungang Himal makes the whole trip pleasant.

Elevation of Tilicho Lake Base Camp: 4150m (131615 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The path from Sri Kharka to Tilicho Lake is not much steep, but the narrow path and few landslides affected area can make it a bit strenuous. We see an impressive rock formation and take a trek to Tilicho Base Camp. The whole of base camp is surrounded by the snow-capped mountain making the whole trip memorable and fascinating.

Elevation of Sri Kharka: 4000m (13123 ft)

Elevation of Tilicho Lake: 4920m (16142 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Early morning, the whole of the Tilicho Lake Base Camp will soar high. The dazzling rays of sun when it falls in the white snow-capped mountain, it creates magic. And we won’t be missing it. We will observe the precious moment and then proceed with the voyage of Sri Kharka. We are keen to avoid the windy phase therefore we consistently climb downwards for nearly 2-3 hours and reach Tilicho Lake, the great ice lake situated at an elevation of 4920m (16142ft). We spend an hour and head back to Sri Kharka.

Elevation of Yak Kharka: 4050m (13316 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We descend Khangsar village, and pass the famous gumba Tare, which is thousand years old monastery. We descend the Thorang Khola valley and hike upwards to plateau to reach Yak Kharka which is 4050m. From the great height we see the wide stretched range of Annapurna, and other associated peaks. If lucky we may even spot white snow leopard.

Elevation of Thorong Phedi: 4525m (14846 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Thorong Phedi is a small but busy settlement area which offers an excellent view of landscapes and mountains. From attaining an uphill walk, we reach Ledar village. Before reaching Thorong Phedi, we pass through towering cliffs, and finally reach the borderline of Mugu, Thorong Phedi, the only village of Thorong La. The trip won’t let us down as we shall be awarded with the glories of Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan.

Elevation of Thorong La: 5416m (17808 ft)

Elevation of Muktinath: 3800m (12,494 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Thorong La pass is another most popular pass among the trekkers. As the pass extends from east to west, we will be taking the same trail and eventually cross it. As the total time taken to reach Muktinath is nearly 7-8 hours, we start our trek early. We push ourselves to the atmosphere and take a leap on ascending the highest altitude. But after seeing the majestic range stretching in the north section towards Tibet, the entire effort becomes worthful. From there we move on to Muktinath, the most worshipped pilgrimage of Hindu and Buddhist religion.

Elevation of Tatopani: 1200m (3946 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

In morning, we visit the pilgrimage and worship the main shrine of the temple. The place holds strong spiritual elegance and therefore devotees of both the religion at least once in their lifetime visit the Mukti-Kshetra. From there we drive to Tatopani via Jomson-Marpha and Ghasa. The place is popular for the beautiful brown mud cliffs surrounding the valley and the local wine. On reaching Tatopani we shall enjoy the hot spring water and turn on the relaxation mode after all those walking adventure.

Elevation of Ghorepani: 2850m (9350 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We leave the Tatopani valley behind and walk towards Ghorepani. The time taken to travel Ghorepani is 7-8 hours. We take a walk to Ghar Khola valley which leads us to the farmland, mountains and to the residential area of Chitre and Shikha village. In spring season, the whole of the forests gets covered by the blooming rhododendron. We walk further and reach Ghorepani.

Elevation of Poon Hill: 3210m (10531 ft)

Elevation of Tadapani: 2700m (8858 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Early morning, we take a climb along the steep trial to the Poon Hill viewpoint. The early morning sun rise rewards the beaming view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. We soak up on the tranquility of the Poon Hill and trek back to Tadapani. Crossing several pine forests, we reach Tadapani.

Elevation of Ghandruk: 2012m (6601 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest house

Walking duration: 2-3 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

From Bhaisi Kharka we step downward to Ghandruk. We reach the Gurung settlements and go through their museum and lifestyle. The whole environment from Ghandruk is refreshing reviving the trekkers spirit. We trek down to Kimchi which nearly takes us around 2-3 hours. On reaching Kimchi we drive to Pokhara and enjoy the rest of the day closer to the lakes.

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4,600 ft)

Language spoken Nepali/English

Currency: Nepalese Rupees

Meals:  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight (3-star-hotel)

Leaving Pokhara behind, we take a flight to Kathmandu. On reaching we shall be talking a light walk to the nearby areas of Thamel, Asan Bazaar, Indrachowk, and Basantapur. All these places are nearby and are the oldest trading hub of Kathmandu valley. The place is wholly decorated by bricks, and rare stones. Surrounding the vibrant Kathmandu Durbar Square is the open courtyards, pagoda style temple, the positive crowd, small souvenir shop and Kumari Gar. While the main palace ‘Durbar’ demonstrates the ancient Shah rulers and their achievements during their regime.

Meal: Breakfast

The 18-days Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho and Ice Lakes, comes to an end. We are sure the 18-days trip would be a value addition to the trekking experience. We provide airport shuttles three hours prior to the flight schedule.