Call Us Enquiry Now

Annapurna Semi Circuit And Tilicho Lake Trekking

Around Annapurna and Manang remote pockets to stunning Tilicho Lake.

  • No-shopping | Group Tour

Overview

Eco Himalaya Treks & Travel presents ‘Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking’ an exciting adventure. Includes the best scenic areas of beautiful Manang Valley and beyond towards remote corners at picturesque Tilicho Lake.An exclusive region around the Himalayas, where few groups of trekkers seldom venture, around a hidden trail to Tilicho Lake. Enclosed within staggering peaks of Gangapurna and Nilgiris around windswept terrain of arctic zone landscapes.Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking is a marvelous adventure from the main popular trekking trails to off the beaten tracks.

We have termed this magnificent journey a Semi Circuit, skipping the full length of the adventure. By taking the shortest route to end the adventurous treks flying from the lovely town of Jomsom.Eco Himalaya Treks have set the itinerary days, taking care of all interested trekkers and adventurers. So that all can enjoy this wonderful adventure within a two-week holiday duration in Nepal Himalayas.The adventure begins by taking a long interesting overland journey towards Nepal Mid-West high hills around Lamjung areas. Where walk starts heading towards beautiful Manang Valley, as well exploring mountain villages of immense cultures.The high trail leads towards lovely villages with strong Buddhist culture and customs similar to its Tibetan predecessors. As you can notice a series of prayer walls and interesting spinning wheels, walking through Pisang and Hongde villages. Slowly the walk leads to a windswept valley reaching Manang, the major village after Chame town.At Manang spend an extra day on a scenic hike to high viewpoints and with pleasant rest to support acclimatization. From Manang, our route diverts from the main Annapurna Circuit trail for some days heading towards remote pockets of Manang.The walk to Tilicho can be tough due to the rise in elevation, and the paths are quite rough and rugged. Taking slow and steady with a steep climb and short downhill leads you to a magnificent valley at Tilicho Lake. Regarded as one of the highest glacial around the Himalayas range as well on this planet earth.Enjoy the blissful moment within serene surroundings of high gigantic peaks, the lake is also considered holy. The legendary myth and stories of the sacred lake are mentioned in Hindu Puran / holy books and manuscripts.

After a blissful moment at Tilicho Lake, a walk leads back on the main trail from the last village of Khangsar. The adventure follows to the west end of Manang valley at the base of high Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the few nights before reaching the last High Camp, where the climb starts with a steep haul to the top of Thorang-La Pass.On top of the highest point of the adventure enjoy the incredible panorama of a mountain range that surrounds the high pass.On completing our major goals and highlights, a long descent reaches the Mustang area at the holy site of Muktinath.Revered as sacred place for all Hindus and Buddhists, the Muktinath is a various form and manifestations of Lord Vishnu. An interesting holy complex to visit and witness the pilgrims and devotees in worship and prayers. As well taking bathe in the cold icy water running from 108 water spouts. After an exciting traverse over Thorang-La and visiting the holy temple of Muktinath transfer into a nice lodge.From the Muktinath area, morning leads to the last day of walking towards the wide Kaligandaki River at Jomsom. A big town and headquarter of Mustang district, offer many good lodges and guest house for travelers. On reaching Jomsom in the comfort of a nice lodge. Next early morning a swift short flight brings you to a beautiful city in Pokhara close to serene Phewa Lake. A perfect, ideal spot to complete our marvelous adventure of great experience on Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport received by our guide and staff with traditional greetings.Taking care of your baggage, and then a short drive to the hotel, located in the heart of a city near the exciting areas at Thamel. Check into your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed from the Jet-Lag, join in with other members for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offering information regarding the trek, hotels, local lodge.As well of local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepali Restaurants. Entertains the environment with folk cultural program as introduction to Nepalese heritage and culture.

Day 2Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

Morning after breakfast, at given time our city and cultural guide will receives you at the hotel. A short drive to the hub of Kathmandu city, for exciting tour of old Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard.The area is teemed with life and activities, a great way to soak into Nepalese cultures. Visiting historical and religious monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites most of the ancient buildings.After an interesting time at Durbar Square, a short drive to Nepal’s most important landmark, the Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years old history. A Buddhist monument tucked on a hill top west of the city, from here visit the Hindu holy temple of Pashupatinath. The tour continues to large dome Stupa of Bouddhanath, as well known as ‘Little Tibet’. A great place to enjoy the tour of the world’s largest Stupa with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.Enjoying the day tour, transfer back to hotel rest of the afternoon preparation for the trek and packing the right gear.

Day 3 Drive to Jagat village 1,360 m via Besisar 760 m -07 hrs.

An early morning start for a long and interesting drive to reach the first day trekking point at Jagat hill village. Located around Lamjung district of Mid-West Nepal, drive leads on the main highway.After few hours, route diverts on leaving the main busy road heading towards Besisar, the headquarter town of Lamjung district. From here either changing the vehicles or on same one, then continue drive past farm land and village.From the village of Syange, leaving the Masrsyangdi River below, as drive heads on winding up to Jagat village for overnight halt.A nice moderate size farm village with many good lodges for overnight comfort and good meals as per the menu provided.

Day 4Trek to Dharapani village 1, 820 m - 06 hrs.

First day of walking, having breakfast follow the uphill trail and into a dense forest to Chamje village. From here onward air get much cooler reaching around strong Buddhist country, where most local are of Tibetan origin.Walk leads to cross the Masrsyangdi River on the other side of river bank on the
higher side, as walk follows through beautiful shade of forest. A short climb and then reaching a wide valley at Tal Besi village for lunch break.From here start of Manang district, afternoon walk on gradual path with few short ups and down. As trail leads to cross a bridge then reaching at Dharapani village for overnight. Dharapani with several nice good lodge, located in a rivergorge and on route to Manaslu Circuit and towards Manang high valley.

Day 5Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

Morning walk on gentle ups on a wide trail within forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Walk to the village of Braga and Danque, from here views of
Annapurna peaks with Lamjung Himal. After Danque village steep up for an hour to Timang village for lunch stop. A large village of mixed tribes of hill people Magar, Gurung and Manange, offer grand views of Lamjung and Manaslu Himalayas. After lunch a short descend and walk into serene forested path to
Koto village, close to our overnight stop at Chame. Koto the gateway to hidden Valleys of Nar and Phu, from Koto a short hour of walk up brings you at large town in Chame. Offers many nice lodges, which is also the headquarter of Manang district.

Day 6Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.

From Chame morning walk follows the river on the opposite side, and then into dense woods. Covered with tall rhododendron, oaks, pines, hemlock and fir trees then reaching nice Bhratang village. After a short rest, continue walk crossing the raging river with short climb to Dukure Pokhari a small place.
Stopping here for lunch facing views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Himal, afternoon down to a flat wide valley. Finally day ends on reaching Pisang village for
overnight stop in one its nice lodge. From here onwards altitude gradually with time for short stroll around the village. Enjoy views of Pisang Peak, Annapurna-II and Chulu’s.

Day 7Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 04 hrs.

After first overnight at high altitude in Pisang. Morning walk on level path into a forest, the climb for an hour reaching a high ridge. Offers grand views of Manang Valley with array of snow mountain range, a short downhill to Hongde Village. A place with a small airstrip, that often fly to and from Pokhara city, but does not have regular flight. From here on good scenic wide trail to Braga, a village with an old monastery on top of a high ridge. Having time here visit the monastery of great religious interest enriched with ancient artifacts, and relics. From the monastery super views of Annapurna Himalaya range towards south with Chulu’s in the north.Enjoying tour of the monastery short walk to main Manang village for two
overnights in the comfort of nice good lodges.

Day 8Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.

A perfect altitude and nice place for rest day for acclimatization, on this day enjoy short walk of few hours. Several lovely view point, the nearest and worth taking a hike to Gangapurna Himal glacier with Manang glacial lake.Rest of the scenic hills takes more time like Ice Lake, walk of 6 hours both ways,
the nearest is Gangapurna Himal glacier view point.Afternoon at leisure to marvel the beautiful views of snow peaks and explore the Manang village. Where houses are of typical Tibetan style, and observe the daily life of the local Manange, the highlanders of Northern side of Annapurna Himalayas.

Day 9Trek to Khangsar 3,734 - 05 hrs.

From Manang village onward into sheer mountain wilderness for some days.As our route diverts from the main popular Annapurna Circuit trail, heading
towards Tilicho Lake. Walk follows on windswept terrain with winding ups and down to Khangsar village for overnight stop.

Day 10Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m / 13, 615 feet-05 hours.

After overnight at isolated village of Khangsar, walk leads on rocky, loose scree of stones, taking care on narrow path. Adventure continues with steep ups with short descent, following a quiet trail. As well crossing few icy streams then reaching Tilicho Base Camp. A small settlement with few nice simple lodges for overnight halt.

Day 11Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,919 m / 16, 138 feet walk back to Shiri-Kharka 4,000 m -06 hrs.

Start the early morning having good breakfast and carrying pack lunch for the day hike, following the rocky ledge. The trail leads to steady walk with climb up to a high rocky ridge. From the top a short descent brings you to our main highlight at Tilicho Lake and its spectacular surroundings.One of the highest glacial in the world, although there are various high lakes in across the border in Tibet. It is regarded as holy by the Hindu, the site of Tilicho is mentioned in the Hindu holy myth and story books. Tilicho Lake was the site of one of the highest ever altitude scuba dives. A Russian diving team, consisting of Andrei Andryushin, Denis Bakin, and Maxim Gresko, conducted a scuba dive in the lake in the year 2000. After an exciting and pleasant scenic moment head back to base camp. From the base camp walk further to a small isolated place at Shiri Kharka for overnight stop.

Day 12Trek back to Khangsar - 05 hrs.

Walk on the same route following the ups and downhill small narrow trail, facing views of giant peaks at close distance. As walk continues reaching to the previous lodge at Khangsar for last overnight around Tilicho Lake area.

Day 13Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs.

A short half day walk, on leaving Khangsar village, as path gets better on joining the main trail to Yak Kharka. A nice gradual climb leads past smaller settlement facing views of Chulu West peak at near distance.Slowly morning walk completes on reaching a wide valley at Yak Kharka, a lovely spot with several good lodges. Enjoy lunch with views of gigantic Gangapurna Himal and array of peaks. Overnight in nice cozy lodge at Yak Kharka, with afternoon free for short refreshing walks.

Day 14Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.

Another short day walk, but strenuous due to gain in high altitude, morning walk on wide field to Ledar. A small place with few lodges, which is on route to Chulu West Peak base camp. From here on gentle path and down to Jarsang Khola / stream and then short climb above the stream. As walk follows on easy path to Thorang Phedi, the base of Thorang-La Pass having few lodges.From Phedi having rest, climb to steep slope on rocky scree then reach on top of a high ridge at High Camp. Located on a small flat field with few simple lodges for lunch and overnight stay.

Day 15Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m crossing high Thorang-La pass 5,416 m /17,700 feet - 06 hrs.

Start the morning walk towards our major goal and highlight to cross over Thorang-La Pass. Walk follows on narrow gentle path for short while, and then
climb on winding slope following the high trail on top Thorang-La.The pass festooned with thousands of prayer flags and stone cairn as a marker of
Thorang-La pass top. Situated between close to Thorang and Yukawa Khang Peaks, enjoy the glorious panorama of giant mountain range.Facing Dhaulagiri towards west with Damodar Himal in the north with Chulu’s in the east with Annapurna Himalayas towards south. After achieving the main highlight of the adventure, a long descent to the base of Thorang-la reaching around Mustang area.From the bottom of the pass, a place with few smaller tea-shops for refreshment,then continue walk. Following an easy gentle downhill to Muktinath for overnight stop, at a village of Pani Pawa close to holy Muktinath Temple premises.After checking into nice lodge, with time to visit the Muktinath temple above the village. The main shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu one of the three main gods in Hindu religion. Hundreds of devotees and pilgrims from all over Nepal and India visits the holiest of all holy site. A place with natural wonders of spring water flows through 108 water spouts. Visit the nearby temple and monastery of Jal Devi and witness the blue-green flame that ignites from natural elements.

Day 16Trek to Jomsom town 2,715 m - 04 hrs.

From Muktinath enjoy the last day walk of the adventure heading to a long descent at Kaligandaki River Valley. Afternoon can be quite windy, walk continues on a wide level path following the river. As trail gets closer and then reaching Jomsom for overnight stop in the comfort of nice good lodge. Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang, the native of Lower Mustang around Kaligandaki populated by Thakali people. Follows Tibetan Buddhism, with time visit the museum for information of this interesting area of Lower Mustang.

Day 17From Jomsom fly to Pokhara 860 m-23 minutes flight.

Enjoying the last overnight stop at Jomsom, morning a short walk to the airport as small plane arrives. After checking in, then board in an aircraft for short smooth flight to Pokhara. Enjoy superb views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya range, as plane land at Pokhara airport. After an enjoyable short flight a short drive to respective hotels near the Lake Phewa for last overnight around Nepal Mid-West. Rest of the day, after lunch at leisure for individual activities.

Day 18Fly or drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Depart from the hotel in Pokhara, for interesting overland journey back to Kathmandu on the same scenic highway. On reaching the hotel in Kathmandu by late afternoon, rest of day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Option for short flight of half hour to Kathmandu from Pokhara)

Day 19Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.

Enjoy a relaxing free day in Kathmandu on completing one of most adventurous trekking. On this rest day one can join in for another exciting tour of Patan and Bhaktapur cities. Well worth a visit, rest of day at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs of Nepal.

Day 20International departure for homeward bound.

Your last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as per your international flight time our staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to guide and staff as you enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, after an amazing great adventure on Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking.

Day 21

Whats Included

Whats Excluded

Important News

Reviews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Booking





    Place Location

    Booking






      Major Highlights

      1. Adventure to the north of Annapurna Himalayas around scenic Manang valley.
      2. Following the scenic Annapurna circuit trail from Manang to Mustang areas.
      3. Enjoy visiting lovely high land villages steeped with ancient Buddhism cultures.
      4. A country of beauty and charm with stunning views on every day walks.
      5. Explore the hidden corners of Manang around picturesque Tilicho Lake.

       

      Short Trek Profile

      Trekking Mode

      Tourist standard to *** Hotels, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, local lodges on trekking.

      Trekking Grade

      Moderate to Adventurous due to high altitude walks.

      Highest Spot

      On top Thorang-La Pass at 5,416 m / 17, 700 feet high.

      Activities

      Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, exciting drive, scenic cultural trek with flights from Jomsom.

      Trek duration

      14 Nights & 15 Days with drives both ways.

      Start Point of trek

      Jagat village around Lamjung district with drives.

      Ending Point of trek

      Jomsom at Mustang to Pokhara city in Kaski district.

      Trekking Routes

      Dharapani-Chame-Manang-Tilicho Lake- Muktinath to Jomsom.

      Total Trip

      19 Nights & 20 Days from arrival to departure.

      Best Seasons

      The best seasons for Annapurna Semi Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking.The best time is in spring and autumn/fall however one can visit nearly all year round, except the wet monsoon time of July and August.The main flow and high season are spring starting from March to May, where days are longer with enough sun-light hours. Lower areas below 1,500 m are much warmer throughout the day, but on high hills cooler air for pleasant walks and views.This is the time when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from tall trees to shorter bushes.Morning and late afternoon till night time is cold from 2,000 m above, chances of light rain and snow-fall sometimes.The next best season is autumn/fall, the high time for trekking around the Himalayas. Most days are crystal clear for scenic walks and best views, but short days due to sun-light hours. Can be much colder from late afternoon till the next morning before the sun hits the area. Chances of snow-fall sometimes from 2,500 m high.

      What to Expect

      Nepal is a country of the world’s highest mountain range known as the Himalayas, where 80 % of landscapes are covered by hills. As well as greater ridges and mountains, where one can expect walking ups and downhill.The only flat land of the country is located south, which extends from the Far East to the Far West of Nepal. The low land is known as the Terai belt, of sub-tropical climate, the country with most mid and high hills. The people around the hills, especially around Annapurna Himalaya’s Northern sides, around Manang valley populated by Manang Gurung tribes.The Manang people practice Buddhism religion and similar culture to their Tibetan predecessors. Around Kaligandaki and Lower Mustang inhabited by Thakali people, also follows Tibetan Buddhism of Mahayana sects, and the southern range populated by Magar and Gurung tribes of people.Interwoven with both Hindu and Buddhism religions, the villages are interwoven with Buddhist, houses are adorned with prayer flags.The lower areas of Annapurna Himalaya are heavily cultivated with paddy and other seasonal crops. The hills are cooler covered in beautiful rainforests and higher areas. The hills are lined with rhododendron, oaks, hemlocks, and pine trees.The region of trekking is most populated by Manang Gurung, Thakali, Magar and Gurung people, includes few Hindu Brahmin, Chettries and Dalits.Nepal has more than 60 ethnic groups and 70 native spoken languages, with a blend of Hindu and Buddhism religions.On this trek expect more uphill climbs with downhill walks, encountering Buddhist monuments of prayer walls and long rows of spinning wheels. In the shade of snow-capped peaks. Overlooking Annapurna and Dhaulagiri as far as Manaslu Himalaya range.

      Extension trips

      People with enough time in Nepal, can join in for various adventure sports activities in Pokhara. Likewise Paragliding, Ultra-Light Flight, Bungee Jumping,Zip Flyer, White water or scenic float Rafting. Other extension program is Mountain Biking for few days, and trip to Chitwan National Park for Wild-Life Safari.

      Popular Travel

      Find Your Trip

      • Search Keywords:

      • Destination / Activity :

      • Duration