ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK VIA TILICHO LAKE 10 DAYS FROM POKHARA

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Chame, the administrative center of the Manang district. The drive takes approximately 8-10 hours, traversing a mix of bumpy roads, villages, and lush forests. As you move farther from Pokhara, you’ll witness stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including peaks from the Annapurna range. Upon reaching Chame, you’ll have the evening to relax and acclimatize to the environment. This small village will be your base for the night before starting the trek the following day.

Today’s trek will take you from Chame to Pisang, which takes about 4-5 hours. The trail leads you through beautiful pine forests, passing several small settlements along the way. As you walk, you'll be treated to expansive views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges. The trail ascends gradually, and you’ll see a noticeable change in vegetation as you gain altitude. Upon reaching Pisang, you can enjoy the spectacular surroundings and relax at one of the local teahouses.

On Day 3, you’ll trek from Pisang to Manang, which will take approximately 6-7 hours. The route passes through Ngawal, a traditional Tibetan-style village, and offers incredible panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and other surrounding peaks. The trail gradually ascends, offering a glimpse into the lives of the local people and their well-preserved culture. Manang, your destination for the day, is a lively village offering great opportunities for cultural exploration. After the long trek, you can rest and explore this beautiful settlement, which is one of the most scenic spots along the trail.

You’ll take a well-deserved rest day in Manang to acclimatize to the altitude. Rest days are essential for preventing altitude sickness, and Manang provides a perfect setting to explore and adjust. Take a short hike to the Ice Lake (4,100 meters) for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, or explore the monasteries and local shops. Manang also offers a chance to learn about the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region, which is evident in the local architecture and lifestyle.

Today’s trek will take you to Tilicho Base Camp, located at 4,150 meters. The trek is around 5-6 hours long and begins with a gradual ascent. You’ll pass through rugged terrain and rocky landscapes as you make your way toward the base camp. The views of Tilicho Peak and the surrounding mountains are awe-inspiring. As you approach the base camp, the landscape becomes even more breathtaking. This is a challenging day, but the stunning views make the effort worthwhile. After reaching the base camp, you’ll rest and prepare for your visit to Tilicho Lake the following day.

On Day 6, you will embark on an early morning hike to Tilicho Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,920 meters (16,138 feet). The hike is tough but rewards you with some of the most dramatic scenery on the trek. After reaching the lake, you’ll take time to marvel at its tranquil beauty, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After spending some time at the lake, you’ll return to Tilicho Base Camp and continue your descent to Shree Kharka for the night. The combined trek to the lake, back to the base camp, and then onward to Shree Kharka will take approximately 7-8 hours.

Today’s trek from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka takes about 5-6 hours. The trail follows an ascending route through alpine meadows and rugged landscapes, gradually increasing in altitude. As you gain elevation, the vegetation thins out, and the views become even more spectacular. At Yak Kharka, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and the opportunity to spot yaks grazing in the open pastures. It’s a peaceful place to rest and acclimatize before continuing toward the high point of the trek.

Day 8 is a relatively short day, with a 3-4 hour trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. The trail leads through rugged terrain with dramatic mountain views, and you’ll notice the landscape becoming increasingly barren. Thorong Phedi is a small settlement located at the base of Thorong La Pass and serves as the final stop before the challenging ascent to the pass. You’ll rest here for the night and prepare for the early morning hike across Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

This is the most challenging day of the trek as you’ll cross the Thorong La Pass, sitting at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). The ascent begins early in the morning to avoid the harsh afternoon winds. The climb is strenuous, but reaching the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After taking in the views, you’ll descend toward Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The descent takes around 3-4 hours. Once in Muktinath, you can visit the holy temples and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of this revered place.

On the final day of your trek, you will take a long scenic drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. The drive takes around 8-9 hours, following the Kali Gandaki River valley and passing through villages and farmlands. Along the way, you can reflect on your incredible journey through the Annapurna region. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for rest and relaxation after this unforgettable adventure.