Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu and Evening in Thamel
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel and settle in.
- Attend the pre-trip briefing.
- Explore Thamel in the evening.
Nepal · Trekking
18-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Conquer the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters with panoramic Himalayan views
- 02 Witness the pristine beauty of Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world
- 03 Discover ancient monasteries and the sacred Muktinath Temple along the Annapurna Circuit
- 04 Watch a stunning Himalayan sunrise from Poon Hill
- 05 Trek through the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, carved by a river older than the Himalayas
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal, exploring majestic Himalayan landscapes and vibrant local cultures. Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass, trek through the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, and marvel at the turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake. Discover traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and the sacred Muktinath Temple while enjoying breathtaking mountain panoramas. Relax at natural hot springs, witness stunning sunrises at Poon Hill, and experience one of the world's most iconic trekking routes.
Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass, trek through the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, and marvel at the turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
18 Days
Tour type
Shared
Activity level
Moderate
Accommodation
Included · Standard
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
No
Cities
Pokhara, Kathmandu, Patan, Ghorepani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath, Dharapani, Ghandruk
Languages
English, Russian
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sightseeing
- Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
- Explore Pashupatinath Temple.
- Visit Boudhanath Stupa.
- Explore Patan Durbar Square.
- Optional walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 03
Scenic Drive to Dharapani
- Enjoy a scenic drive from Kathmandu via Prithivi Highway (5-6 hours).
- Continue by jeep from Besishahar to Dharapani (35 km).
- Take in mountain views and terraced fields along the way.
Overnight at a local hotel.
Day 04
Trek Through Forests to Chame
- Begin the trek from Dharapani.
- Pass through Timang and Koto villages.
- Walk through alpine meadows and juniper forests.
- Reach Chame, the administrative center of Manang district.
Day 05
Trek to Pisang with Annapurna Views
- Trek along the Kali Gandaki River.
- Cross suspension bridges.
- Explore Dhukur Pokhari and the Upper and Lower Pisang villages.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna II, IV, and Pisang Peak.
Day 06
Ascend via Ghyaru to Ngawal
- Ascend steep switchbacks to Ghyaru village.
- Visit mani walls and Buddhist monasteries.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV.
- Continue to Ngawal for an overnight stay.
Day 07
Trek to Manang via Ice Lake
- Descend to Humde and pass the local airstrip.
- Stop at Braka village.
- Take a detour to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal).
- Arrive in Manang and rest.
Day 08
Acclimatization Day in Manang
- Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Optional hike to Bhojo Gumpa monastery.
- Optional visit to Gangapurna Lake.
- Explore local culture and the Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post.
Day 09
Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
- Ascend past Khangsar Village.
- Trek through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
- Reach Tilicho Base Camp.
- Admire stunning high Himalayan views.
Day 10
Tilicho Lake Excursion and Return to Siri Kharka
- Hike to Tilicho Lake.
- Capture panoramic views of mountains and glaciers.
- Return to Siri Kharka for an overnight stay.
Day 11
Trek to Yak Kharka
- Trek through alpine meadows and juniper shrubs.
- Descend gently to Yak Kharka village.
- Relax and acclimatize.
Day 12
Ascent to Thorong Phedi
- Ascend from Yak Kharka.
- Stay at Thorong Phedi or optionally at High Camp (4,880 m).
- Prepare for the early morning crossing of Thorong La Pass.
Day 13
Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
- Start before sunrise, around 4 AM.
- Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m.
- Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.
- Descend to Muktinath Temple.
- Experience rituals at this sacred Hindu and Buddhist site.
Day 14
Visit Muktinath and Drive to Jomsom or Tatopani
- Option 1: Drive to Jomsom, stay overnight, then take a mountain flight to Pokhara.
- Option 2: Drive to Tatopani and enjoy the natural hot springs.
- Take in scenic views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Day 15
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
- Ascend through dense forests and Thakali villages.
- Enjoy blooming rhododendrons in spring.
Overnight at Ghorepani village.
Day 16
Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Ghandruk
- Take an early morning hike to Poon Hill for a Himalayan sunrise.
- Capture panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Descend to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Day 17
Trek to Syauli Bazaar and Drive to Pokhara
- Enjoy a leisurely descent through forests, terraced fields, and wildflowers.
- Drive to Pokhara.
- Relax by Phewa Lake and explore the lakeside city.
Day 18
Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
- Return to Kathmandu by scenic drive or short mountain flight.
- Enjoy an evening farewell dinner with cultural performances and local cuisine.
Where this trip takes you
Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Poon Hill
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar by deluxe tourist bus
- Transfer from Besisahar to Dharapani by public sharing jeep
- Transfer from Muktinath to Tatopani by public sharing jeep
- Travel from Nayapul to Pokhara by private tourist vehicle
- Stay 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by luxurious tourist bus
- Twin-sharing accommodation throughout the trek
- All meals during the trek, including breakfast, tea breaks, lunch, dinner, and seasonal fruits
- All necessary paperwork and Annapurna Circuit permits (TIMS and ACAP entrance)
- All government and local taxes
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Services of an experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Assistant trekking guide (1 for every 10 trekkers)
- Sherpa porters/support staff (1 for every 2 trekkers), including salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
- Online pre-trip briefing after booking confirmation
- Free excess luggage storage at the office
- Namaste Nepal T-shirt and baseball cap
- Annapurna Circuit trekking map
- Namaste Nepal duffle bag
- Down jacket and seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek)
- Trekking poles (to be returned after the trek)
- Self-sufficient medical first aid kit with essential medications
- Company-branded water bottle with purification tablets
- Oximeter to check pulse oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily
- Hand sanitizer
What's Not Included
- Nepal visa fee (the lowest fee available is for a 15-day visa costing 30 dollars per person)
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Your hotel in Kathmandu
- Excess luggage charges
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara if returning early from the mountains before the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses, including phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charging, bottled or boiled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and internet
- Tips for guides and porters
What to bring
- Sun hat or scarf
- Warm fleece hat
- Sunglasses
- Undergarments
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
- Waterproof pants
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
- T-shirts
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
- Waterproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
- Down jacket
- Lightweight gloves and/or heavyweight gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Duffle bags
- Basic first aid kit
- Regular medicine
- Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
- Trekking poles
- Water bottles
- Medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Multipurpose soap
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Female hygiene products
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue or toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
- Reading book
- Trail map or guide book
- Journal and pen
- iPod
- Pencils and small notebooks
- Traveling games (Uno, playing cards, dice, etc.)
Know before you go
- Trekkers can find a range of accommodations, from basic teahouses to comfortable and luxury lodges.
- Lodges until Manang and after Muktinath offer attached bathrooms and hot showers.
- Between Manang and Muktinath, lodges are traditional teahouse-style with shared toilets and washing facilities.
- Rooms typically have single beds with comfortable bedding, including sheets, pillows, and blankets.
- Accommodation is arranged on a twin-sharing basis, with single supplements available in Kathmandu and lower elevations.
- Meals include traditional Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat and international options such as Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, Italian, and Continental cuisine.
- Breakfast options include eggs, toast, pancakes, muesli, porridge, cornflakes, hash browns, chapati, and Tibetan bread.
- Hot beverages include black tea, milk tea, masala tea, ginger-lemon-honey tea, hot chocolate, and coffee.
- Breakfast and dinner are served at lodges, while lunch is enjoyed at teahouses along the route.
- The trekking team includes one professional guide, one assistant guide for every seven trekkers, and one porter for every two trekkers.
- The team provides safety, support, and assistance with luggage and logistics.
- The trek difficulty is moderate to challenging, with high-altitude passes like Thorong La at 5,416 meters.
- Trekkers should have good physical condition, and prior hiking experience is recommended.
- Preparation should start 2-3 months before the trek, focusing on cardio, strength, and hiking with a weighted backpack.
- Proper acclimatization days are included to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Emergency medical support is limited, with health posts in major villages and helicopter evacuation available if needed.
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and evacuation is mandatory.
- Permits required include the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
- The trek passes through diverse ethnic communities, including Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced people.
- Cultural sites include Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and ancient stupas.
- Respect for local customs, modest dress, and asking permission before photographing people is advised.
- Tourists require a visa to enter Nepal, available on arrival or online for 15-90 days.
- Kathmandu is the main international gateway, with domestic flights to Pokhara and Jomsom available.
- Mobile networks cover most towns, with SIM cards easily purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- The Nepalese Rupee is the official currency, with ATMs available in major towns and cash accepted in lodges.
- Carry reusable water bottles with purification tablets or filters for safe drinking water.
- Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against UV rays.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid feeding wildlife.
- Tipping guides and porters is customary and appreciated.
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 18 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.
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Starting from
USD
1,250
/person
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