18-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Adventure in Nepal

Annapurna Circuit

Highlights

Conquer the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.

Explore the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, carved by a river older than the Himalayas.

Witness the pristine beauty of Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.

Discover ancient monasteries and the sacred Muktinath Temple along the culturally rich Annapurna Circuit.

Kathmandu, Dharapani, Chame, Jomsom, Pokhara

nature, cultural, sightseeing

Group Tour

18 Days

Medium

English, Russian

Description

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 the adventure of a lifetime in one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Transfer to hotel and settle in.
- Attend pre-trip briefing.
- Explore Thamel in the evening.
Day 2 – Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (1400m)
- Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
- Explore Pashupatinath Temple.
- Visit Boudhanath Stupa.
- Explore Patan Durbar Square.
- Optional walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 3 – Drive to Dharapani (1860m)
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu via Prithivi Highway (5–6 hours).
- Jeep ride from Besishahar to Dharapani (35 km).
- Enjoy mountain views and terraced fields.
Overnight at local hotel.
Day 4 – Trek to Chame (2710m)
- Begin trek from Dharapani.
- Pass through Timang and Koto villages.
- Walk through alpine meadows and juniper forests.
- Reach Chame, administrative center of Manang district.
Day 5 – Trek to Pisang (3300m)
- Trek along Kali Gandaki River.
- Cross suspension bridges.
- Explore Dhukur Pokhari and Upper & Lower Pisang villages.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna II, IV, and Pisang Peak.
Day 6 – Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3650m)
- Ascend steep switchbacks to Ghyaru village.
- Visit mani walls and Buddhist monasteries.
- Panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV.
- Continue to Ngawal for overnight stay.
Day 7 – Trek to Manang via Ice Lake (3540m)
- Descend to Humde and pass local airstrip.
- Stop at Braka village.
- Detour to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal).
- Arrive in Manang and rest.
Day 8 – Acclimatization in Manang (3540m)
- Rest and acclimatize to high altitude.
- Optional hike to Bhojo Gumpa monastery.
- Visit Gangapurna Lake (optional).
- Explore local culture and Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post.
Day 9 – Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m)
- Ascend past Khangsar Village.
- Trek through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
- Reach Tilicho Base Camp.
- Admire stunning high Himalayan views.
Day 10 – Visit Tilicho Lake and Return to Siri Kharka (4150m)
- Hike to Tilicho Lake.
- Capture panoramic views of mountains and glaciers.
- Return to Siri Kharka for overnight stay.
Day 11 – Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m)
- Trek through alpine meadows and juniper shrubs.
- Descend gently to Yak Kharka village.
- Relax and acclimatize.
Day 12 – Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450m)
- Ascend from Yak Kharka.
- Stay at Thorong Phedi or optional High Camp (4880m).
- Prepare for early morning crossing of Thorong La Pass.
Day 13 – Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath (3760m)
- Start before sunrise (around 4 AM).
- Cross 5416m Thorong La Pass.
- Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.
- Descend to Muktinath Temple.
- Experience rituals at sacred Hindu and Buddhist site.
Day 14 – Visit Muktinath and Drive to Jomsom or Tatopani (1190–2720m)
- Option 1: Drive to Jomsom, overnight, then mountain flight to Pokhara.
- Option 2: Drive to Tatopani and enjoy natural hot springs.
- Scenic views of Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Day 15 – Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m)
- Ascend through dense forests and Thakali villages.
- Enjoy blooming rhododendrons in spring.
Overnight at Ghorepani village.
Day 16 – Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Ghandruk (1940m)
- Early morning hike to Poon Hill for Himalayan sunrise.
- Capture panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Descend to traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Day 17 – Trek to Syauli Bazaar and Drive to Pokhara (827m)
- Leisurely descent through forests, terraced fields, and wildflowers.
- Drive to Pokhara.
- Relax by Phewa Lake and explore lakeside city.
Day 18 – Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu – Farewell Dinner
- Return to Kathmandu by scenic drive or short mountain flight.
- Evening farewell dinner with cultural performances and local cuisine.

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 trek)

Trekking poles (to be returned after 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 Excluded

Nepal visa fee (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 charge, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, wifi, and internet

Tips for guide and porters

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.

Trekking team includes one professional guide, one assistant guide for every seven trekkers, and one porter for every two trekkers.

Team provides safety, support, and assistance with luggage and logistics.

Trek difficulty is moderate to challenging with high-altitude passes like Thorong La at 5,416 meters.

Trekkers should have good physical condition with prior hiking experience recommended.

Preparation should start 2-3 months before trek focusing on cardio, strength, and hiking with weighted backpack.

Proper acclimatization days are included to reduce altitude sickness risk.

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 Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

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 dressing, 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.

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.

What To Bring

Sun hat or scarf

Warm fleece hat

Sunglasses

Under garments

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

Deodorants

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)

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
Child
1 to 10	/person
This is a group tour

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18-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Adventure in Nepal

Highlights

Locations Covered

Description

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Day 2 – Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (1400m)

Day 3 – Drive to Dharapani (1860m)

Day 4 – Trek to Chame (2710m)

Day 5 – Trek to Pisang (3300m)

Day 6 – Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3650m)

Day 7 – Trek to Manang via Ice Lake (3540m)

Day 8 – Acclimatization in Manang (3540m)

Day 9 – Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m)

Day 10 – Visit Tilicho Lake and Return to Siri Kharka (4150m)

Day 11 – Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m)

Day 12 – Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450m)

Day 13 – Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath (3760m)

Day 14 – Visit Muktinath and Drive to Jomsom or Tatopani (1190–2720m)

Day 15 – Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m)

Day 16 – Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Ghandruk (1940m)

Day 17 – Trek to Syauli Bazaar and Drive to Pokhara (827m)

Day 18 – Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu – Farewell Dinner

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

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18-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Adventure in Nepal

Highlights

Locations Covered

Description

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Day 2 – Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (1400m)

Day 3 – Drive to Dharapani (1860m)

Day 4 – Trek to Chame (2710m)

Day 5 – Trek to Pisang (3300m)

Day 6 – Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3650m)

Day 7 – Trek to Manang via Ice Lake (3540m)

Day 8 – Acclimatization in Manang (3540m)

Day 9 – Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m)

Day 10 – Visit Tilicho Lake and Return to Siri Kharka (4150m)

Day 11 – Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m)

Day 12 – Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450m)

Day 13 – Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath (3760m)

Day 14 – Visit Muktinath and Drive to Jomsom or Tatopani (1190–2720m)

Day 15 – Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m)

Day 16 – Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Ghandruk (1940m)

Day 17 – Trek to Syauli Bazaar and Drive to Pokhara (827m)

Day 18 – Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu – Farewell Dinner

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

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