Annapurna Round Tilicho Lake plus Poon Hill Trek offers an opportunity to encircle the whole Annapurna region covering all the major highlights and attractions around the area. Initiating from just 1350 meters from sea level at Kathmandu to 4,949 m at Tilicho lake and 5,416 m at Thorong La pass, this round trek exhibits the diversity in topographical, cultural, and every other aspect that we can imagine. From the highest glacial lake – Tilicho to the highest pass– Thorong La. Cultural exploration of Gurungs, Magars to Tibetan highlanders. The religious blend of Hinduism and Buddhism at Muktinath. And the fabulous panoramic Himalayan scenery of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill; this trip is the ultimate way to get the best of views, nature, and culture around the Annapurna region.
Annapurna Round Tilicho Lake plus Poon Hill Trek starts as we drive from Kathmandu to Syange, trek through spectacular mid-hills of Marshyangdi valley via Chame, Pisang and Ngawal to rural Manang where we will be spending two nights for proper acclimatization. Acclimatization doesn’t mean a rest day; we go for a short hike towards a nearby monastery or Gangapurna Lake. We then head towards Siri Kharkha, comfortably ascending towards Tilicho base camp. And finally, reach the highest Lake of Tilicho at 4949 meters above sea level. It is also known as a great Ice Lake and holds very important religious values for Hindus.
Continuing, we trek towards the high pass of Thorong La via Thorong Phedi and visit the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. And then we drive to Tatopani, where we can immerse ourselves in a natural hot spring. For the final days of the trek, we go for an excursion to Ghorepani. And most significantly, an early morning hike to Poon hill for amazing sunrise views over the Annapurna Himalayas. We drive back to Nayapul and then towards Kathmandu.
We recommend this long and adventurous trek to those hikers who have a passion for trekking at high altitudes and previous trekking experience would certainly be a plus point. You need to be very fit and able to take up the challenges. And about the best season, the spring season during the months from March to May and the autumn season during the months from September to November is the most preferable. Join the Trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers and experience the best adventurous holidays that trekking in Nepal has to offer.
If this itinerary doesn’t suit your requirement or if you want to customize it, please feel free to contact us. This trek could be customized as per your required time frame and budget limits.
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)::
For the purpose of exploring one of the highest lakes in the world and the spot for one of the most beautiful sunrise, you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport. After completing the formalities in the customs you shall be greeted by our representative. After that, you shall be transferred to the hotel of your stay in a private vehicle. Get rest in the hotel of your stay and have refreshment to the jetlagged body. Enjoy the hospitality and savor the authentic cuisine of the hotel. In the afternoon you may explore the surrounding of your hotel of stay and get familiar with Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation::
We shall explore the ancient heritages of Kathmandu dating back to the ancient eras and representing the golden ages of Nepalese arts, crafts, and architecture. We shall visit the heritages listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. Amongst these are the temple of Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu Temples in the world surrounded by several other heritages with ornate carvings and artifacts. Other heritages include the stupas of Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas of its kind in the world, and the Swayambhunath Stupa, the 14th-century stupa believed to be amongst the oldest stupas in Nepal, also known as the Monkey Temple. The complex in Patan Durbar Square has an ancient Royal palace, temples, and taps as well as elaborated carvings, artifacts, and a museum that is always informative and amusing to the visitors. After the sightseeing of Kathmandu valley, we shall interact with the trekking guide and get ourselves clarified on the various aspects of the trekking expedition to begin from the following day. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 9 – 10 hours::
We drive to the settlement of Dharapani from Kathmandu through the district headquarter of Lamjung district, the town of Besisahar. We leave Kathmandu along the perennial Trishuli River till the junction of Mugling past the beautiful countryside of the valley, the sight of high and rolling hills and winding roads. After Mugling we take on the route leading to Pokhara and part away from the road at Dumre from where we shall head for Besisahar in a road twisting and turning along the hillside, past the streams, smaller settlements, and lush valleys en route. Further, from this important city in this region, we drive past several big and small settlements, waterfalls, and streams and along the torrential Marshyangdi River. We have the first view of the mountain range from Besisahar as we head for Syange. After a drive of around 9 to 10 hours, we reach Dharapani. Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 4 : Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours::
We start on our trekking from today, the destination for this section of the trek is the district headquarter of Manang district, the town of Chame. Beginning the trek with gradually increasing elevation to the settlement of Bagarchhap, we trek past the confluence of Marshyangdi and other small streams, smaller settlements, stone staircases on the trail, and cliffs overlooking it, greenery all around, the authentic lifestyle of the locals en route as we reach Bagarchhap. After this spot, we have a steep ascent to Timing village through the ups and downs of the trail, waterfalls at someplace, and a view of mountains including the majestic Manaslu. The trail to Chame is an overall descent though trekkers explore the villages of Lata Marng, Thanchow, and Koto after some ups and downs before reaching the town of Chame, half an hour from Koto village. Overnight in Chame.
Day 5 : Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft): 5 – 6 hours::
With the forested steep and narrow valley at the beginning of the trek, we move on along the Marsyangdi River today as well. The section with the drastic change in scenery, we shall pass through the pine woods and smaller villages through the apple orchard, hot springs, and changing landscape before we reach another village of Bhartang. Trekking past the memorial constructed in memory of Japanese mountaineer Akira, the ruins of old Bhartang, and crossing over a bridge where we have the sight of Paungda Danda before we traverse through the lush path and cross another bridge called Swargadwari Bridge to enter into the valley of Pisang. Savoring the authentic cuisines at the village of Dhikur Pokhari, we climb onto the village of Pisang in a relatively flatter trail. Terraced hills and green meadows, stone-paved trails and houses made of stone, monastery and prayer flags as well as the river flowing in serpentine fashion, views of the mountains including Chuli East and Pisang Peak from Pisang village are some attractions in this section of trail. Overnight in Pisang.
Day 6 : Pisang to Ngawal (3,660m/12,008 ft): 7-8 hours::
We have a relatively longer trekking today as compared to the previous day’s trekking. In this trail of the harder climb and stunning views, we start uphill trekking to the Mring Tso and take on the upper route through the village of Deuralidanda, Ghyaru, and other smaller settlements before reaching on to Ngawal. En route we have a couple of steep climbs, a marvelous view of the lush valley and torrential river, past the prayer wheels and Chortens, red and orange shrubs and green dotted the landscape, views of the majestic mountains as we reach the village of Ghyaru where we are welcomed by a gate made of stone and view of snow-capped mountains. Further along the trail, we pass through the Mani walls and prayer flags, steep ascend and descend and smaller settlements perched high on the hillside along the trail before we reach the village of Ngawal. We are always overlooked by the lofty peaks and lush hills, picturesque scenery, and rocky trails along this entire trail. Overnight in Ngawal.
Day 7 : Nawal to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft): 6 – 7 hours::
After stopping over to stay in this village en route the upper route to Manang, we shall head to Manang after joining the lower route at the settlement of Munchi. We have a relatively easy trek as compared to the previous day where we start with trekking past the trail bypassing trail to Kangla Peak and after an hour trek, we reach the smaller settlement of Julu. Past the Sher Gompa little ahead of Julu we trek for some time before reaching Munchi and in between, we have the view of the partially hidden village of Braga. We trek past the 900 years old Braga Gompa and have a hike for about 3 hours before we reach the beautiful and scenic Manang. Intermittently we have the view of Marsyangdi valley from Ngawal, the sight of Pisang peak and Sabje Khola valley beside the Annapurna IV peak, the meadow, Chortens, and sight of Annapurna II from Mugje village beside the traditional lifestyle of the locals inhabiting en route. Overnight in Manang.
Day 8 : Manang: Acclimatization day::
We shall have today dedicated for the purpose of acclimatization in the beautiful Manang before marching ahead to higher altitudes. During our adaptation in Manang, we have several options for a short hiking to the surrounding areas. Trekkers go for a short hike to the nearby monastery known as Praken Gomba which also provides a great view of Annapurna massif besides the blessing by the presiding monk. Another option is the hike to the vicinity of nearby Gaganpurna lake and Gaganpurna Glacier beside the long hike to Ice Lake over the Braga village that also provides a view of majestic mountains and glittering lake itself. Another option is the hike to the interesting Milarepa cave and the office of the Himalayan Rescue Association to get some idea on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
Day 9 : Manang to Khangsar (3,756m/ 12,323 ft): 4-5 hours::
After exploring the majestic Manang village and the surrounding around we head on the trail leading to Tilicho Lake. We exit the village of Manang from one of its western gates then trek down to the river. We then cross the Khangsar River on a bridge below the village and then climb up to the village after a short walk along a relatively steep slope. The village of Khangsar is a small village with a strong influence on Tibetan culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Intermittently while trekking to this village along a relatively less-traveled trail above the canyon of the river, we have a walk through the weathered rocks, view of Annapurna II peak, and the view of the typical landscape of Manang and scenic surroundings. Overnight in Khangsar.
Day 10 : Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140m/13,583ft): 7-8 hours::
Today we shall trek to the base of one of the most marvelous and picturesque lakes, Tilicho lake. The trek to the vicinity of the mysterious lake starts with the descent from the village to the trail that runs along the Khangsar Khola River past the intersection of the trail from Old Khangsar and further traversing through summer settlements of Siri Kharka and Tosinja before trekking on to the Tilicho Base Camp. Trekkers may also use the old trail past the monastery of Thare Gompa joining the trail on the lower route. The trek takes the trekkers past the landscape full of weathered rocks and slopes and a view of majestic mountains and hikes up to the base camp. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 11 : Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka (4,060m/13,320ft): 5-6 hours::
One of the best and magical sections in this trekking experience, today we shall visit the highest lake in the world, the Tilicho Lake. We start early today so as to avoid the windy afternoon in this arid landscape. Trekking around 3-4 hours we reach the highest lake in the world lying directly under the main Himalayan range. The lake with bluish water in the summer season and freezing during the winter, Tilicho Lake is surrounded by the Himalayas all around. Exploring the majestic lake we trek past a steep climb and to the base camp and descent onto the overnight stay of Siri Kharka, a summer settlement. Overnight in Siri Kharka.
Day 12 : Siri kharka to Yak kharka (4,040m/13,020ft):4-5 hours::
Today we head on to the trail leading to the Thorong La pass and for that, we head to Yak Kharka as the destination for today. After trekking for some time we turn left and trek past the Thare Gompa and through the Old Kangsar above the Khangsar village. Trekking in a twisting trail and down to the Thorung River and across the old log bridge to the Ghusang village after branching off the trail leading to Tengi, we reach the main trail from Manang that leads to Thorung La pass. Further on, we traverse past the Mani wall, small tea shops, and overlooking the Thorung River to reach the settlement of Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 13 : Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi: (4,420m/14,501ft): 3-4 hours::
We head on for the foothill of the challenging Thorang La pass before crossing the pass the following day. The trek starts with trekking along the landslide-prone area and continues across the glacial river that leads to Ledar after a relatively steep ascent after bypassing the trail leading to Gundang Peak base camp. We trek continuously in an uphill climb in the trail before we reach an area with small tea shops and further ahead another area prone to landslide. The terrain nearing the Phedi is a bit strenuous as compared to the lower altitudes. We settle here before crossing over the Pass rather than on the High Camp as sleeping at higher altitudes is not recommended. Thorang Phedi is a small and busy settlement with an amazing view of the landscape and the Himalayas which is used as the base by most of the trekkers. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.
Day 14 : Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass (5,416m/17,764ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 8-9 hours::
This is one of the most strenuous and longest trekking of this entire trekking. The trek begins early in the morning from Phedi for climbing the pass and then reaching the destination of Muktinath, the holy pilgrimage in this region. Beginning with the steep climb in the initial phase until we reach the High camp is a more difficult experience if the trail is covered with snow. Before ascending over the challenging pass we trek past through the number of false summits and increasingly high altitudes. As we reach the top of the pass at 5416m, we have breathtaking scenery to witness. Ahead we have the panoramic view of the humongous Himalayas that stretches far on to Tibet, while the view of majestic Annapurna massifs is there behind us. After experiencing the natural wonder from the Pass we descent through the Chaharu, ruins of Yak herders’ hut and sand dunes, and through the narrow trail over the barren hillside we reach the famous Muktinath.
Muktinath, meaning ‘place of Salvation’, is a famous pilgrimage that hosts Muktinath Temple as well as several monasteries besides the Jwala Mai Temple with a natural spring and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas. The 108 waterspouts in the periphery of Muktinath Temple are another attraction. Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 15 : Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 – 8 hours::
In another long and rather strenuous section of the trekking experience, we shall today move out of the Jomsom valley and head on to the settlement of Tatopani with a scenic and exciting drive. During our journey, we will have the opportunity to pass through the gompas and monasteries, sight the wooden and suspension bridges, streams, and several settlements to reach Kalopani where the trail from the western side of Kali Gandaki River joins the trail we followed. The drive continues through several settlements, waterfalls, and areas prone to a landslide before we finally reach the destination of Tatopani, a settlement famous for natural hot water spring believed to cure several skin diseases of the persons taking a dip in the hot water. Overnight in Tatopani.
Day 16 : Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 – 8 hours::
The trekking today starts with trekking across the Kali Gandaki River and across a couple of bridges, and several settlements before reaching the village of Ghorepani. We trek through the settlement of Ghara and ascend on to the Magar village of Sikha before further climbing to the trail junction ahead of Phalate which heads on to Chitre village. Traversing further in the trail we ascent to the Ghorepani Deurali and after a short descent we ascent to the marvelous village of Ghorepani. Intermittently we trek through the rhododendron forests, stone-paved trails with the view of majestic Himalayas, terraced hills and cultivation fields, and stone staircases with the natural ups and downs during the trek. The destination of Ghorepani is the traditional stoppage of traders’ en route Tibet for trade and is famous for marvelous and breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas besides serving as the hub connecting some popular trekking trails. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 17 : Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 – 7 hours::
In this section of the trek, we shall witness one of the most popular views of the sunrise over the panoramic Himalayas. For this, we shall start before the day breaks; with the torch lights in hand and aided by moonlight combined with the enthusiasm of the adventurers we trek for about one hour before reaching the foothills of Poonhill. Climbing to the top of the hill we can witness several fellow trekkers competing for the perfect spot to capture the sunrise over the Himalayas. Slowly and steadily the sun comes into sight; first, the silhouettes of mountains emerge followed by the more clear landscape and finally the golden Sun spreading its rays over the white Himalayas. After savoring the majestic sunrise, we trek down to the foothill and trek to Tadapani for the next phase of the trekking adventure today. In this phase, we explore through the rhododendron forest, pristine landscape, and descent to the ridge followed by trail down through the Ban Thati village, stone staircase, forests, and scenic landscape. Finally, we reach the village of Tadapani. Overnight in Tadapani.
Day 18 : Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara: 5-6 hours trek and 1-hour drive::
In the last section of trekking with physical trekking activity, we leave for Nayapul and to Pokhara as the destination of an overnight stay. Starting the trek we have a gradual climb to the hill of Komrong Danda followed by descending to the famous village of Ghandruk, a Gurung village with several hotels and guesthouses, a unique housing pattern, and traditionally intact ancient culture of the Gurung community. Further along the trail, we choose the route through the settlements of Kimche, Lilu, and Syauli Bazar and joining the trail along the Modi River before reaching the settlement of Birethanti and further on to Nayapul marking the ending point of the trekking trail. From here we shall be driving to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara after an hour’s drive on the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. Past the scenic landscape, rural settlements, and view of the Himalayas overlooking the journey, we reach Pokhara. Trekkers may explore the areas surrounding their hotel of stay and get relaxed in the serene environment of Lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 19 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours::
We shall drive to the medieval capital city of Kathmandu from the lake city of Pokhara past several natural amusements en route. The classic middle hills countryside, changing landscape, waterfalls and torrential rivers, historic villages and temples, sandy beaches of Trishuli River, resorts, and camping grounds are some of the highlights of this drive. From the hub of the Thakali and Gurung community to the ancient inhabitation of the Newar community, the diversity and contrast in several aspects are marvelous. The view of the Himalayas overlooking the trail and winding road with awesome views is an added benefit to the travelers. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 20 : Departure Day::
This adventurous and exciting yet enriching experience in the region of Annapurna massifs comes to an official end today. Our representative shall escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport at least three hours prior to the scheduled flight to the onwards destination. We hope that the diversity in scenery and landscape, culture and tradition, lifestyle, and heritages have created a special place in your memories and you shall be back for other adventures and activities in this Himalayan nation. We express our sincere gratitude to you for joining the trekking team of our company. We hope you had happy trekking and cherished the memories created and instilled in you a sense of achievement.
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