Annapurna Circuit Trek-15 Days

On arrival at Kathmandu airport, we received our Himalayan Friendly guide and staff. A short drive to your hotels around the hub of Kathmandu in the Thamel area is an exciting place. After checking into your lovely rooms join other members of Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trekking, for a briefing. Provided by our guides or leaders who are Himalayan-friendly.

Information of needful things to expect on treks and in Pokhara and Kathmandu, with other necessary details. Evening a welcome dinner, in a pleasant authentic Nepalese Restaurant with culture programs. While you enjoy the famous and national food of Dal Bhat in a luxurious way to have a first night dinner.

A free day with options for sightseeing tours around places of interest. Kathmandu is steeped with famous World Heritage Sites of great wonders, where Hindu and Buddhist religions blend in perfect harmony. After an interesting tour, preparation for Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake trekking.

Early in the morning, we will leave Kathmandu towards Syange via Besisahar. The road is winding and follows many hilly settlements until we make an appearance at the Besisahar. From there, Khudi is just a couple of kilometers away, but the road is very much rough. Once you arrive at Khudi, explore the local village and enjoy the views of lush hills all around.

Instead of catching the dirt road, you will follow the NATT (Natural Annapurna Trekking Trail) trails over the hills that demand you to cross a suspension bridge. Then, the trail crosses another river through the bridge to arrive at the plateau. Here, a line of Chortens and Mani walls shows you the path ahead to the Danakyu. From there, a steep ascent leads you towards the village of Temang. Through the beautiful village of Thanchowk, built on the ridge, proceed towards the classic settlement of Chame through the village of Koto. Chame offers some of the best views of the

Join the upper trail from Chame to Talekhu that leads through a pleasant pine forest. Soon after the Talekhu, the trail continues through the pine forest where some beautiful waterfalls lead you towards the apple farmland of Bhratang. Here, a landowner has started a big apple farm by purchasing 60 apple plants from Italy. Beyond Bhratang, the trail is carved out of a vertical rock wall. As interesting as it sounds, the trails are very much dangerous. A few kilometers ahead, a bridge named Swargadwari arrives, which means the “Gateway to Heaven”. Crossing this bridge, you will confront a dense forest of pine. As you arrive at Dhukur Pokhari, proceed towards the Pisang, which is just a few distances ahead. Instead of stopping by at Lower Pisang, we will go to the Upper Pisang because the views are much better from this point.

From Upper Pisang, the path to the Manang passes through a pleasant pine forest that opens up into Ghyaru. Here, the views of the Annapurna II, IV, and III appear spectacular. Without spending much time here, you will continue towards the Ngawal which shows the way to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the views of the beautiful farm fields in Ghyaru and a big Stupa. Ngawal is adorned with several Chortens (little Buddhist Shrines) and Mani Walls that impel a Buddhist vibe. Down through the pleasant pine forest, walk to the Braka (Braga), a nice and pleasant village offering wonderful side trips. Then, the trail heads to the classic and cultural village of Manang.

Manang is indeed a very gratifying destination. Here, the prayer flags adorn the front yards of the houses and Chortens line up the streets. The houses are made up of stones to prevent the icy wind of the mountains from hitting the families. There are several monasteries to visit, but above all, the splendid panorama of the mountain peaks appears more appealing. Manang is simply an earthly heaven for mountains and culture lovers. Plus, many side trips lead off from Manang. You may either hike to the Praken Gompa, Gangapurna Glacier, Bocho Gompa, or the Ice Lake. Hiking to some higher altitude regions also aids in acclimatization, so we will hike to one of these side-trip destinations.

From Manang, continue the trail to the Yak Kharka through the quaint village of Gunsang. Cross a suspension bridge after Gunsang and continue your journey through a big Mani wall and an astounding Chortens. Within a short while, the views of the Gangapurna glacier and other icy ranges begin to show up making the trek more interesting to walk along. Then, through the high pastures, will arrive at the Yak Kharka. Don’t head up to the Churi Ledar unless you are fine with the altitude at Yak Kharka.

Leaving Yak Kharka (which translates to the Yak pastures), the trail proceeds along the ascending track and crosses a suspension bridge across the river. Then, a wooden bridge drains the pathway to the slippery landslide area, which is indeed a dangerous pathway. Follow the signposts leading to the Thorong Phedi, but be careful of the falling stones. The final suspension bridge, leading to the Thorong Phedi, offers some of the spectacular views of the snowy peaks. For the day, rest in the Thorong Phedi.

Crossing the Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit is probably the most demanding task of the overall trekking. Progressing too quickly can victimize you from altitude-related complications. Therefore, walk slowly and easily. The Mani walls are made even in the higher trekking zones and at Thorong La pass itself, you may see the stones wrapped by the prayer flags. These stones are kept to ward off the altitude spirits. Within a while, descend to the Muktinath Temple, to enjoy the incredible views of the 2 sacred lakes, 108 stone taps, and classic architecture.

After Muktinath, the rest of the journey is easier with an exciting scenic drive all the way downhill a big drop of 1,200m to Kaligandaki River valley, as the ride leads at Kaligandaki River valley, from here heading to Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang area with small airstrip above Kaligandaki River, Jomsom and around.

Kaligandaki Valley is famous for its delicious apples and its products cider, brandy, and juice from its high altitude apples orchard.

Completing our super adventure Annapurna and Tilicho Lake trekking, where an early morning short panoramic flight takes you to scenic Pokhara city and its beautiful valley with serene Phewa Lake, during a short trip on air facing views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range as it lands at Pokhara airport and then transfer to your hotel by the lake. An afternoon with time to relax and enjoy a stroll around lakeside with views of Annapurna Himalaya and magnificent Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ the unclimbed and virgin peak of Himalaya.

Morning taking an exciting overland journey back to Kathmandu on route witness Nepalese country farm life as the drive leads past farm villages and towns and then reaching Kathmandu around afternoon, time for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

(Options for a short flight of 30 minutes from Pokhara to Kathmandu)

Today, last day in amazing Nepal with great experience and fond memories of excellent adventures around Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake trekking, as per your time international flight, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport for your final departure homeward bound or to your next destinations.