Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake

Your Himalayan adventure begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Stepping out of the airport, you'll immediately be immersed in the vibrant energy of Nepal's capital city. A representative from Lost In The Himalaya will be there to warmly greet you and facilitate your transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Kathmandu.

After settling in and taking some time to freshen up, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Consider taking a leisurely stroll through the bustling Thamel district, a tourist hub brimming with trekking gear shops, souvenir stores, restaurants Nepali and international cuisine, and vibrant street life. This initial exploration will help you acclimatize to the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Kathmandu. In the evening, you can enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, experiencing authentic Nepali food and cultural performances, setting the stage for your incredible trek ahead.

Today is dedicated to delving deeper into the cultural richness of Kathmandu and finalizing preparations for your trek. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a guided sightseeing tour of some of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your exploration might include:

• Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Perched atop a hill, this ancient stupa offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and is adorned with prayer flags and playful monkeys. It's a significant Buddhist site with a fascinating history.

• Pashupatinath Temple: A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Witness the cremation ceremonies and observe the intricate architecture of this important religious site (non-Hindus can view from the outside).

• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, Boudhanath is a vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk around the stupa clockwise with the pilgrims, spinning prayer wheels and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Explore the historical heart of Kathmandu, with its ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and the Living Goddess Kumari's house. This square tells tales of Nepal's royal history and architectural heritage.

In the afternoon, you'll return to Thamel to meet with your trekking guide. This is a crucial opportunity to receive a detailed briefing about the Annapurna Circuit Trek, including the itinerary, safety guidelines, packing essentials, and what to expect on the trail. You can ask any questions you may have and ensure you feel fully prepared and confident for your adventure. You can also use this time to double-check your trekking gear and purchase any last-minute necessities.

Today involves a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu directly to Chame. After an early breakfast, you will embark on a full-day journey by private jeep. The drive initially follows the highway towards Besisahar and then continues on more rugged roads as you ascend into the Annapurna region.

The drive offers changing landscapes, from the Kathmandu Valley to the foothills and eventually into the mountainous terrain. You'll witness rural Nepali life unfold along the way, passing through villages and terraced fields. Be prepared for bumpy sections of the road, especially as you get closer to Chame. Chame is the administrative center of Manang district and marks the starting point of your trek. Upon arrival in Chame, check into a teahouse and relax after the long day of driving. Enjoy the mountain air and prepare for your first day of trekking tomorrow.

Your trek commences from Chame, heading towards the stunning Upper Pisang village. After breakfast in Chame, you'll begin your ascent. The trail initially passes through apple orchards and forests before starting to climb more steadily. You'll walk through pine forests and gradually gain altitude, experiencing the changing vegetation and mountain air.

Upper Pisang offers truly spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Pisang Peak, and Chulu East peaks. Perched higher than lower Pisang, Upper Pisang village retains a more traditional charm and offers a serene atmosphere. You'll check into a teahouse in Upper Pisang, giving you ample opportunity to soak in the breathtaking mountain views, explore the ancient village, and acclimatize to the higher altitude.

Today's trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal is a shorter day, allowing for further acclimatization while enjoying incredible scenery and cultural immersion. Leaving Upper Pisang, you'll continue on the higher route, which is known for its superior views. The trail meanders through picturesque landscapes, offering constant vistas of the Annapurna range.

Ngawal is a beautifully situated village with traditional stone houses and a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. It boasts an ancient Gompa (monastery) and is known for its intricately carved mani walls and prayer wheels. Upon arrival in Ngawal, settle into your teahouse and explore the village. Visiting the monastery and observing the Tibetan-influenced culture is a highlight of today's journey. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and prepare for the trek to Manang tomorrow.

Today involves a descent from Ngawal towards Manang, the major cultural and acclimatization hub of the Manang region. From Ngawal, you'll descend towards the valley floor, crossing through varied landscapes and vegetation.

You might pass through Mungji and Braga (depending on the exact route taken), offering opportunities to explore more villages and monasteries along the way. Braga Gompa, in particular, is a significant ancient monastery worth visiting if time permits. The trail eventually leads you to Manang. Despite a slight descent in altitude from Ngawal, Manang is still at a significant altitude, making it ideal for acclimatization. Upon arrival in Manang, you'll check into a teahouse and have the afternoon free to explore this vibrant village.

Today is a dedicated acclimatization day in Manang to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude before continuing further. While rest is important, staying active is also beneficial for acclimatization. You have several options for short hikes around Manang to aid acclimatization and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Recommended optional activity would be hike to Ice Lake 4,600m/15,092ft a challenging but rewarding hike up to Ice Lake, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range and Gangapurna Lake. This hike is excellent for acclimatization but should be undertaken at a slow pace.

Or you can spend the day exploring Manang village, visiting the local museum, or simply relaxing at a bakery and enjoying the mountain views. Hydrate well, eat nutritious food, and listen to your body. Proper acclimatization today will significantly improve your chances of a successful Thorong La Pass crossing.

Today marks the beginning of your side trek to Tilicho Lake. After breakfast in Manang, you'll depart towards Tilicho Base Camp. The trail to Tilicho is different from the main Annapurna Circuit, becoming more rugged and less crowded. You'll trek through drier and more barren landscapes, ascending gradually towards the base camp.

The views on this section are starkly beautiful, with towering snow-capped peaks surrounding you. The trail can be dusty in sections, but the anticipation of reaching Tilicho Lake keeps you motivated. Tilicho Base Camp is a relatively basic settlement with a few teahouses catering to trekkers heading to the lake. Upon arrival at Tilicho Base Camp, check into your teahouse and relax. The altitude is higher here, so take it easy and prepare for the challenging day ahead when you trek to Tilicho Lake itself.

Today is the highlight of your Tilicho Lake side trip – reaching the magnificent Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. You'll start early in the morning for this demanding but incredibly rewarding day. The trek to Tilicho Lake is steep and strenuous, ascending significantly in altitude.

The trail winds uphill, traversing scree slopes and rocky terrain. The air is thin, and the going can be tough, but the views become increasingly breathtaking as you ascend. Reaching Tilicho Lake is an awe-inspiring experience. The lake sits nestled amidst towering snow-capped peaks, its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky. Spend some time at the lake, soaking in the surreal beauty and capturing unforgettable photos.

After enjoying the magnificence of Tilicho Lake and celebrating your achievement, you will descend back to Tilicho Base Camp. The descent is still challenging but faster. Upon reaching Tilicho Base Camp, rest and reflect on the incredible experience of witnessing Tilicho Lake

Today you retrace your steps for a short distance before rejoining the main Annapurna Circuit trail. After breakfast at Tilicho Base Camp, you'll descend back down the Tilicho Khola valley for a portion of the trail. Eventually, you'll branch off and rejoin the main trail near Khangsar village.

From Khangsar, the trail continues towards Yak Kharka. The landscape becomes drier and more alpine as you gain altitude. You'll be walking through high-altitude pastures where yaks graze, hence the name Yak Kharka. The views are expansive, with the towering peaks of the Annapurna range dominating the horizon. Yak Kharka is a small settlement with teahouses catering to trekkers. Upon arrival in Yak Kharka, settle into your teahouse and enjoy the tranquility of this high-altitude location, preparing for the challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass.

Today's trek is dedicated to ascending to Thorong High Camp, strategically positioned higher than Thorong Phedi to shorten the pass crossing day. After breakfast in Yak Kharka, you'll begin your ascent. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you gain significant altitude today.

You'll be trekking through a barren and rocky landscape, characteristic of high-altitude terrain. The pace will be slow and deliberate, focusing on acclimatization and conserving energy. The views become increasingly dramatic, showcasing the grandeur of the surrounding peaks. Thorong High Camp is a very basic settlement, primarily consisting of a few teahouses built to support trekkers attempting the pass crossing. Facilities are limited here.

Upon arrival at Thorong High Camp, settle into your teahouse and prioritize rest and hydration. The altitude is significantly higher here than Yak Kharka, so acclimatization is paramount. Prepare your gear meticulously for tomorrow's early start and the Thorong La Pass crossing. It's crucial to get as much rest as possible, despite the challenging altitude and potentially cold conditions at High Camp.

Today is the crucial Thorong La Pass crossing day, starting from Thorong High Camp. While starting from a higher altitude makes the vertical ascent on this day shorter compared to starting from Phedi, it is still a very long and demanding day due to the overall altitude and distance. You will wake up extremely early, likely before sunrise, to begin your ascent to Thorong La Pass.

The initial section from High Camp to the pass is still steep and challenging, although shorter in duration than starting from Phedi. You'll trek through rocky and icy terrain (depending on the season), navigating the final slopes to the pass summit. Reaching Thorong La Pass summit is a moment of immense accomplishment. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, a truly unforgettable spectacle. Spend time at the summit to celebrate, take photos, and appreciate the achievement.

After soaking in the views and atmosphere at Thorong La Pass, you will commence the long descent towards Muktinath. The descent from the pass is steep and prolonged, initially over scree and possibly icy slopes, requiring careful footing. As you descend lower, the landscape gradually transforms, becoming drier and more desert-like as you approach Muktinath. Muktinath, with its sacred temples and spiritual significance, awaits you at the end of this long day. Upon arrival in Muktinath, check into your teahouse and enjoy a well-deserved and substantial rest.

Today, instead of heading directly to Jomsom, you'll detour to the culturally significant Lubra Village. From Muktinath, you will descend towards the valley floor and then branch off towards Lubra. This trail will be less frequented than the main trail to Jomsom.

Lubra Village is a hidden gem, renowned for its ancient Bon Po Gompa and distinct Bon Po culture. Bon Po is a pre-Buddhist Tibetan religion, and Lubra offers a rare glimpse into these ancient traditions. Explore the village, visit the Bon Po Gompa (respectfully and if accessible), and learn about this unique cultural heritage. Accommodation in Lubra will be more basic, offering a more rustic and immersive cultural experience. You'll overnight in Lubra Village, embracing the peaceful and unique ambiance.

Today is a relatively shorter and easier trekking day, descending from Lubra Village to Jomsom. The trail will likely follow a more local path towards Jomsom, offering different perspectives of the landscape compared to the main trail from Muktinath.

The walk to Jomsom will be mostly downhill, passing through more arid and desert-like terrain as you approach the Kali Gandaki Valley and Jomsom. Upon reaching Jomsom, you'll check into a comfortable hotel. You can relax, explore Jomsom town, and celebrate the successful completion of the trekking portion of your adventure, including the Thorong La Pass and the unique Lubra Village experience.

After breakfast in Jomsom, you will head to Jomsom Airport for your scenic flight to Pokhara. This short flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, a final magnificent spectacle of the Himalayas.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll be transferred to your hotel near Lakeside. Pokhara is a beautiful city nestled beside Phewa Lake, known for its tranquility and stunning mountain views reflected in the lake's surface. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Pokhara. You can stroll along Lakeside, explore the shops and cafes, hire a boat on Phewa Lake, or simply relax by the lake and admire the views of the Annapurna range. Pokhara offers a welcome contrast to the rugged mountain trails, providing a peaceful setting to unwind after your trekking adventure.

Today, after breakfast in Pokhara, you will take another scenic flight back to Kathmandu. This flight also offers stunning views, this time of the mid-hills and valleys of Nepal.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, perhaps do some souvenir shopping, or simply enjoy the comforts of your hotel after your long trek. You might also revisit Thamel for a favorite restaurant or café.

Your incredible Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake adventure, now including the unique Lubra Village, comes to an end today. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your departure flight home. You'll be leaving with cherished memories of breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, cultural richness, and the warm hospitality of Nepal, carrying the spirit of the mountains with you.