The Annapurna Circuit is a trek within the Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal.The total length of the route varies between 160–230 km (100-145 mi), depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek is ended. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna massif. The path reaches its highest point at Thorung La pass (5416m/17769 ft), touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau.
Practically all trekkers hike the route anticlockwise, as this way the daily altitude gain is slower, and crossing the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer. The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. Numerous other peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range. The trek begins at Besisahar or Bhulbhule in the Marshyangdi river valley and concludes in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Besisahar can be reached after a seven-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Overview
<p><b>Starting Trek point: Chame</b></p>
<p><b>Ending Trek point: Manang</b></p>
<p><b>Highest altitude to gain: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)</b></p>
<p><b>Difficulty: 3.8 out of 5</b></p>
<p><b>Seasons to avoid trekking here: Mid-June to August (Monsoon season) </b></p>
Itinerary
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
You will be received by our representatives at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, and transferred to your hotel in the city along with your luggage. You will meet the rest of the trekking team and representatives will brief you about the trek. You are free to prepare yourself for the next day.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400 m), Besisahar (830 m), Chame (2,700 m)
Today we will drive to Besisahar and then follow the off-road to Manang district upto the Himalayan settlement of Chame. We drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar very early in the morning (142 kms) in about 5 hours depending on the highway traffic. From Besisahar we will take a jeep drive along the rough road to Chame (90 kms). The jeep ride is full of bumpy ups and downs but the best part is you will be driving alongside the turquoise blue river of Marsyangdi. We will experience a drastic temperature change, so a suitable change of apparel is suggested with a change in altitude.
Overnight in Chame
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Chame (2,700 m), Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Today we start the nature trek in a remote location surrounded by high mountains and deep river gorge. The jeep can carry you up to Khangsar but for the enchanting experience of nature walk and to avoid probable altitude sickness, we will start trekking this famous trail with gradualacclamatization.
After breakfast, we start acclimating to Upper Pisang. Walking side by side the turquoise river with sky-touching snow-capped peaks, the pine forest adds that hint of magic that every traveler craves for. The trail is narrow and steep which will make you think hiking rather than driving in these parts of the Himalayas is a far better idea. As you arrive at the settlement of Pisang, you will see a huge curved rock behind you popularly known as Paungda Danda which is also known as Swarga Dwar (gateway to heaven). The massive rock face looks like someone had manually carved it to look like the way it looks. Overnight stay at Upper Pisang village.
Overnight in Upper Pisang
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Upper Pisang (3,300 m), Manang (3,500 m)
Manang is one of the most popular gateways to Tilicho Lake and Thorang La Pass. Our goal is to reach Manang and explore the majestic glacial lake of Gangapurna. The hilly trail is scenic and the trek, in a slow pace, is one of the most enjoyable.
After early morning breakfast, the trail screams Tibetan culture as the path is decorated with Mani walls, Tibetan arts and small Chortens. We will see a clearer view of Gangapurna and Annapurna III as we gain more altitude. As we arrive in Manang we will notice thicker settlements, crowded paths, and an urban vibe of the area.
Overnight in Manang
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Manang (3,500 m), Khangsar (3,700)
The walk today will be easy as we will be gaining only about 200 meters of altitude. The highlight of today’s trek is that we will walk side by side the range of the mighty Annapurna. You will notice the barren land and high winds as you get further away from Manang. We will cross a huge suspension bridge that will take us to the base of Khangsar village.
Overnight in Khangsar
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Khangsar (3,700 m), Shreekharka (3,900 m), Tilicho Basecamp (4,200 m)
We leave the beautiful settlement of Khangsar and move towards Shreekharka. We passed through several stables and cattle rearing areas before our first uphill walk of the day, about 2 hours to reach the first checkpoint, Shreekharka. Before reaching Shreekharka we will see a big waterfall and a wooden bridge where you can refresh. The view from atop of Shreekharka is otherworldly. The Annapurna range shimmers and shines from this viewpoint.
After Shreekharka we start seeing the flock of blue sheep. These sheep are easily recognizable as they are shy and equipped with large pointed horns. From Shreekharka it is mostly an uphill walk and this is where we walk on the well-known trail of the landslide area. This exhilarating trail is one of the highlights of the Tilicho trek. After a final right turn, we will see the base camp where we will spend our night.
Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Tilicho Basecamp (4,130m), Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), Shreekharka (3,900 m)
Today we will start trekking very early for many reasons. As you approach mid-day the snow starts melting which can cause the trail to be slippery, the wind speed is unbearable in the daytime and of course, the scorching sun can cause dehydration and sunburn to a larger extent compared to the morning hike. We consume a big breakfast, carry our water bottles, leave our belongings in the hotel and start trekking towards the beautiful lake of Tilicho.
The sight of Tilicho you will get to experience depends on the season that you visit this region. As gigantic as this lake is in size and depth, it still freezes in the winter turning the lake completely white. Except for winter, the lake looks like a massive bowl of blue nectar of immortality throughout the season and it is a sight like any other that you will experience anywhere else in the world. After spending some time around the premises of Tilicho Lake we return to the basecamp and spend the night.
Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Tilicho Basecamp (4,130m), Shreekharka (3,900 m), Khangsar (3,700 m), Manang (3,500 m)
We can return to Shreekharka on the same day we return from the Tilicho lake hike, but it is best to avoid the landslide area in the daytime when it is windy. After early morning breakfast we will reach Shreekharka for lunch. We follow the Marsyangdi River and the Annapurna range to reach Khangsar. It is mostly a downhill walk from Khangsar to Manang, where we will celebrate our successful trip to the amusing lake of Tilicho.
Overnight in Manang
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Manang (3,500 m), Besisahahr (830 m)
Our return to Manang signifies an end of walking days. We will enjoy the sunrise in Manang and drive back to Besisahar.
Overnight in Besisahar
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
We depart from Besisahar early in the morning and reach Kathmandu in the evening.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea)
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Trip Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopters.
Frequently asked Questions
Tilicho Lake, situated at the highest altitude (4,919 m) in Nepal, is open and permitted for trekking. So trekking to this remote part of Nepal is no joke but with the right gears, information, and hunger for travel, it is not as difficult as it seems on paper. The wind speed gets higher during the daytime sometimes in this region so walking in the early morning is a safer choice.
Besisahar, the gateway to Manang and Manang itself has a wide range of accommodation choices. After Manang, there are only tea houses and lodges. You might have to pay for Wi-Fi and a hot shower in some lodges but all the hotels are equipped with basic facilities.
The final altitude gain in this trek is about 5,000 meters, but will stay overnight at a lesser altitude. So, you will have to be physically and mentally prepared for this trek. Preparing physically through cardio workouts, lower body workouts, and core strengthening exercises are highly recommended.
Yes! When you gain altitude oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases but with a healthy diet, hydration, and slow-maintained walking pace it will not be a problem. If you see any signs of altitude sickness our guides and porter will guide you to a lower altitude for recovery.
