around Annapurna via tilicho lake
Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal. The Southern slopes of Manaslu and, Annapurna ranges are heavily settled and farmed except the higher regions which support thick forests of Rhododendron
and fir. Most of the tribes inhabiting this area are Gurungs, Magars, Chehettris and Newars. Thakali and Mustang tribes control the busy trading and pilgrimage trail along the Kali Gandaki. One of the most striking significance of this trek is that we have a spectacular view of most mountains range every day.On the other hand, Annapurna Base Camp is a natural amphitheater ringed by Annapurna South and Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and the holy mountain Macchapucchre (Fish Tail). The first few days are spent traveling through quaint villages and lush forests before reaching more barren and rugged terrain.
The trail to Annapurna Base Camp threads up the valley into the sanctuary where it gradually gives way to a gray screed and scrub before reaching snow fields, there are no villages to speak of for five days. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a wonderful trek with some tremendous views, from base camp a labyrinth of mountains tower almost vertically above with Annapurna I in dominance. An hour or two is spent here taking in the high mountains before commencing the return journey. Five further days are taken returning to Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a good introduction to higher altitude without being too strenuous.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu International Airport, More Than Mountain staffs meet and transfer to Hotel on BB basis.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m.)takes almost six hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar (823m.). Besisahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. From here, you can see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 04: Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail passes thorough flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of Gurung community. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 05: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours. A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali gaon. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 06: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep. You continue on an undulating path above the river and at one point where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before us. You descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 07: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half hours. As The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There is a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent path upto Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 08: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.). A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 09: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.)
takes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Hongde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. After a short steep climb you reach Manang. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 10: Rest day at Manang. This day is for acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La. You can either take a walk, such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurnas or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. Moreover you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 11: Trek from Manang to Khangsar takes approximately five hours.
The path is gradual descent and you cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream). You trek through dry land though you can see shrubs on the both sides. The panoramic views of Annapurna range completely mesmerize you. Khangsar is a Gurung village. There you find a small monastery, chorten, Mani walls and prayer flags. Stay overnight in camp.
Day 12: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Lake takes about six hours. The path is covered by small crystals and shrubs can be seen on both sides. Tilicho Lake is situated at the highes. From here you can enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many others. Stay overnight in camp.
Day 13: Trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5315m.) takes about seven hours. The trail is quite narrow and you trek over icy path. The panoramic views of Annapurna range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri along with more than ten mountains completely mesmerize you. Stay overnight in camp.
Day 14: Trek from Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2741 m.) via Thimi (2760 m.) which takes about six hours. From Mesokanto Pass, the trail goes steep down to Jomsom. This day you trek through pine forest. Before you reach Jomsom, you cross Thimi inhabited by mostly Buddhists. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 15: Trek from Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m.)
takes about six hours. Your trail follows flat level along the bank of Kali Gandaki river until you reach Kalopani, a Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. En route, you find Larjung which is situated near Dhaulagiri Glacier. The first part of the trek passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches are seen. At Kalopani, you are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 16: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1190 m.) takes about six and half hours. While crossing steeply descent path through forests you reach Ghasa (2010m.), a Thakali village. From here, the trail descends steeply upto Rukse Waterfall. The trail again descends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 17: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2750m.) takes about six and half hours. Your trail passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki river with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. The view you can see from here is probably the best view in the world. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 18: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) takes about five and half hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view. En route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests grants you a magnificent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail and Annapurna II and so on. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 19: Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk (1950m.) takes about three hours. It is very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 20: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul via Birethanti takes about 5 hours. This day you trek descend through Kimshe to Shaulo Bazaar. From here your trail goes quite flat until you retrace back to Birethanti. You need to walk almost half an hour to get to Nayapul. Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara by vehicle. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Day 21: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu on BB basis.
Day 22: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 23: International departure…..
