Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1100m/3608 ft) to Dharapani (1,860m/6,430ft): 8 – 10 hours

Early morning we drive from Kathmandu for about 8 – 9 hours to the village of Syange and continue to Dharapani. Witness lovely villages, terraced farms, snow-capped mountains, flowing rivers, and green hills on the way. Stay Overnight.

Driving Distance – 210KM

Included Meals: Lunch, and Dinner

Day 02: Dharapani to Chame (2,610m/8,891ft): 5 – 7 hours

A walk to Chame follows the trail passing through a lush green forest of pine, oak, and maple. An astounding view of Mt. Annapurna II, IV, and Lamjung. Enter the Manang district headquarters Chame and stay overnight.

Trek Distance – 15.5km / 9.6miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03: Chame to Pisang (3,200m/10824ft): 5 – 7 hours

A walk through the narrow valley on a steep trail and get a glimpse of Paungda Danda Rock. From here, we also see clear views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Then, continue to climb downhill to Pisang. Stay Overnight.

Trek Distance – 14 km / 8.2miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04: Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11,482ft): 5 – 7 hours

We trek via Geru to the upper trail and witness the exceptional views of the north face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. An uphill climb to Manang and experience the change in topography, and weather. The cold blowing wind is chilling. Pass through the Tibetan settlement and visit Braga Monastery on the way. A little uphill climb to enter Manang. Stay Overnight.

Trek Distance – 17km / 10.6miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05: Manang Acclimatization day

An acclimatization day at Manang. In the morning, a short hike to Gangapurna viewpoint to observe beautiful Gangapurna Peak, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Mt. Annapurna, and Manang Valley from the top. En route to Gangapurna viewpoint, a glimpse of lovely Gangapurna Lake. Climb downhill after the hike to Manang. Roam around Manang Village and Monasteries in the afternoon. Also, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Braga village where we get briefed about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), its symptoms, and prevention.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06: Manang to Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13,583ft): 8 – 10 hours

A comfortable trek to Siri Kharka following the upper route. Walk through the forest of coniferous after crossing a river. Pass the Tibetan settlement Khangsar and continue further to tilicho base camp after lunch at Siri Kharka. Throughout the trek, witness a clear view of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. Stay Overnight.

Trek Distance – 18 km / 9.2miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 07: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,920m/16,138 ft) then Trek to Siri Kharka: 6 – 8 hours

An early visit to Tilicho Lake due to climatic conditions. A slow walk to the steep trail and ascend uphill. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, a glimpse of turquoise Tilicho Lake. Spend some time in the vicinity of Tilicho Lake. Take some snaps and return to Siri Kharka. Stay overnight.

Trek Distance – 17 km / 8.5miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08: Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4060m/13,020ft):4 – 5 hours

A downhill walk to reach Khangsar village and pass ancient Tare Gumba. Visit the Gumba and traverse a bridge over Thorong Khola. Continue walking an uphill climb to reach Yak Kharka. A sight of yaks grazing. Stay Overnight.

Trek Distance – 12 km / 6.8miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 09: Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi: (4525m/14501 ft): 3 – 5 hours

An uphill walk to Thorang Phedi witnessing Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, and Thorung Peak en route. Pass through beautiful landscapes to reach Thorang Phedi. Stay Overnight.

Trek Distance – 10 km / 6.2miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Trek to Thorong La pass (5416 m/17764 ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7 – 9 hours

A challenging yet thrilling trek to the highest Thorong La Pass of this trek. An early wake up around 3 am/4 am to reach there due to the high altitude and weather conditions. We have to push ourselves through the icy air, and high altitude but the view from the pass makes it worth it. We see a panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks extending northwards into Tibet, in the background we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. A slow descent towards the holy temple Muktinath. Stay Overnight.

Trek Distance – 18 km

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m/3937 ft.): 3 – 5 hours

A visit to the holy Muktinath Temple. Lord Vishnu Temple, a burning flame, and stone-water taps in the surrounding is the main attraction. After that, ride back to Tatopani. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot spring. It is a place where we can soak in the hot springs for healing. Stay Overnight.

Driving Distance – (113km / 70miles)

Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 8 – 10 hours

A walk to Ghorepani passes through the Sikha and Chitre villages inhabited by Thakali ethnics. We go through a terraced pasture in the vicinity of mountains. From there, walk on the trail passing a verdant forest of birch, oak, and rhododendron. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.

Trek Distance – 17km / 10.5miles

Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13: Poon Hill and Trek down to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara: 5 – 7 hours

An early morning trek to the Poon Hill viewpoint. A popular place for sunrise and sunset view. A stunning sight of snow-capped Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna ranges, and Dhaulagiri ranges. A great view of Pokhara valley, and Phewa Lake as well. Take some snaps and create some memories. Descend to Nayapul. From there, drive back to Pokhara. Stay Overnight.

Distance – 12.5km / 7.7miles

Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 7 – 9 hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. You may also decide to return via domestic flight (excluded from the package).

Included Meal: Breakfast

What Is Included

• Accommodations in 3-star Category hotels in Pokhara including Breakfast.
• Teahouses/Lodge Accommodation including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek.
• Private Transportation to Trekking Starting Point and Tourist bus from Pokhara.
• Farewell dinner at the  end
• Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure Duffel Bag
• An experienced English-speaking trekking guide, and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
• All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, TIMS )
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes

 What is Excluded

• Nepalese visa fee.
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
• Entrance Fess and Tour Guide for Sightseeing.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from Trekking(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, Tea, Coffee, battery recharge, Wi-Fi, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
• Tips for guides and porters

Accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Lodges or teahouses with basic facilities such as beds, blankets, and pillows are accommodation types during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho lake  Trek. The availability of attached bathrooms is there in the lower regions only.  As you go higher, the bathrooms are outside the teahouses. The additional facilities like using Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, laundry, hot shower, etc. Need to pay an extra.

Meals during  the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

The 3-course full-board meals are provided during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho lake Trek. Meal options are limited. Dal-Bhat is the primary option with some options like soup, eggs, noodles, hot tea, etc. available.

Drinking Water during  the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Some of the places are not allowe to have bottle of mineral water so there will be  Tap water or  boiled water are drinking water options during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Pay an extra cost for boiled water at teahouses or lodges or buy bottled water as a preference. For safe drinking water, carry water purification kits and a water bottle for ease.

Internet and Phone Networks  during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Internet and Phone networks during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek are stable mostly in the lower regions. In the higher regions, networks are unstable. For the use of Wi-Fi, pay an additional cost at teahouses.

Best Season for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit with tilicho lake trek. The clear weather, stable temperatures, awesome panoramic vistas, and comfortable trekking trails make these seasons ideal for this trek. The rainy (Jun-Aug) and winter (Dec-Feb) seasons are not ideal due to unpredictable and unstable weather and temperature. The trekking trails are slippery, muddy, or snowy, and the availability of accommodations is limited. But the Nar Phu trek is doable in these seasons with proper planning and preparation.  Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty The highest elevation during Annapurna Circuit with tilicho lake  Trek is difficult considering its ascends and descends, high elevations, daily long hours of walking, rough trails, and limited availability of teahouses or lodges. Also, the chances of getting altitude sickness are common. Thus, acclimatization rest is essential. With proper preparation, this trek is possible.

Altitude Sickness and Preventions during the Trek

Altitude Sickness is common in the Annapurna circuit with tilicho lake  Trek. To prevent it, acclimatization rest is essential. Thus, utilize rest days properly to adapt to the surroundings. Symptoms of altitude sickness are

• Headache
• Lethargy
• A drop in performance
• Loose of motion
• Insomnia
• Appetite loss
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Inform your guides if you experience any symptoms during the trek. Preventive measures for Altitude Sickness are:

• Stretch and warm up before trekking.
• Stay hydrated with regular water intake.
• Ascend gradually and rest well.
• Avoid salt, alcohol, and smoking.
• Urinate frequently.
• Descend if feeling unwell.
• Consult guides for medicine

Fitness Level during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Annapurna Circuit with tilicho lake Trek is demanding due to its challenging terrain, daily long hours of walking, high elevations, several ups and downs, and rugged trails. Thus, a strong fitness level is a key factor for this trek. Therefore, we recommend trekkers participate in physical exercises and short hikes for a few months, and necessary physical check-ups before commencing this trek.

Travel Insurance during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Travel Insurance is a safety tool for trekking in the mountains. It should cover all emergencies including medical costs, loss of goods, flight delays, evacuation, and high elevations above 5000 m. For a worry-free and smooth Annapurna base Camp Trek, getting travel insurance is beneficial.

Guides and Porters during the  Trek

Guide and Porters are optional but for a comfortable trekking experience hiring a porter is the ideal decision for Annapurna Circuit with tilicho lake Trek. Our guides and porters are professional and have lots of experience in the mountains. Our team ensures trekkers’ safety as it is the top priority.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Trek Permits

The required permits for are as follows:

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

USD 30/person (Foreigners) NPR 1000/person (SAARC)   Our main paramount is to offer a safe and enjoyable trek for your clients. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you need to bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest and choice. The most important fact that one should keep in mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas. Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes

• Sun hat (We provide you a complimentary sunhat)
• Wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Headlamp
• Neck warmer

Hand

• Liner gloves
• Heavier shell gloves

Core Body

• T-shirts (2)
• Lightweight expedition thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
• Synthetic sports bras (for women)

Lower Body – Legs

• Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
• Nylon hiking shorts
• Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
• Water/windproof trousers
• Casual pants

Feet

• Liner socks
• Heavyweight socks
• Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
• Light shoes/sneakers
• Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)

Other essential important items

• Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
• Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case you need to change the date of yours)
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Water bottle/bladder
• Water purification Iodine tablets
• Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)

Medicines and First Aid Kit

• Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
• Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
• Anti-infection ointments
• Band-aids
• Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
• Sunscreen (SPF 40)

Optional

• Adjustable trekking poles
• Favorite snacks (No more than 2 pounds)
• Paperback books, cards, mp3 player.
• Binoculars
• Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and batteries)
• Pee bottle for man and pee funnel for woman

• Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival ?

Yes, Our representative from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure will be waiting for you  outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel overnight in Kathmandu.

• Can I obtain a visa for Nepal on arrival at the airport ?

Yes, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, a Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)

• Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking ?

Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency to local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

• I am a Vegetarian, is that a Problem ?

No problem at all because mostly, the lodges serve vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients eat vegetarian meals to avoid food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non-vegetarian meals at high altitudes is not safe for the stomach.

• Do I need to bring toilet paper for the trek ?

Almost all the guest houses sell toilet paper so you can buy it there itself. Hand sanitizer and a towel you must bring your own.

• Where do we go to the toilet along the trail ?

In most cases, you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do the toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.

• What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and trekking ?

We use standard rooms at 2-star category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast. Along the trekking routes, Teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory style. At times when possible, dining will be around a bonfire. In teahouses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in teahouses provides essential and basic facilities and is always outside the room.

• What is the drinking water facility in the mountain ?

Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses, which you can buy at the cost of USD 1 at lower elevations up to USD 4 to higher elevation elevations per liter. If you are planning to drink normal water during trek, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drops is a must. You can bring your purifier or can purchase it in Kathmandu.

• How much additional money do I need per day ?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for lunch and dinner. USD 10 to USD 15 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, and chocolates, pay for the hot shower, and a few drinks during the trekking.

• What is the weather & temperature like in trekking ?

One of the most unpredictable elements of the mountain is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns, and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation.

• Spring – March / April / May / June

During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of 0 degrees C (32 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 2500 meters.

• July / August Through Mid- September is Monsoon Season

This season is not recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes. There are positive sides to trekking during the monsoon months as the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds. During this time, the average temperature is 25degrees C (77 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of 5 degrees C (41 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 2500 meters.

• Autumn – End of September / October / November

The average temperature during the fall is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 2500 meters altitude.

• Winter- December/ January/ February

Winter starts from mid December till mid-February in this region. The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C (50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -10 degrees C (14 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 2500 meters altitude. The above temperature is based on the outside of the guesthouse temperature. No need to worry about the cold temperature as we provide the sleeping bag plus the extra blanket to make sure our clients are warm enough during their time of need.

• What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend to trekkers ? 

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags we provide is about -10 degrees C (14 Degrees Fahrenheit), our guide can provide a liner or extra blanket from the lodge in the mountain if the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you

• Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center ? Have they received first aid training for high altitude ?

Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high-altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project)

• What immunizations will I need ? 

You don’t need to submit any immunization documents to enter Nepal however if you have been immunized with diphtheria TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio, and tetanus then that is a plus point but it’s not mandatory. We also recommend: A dental check-up before travelling. You know your blood group in case of an emergency.

• If I am sick can I continue the trek the next day after a day’s rest ?

It depends on the level of your sickness. Once you are sick at a higher altitude you need to rest at a lower altitude and you at least need 3 days to a week for recovery. If you are on the private or solo trip you can discuss and decide with a guide depending on your health status. If you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with a guide and catch up with the group later on.

• Is there any communication while we are on trekking ?

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes. Our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. They carry the Nepal Telecom and Ncell Sim that has good network coverage.

• Can I charge my digital camera or other equipment on my trip ?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE-pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in supermarkets or electronic shops in Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.

• Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our gear ?

While on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like a camera, water bottle, sun cream, etc.

• Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for the trek ?

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

• Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be ?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 50 to USD 100 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you spend a minimum of 10a% of your total trip cost for tipping the entire local staff.

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