Welcome to Kathmandu (1338m/4390ft)

Kathmandu - Upon landing at Kathmandu Airport (TIA), the anticipation of trekking the Annapurna Circuit becomes a reality. First, complete your visa and customs procedures; then, an office representative will greet you at the arrival gate with a sign displaying your name. They will escort you to your hotel and assist with check-in, offering some refreshments. Enjoy a comfortable first night in Kathmandu.

Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar and to Syange (1100m/3600 ft)

Trek from Syange to Dharapani (1960m/6100ft)

Dharapani Temple - After waking up in Syange, enjoy a hearty breakfast. The trek involves gradual descents through beautiful forests. Crossing a river via a suspension bridge, the ascent to Tal begins. Walking along narrow cliffs and ridges, you will find yourself in rocky surroundings. After passing through the local village of Karte, descend gradually to the riverside. Crossing the river on a gently swaying bridge, you will spot a mani stone inscribed with mantras and chants. This location is known as Dharapani.

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2630m/8890ft)

Chame - Today involves a 500m altitude gain with more ascents than descents from Dharapani to Chame. The trek begins with a gradual hike through refreshing pine and oak trees leading to Danaque. After crossing a small wooden bridge, a steep ascent to Temang at the base of Lamjung peak follows. From here, enjoy stunning views of the Manaslu Himalayan range. Lunch is at one of the teahouses, and the path becomes flatter and straighter. After an hour of easy walking, cross the Thanchok settlement, known for apple products, and reach Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district.

Trek from Chame to Pisang (3200m/10824ft)

Nepal - The morning in Chame is beautiful, with the sun’s warm rays sparkling on nearby Lamjung Himal (6894m). Departing from the teahouse, enjoy the natural surroundings as you climb steeply to Bhartang. With guidance from the trekking leader, navigate the jungle walk through trees, flora, and fauna, entering the valley at Pisang. Today, you will see Pisang Peak (6091m) and other nearby Annapurna Himalayas.

Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m/11611ft)

Manang - Crossing 3500m in altitude today, notice a change in the topographical surroundings. The upper half of the Manang district is much drier. Yak herding and local agriculture are the main occupations of the inhabitants. Leaving Pisang, climb a steep ridge for great views of the Manang valley. Taking the southern route through the tiny airstrip at Hongde (3325m), pass through Ngwal village. The Marshyandi River reappears at Mungi. An hour’s trek leads to Manang, where you will stay for two nights to acclimatize.

Manang Acclimatization Day (Optional hike to Gangapurna lake or Melarepa cave)

Manang - Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness, common during high-altitude treks. Today, assist acclimatization by allowing the body to adapt to the changing surroundings. Enjoy a scenic walk around Manang village and hike to Gangapurna Lake or Melarepa Cave, reaching higher grounds and returning to lower ones for sleep. This method is effective in combating acute mountain sickness. In Manang, the Himalayan Rescue Association offers volunteering opportunities to assist Western doctors in raising awareness about altitude sickness and the challenges of crossing Thorong La Pass. Later, return to the teahouse in Manang.

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (or you can push up to Ledar) (4110m/13484ft)

Yak Kharka - Departing Manang village, cross the river stream. The walk is challenging, involving climbing through tough terrains above 4000m. Arrive at the small Tenki village settlement, then descend towards Jarsang valley, cross the river, have lunch at a nearby site, and undertake the strenuous climb to Yak Kharka, a yak grazing field. Above this point, greenery disappears, and the alpine surroundings become apparent. If interested, consult the professional trekking leader about hiking to Ledar. Overnight at a local lodge in Yak Kharka.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4420m/14501ft)

Thorong La Pass - Thorang Phedi serves as the base of Thorong La Pass, a popular stop before crossing the high-altitude pass. Leaving Yak Kharka, initially descend to the riverside of the Marshyandi River. After a riverside lunch, ascend to Ledar, arriving at Thorong Phedi at 4600m above sea level by day’s end. Depending on the season, fitness level, and interest, consider advancing to Thorong High Camp for the night. However, most stop at Thorang Phedi.

Trek from Thorong Phedi, cross Thorong La Pass (5416m/17769ft) and trek to Muktinath (3800m/12467ft)

Muktinath Temple - Today is the most important, challenging, and rewarding day, crossing Thorong La Pass, the trek’s highest point, at 5416m, with breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalayas. Start early, between 4 to 5 AM, aiming to reach the high pass before 10 AM. Strong winds and clouds are common after noon, so avoid them while enjoying unparalleled views. This trail section is dangerous, as heavy snowfall can disrupt plans. Follow the trip leader’s instructions, as their guidance is essential. From Thorong La Pass, enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas.

Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2660m/8250ft)

Marpha - Experience the spiritual essence as you visit the holy temple of Muktinath early in the morning. After breakfast, walk gradually downhill to Ekley Bhatti. The steep descent requires careful use of trekking poles. Take your time, enjoy the serene surroundings, and reach Ekley Bhatti comfortably. Continue to Jomsom, a windy place where a full face mask and wind stopper jacket are necessary. Cross the downstream of Kaligandaki and arrive at Marpha before noon. This village is known for apple products, which you will surely taste.

Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2530m/7848ft)

Kalopani - After celebrating apple day in Marpha, proceed past local tea shops, known as bhattis. Enjoying apple brandy, tea, or coffee is recommended. Walking comfortably on a flatter surface, enjoy splendid views of the nearby Dhaulagiri Himalaya. Cross Tukuche village and see the famous Dhaulagiri icefall, pausing for pictures and to appreciate the landscape. Continue to Largung and Kobang village on a flatter trail to Kalopani. If interested, visit Tikuche Distillery, which supplies drinking water to nearby villages and towns.

Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1190m/3690ft)

Tatopani Hot Spring - Enjoy wonderful views of Mt. Annapurna I and surrounding peaks from Kalopani. Today, descend over 1000m to Tatopani. After an early meal, descend to Dana for lunch and see the world’s deepest Kaligandaki gorge. A further 3-hour downhill trek leads to Tatopani. From here, enjoy views of Nilgiri and other peaks. Relax in the natural hot spring at Tatopani before returning to the local lodge.

Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2780m/9480ft)

Ghorepani - Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas involves many ups and downs. Starting at 1190m, ascend to 2780m to reach Ghorepani. This challenge brings cultural and natural influences. Cross the villages of Ghare, Shika, Phalate, and Chhitre, home to Magar and Gurung communities. With quick stops along the trails, jungle walks, and narrow paths, enjoy views of the Annapurnas, with the best view from Poonhill the next day. Go to bed early to wake before sunrise.

Hike from Ghorepani to Poonhill (3210m/10531ft), descend to Tadapani (2630m/8626ft)

Tadapani - Early morning, hike to Poonhill viewpoint before sunrise for panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas. The views offer a new perspective on the snow-capped peaks. After a 45-minute to an hour hike to the hilltop, eagerly await the magical sunrise. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue to Tadapani.

On the way to Tadapani, pass beautiful rhododendron trees, see langur monkeys, and traverse bamboo forests to Deurali. Lunch is at Banthati, followed by a 30-minute climb to Tadapani.

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m/6360ft) and drive to Pokhara

Pokhara - The two-week trekking adventure concludes today. On the final walking day, trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk, experiencing the cultural insights of the Gurung communities. Many Gurung join the Gurkha Army in British and Indian Special Forces, known for their battlefield bravery. Joining the Gurkha Army is a local tradition. The area was visited by Prince Charles in the 1980s and Prince Harry in 2016, who has ties to the British Gurkha Army.

After witnessing cultural and natural highlights with stunning views of Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, and Himchuli, descend to the Pokhara Baglung Highway and drive to Pokhara. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Pokhara.

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Kathmandu - Take a tourist bus to Kathmandu early in the morning, arriving in front of the Icicles Adventure Office. Visit the office to share your Annapurna Circuit adventure, or an office representative will assist with hotel transfer (check-in).

Airport drop and international departure from Kathmandu

Kathmandu - After 19 incredible days in Nepal with the Annapurna Circuit Trekking adventure, it’s time to depart this beautiful country. Transfer from the hotel to TIA airport in Kathmandu 3 hours before the scheduled international flight. We hope to have provided wonderful travel memories. See you again soon. Farewell. Included Meals: Breakfast

• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• All government and local taxes
• Transfer from Kathmandu to Jagat by Jeep & drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara on tourist coach
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Breakfast
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast

• International airfare
• Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.
• Hot showers during the trek
• All kind of cold drinks e.g. water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
• Personal trekking equipments
• WiFi internet during the trek
• Tips for trekking staff and driver

Embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, with a visit to the enthralling Tilicho Lake. Traverse from lowland villages inhabited by Brahmin and Chhetri groups to the distant settlements of Manang. Journey into the depths of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, and marvel at the dazzling blue Tilicho Lake, the highest situated lake around the globe. Traverse the captivating path to the Thorong La Pass, among the loftiest passes in the mountain range. Wander through culturally and ethnically abundant villages and settlements in the heart of the Annapurna region. Observe the stark contrast on the landscape that fluctuates from lush subtropical woodlands to barren dry sceneries as you ascend. The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake tour also includes a trip to the spiritual center of the region, Muktinath, and offers panoramic views of the majestic Annapurna peaks from Poon Hill, one of the most renowned lookout spots in the country.

• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.