Round Annapurna with Highest Lake Tilicho

Today, we embark on a journey from Kathmandu to Bulbule (840m) with a scenic drive through the Trishuli River and Marshyangdi River. Our drive begins after breakfast and will take approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Beshishahar (760m), where we will stop for lunch. After a satisfying meal, we will continue our journey for another 2 to 3 hours until we reach the beautiful and tranquil town of Bulbule, where we will spend the night.

Our trekking journey begins from Bulbule (840m). After a 8 to 9 hour trek along the Marshyangdi River, we arrive at Syange (1100m) and then proceed to Chyamche (1430m). As we follow the river, we have the opportunity to witness the waterfall and encounter various wildlife such as white and red monkeys.

On your journey from Chyamche, which is situated at an elevation of 1430 meters, you will embark on a scenic trek along the Marshyangdi River towards the picturesque village of Katre. This 7 to 8 hour long trek will take you through the lush green valley and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Upon reaching the charming village of Bagarchhap, which is located at an elevation of 2160 meters, you will have the opportunity to spend the night and rest your weary limbs. This small hamlet is known for its warm hospitality and peaceful ambiance, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of trekking.

Starting from the beautiful mountain village of Bagarchhap, located at an altitude of 2160m, we will embark on a trek towards the stunning viewpoint of Thanchok. After a leisurely 6 to 7 hour journey, we will arrive at the charming town of Chame, which serves as the headquarters of Manang. Chame, situated at an altitude of 2670m, is renowned for its stunning views of the Lamjung Himal mountain range and offers an ideal location for an overnight stay.

We will start our day with a breakfast in Chame and embark on a 5 to 6 hours trek to Dhikurpokhari 3060m and then to Pisang 3200m. During the trek, we will walk through a plain area from Dhikurpokhari and be surrounded by stunning views of both sides of the Himalayan range. As we pass through pine trees and a juniper forest, we will also catch a glimpse of Pisang Peak on the right and Cholu East Peak, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV on the left. Our journey will follow the Marshyangdi River and conclude with an overnight stay in Pisang.

Starting from the picturesque village of Lower Pisang, we will embark on a 6 to 7 hour trek towards the charming town of Braga, located at an altitude of 3439m. Our day will be filled with exciting explorations of the town, including taking in the tranquil beauty of the Marshyangdi River, discovering the rich cultural heritage of the traditional village, and visiting the ancient stupas and monasteries in the area. Whether it's taking a leisurely stroll, meditating at the monasteries, or simply relaxing by the river, Braga promises to be a day filled with rejuvenation and serenity.

The day will begin with a delicious breakfast in Braga, after which you will embark on a 2 to 3 hour journey to the stunning town of Manang, located at an altitude of 3540 meters. Upon arrival, you will take a lunch break and then embark on an exciting excursion to explore the surrounding valley. You will cross the Marshyangdi River and visit the magnificent Gangapuran lake and Glacier. For those who are feeling adventurous, there is the option to hike to a breathtaking viewpoint, where you can admire the Manang valley with the Annapurna III and Gangapurna at your feet, and the Cholu peak towering in front. For those who prefer to take it easy, the day can be spent relaxing, restoring your energy and visiting the local monastery, Chhorten, and observing the traditional water mill in action. The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) will be on hand to provide important information about altitude, health, and other important details to ensure that your experience is safe and enjoyable. The day will also be filled with cultural festivities, such as horse racing, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere of Manang.

Starting from Manang at an elevation of 3540 meters, the trek will take us towards Khangsar located at 3734 meters. We will cross the Marshyangdi River and make our way towards Morsang Tharegumpa, which stands at an impressive height of 3940 meters. The entire journey is expected to take us approximately 6 to 7 hours of walking. At the end of the day, we will spend the night at Morsang Tharegumpa.

Starting from Morsang Tharegumpa, we will embark on a trek that will take approximately 4 to 5 hours to reach Tilicho Base Camp, which is situated at an elevation of 4150 meters. It is important that we start the trek early in the morning as the path ahead is steep and there is a chance of rock fall due to the mountain goats that come out to bask in the sun. As we move higher up, the winds can also become strong and pose a risk of rock fall. Upon reaching the Tilicho Base Camp, we will take a lunch break and if the weather permits, we will embark on a hike to the Tilicho Lake, which stands at a towering height of 4990 meters and is known to be the highest lake in the world. We will spend the night at Tilicho Base Camp after an exhilarating day of trekking.

After a well-deserved restful night at Tilicho Base Camp, we will begin our descent towards Yak Kharka, located at 4050 meters, after 7 to 8 hours of trekking. On this downward journey, we will retrace our steps back to Morsang Tharegumpa and take a different route that offers stunning views of the Himalayas from different angles. Along the way, we will cross the Marshyangdi River and reach Yak Kharka, known for its abundant population of yaks and its reputation as a great location for food and rest. We will spend the night at Yak Kharka, allowing us to recharge and prepare for the next leg of our trek.

Today, we will start our day with a scrumptious breakfast at Yak Kharka (4050m) and then embark on a five-hour trek towards Thorang Phedi (4450m) and eventually reach our final destination, the High Camp (4925m). On the journey, we will come across majestic mountain goats and hike through a barren terrain. To preserve our energy for the upcoming Throngla Pass, it's crucial to conserve our strength. After approximately 1.5 hours from Thorang Phedi, we will reach the High Camp and stay there for the night.

Today's schedule will begin with a nutritious breakfast at the High Camp (4925m) as we prepare to cross the Throngla Pass (5416m), which holds the distinction of being the World's highest Pass. To boost our energy, we will have hot drinks, soup, energy bars, and water. The hike to the Throngla Pass is expected to take 4 hours and it's crucial to reach there before 9 am to avoid strong winds. Our guide will lead the way, and we'll bring a filling breakfast to keep us sustained during the trek. Once we reach the top of the Throngla Pass, we will embark on a 4-hour descent to a lunch stop, followed by a 2-hour hike to the sacred temple of Muktinath (3760m). This temple holds importance for both Hindu and Buddhist communities and is famous for its 108 taps for bathing, a pond, and a perpetually burning flame in the monastery. We will spend the night in a hotel in the Muktinath (3760m) area.

Today, we will embark on a captivating journey from Muktinath to Jomsom, a journey that will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. Our adventure begins with a sumptuous breakfast, preparing us for the breathtaking views that await us. On the way, we will make a pit stop at the picturesque town of Kagbeni, the gateway to the mysterious and alluring Upper Mustang region. As we make our way to Jomsom, we will follow the path of the revered Kaligandaki River, which is considered a goddess by Hindu devotees. The banks of the river offer a unique opportunity to collect shaligrams, a significant item of Hindu worship. We will be enamored by the panoramic views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains to the left and the Tukuche Peak to the right, a sight that is sure to leave an indelible impression on us. Our journey through Upper Mustang's desert landscapes may bring us face-to-face with strong winds, adding to the excitement of our adventure. Our destination, Marpha, is famous for its apple orchards and a diverse range of fruits. It promises to be a peaceful and relaxing end to our day. We will spend the night in Marpha, at an elevation of 2670 meters.

The next leg of our journey takes us from Marpha to Kalapani and then onto Ghasa, a journey that is expected to take 7 to 8 hours. Our departure from Marpha takes us to the heart of apple country, where the capital of apples, Kalapni, is located. The trek from Marpha to Kalapni takes us down the ridge of the Kaligandaki River, providing us with an opportunity to admire the beauty of the surrounding area. During our journey, we will pause for a delicious lunch, fueling us for the rest of the day's trek. We will walk along the road, taking in the stunning views of the Nilgiri to the left and the Dahulagiri to the right. Our journey will take us to the border of Mygdi and Mustang, where we will reach the charming town of Ghasa. Ghasa is the perfect place to end our day, with its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, providing a comfortable place to rest and rejuvenate after a long day of trekking. We will spend the night in Ghasa, at an elevation of 2010 meters.

Today, we will continue our journey from Ghasa, trekking for approximately 4 to 5 hours towards Tatopani, a destination famous for its natural hot springs. Our trek takes us along the river bank and the road, providing us with opportunities to take in the breathtaking views along the way. One of the highlights of our journey will be a stop at the Rupse Waterfall, one of the longest waterfalls in the area and located near the world's deepest gorges of the Kaligandaki. The beauty of the waterfall is sure to leave us in awe. As we make our way to Tatopani, we will be rewarded with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, considered to be the best in the area. Tatopani is a place of rejuvenation, a perfect end to a day of adventure and exploration. We will spend the night in Tatopani, at an elevation of 1190 meters.

Today, we set out from Tatopani and make our way towards Shikha and Ghorepani, a journey that will take us approximately 9 to 10 hours. The trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani is a challenging one, as we will be walking for most of the day, taking in the breathtaking scenery and diverse flora and fauna along the way. We will pass through the Magar communities, gaining an insight into the local culture and way of life. The beauty of the surroundings will leave us in awe, making the effort of the trek well worth it. By the end of the day, we will reach Ghorepani, a place of rest and rejuvenation. We will spend the night at Ghorepani, at an elevation of 2860 meters, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and forests.

Today, we will start the day with an early morning visit to the Poon Hill Viewpoint. A 40-minute hike will bring us to this stunning location, where, weather permitting, we will be able to witness a breathtaking sunrise amidst the towering mountain ranges. En route, we will have the opportunity to admire the diverse species of Rhododendron, as well as the impressive Gurju Himal, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Barha Sikhar, Annapurna South, Hiun Chuli, Fishtail, Annapurna II, Annapuran IV, Lamjung Himal, Manasolu and many more. The view from Poon Hill will be an unforgettable experience that we will cherish for a lifetime. After relishing the moment, we will return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast and then set out on a leisurely 6 to 7 hour walk to Tadapani and then to Ghandruk. Along the way, we will take in the beauty of the surroundings, and by the end of the day, we will arrive at Ghandruk, where we will spend the night at an elevation of 1940 meters.

After an enriching stay in the tranquil village of Ghandruk, we will embark on a journey towards Landruk and then Tolkha (1700m). The journey, which will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, will be an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. We will start by exploring the Gurung-dominated village of Ghandruk, known for its stunning views of the southern Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges, as well as its history of recruiting for the British Gorkha Army. During our visit, we will take the time to visit the Gurung Museum, Buddhist Monastery, and a small tea garden, where we will learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Annapurna region. Additionally, we will visit the Annapurna Project Regional Center, which will give us an in-depth look at the history and recent activities of the largest national park in Nepal, established in 1992 with an area of 7629 km². On our way to Landruk, we will have the chance to observe the popular honey hunting area, before making our way to Tolkha where we will spend the night.

On the final leg of our journey, we will embark on a 4 to 5 hour trek from Tolkha to the quaint hillside village of Dhampus Phedi, located at an altitude of 1130 meters. The trek will take us through a lush rhododendron forest, affording us breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, terraced farms, and the unique lifestyle of the local residents. Upon reaching Dhampus Phedi, we will be transferred by vehicle to Pokhara, an idyllic city set on the banks of Lake Phewa. There, we will spend the night at a comfortable hotel, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

Today we begin our scenic journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu by vehicle. The trip will take approximately 7–8 hours, will provide panoramic views of the famous Madi River, Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers, and other landmarks. We'll have a short lunch break along the way, so we have a chance to recharge before continuing our journey. Around 7pm, we shall leave for our farewell dinner with a signatory Nepali cultural show. After dinner, we will return to our hotel and rest for the night.