Annapurna and Tilicho Lake

The finest challenging trek in the Annapurna region, our innovative itinerary has all the makings of a classic.

We follow remote trails leading through secluded villages and camp in magnificent locations beneath an awesome backdrop of peaks. We traverse to the south of the Annapurna Range, where we ascend through conifer forests and cross pristine alpine meadows gaining spectacular mountain views (from Manaslu to Dhaulagiri).

We enter the spectacular Nar region and traverse around the ice bound Tilicho Lake before crossing the Mesokantu Pass, bringing us into the very heart of the Annapurna.

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1 Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served
from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.
Meals: NIL

DAY 2 In Kathmandu (1330m)
This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. In the afternoon you have time to explore Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast
with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.
Meals: B

DAY 3 Drive to Besisahar & Bhulbhule (approx. 7 hrs.)
From Kathmandu we drive along to the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway. We divert off the highway at the bustling town of Dumre and continue for a further one and half hours to Besisahar. After lunch we complete the short drive to the roadhead at Bhulbhule (846 metres) in the Marysandi Valley.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4 To Syange (1136m). Walk approx 5-6 hrs.
An easy start and then a taste of things to come - the climb up to Bahun Danda, a picturesque village at the top of this formidable ridge. Then it's down, across terraces and over small streams, before rejoining the Marsyandi and following it upstream for several km to our camp near the village of Syange.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5 To Dharapani (1870m). Walk approx. 6 hrs.
We head into the deep gorge country where the Marsyandi River forges its course through the main Himalaya Range. Our trail ascends high above the Marsyandi River. We pass huge waterfalls, luxuriant forest and an assortment of Hindu settlements as we make our way to the broad alluvial plain and the village of Tal. From here the mixed forest - oak, chestnut and bamboo give way to blue pine and cedar - defining the extent of the Indian monsoon rains. It also marks the gradual transition from Hindu to Buddhist culture as evidenced by the tiny monasteries, whitewashed chortens and mani walls lining the trails.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6 To Koto (2575m). Walk approx 5- 6 hrs.
Just beyond Dharapani we encounter recent developments as a rough track is hewn out of the mountainside. We follow the track for several km past the delightful village of Danique before ascending steeply to Timang. Views of Manaslu as well as the snow capped Annapurna compensate as we head through apple orchards to our campsite at Koto.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 To Dharamsala & cave (3160m). Walk approx 5-6 hours.
At Koto our permits are inspected before we head into the Nar Phu region & an area that extends to the borderlands of Tibet and that was closed to trekkers until 2002. Crossing the well established bridge over the Marsyandi River we slowly ascend serene trails a world away from the main trial that we had followed for the last three days. River char flit from boulder to boulder in the conifer
forests while silver birch stretch up the mountainside. There are no demanding switchbacks on this stage, just a gradual ascent through magnificent gorge country to our camp in the vicinity of shelter huts known locally as Dharamsala.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8 To Meta (3520m). Walk approx 2 hours.
A short stage to assist with acclimatisation. We climb out of the gorges to the small gaining ever remarkable views of Annapurna 2 & 4 as we make our way to the small Buddhist settlement at Meta. After an early lunch we undertake an optional walk further up the Nar Phu Valley. An immense valley defines by impressive peaks including Kang Guru and Gyaji Kang. While also discover remains
of abandoned settlements where the Khampa & the Tibetans warriors - lived for a time following the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 9 To Nar (4100m). Walk approx 3 - 4 hours
We are now getting into the high country with unparalleled views of the Trans Himalaya. From Meta we head to Nar gaining superb views of the huge peaks that stretch north towards Tibet while in the immediate vicinity Pisang (6091m) provides a constant reminder of our location. The village of Nar is the largest in the region (350 villagers - 76 families) where villagers eke out a living trading and
tending their barley fields. Huge lammergeier hover on the thermals while the sound of chanting from the tiny monastery leaves little doubt that you are in an ancient Buddhist land.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10 At Nar (4100m)
We camp just above the village of Nar with options to trek north for a day and explore the impressive gorge country. Blue sheep sightings are a sure sign that the elusive snow leopard is not too far away!
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 11 To Kang La base (4460m). Walk approx. 2 - 3 hours.
We head up the Nar Phu valley crossing a series of alpine meadows to reach our camp at the base of the Kang La. This is a short stage with plenty of time to explore the high ridges in he vicinity that afford an almost 360 degree mountain panorama including Chulu East at the head of the valley.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 12 Cross Kang La (5100m) to Nyawal (3600m). Walk approx 5-6 hrs.
The Kang La is not an unduly difficult pass and you should be able to complete the ascent to the crest of the pass in 3 to 4 hours & sometimes less depending on snow conditions. An early start is imperative to gain magnificent views of the Annapurna Range as well as the panorama peaks to the immediate north and east. After a well earned rest we descend across scree slopes & tough on the knees! & before heading down to our camp in an open meadow close to the village of Nyawal.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 13 To Braga (3450m). Walk approx 2-3 hrs.
From Nyawal we descend to the main valley floor and join the track leading to Manang. We camp alongside the Marsyandi River at Braga - with time that afternoon to explore a number of ancient Buddhist monasteries in the region.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 14 To Manang & Thare Gompa (3930m). Walk approx 5-6 hrs.
Another superb day! From Braga it is only 30 minutes walk to the trading town of Manang After a brief halt we again head off the main trail, first to the village of Khansar and then to the tiny Thare monastery. We camp in a beautiful clearing close to the monastery and savour remarkable views of the Grand Barrier & the huge mountain backdrop above Tilicho Lake.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 15 To Tilicho base (4100m). Walk approx 3-4 hrs.
A short if rather demanding stage. We head up the valley before traversing a series of scree slopes to a secluded camp at the base of the climb to Tilicho Lake. Note: our group leader will recce the route to the base camp on Day 14. On his advice we may have to follow an alternative higher and more demanding route to camp.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 16 To Tilicho Lake (4900m). Walk approx 3-4 hrs.
We start early morning to ensure breathtaking views east to Manaslu while a host of peaks including the Grand Barrier define the impressive northern ridge of the Annapurna Massif. It is not a hard climb to Tilicho Lake. Reaching a vantage point above the huge sacred lake we appreciate its dimensions, about 4 km by 1.2km, and around 85 metres deep.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 17 At Tilicho Lake (4900m).
We have the option of undertaking a number of day walks & although there is no trail that goes around the lake! Alternatively rest and savour one of the finest campsites in the Himalaya.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 18 Traverse Mesokantu La (5025m) to camp. Walk approx 4-5 hrs
It's a tough stage at first involving a 300m ascent to a ridge high above the lake. The traverse includes a couple of ridge crossings before a short steep ascend to the Mesokantu La. From the pass anticipate views that stretch back to the lake as well as views to the Nilgiri peaks and Dhaulagiri on the far side of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. From the Mesokantu La there is a steep & sometimes under snow & descent to camp at 4440m. Alternatively we might continue for a further hour to a lower camp at 4000m. From these vantage points you gain an eagle's view to the village of Marpha way down in the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 19 To Jomsom (2670m). Walk approx 5 hours.
A long ridge descent that leads gradually down to the Kali Gandaki River and the village of Jomsom. On arriving we will stay in a comfortable lodge close to the airport.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 20 Fly Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
We board the early morning flight to Pokhara savouring magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On arrival at Pokhara airport we will have transport on standby to take you into the town. Here you can wander the markets and the lakeside for a couple of hours before returning to the airport for the onward flight to Kathmandu. On arrival we transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 21 At leisure in Kathmandu (1350m).
There are a million things to see in Kathmandu and we recommend you spend this day wandering the town and exploring the valley on bicycle or by taxi. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath are absolute musts. Our W.E. staff can arrange a guide and/or transport should
you wish, or you can head off armed with a map and let the day unfold.
Meals: B

DAY 22 Trip concludes Kathmandu.
After breakfast, arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to other destinations will be transferred to the airport.
Meals: B