Annapurna Jomsom with Tilicho Lake Trekking

Your trip day starts today when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be received by our representative at the airport. He will be carrying a signboard with our company’s name on it. Then you will be transferred to the tour hotel and checked in. A trip briefing will follow later today and the time will be notified to you by the representative who picks you up from the airport. We will come to meet and brief you about the trip at the fixed time. Until then just relax or explore a bit of surrounding.

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, start your scenic drive to Besishar, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The Bus trip takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, passing through picturesque countryside, terraced fields, and traditional villages along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. Along the way, enjoy short breaks to stretch, photograph beautiful landscapes, and savour lunch at a quality riverside restaurant. Upon arriving in Besishar, check into a comfortable hotel or resort set in a peaceful location surrounded by scenic hills and traditional villages. The serene environment offers the perfect atmosphere to unwind after your journey. Spend the evening relaxing, meeting your support team, and going over the detailed trekking plan for the days ahead. This transition day allows you to rest and acclimatise before beginning your adventure through the stunning Himalayan foothills. Overnight stay at a hotel lodge in Besishar.

Today's drive from Besishar to Chame marks your accurate entry into the heart of the Annapurna region. The 3- to 4-hour scenic drive follows a rugged mountain road along the Marshyangdi River, gradually ascending through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and traditional Gurung- and Tibetan-influenced villages. As the altitude constantly rises, the landscape transitions to alpine terrain, and snowcapped peaks begin to appear in the distance. Lunch is enjoyed en route at a serene mountain lodge with stunning views. Upon arrival in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, settle into a luxurious lodge offering comfort and warmth in a high-altitude setting. You can take a short walk around the village, visit local monasteries, or enjoy a relaxing evening by the fireplace. Overnight in a deluxe mountain lodge in Chame.

Begin your first day of trekking with a hearty breakfast and set out along the Marshyangdi River, passing through dense pine forests, swinging suspension bridges, and traditional stone villages. The trail gradually climbs as the scenery shifts to dramatic rock faces and sweeping views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Take a break for lunch at a lovely riverside spot with panoramic views of the valley. As you reach Upper Pisang, a beautiful village perched above the river, you'll notice a culture and tradition influenced by Tibetan traditions. Stay in a premium lodge that offers comfort, warm hospitality, and stunning mountain vistas. In the afternoon, you may explore the local monastery or take in the golden glow of the setting sun over the Himalayan peaks. Overnight in a simple guest house.

The Upper Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Braga trail is one of the fantastic sections of the Annapurna Jomsom With Tilicho Lake Trekking or Annapurna Circuit trek, offering exceptional Himalayan scenery and rich cultural experiences. From Upper Pisang, the route climbs steeply to Ghyaru (3,730 m / 12,238 ft), a traditional village known for its breathtaking panoramas of Annapurna II, IV, and Pisang Peak. The trail continues along high mountain ridges to Ngawal (3,660 m / 12,008 ft), where trekkers enjoy sweeping views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and the broad Manang Valley. Descending toward Manang, you reach Braga (3,470 m / 11,385 ft), home to the historic Braga Monastery and dramatic sights of Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna Glacier, and the Chulu Range. This section offers unforgettable panoramas, Buddhist culture, pine forests, yak pastures, and the best views of the Annapurna Massif. Overnight at the simple and best guest house in Manang

An acclimatisation day at Manang is necessary for a safe and effective Annapurna Circuit Trek. It helps your body acclimate to the higher altitude and reduces the risk of AMS. Most trekkers start their day with a short hike. They could go to Gangapurna Lake and Viewpoint (3,900 m) to see glaciers and mountains, or they might stroll to Bhojo Gompa, a tranquil hillside monastery with great views. Strong trekkers could try the longer climb to Ice Lake (4,600 m) to gain even more elevation.

After you get back to Manang, the afternoon is a great time to relax, check out the local cafés and monasteries, or join the HRA Altitude Sickness Awareness Class at 4 o'clock, where doctors have been teaching people about AMS symptoms, how to avoid them, how to handle yourself safely, and how to get help since the 1970s. This preparation ensures you're ready for the climb to Yak Kharka and Thorong La Pass.

The hike from Manang to Shree Kharka (4,050 m / 13,287 ft) starts with a steady uphill climb through a dry alpine landscape, juniper trees, and steep hillsides. You go via Tare Gumba and then get to Khangsar Village (3,734 m / 12,250 ft) after leaving Manang. While having lunch in this ancient village, trekkers may see Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, and the broad Manang Valley. There are blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and soaring eagles in the area, and you can regularly see them along the walk.

The path from Khangsar slowly ascends into the well-known landslide hazard zone, a tiny trail along a cliff that you have to walk slowly and carefully. After crossing this exposed section, the path gets safer. It goes to Shree Kharka, a tranquil high-altitude break with comfortable hotels for the night. The views are amazing before the trip to Tilicho Base Camp.

The hike from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m) is rugged yet beautiful. The trail gradually climbs up through little yak shelters and solitary teahouses, giving you fantastic views of Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and rough rock formations. There aren't as many plants, just alpine shrubs and tough grasses. You might also see blue sheep and Himalayan birds on the rocks. This area is prone to landslides; therefore, trekkers need to be careful when walking along narrow pathways.

There aren't any big villages along the way, but Tilicho Base Camp has simple accommodation where you may eat simple meals and stay warm. Before you try to climb to Tilicho Lake, you need to stay hydrated, look out for signs of altitude sickness, and get enough rest.

Today is a great day hike from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), the highest-altitude Lake in the world. It's steep and high, with great views of Tilicho Peak and Lake, the Great Barrier, and glacier valleys. There isn't much vegetation on the trail, just alpine grasses and a few shrubs here and there. You can see animals such as blue sheep and Himalayan snow partridges along the rocks. This part has many areas where landslides are likely to occur, so hikers need to be careful.

After enjoying the blue waters of Tilicho Lake at a high altitude of 4919 meters, the return to Base Camp remains the same. From there, the path continues down slowly to Shree Kharka (4,050 m). However, both Base Camp and Shree Kharka have simple teahouses where you can find food, warmth, and a place to sleep. This makes for a long but rewarding day at high altitude.

The hike from Shree Kharka (4,050 m) to Ledar (4,220 m) starts with a comfortable downhill walk to the main Annapurna trail, then a steady climb to higher alpine terrain. The path goes through small villages like Yak Kharka, which are bordered by vast meadows, juniper bushes, and scattered alpine shrubs. Along the ridge, trekkers can often see blue sheep, Himalayan birds, and yaks grazing.

As the trail goes up, you may see beautiful views of Ganguly Peak, Annapurna III, and the Chulu Range. There aren't any major danger zones in this area, but hikers should still be careful on narrow pathways and watch their altitude. Ledar is a group of teahouses where you can stay overnight in cosy but straightforward rooms and eat meals. This is a good place to halt before going to Thorong Phedi.

The walk from Ledar to Thorong Phedi (4,540 m) is short but takes you through some of the most beautiful Himalayan scenery at high altitudes. The trek starts with a slow climb up the Jarsang Khola valley, where you may see scant alpine plants like dwarf juniper, prickly shrubs, and rocky meadows. On the cliffs around the area, trekkers might see blue sheep, Himalayan griffons, and yaks eating grass. As you rise, the vistas of Ganguly Peak, Chulu West, Chulu East, and the Annapurna range get better and better.

There is one dangerous part of this route: an area prone to landslides, where trekkers must tread carefully along narrow, rocky paths. The last ascent leads to Thorong Phedi, a well-known rest stop with a teahouse, warm meals, and places to stay, as you prepare to cross the Thorong La Pass. You have to cross a tiny wooden bridge to Throngla Phedi. Overnight at Throng Phedi.

The challenging but most exciting day of the Annapurna Circuit is today, when we hike from Thorong Phedi (4,540 m) to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and then down to Muktinath (3810 m). The hike starts early, between 3:00 and 4:00 AM, to avoid strong cold winds on the challenging climb. The path ascends through stony, high-altitude terrain with few plants, where hikers might spot blue sheep or snow pigeons. When you get to Thorong La Pass, you can see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, the Chulu range, and Upper Mustang from all sides. There is a chance of snow and high altitudes, and the environment is cold and windy. The steep descent to Muktinath passes over bare rock and through alpine desert scenery. Muktinath has comfortable lodges, old monasteries, and the holy Vishnu temple. Legend said that Lord Brahma created the water and fire to organise a holocaust. It's a great place to stay the night after crossing the steep pass.

The hike from Muktinath (3,810 m) to Jomsom (2,720 m) is a beautiful downhill journey through the dry landscapes of Lower Mustang. After you explore the temple area, the trail descends into the villages of Jharkot and Khinga, known for their traditional Tibetan-style dwellings, old monasteries, and stunning vistas of Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri.

As you get closer to Kagbeni, the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River opens up, with cliffs and riverbanks full of fossils. Along the way, trekkers might see horses, yaks, Himalayan vultures, and eagles. The only part that needs to be handled with care is the windy corridor between Kagbeni and Jomsom, which is common in the afternoon. The last part of the journey takes you to Jomsom, a busy town with cosy lodges, bakeries, stores, and a place to unwind after crossing the high altitude.

Fly back to Pokhara