Tilicho Lake and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Via Thorong La Pass | 19 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport 1,350 meters (4,429 ft), transfers to hotel.

Representatives from Himalayan Diamond Adventures will greet you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be welcomed with a fresh flower garland, a traditional Nepali greeting, and then escorted to the hotel for bed and breakfast service. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, if there is no traffic jam on our way. After checking into the hotel, we will have a short refreshment meeting at the hotel. In the evening, the company will host a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with a cultural dance performance, to celebrate the start of your trip. During the dinner, your guide will provide a brief overview of the schedule for the following day.

Day 02: Valley sightseeing to UNESCO world heritage site.

Today, after breakfast, we will embark on a journey to explore some of the popular landmarks and milestones in the Kathmandu Valley, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Kathmandu is widely known as the city of temples and a cultural hub in Nepal. These places that we will visit today showcase the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Both Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are important sites for Buddhism and are visited by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. These places display the unique architecture, religious tolerance, and diversity that can be found in Nepal.

As Kathmandu has a huge historical history and carries cultural and religious essence a popular destination for tourists. The city presents a remarkable blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism via its heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Our tour guide will provide you the relevant facts and historical significance of the places like Pashupatinath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in town- Boudhanath, the 15th-century palace of 55 windows in Bhaktapur and Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu which we will visit today.

Day 03: A scenic bus journey to Chame 2,670 meters (8,760bft), about 250 kilometers, 10 to 11hrs.

A scenic bus ride from Kathmandu through Besishahar will take us to Chame, the headquarters of Manang district. The journey begins on the highly busy Prithibi highway and then links to the Beshisahar-Manang road. Along the way, we can enjoy splendid views of the mountain terrain, including the Ganesh Himal range, Baudha Himal, Rani peak, Himalchuli ranges, Ngadichuli, and Manasalu. Besides the majestic Himalayas, we can also see many beautiful perennial rivers, tributaries, captivating waterfalls, rolling green hills, subtropical forests, cultivated terraced lands, and colorful villages. After a 10 to 11-hour journey, we can stay overnight at a lodge in Chame.

Day 04: Trek to Pisang village 3,200 meters (10,498ft), 4 hours of comforting walk. Overnight in the lodge:

Today, we have two options to reach Pisang, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist inhabited village. One is to walk along the newly opened road, and the other is to take a jeep. If we take a jeep, we can reach there within 30 to 45 minutes, while walking will take us about 4 hours. However, our trail follows the narrow Marsyangdi river valley, providing stunning views of the enormous cliffs, including a superb view of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. As we leave the treeline, we will pass through large apple gardens, and the trail gradually ascends towards a place with a more prominent snowline.

Before reaching Pisang Village, we will be greeted with an iconic view of Pisang Peak, and Chulu East can be seen in the distance. After reaching Pisang, we can hike to Upper Pisang to gain altitude and enjoy breathtaking views, including mesmerizing views of Annapurna II (7,937 meters), Annapurna IV (7,525 meters), and Annapurna III (7,555 meters).

Day 05: Trek to Manang 3,540 meters (11,614 ft), along the upper viewing way, 8hrs.

Our destination today is Manang, a Tibetan Gurung village. The people of this Manang valley originally migrated from Tibet in the past. To reach Manang, we will take the upper panoramic viewing trail, which comprises isolated and peaceful villages like Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Chulu. At Pisang village, we will cross the Marsyangdi River over suspension bridges and then ascend to Ghyaru, a Tibetan primitive village. The uphill trail offers superb views of the Pisang valley behind us, including the majestic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho. On a clear day, we will have truly breathtaking views. Although the upper trail is quite challenging, it is a rewarding trail as we trek through these ancient lands and sight Buddhist stupas, Buddhist Mani walls, and monasteries.

Day 06: Acclimatization Day in Manang; Explore Milarepa cave or take a hike Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake:

Today is our acclimatization day, which is crucial after rapidly ascending in the mountains. We will rest at the same elevation to help our bodies adjust. On this day, we have the option to explore some interesting places around Manang Valley, such as the Marshyangdi River and Gangapurna Lake. Alternatively, we can hike up to Deurali (4,200 meters) for splendid views of Chulu West Peak and Chulu East (also known as Manang Himal), or take a side trip to Milarepa Cave or Ice Lake. Hiking up to Ice Lake offers delightful views of the wide Manang valley, Tilicho Valley, and the massive Annapurna Himalaya range while also aiding in altitude acclimatization. There are plenty of choices for tourists, and it would be great to have more days to explore the Manang Valley.

Day 07: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,200 meters (13,779 ft), 7/8 hours.

Our destination for today is Tilicho Base Camp. The journey begins by following the Thorong La pass trail and passing through Manang village. In no time, the trail separates towards Tilicho Base Camp, offering breathtaking landscapes with glorious mountain views. Along the way, we will pass by mani walls, cultivated farmlands, suspension bridges, a monastery, some villages and lodges. Additionally, we may even catch sight of wild animals. The trail will cross a steep scree rockfall slope to reach Tilicho Base Camp. Although the trail is quite challenging, it rewards us with spectacular backdrop views.

Day 08: Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,990 m (16,371 ft) and back to base camp, walk 6 hours.

Today, we will start hiking before sunrise at around 6 am to avoid the strong afternoon winds. Leaving Tilicho Base Camp, the trail gradually rises up to Tilicho Lake, offering magnificent backdrop views of Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Peak 29, Mt. Kanggaru, Pisang Peak, Annapurna Himalaya Range, and several other mountains. In fact, Tilicho Lake is regarded as the world's highest lake with its unique color. Once we've taken in the mesmerizing views of Tilicho Lake and its surroundings, we will retrace our steps along the same trail back to Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 09: A fabulous Tilicho lake trip heading to Chuliledar 4,200 meters (13,779ft),  7hrs.

Leaving Tilicho Base Camp, we will retrace our previous trail back to Shirikharka Lodge. From there, we will take a high route with stunning views to join the Annapurna Circuit trail. Although it is a narrow trail, it offers the best views. Hikers trekking along the upper viewing way can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After enjoying the aerial view, we will descend to the Thorong La river and cross it using a wooden bridge located between Gumsang and Yak Kharka, before finally reaching Chuliledar

Day 10: Push to Thorong High Camp 4,925 meters (16,158ft), 3 to 4 hours of relaxing walk.

Today is a relaxing day for us before we tackle the high pass of Thorong La at 5,416 meters. Our journey will begin by following a narrow and slightly inclined trail that crosses the suspension bridge over Kone Khola at the corners of Phedi. Along the way, we may come across rock fall zones and frozen streams during winter. Before we start climbing up, we will reach New Phedi, which overlooks the grazing lands of yaks and blue sheep. At the base of the High Camp, there are some tea houses where we can stop to eat and recharge our energy before the steep climb. From there, we will ascend uphill to the High Camp primitive lodge. The ascent can be challenging, but the stunning landscape makes it all worthwhile. At the High Camp, there is a small viewpoint that offers a substantial view of Chulu West trekking peak, which stands at 6,419 meters. Chulu West is a popular trekking peak in the Annapurna classic circuit trekking route.

Day 11: Trek out before the sunlight comes up to cross the Thorong La pass at 5,416 meters (17,769ft), and then descend to Muktinath at 3,760 meters.

Today, we will wake up early in the morning, around 5:00 A.M., and have a light, warm breakfast with a cup of tea. After breakfast, we will begin our ascent of the popular Thorong La pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. The trail from High Camp gradually climbs the mountainside and after 3 to 4 hours, we will reach the pass, which is indicated by prayer flags and stone cairns. Note that the pass is usually snowbound during the winter season (mid-December to late February).

After enjoying the outstanding views from the highest pass of the Annapurna region, we will begin our descent to Muktinath. The trail steadily drops to Phedi, which is located at the bottom of the hill. Along the way, we will have wide, superb views of the Mustang valley and the eye-catching Khatungkang peak, which stands at 6,484 meters (21,273ft).

We will continue descending for 2 to 3 hours before stopping at Phedi for a hot lunch and some relaxation time. Afterward, we will resume our descent towards Muktinath, a holy shrine revered for salvation and spiritual fulfillment. Muktinath is a beautiful holy town.

Day 12: Trek to Jomsom 2,720 meters (8,923ft) 7 hours of a downhill walk with a splendid dry landscape to Kaligandaki.

Finally, we will trek down to the base of the Kali Gandaki River, passing through Jharkot and Kagbeni, which serve as the main entry gateways to the Upper Mustang Valley. As we trek down, we will be treated to breathtaking views of cultivated lands, hills, Tilicho, and Nilgiri, providing an unforgettable trekking experience. After sightseeing in Kagbeni village, we will continue our trek to Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district, following the Kaligandaki River. After 7 to 8 hours of trekking from Muktinath, we will finally reach the windy valley of Jomsom, one of the best tourist destinations in Nepal.

Day 13: Bus journey to Tatopani 1,190 meters (3,904 ft), 3 hours.

Today, we will take a bus journey to link up with the Ghorepani trail. We will drive down by following the Kali Gandaki river and our road will cross beautiful apple gardens such as Marpha, Tukuche, Largung, Kalopani, and many more Thakali villages with eye catching landscapes. After about 3 hours of driving, we will reach Tatopani, which is famous for its hot springs. In the evening, we will enjoy taking a dip in the hot springs.

Day 14: Climb to Ghorepani 2,860 meters (9,383ft), through Shika village 7 to 8 hours.

Today, we will embark on a long ascent, passing through beautiful ethnic villages, tea houses, and cultivated farmlands, on our way to Ghorepani Poon village. Along the way, we will enjoy mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and other peaks. Ghorepani is surrounded by lush green forests, such as oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, which are especially stunning in the spring (early April to late May) when the rhododendrons and magnolias bloom throughout the hedgerows, splashing the landscape with joy and perfection. In the spring season, the entire landscape is dominated by a flourishing jungle of rhododendron. Finally, after walking for 7 to 8 hours on a continuous uphill trail, we will reach Ghorepani Lodge.

Day 15: Hike up Poon - hill 3,210 meters (10,530 ft),  for sunrise view, and trek down to Hille, drive Sarangkot.

Our goal for today is to hike up to Poon Hill as early as possible to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view from the top. The sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya Range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu Ranges is simply spectacular. Poon Hill is renowned for its perfect panoramic views on a clear day. After taking in the stunning sunrise views, we will make our way back to Ghorepani Lodge. We will then descend to Tikhedhunga - Hile, passing through a flourishing jungle and historical villages of the Gorkha army (Magar and Gurung), as well as lodges and cultivated farmlands. In Hile, we will catch a jeep to Sarangkot.

Day 16: Trek to Lakeside Hotel 820 meters (2,690 ft), 2 hours of vertical down way.

Sarangkot offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountains, such as Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks, as well as the enchanting Pokhara valley with its captivating lakes. After enjoying these views, we will descend to a lakeside hotel. You can then spend your leisure time sightseeing around the lakeside.

Day 17: Full day sightseeing around Pokhara valley like Peaceful stupa, David falls.

There are various activities to enjoy in Pokhara, such as mountain flights, paragliding, boating, cycling tours, motorbiking tours, etc. However, we will be taking a sightseeing tour around Pokhara. We will visit the Peace Pagoda (also known as the Peaceful Stupa), Barahi Temple in Lakeside, enigmatic caves, Davis Waterfall, and the International Mountain Museum.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu 1,350 meters (4,429 ft), and transfer to hotel.

Today, we will fly back to Kathmandu after our lunch hour. While taking off from Pokhara International Airport, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains in clear weather. Before landing at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy sensational and spectacular mountain vistas. Upon arrival, we will shuttle you in a private car or tourist bus to your hotel, where breakfast will be served. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner at a Nepali cultural restaurant with traditional Nepali dance performances..

Day 19: Departure to Home.

We will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled check-in time for your international flight. We will be there to see you off.

Note: - that the outlined itinerary is designed for those who prefer a full package service. However, we understand that preferences and time constraints may vary, so we offer the flexibility to customize the itinerary according to your needs. The selection of itineraries and staff will be based on your specific requirements and budget. Additionally, we have options available for partial visits to accommodate your preferences and financial situation.