Trekking Annapurna Ring + Lake Tilicho

Track around Annapurna, Annapurna Ring with a visit to Lake Tilicho is one of the most popular and beautiful routes in Nepal. This track provides a unique combination of stunning mountain scenery, including some of the world’s highest mountains, and a deep immersion in the local culture and lifestyle. Historically, the Annapurna Ring track began in Besisahar, but the construction of roads has significantly reduced it, now the active part takes 10-11 days instead of 17-20.

Important information:

• The time of check-in and eviction is regulated by the hotel: check-in from 15 hours, departure from the hotel - up to 11-12 hours. Baggage can be left at the hotel reception and walk around the city, or, if technically possible, pay extra for early arrival / late departure.
• In Nepal, there are a number of difficulties with the exchange of small, worn-out and old (pre-2009 issue) dollar bills, keep this in mind. Somewhere it is an extra commission, somewhere it is a refusal to exchange.

Program Annapurna Ring + Lake Tilicho

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and briefing. Night at the hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu - Dharapani (1995 m). Now you can drive well beyond the traditional Besisahara, so the track became a day shorter, because the heights are still insignificant and go on the road for acclimatization there is no sense. However, we will definitely stop in all places where you want to take a photo, because the first day is always full of emotions. Night in the loggia.

Day 3. Dharapani - Chame (2710 m): 5-6 hours. Starting from Dharapani, one of the most beautiful places in the Manang area, you follow a trail leading through dense deciduous and coniferous forests filled with diverse species of wild fauna. It’s no wonder you find a herd of mountain goats crossing your path. The trekking route passes through traditional mountain villages, where you can see the way of life of the locals, their habits and culture. Throughout, you enjoy spectacular views of snowy peaks and rugged rivers that serpentine among the mountains. As you approach Chama, the air becomes cooler and fresher. Chame is a small but picturesque village with a rich culture and history. Here you can see old monasteries and temples, as well as traditional houses. In Chama you will find cozy loggias for relaxation after a day full of adventures and new experiences. Night in the loggia.

Day 4. From Chame to Pisang (3,300 m): 5-6 hours. The track from Chame to Pisang is a unique journey through the majestic Himalayas, where stunning landscapes and rare even for this region views of the Annapurna massif and not only meet. The trail leads you across the bridge to the north side of the river, where the fruit-growing apple farm in Brahtang is located. Here you can see a unique bridge with a door in the middle, which is rumored to have been used to prevent the invasion of robbers from the north into the lower Marciandi Valley. Soon after, an impressive ascent to Pisang begins. The road makes a sharp turn and the landscape changes. Magnificent forests reign around, and the Marsyandi River thunders underfoot, cutting through the main Himalayan ridge between Annapurna II and Manaslu. Upon arrival in Pisang, you can enjoy the peace and quiet that the surrounding mountain scenery complements. Night in the loggia.

Day 5. Pisang - Manang (3500m): 6-7 hours. The journey from Pisang to Manang is an amazing walk through the majestic Himalayas. This is probably the most beautiful day of the Annapurna Ring. Starting from Pisang, you enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna 2 and Pisang Peak. This place is known for its ancient monasteries and beautiful orange gardens. In Ghirindra you cross the bridge over the Marciandi River, a breathtaking landscape of snowy mountain peaks opens. This is a wonderful place to contemplate the highest peaks of the region. The road continues through the incredibly beautiful mountain landscape, forest trails and fields to Gungang. Here you can see the traditional houses, alpine fields and sheep pastures characteristic of this area. Approaching Manang, you pass through pine and birch forests, with ever-changing views of Annapurna and Gangapurna. Manang is one of the largest settlements in the region. Night in the loggia.

Day 6, Manang. A day of rest for acclimatization. Manang is one of the largest settlements in the Annapurna region, and there are many attractions to visit in the area: Lake Gangapurna: just a few kilometers from Manang, is an important landmark of the area. The water in the lake is always turquoise. Manang Gompa Monastery is one of the oldest in the region and dates back to the 1300s. From its territory there is a magnificent view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Local market: There is a small market in Manang where you can buy local goods and souvenirs. You can also try local cuisine in one of the many restaurants and cafes. The Monastery of the Hundred Hands contains numerous prayer wheels and mandalas used for meditation. Natural Museum and Center for Cultural Studies: Manang also has a nature museum and culture center where you can learn more about the local flora, fauna and culture. Night in the loggia.

Day 7. Manang is the base camp of Tilicho (4200 m). You will first need to walk from Manang (3,540 m) to Khansar (3,710 m), which will take about 2 hours. The path leads through meadows and through small villages surrounded by high mountains. After Khansar, you will continue climbing along the river to a wide plateau where the village of Sri Kharka (4,000 m) is located. From Sri Khark to Tilicho base camp (4,150 m) it will take another 2-3 hours walk. The route leads through the alpine meadows and along the way you can enjoy magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountains and other nearby peaks. Depending on the season, this section of the track can be very cold and windy. There are several places to spend the night at Tilicho Base Camp, but the conditions can be quite primitive, as it is a remote and not very visited place. Night in the loggia.

Day 8. Climb to Lake Tilicho (4920 m), descent to Kangsar. The ascent to Lake Tilicho is one of the most memorable parts of the Annapurna journey. From the base camp of Tilicho to Lake Tilicho (4,920 m) usually takes about 3-4 hours, but this is highly dependent on weather conditions and individual pace. Here you need to be careful - stones often fly, sometimes very large! The path begins with a slow ascent along rocky slopes with numerous turns and intersections. The views opening up as you climb are breathtaking - from the majestic mountain peaks to the bright blue Lake Tilicho below. For those who are struggling, the locals happily provide horses. Lake Tilicho, one of the highest lakes in the world, is surrounded by majestic mountains including Tilicho (7,134 m) and Annapurna (8091 m). Night in the loggia.

Day 9. Kangsar - Yak Kharka (4150m). The transition from the village of Kangsar to Yak Harka is another fascinating part of the Annapurna Ring. The total climb is about 400 meters, and usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace. As you rise, the vegetation becomes more and more rare, and you begin to see more mountain meadows and meet herds of especially fluffy yaks, large alpine animals, because of which the place Yak Khark is named. Night in the loggia.

Day 10. Yak Harka to Torong Phedi (4600 m): 3-4 hours. As you move up in height, the landscapes become more unique and amazing. The trail gradually rises to the high desert with stony slopes and piles of prayer stones. Along the way, you can see many colorful prayer flags that fly in the wind, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Torong Phedi is a cold secluded place surrounded by six-thousanders. However, we prefer to use the accommodation here, because the upper camp of Torung La is a very uncomfortable place. Night in the loggia.

Day 11. Torong Phedi in Torong La (5416 m) - Muktinat (3,800 m). The transition from Torong Phedi through the Torong La Pass (5416 m) to Muktinat is perhaps the most challenging and at the same time the most exciting part of the Annapurna Ring. You start the day very early, usually before dawn. The first part of the ascent leads along steep slopes, past stone huts, where tea and simple food are sold, and up through snow fields, where cats are not superfluous. When you reach the Torong La Pass, you will be rewarded for your efforts with spectacular panoramic views of the snowy mountains of the Himalayas on both sides. Here you can see many prayer flags, as well as a stone with an inscription confirming the height of the pass. The descent to Muktinat can also be challenging as it is quite steep and tiring after a long climb. However, you descend into the warmer and greener areas, and as you get closer to Muktinat, the landscape becomes more picturesque. Night in the loggia.

Day 12. Muktinath is Pokhara. Jeep ride. Muktinat is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and is famous for its ancient temples and sacred springs. Before starting the trip, you should take time to visit these historical places. The move starts with a mountain road where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest in the world. You can see stunning views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna (8091m). If there is time, it is worth stopping in Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot springs, this will help to relax. Finally, you arrive in Pokhara, the Gateway to Tibet, Nepal’s second largest city, known for its charming Lake Fewa, its many activities and incredible culture. In Pokhara, you can spend time strolling along the picturesque lakefront, enjoying local cuisine, exploring local markets, or just relaxing after your mountain adventure. Night at the hotel.

Day 13. Pokhara-Kathmandu flight. It will be about half a day to explore the surrounding area. We highly recommend Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is one of the three royal cities of Nepal and is considered the cultural capital of the country. Located 13 km from Kathmandu, it is an important center of arts and crafts, known for its ancient architecture and traditional crafts. The city was founded in the XII century by King Aninda Malla and was the capital of the Kingdom of Bhaktapur until the XV century. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with unique buildings and monuments, many of which are built in the traditional style of Nepalese architecture called "Newar". Bhaktapur is famous for its pottery workshops, where you can see how local artisans work with clay, turning it into beautiful vases, pots and figurines. Night at the hotel.

Day 14. Departure.

Tour dates:

May 12, 2024 - May 25, 2024

October 27, 2024 - November 9, 2024

11 May 2025 - 24 May 2025

26 October 2025 - 8 November 2025

• Experienced Russian-speaking guide
• Experienced Nepalese guide
• Meeting/conference at the airport
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 4*, 2 nights
• Accommodation in loggias on the track
• Group equipment (first-aid kit, satellite navigation, etc.)
• Registration of all necessary permits for tracking (permit for trekking / permit / entrances to national parks, etc.)
• Transfer to start of track
• Muktinath-Pokhar transfer
• Domestic flight of Pokhara-Katmandu