Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill

Your Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trek begins with a scenic ride from Kathmandu to Jagat via Besisahar. You will board a tourist bus early in the morning. Driving through the quiet city, you will join the Prithvi Highway. The bus takes you past bustling roadside towns, small villages, terrace farms, and rivers. It will give you a first glimpse of Nepal’s mid-hill countryside. The road is smooth with some bumpy sections, and the terrain shifts gradually. 

Upon reaching Besisahar, you will start driving on a rougher off-road. Besisahar is the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. With the recent road construction progress, it is now possible to drive up to Jagat. You will drive on a bumpy off-road route, following the Marsyangdi River. The road on this section is narrow, with striking cliffside views and occasionally driving over landslide-prone areas. You will notice the landscape becomes more rugged. Similarly, you will pass by steep hillsides, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages. 

You will arrive at Jagat village in the late afternoon or early evening. It is a beautiful and serene stone-built village. It is also an official entry point for the Annapurna Conservation Area. Tonight, you will rest at a teahouse in Jagat. 

Your second day of the 16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill begins with a hearty breakfast in Jagat. Then, you will officially start your trek on the classic Annapurna Circuit trail. You will start with a gradual climb on the stone-paved path, passing through traditional villages and terrace fields. The terrain becomes rougher as you move ahead. The trail also takes you along the edge of the rushing Marsyangdi River. After trekking for a while, the route becomes narrow, taking you through steep rock walls rising above and the powerful river rushing deep below. You will also cross several suspension bridges and pass through the traditional village of Chamje with cascading waterfalls. 

From here, you will begin to ascend and descend on uneven rocky paths, stone staircases, and forest sections. It is moderately challenging but not overly physically demanding. After a while, you will arrive at Tal Village, which sits in a rare flat valley. You will also notice that the forest opens into a wide, serene landscape with sandy riverbanks. From the village, you can enjoy the waterfalls cascading from high cliffs and the serene atmosphere. The trekking trail enters pine forests from here. You will make a steady ascent towards Dharapani. 

As you get closer to Dharapani, you will notice a cultural shift. You can see more Buddhist influences along the trail as you pass by colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens. It also marks your entry into the upper Annapurna region. Finally, you will reach Dharapani. It is a large village and the meeting point for the Manaslu Circuit trail with the Annapurna Circuit. Today, you will have one of the most varied and visually engaging trekking days. The constant change in the terrain and landscape will keep you engaged throughout the trek. You will stay overnight in Dharapani.

Day 3 begins with you leaving Dharapani and gradually ascending to the Upper Annapurna region. On this day, you will not only gain more elevation but also notice a significant change in the atmosphere. The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trekking trail enters the pine and fir forests immediately.

You will trek on the shaded route and follow the Marsyangdi River. The terrain is a mix of forest trails, rocky paths, and occasional stone steps. Although you will continuously gain altitude and the terrain is rugged, it is still a moderately demanding climb. Along the way, you will pass by traditional villages like Bagarchap and Danaque. You can see a strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism in these villages with traditional houses, prayer flags, and mani walls. 

The trekking trail from Danaque becomes steeper, and you have to make a long ascent on stone staircases. It gets more challenging, but you can get a distant view of the snow-capped peaks. The serene atmosphere and the mountain views will keep you motivated through the difficult ascent.

After you reach Timang village, the trail opens up and offers your first clear view of Lamjung Himal and other surrounding peaks. The stop is often considered one of the most underrated viewpoints, but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayas. You will pass through gentle forest paths and settlements to reach Chame. 

The village of Chame is the administrative center of the Manang district. As a result, it is more developed and has better facilities than other villages. It is also a spectacular viewpoint that offers gorgeous views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. You will stay at Chame overnight.

You will leave Chame after breakfast and begin a steady ascent through dense pine forests. The trekking trail goes along the north bank of the Marsyangdi River. It is a comfortable walk through the forest, and you will cross small streams along the way. You will occasionally come across clearing spots from where you can get stunning views of the surrounding peaks. As you continue to gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and thinner. Similarly, the landscape begins to change from lush forest to alpine terrain. 

Along the way, you will pass by one of the iconic landmarks of the Annapurna Circuit, the Paungda Danda. It is a naturally formed, massive, curved rock wall that is located above the valley. The rock has a cultural and spiritual importance to the locals. From here, the winding trekking trail takes you through wide valleys and rugged landscapes. Due to the elevation and rocky terrain, trees and vegetation start to become thinner. It also marks your entry into the higher Himalayan zone. 

As you approach Pisang, you will come across a junction between the lower and upper routes. The upper route takes you toward Upper Pisang. It requires a steep ascent through the rocky terrain. As you reach Upper Pisang, the terrain becomes drier and more open. You can see traditional stone-built houses and prayer flags. Likewise, you can see the sweeping views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and the surrounding peaks. You will spend the night in Upper Pisang.

Today is one of the most scenic days of the 16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill. After breakfast, you will leave Upper Pisang with a steady and steep ascent toward Ghyaru. Since you will continue climbing to a higher elevation, it will start to feel more challenging. The thin air also makes breathing harder. However, the mountain views become closer, and you can get sweeping views of the Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna. You will climb along the ridge before the trail becomes more open and dry. It marks your entry into the rain shadow region of Annapurna. 

The trekking trail takes you through wide valleys and alpine terrain with sparse vegetation. Similarly, you can also see the deep Tibetan influence as you pass through traditional villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal. You can see stone houses, prayer flags, monasteries, prayer wheels, and mani walls. It is an immersive experience that lets you witness local culture and mountain life. These sections also reflect the influence of the ancient trade routes in the areas.

As you get closer to Barga, the trail gradually descends. The village is home to one of the spiritual landmarks of the region, the century-old Barga Monastery. It is also an incredible viewpoint that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks and glacial landscapes. 

You will gently climb from Barga and reach Manang. The Manang village is large and well-developed. It is also a key acclimatization stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Beautiful, towering peaks and glacial formations surround the village. You will also make an acclimatization stop in Manang during your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill.

Today, you will take an acclimatization day at Manang. It is an important day for all trekkers, designed to help your body adapt to the growing altitude. You will not take complete rest but follow the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring the village and taking a short hike to the Chongker Viewpoint. It serves as an acclimatization hike to expose your body to higher elevation. 

The trail to Chongker Viewpoint requires a steady hike from Manang village. It gradually climbs uphill through dry, open terrain with sparse vegetation. You will get your first glimpse of the trans-Himalayan landscape. The view also gets more spectacular.

You can see the sweeping view of the Manang Valley and the Marsyangdi River below. Similarly, you can witness the gorgeous vistas of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. Although the trail is not overly technical, the growing altitude makes it more challenging and the climb slow. 

As soon as you reach the top of the Chongker Viewpoint, panoramic views of the towering peaks will welcome you. You can also see the surrounding glacial formations, like the Gangapurna Glacier and its glacial ice lake. It creates a gorgeous contrast against the desert-like surroundings. After spending some time at the viewpoint, you will descend to Manang. You will spend the night in the village.

After an acclimatization day at Manang, you will resume your Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trek. Today, you will leave the main Annapurna Circuit trail. You will gradually hike on the more off-beat, quiet, and remote Tilicho Lake route. Initially, you will gently descend towards the Marsyangdi River. Then, the trail branches toward Khangsar, and the landscape becomes more isolated. You will get a deeper sense of the wilderness and remoteness. The landscape becomes drier and more rugged as you move forward. 

The winding trail also passes by traditional stone-built villages that strongly reflect the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. One of the notable settlements that you will pass by is Khangsar. The route continues to ascend along dusty, rocky paths. There are occasional landslide-prone areas that require careful footing, but nothing too technical.

The trail gradually climbs towards Siri Kharka, and you will begin trekking along exposed hillsides. Throughout the trek, you can enjoy stunning views of the landscapes and the Annapurna range. You will also start to feel the altitude gain as the air becomes thinner, slowing your pace. 

Siri Kharka is a small cluster of teahouses that sits in a high-altitude environment. It is a peaceful settlement that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks. Enjoy the tranquil environment and the views as you will rest here for the night.

You will leave Siri Kharka after breakfast and continue trekking along a remote, off-beat trail. Today’s trek will test your physical endurance, as you will have to walk over rocky, rugged terrain. At the start of the trek, you will trek along the high ridgelines.

After some time, the trail begins to get narrow, and you will begin hiking on the cliffside paths carved into steep hillsides. You will also cross one of the most famous landslide-prone areas of the Annapurna region. The area is one of the most adventurous sections of the trek. 

The trail also becomes narrow and uneven over loose scree slopes. Rocks can occasionally fall from above, so high caution is required. You need to be focused, have a steady footing, and move carefully. This section is exactly what makes the Tilicho Lake route exhilarating and more challenging than the main circuit.

The landscape continues to become barren and rugged. You will mostly see massive cliffs and eroded rock formations. There are very few settlements on the route, so you can feel a strong sense of isolation. Finally, you will arrive at Tilicho Base Camp. The base camp is a small cluster of teahouses where you will stay for the night.

An exciting and rewarding day awaits you today as you will ascend to Tilicho Lake. It is also one of the longest days on the trek itinerary, as you will ascend to the lake and then descend back to Siri Kharka. Hence, you will start early, before sunrise, to take advantage of stable weather conditions.

The winds are also calmer in the morning. You will gradually start to climb over rocky terrain. Depending on the season, you may also have to trek over icy terrain. The cold morning air, high altitude, and rocky terrain make the ascent physically and mentally challenging. It also becomes more remote, and solitude surrounds you.

Finally overcoming the challenges, you will reach the Tilicho Lake. The high-altitude glacial lake sits in a natural basin below the massive Himalayan walls. You can get a clear view of the Annapurna and Tilicho Peak. The view of the turquoise water, which creates a striking contrast with the barren, rocky surroundings, will leave you awe-struck.

Additionally, there are no settlements or trees in the area, giving a strong sense of solitude. You will have some time to enjoy the views and the tranquil atmosphere. Then, you will begin your descent to base camp and then to Siri Kharka. 

Compared to ascending, descending is relatively easier. However, the rough and steep path can put strain on your knees. You will take a short break at the base camp and then continue descending to Siri Kharka. The descent helps with acclimatization as you will be sleeping at a lower altitude. You will retrieve your step back to Siri Kharka, where you will stay for the night.

You will reconnect with the main Annapurna Circuit trekking trail after you leave Siri Kharka. The route takes you toward the Marsyandi Valley. You will start with a gradual descent and join the route near Khangsar. From here, you will trek towards Yak Kharka. Compared to the previous day’s trek, it is less technical and demanding.

You will trek through open, barren, and high-altitude terrain. Due to the high altitude, you will need to maintain a slow, steady pace. As you move forward, the landscape becomes barren, but you will come across green pastures where you may catch sight of yaks and blue sheep grazing. 

You will continue to climb uphill along wide and exposed slopes. Along the way, you can see sweeping views of the towering snow-capped peaks and valleys. Likewise, you will follow the Thorong Khola. You will cross small wooden bridges and pass by scattered teahouses.

Throughout the trek, you can enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. The trail takes you past Yak Kharka and gradually climbs. It is a steady uphill ascent, and finally, you will reach Ledar. The settlement, situated on a windswept plateau, is a small cluster of teahouses. You will rest here for the night. 

The trek today is short but a demanding uphill climb. You will leave Ledar after breakfast and start climbing gradually. The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill ascends through open, windswept terrain. It goes through the valley carved by the Thorong Khola.

You will see no trees or vegetation, and the landscape is fully alpine and barren. The path is relatively straightforward, but the high altitude makes the climb demanding. You will follow the path to reach Thorong Phedi. It is a popular resting point among trekkers. 

The real challenge begins from Thorong Phedi. From here, the winding trail begins to climb over loose rocks. Despite the short distance, the altitude and terrain make the climb more demanding. You may have to take frequent short treks and practice breathing control.

With the altitude gain, you can also get a clear view of the snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. Likewise, the area around you also gets colder and windier. Finally, you will reach the Thorong High Camp that sits on a ridge from where you can see the Thorong La Pass clearly. You will rest at the high camp for the night.

Today is one of the most challenging and adventurous days of the 16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill. You will finally cross the high mountain pass of Thorong La. You will start early in the morning, around 3:30 to 4:30 AM, from Thorong High Camp. You will start with a slow, steady climb up the steep trail. The terrain is rocky and may be covered with snow.

Additionally, the lower oxygen level makes every step physically challenging. Mental focus is also equally crucial. The landscape becomes barren and frozen as you continue to ascend higher. After several hours of ascending, you will finally reach the summit of the Thorong La Pass. 

The colorful prayer flags and a signboard mark the top of the pass. Gorgeous views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges will greet you. The mesmerizing views and a huge sense of achievement make the demanding effort worth it.

You will spend little time at the top of the pass to avoid altitude-related risks. The descent from the pass is equally demanding as ascending. It is long, steep, and physically more exhausting. The trail descends steeply through loose scree and rocky paths. As you climb downhill, the high-altitude terrain changes into wind-swept landscapes of Mustang. 

You will descend to Muktinath, the sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. It will also be your overnight stop, a perfect stop to rest after the physically and mentally demanding crossing of Thorong La Pass.

Today you will drive from Muktinath to Tatopani. After breakfast, you will get on a local bus and start a bumpy and thrilling ride. The winding road is dusty and rugged. You will drive past the dry and windswept landscapes of Mustang. You can get a clear view of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges from the window of your bus. The bus will first take you to Jomsom. It is a key hub in the Mustang region and a famous stop along the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The town is well-known for its strong daily winds, which are common in the afternoon. 

From Jomsom, you will start to drive along the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the world’s deepest gorges. The bus will continue along the bumpy, dusty road, passing through Thakali villages like Marpha. As the road descends and the landscape changes from barren and dry cliffs to green hills and forests.

Finally, you will reach Tatopani, a village famous for its natural hot springs. You will stay at the village for the night. In the evening, you can take your time dipping in the mineral-rich water of the hot spring and relaxing your tired muscles. It is the best way to help your body recover after long days of demanding trek.

Day 14 marks a change in both altitude and terrain on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trek journey. You will leave the low river valley and begin to ascend into the mid-hills of the Annapurna region. After breakfast, you will leave Tatopani by crossing a suspension bridge and entering lush forests. The trekking trail gradually ascends as it passes through traditional Gurung villages and terraced farmlands. As you continue, the route becomes more demanding. 

You will start to ascend towards Ulleri, where you will climb up a long series of around 3,000 steep stone staircases. It is considered one of the most demanding stair climbs in the Annapurna region. You will need good stamina, endurance, and steady pacing to overcome these staircases.

From Ulleri, the trekking trail enters dense forests of rhododendron and oaks. The air becomes cooler and crisper. You will trek on a mix of forest trail and stone-paved paths. The forest becomes denser as you start to get closer to Ghorepani. It is a beautiful Magar village that sits on a ridge and is famous as the “Rhododendron Capital.” You will stay here for the night. 

You will wake up early in the morning, before dawn, as you will take a hike to the Poon Hill Viewpoint for sunrise. It is about an hour’s hike from Ghorepani. You will ascend the stone staircases with the help of headlamps. The trail passes through a lush rhododendron forest. It is a steady but continuous uphill climb to the viewpoint.

From the open patches, you can get a glimpse of the surrounding peaks. Finally, you will reach the famous Poon Hill Viewpoint that offers panoramic Himalayan views. Witness the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which glow in golden light. 

You will descend to Ghorepani after enjoying the iconic sunrise and continue descending to Tikhedhunga. The downhill trail takes you through forest ridges, steep stone steps, and hillside paths. The landscape changes into lush forests of rhododendron and oaks. Similarly, you will pass by Magar villages and terrace farmland.

From Tikhedhunga, you will hop on a jeep and drive toward Pokhara. The winding hill road takes you through valleys, hills, and small towns. Upon reaching Pokhara, the landscape shifts to a subtropical lake city. You will stay overnight in Pokhara, so you can explore Lakeside or take a boat on Phewa Lake in the evening.

Today is the final day of the 16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill. You will take a tourist bus from Pokhara early in the morning and drive to Kathmandu. It is a scenic overland drive that takes you through lush green hills, settlements, and terraced farmlands. The road follows the Trishuli River, passing through deep gorges and along sandy riverbanks. It is a visually rich experience. 

Halfway through the drive, you will reach Mugling. It is a key highway junction from where the road becomes busier. The road from here begins to climb towards Kathmandu Valley. The landscape changes from river valleys to densely populated hillsides and urban areas. Entering the valley, the road becomes busier and more congested. You will arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon, and your trek journey comes to an end. Thank you for choosing Outbound Treks!