Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poon Hill & Tilicho Lake

Begins with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before we embark on a cultural journey through Kathmandu Valley. Firstly, ascent to Swayambhunath, where centuries-old stupa bells chime over a sea of fluttering prayer flags. Then lose yourself in Kathmandu Durbar Square's living museum of carved palaces before crossing to Patan's Durbar Square, a sandstone masterpiece of Newari craftsmanship. Between sights, sample delicious local cuisine or familiar international dishes.

Swayambhunath: Kathmandu's sacred treasures atop a hill west of Kathmandu, the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) gazes over the valley with its iconic all-seeing eyes. This 2,000-year-old Buddhist sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, buzzes with spiritual energy as pilgrims spin prayer wheels and monkeys scamper across ornate shrines. The gleaming white dome, adorned with vibrant prayer flags, forms the sacred core surrounded by smaller stupas, Tibetan monasteries, and a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The mingling scent of incense and butter lamps creates an unforgettable sensory experience at Nepal's most mystical landmark.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: The historic heart of the capital, Kathmandu Durbar Square, unfolds as an open-air museum of Newar architecture. This UNESCO site dazzles with intricately carved wooden temples and palaces that whisper tales of Malla kings. The Kumari Ghar's red brick facade hides Nepal's living goddess, while the massive Kal Bhairav stone sculpture strikes awe in visitors. Every corner reveals artistic masterpieces - from the nine-story Basantapur Tower to the golden Hanuman Dhoka Palace gates, where stone lions guard centuries of history.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: The Golden Legacy, Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur,) showcases Newar craftsmanship at its zenith. This UNESCO gem features the stone Krishna Mandir with its erotic carvings, the Golden Temple's repoussé metalwork, and the Patan Museum's exquisite bronzes. The square's medieval courtyards, like Sundari Chowk, display water tanks with serpent deities, while Bhimsen Temple's triple roofs demonstrate perfect pagoda proportions. Each monument in this compact square tells a story of devotion and artistic brilliance preserved through generations

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Rise early in Kathmandu for the 8-10 hour scenic drive to Syange, where the Annapurna adventure truly begins. Winding through Nepal's countryside, watch terraced hillsides give way to roaring river gorges as the road follows the Marsyangdi's turquoise waters. Traditional villages flash by, farmers tending fields, children waving at passing vehicles - offering snapshots of rural Himalayan life. Arriving in Syange, the air carries the river's freshness and the promise of trails ahead. Drift off to the symphony of rushing river currents in your cozy teahouse sanctuary, where the Himalayan waters sing you to sleep. Take an evening stroll through the village, greeting fellow trekkers and soaking in the first real mountain views. Tomorrow your boots meet the trail, but tonight belongs to hot meals and eager anticipation under starry skies.

Travel Distance: 201 km

Driving: 8-10 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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The trail awakens with you as you depart Syange, following the Marsyangdi River's thunderous flow through emerald valleys. Today's 5-6 hour trek to Dharapani (1,960m) unveils the Annapurna Circuit's magic - stone staircases winding through terraced fields, suspension bridges swaying over turquoise rapids, and fragrant pine forests alive with birdsong. Each uphill stretch rewards with glimpses of snow peaks between the trees, while friendly shouts of "Namaste!" from village children keep spirits high. Arriving in Dharapani, the mountain air carries woodsmoke from traditional stone houses as you claim a teahouse balcony seat. As the sun dips behind 6,000m giants, you'll savor dal bhat with newfound trekking companions, muscles pleasantly weary, already falling under Nepal's spell. Tomorrow promises higher trails, but tonight belongs to steaming mugs of ginger tea and the river's lullaby.

Hiking: 7-8 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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The trail awakens with you as you depart Syange, following the Marsyangdi River's thunderous flow through emerald valleys. Today's 5-6 hour trek to Dharapani (1,960m) unveils the Annapurna Circuit's magic - stone staircases winding through terraced fields, suspension bridges swaying over turquoise rapids, and fragrant pine forests alive with birdsong. Each uphill stretch is rewarded with glimpses of snow peaks between the trees, while friendly shouts of "Namaste!" from village children keep spirits high. Arriving in Dharapani, the mountain air carries woodsmoke from traditional stone houses as you claim a teahouse balcony seat. As the sun dips behind 6,000m giants, you'll savor dal bhat with newfound trekking companions, muscles pleasantly weary, already falling under Nepal's spell. Tomorrow promises higher trails but tonight belongs to steaming mugs of ginger tea and the river's lullaby.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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The day begins with a steady climb from Chame through fragrant pine forests, crossing swaying suspension bridges over the roaring Marsyangdi River. As you climb higher, the terrain transforms, emerald valleys give way to windswept alpine ridges, each turn unveiling more majestic vistas of the Annapurna range. The trail leads to Pisang (3,200m), where the village’s stone houses frame jaw-dropping vistas of Annapurna II and the dagger-like Pisang Peak. After a rewarding trek, unwind in a cozy teahouse, savoring a hot meal as the Himalayan sunset paints the peaks gold. This transformative leg of the journey blends physical challenge with soul-stirring beauty, from river gorges to high-altitude horizons, leaving you awestruck by Nepal’s raw grandeur.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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Leaving Pisang, choose between two mesmerizing routes: the Upper Pisang trail rewards with sweeping Annapurna vistas, while the Lower Pisang path winds through Humde village, passing ancient Barge and Braga monasteries. Both merge into a dramatic high-altitude traverse, through fragrant juniper woods and yak pastures, to Manang (3,540m), the region’s cultural heart.

In Manang, stone houses cling to cliffs above the Marshyangdi River. Explore its labyrinthine alleys, where prayer wheels spin beside bakeries serving apple pies. Visit centuries-old gompas, chat with Tibetan-influenced locals, and acclimatize amid Himalayan grandeur, a perfect pause before ascending toward Tilicho's icy realms.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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Today is dedicated to letting your body adapt to the altitude (3,540m). Move gently, hydrate well, and soak in Manang’s Tibetan charm. Explore whitewashed monasteries adorned with prayer flags, watch locals craft traditional woolen chubas, and savor butter tea while Annapurna’s peaks glow at sunset. This pause is both physical preparation and a cultural gift. Observe yak caravans, visit the ancient Bhraga Gompa, or simply breathe in the thin air as your body prepares for higher climbs. Rest early; tomorrow’s ascent demands your strength.

Simple Lodge

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After breakfast in Manang, pack essentials (water, layers, snacks) as you embark on today’s gradual climb. The trail unfolds like a Himalayan tapestry, crossing moraines and meadows with Annapurna III and Gangapurna looming overhead. With each step, the air thins, and the landscape grows wilder, your path flanked by grazing blue sheep and crumbling cliffs.

By afternoon, you’ll reach Siri Kharka (3,600m), a handful of stone teahouses clinging to the mountainside. Settle in, sip ginger tea, and watch the last light gild the peaks. This quiet stopover, where yaks outnumber people, offers rest before tomorrow’s push to Tilicho Base Camp.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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After breakfast in Siri Kharka, begin your ascent through stark alpine terrain where only the hardiest shrubs survive. The rocky trail weaves past glacial moraines, with Annapurna III and Gangapurna’s icy faces dominating the horizon. As you climb toward 4,200m, the air grows crisp, and every switchback reveals new perspectives of Tilicho Peak’s razor-edged summit.

Arriving at Tilicho Base Camp, settle into a rustic teahouse where steaming bowls of garlic soup await (a local remedy for altitude). Spend the afternoon acclimatizing—perhaps photographing golden-hued cliffs at sunset or spotting Himalayan griffons soaring above. Rest early; tomorrow’s pre-dawn push to the "world’s highest lake" demands your energy.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Start early from Tilicho Base Camp after breakfast. Pack water, snacks, and warm layers for the steep, rugged hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m). The challenging ascent rewards you with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. At the lake, admire its stunning turquoise waters, framed by rugged cliffs, and capture the moment with photos while soaking in the peaceful ambiance. After exploring, descend carefully to Tilicho Base Camp, then continue downhill through alpine meadows to Siri Kharka. The trail offers sweeping mountain vistas as you wind your way to the village. Arrive by late afternoon and check into a teahouse, where you can rest, enjoy a warm meal, and reflect on the day’s highlights, one of the trek’s most unforgettable experiences.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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Wake early in Siri Kharka to crisp mountain air and a steaming, hearty breakfast. Today's trek leads you across rugged alpine trails, where rocky paths wind through sparse vegetation and the Himalayas dominate every view. As you climb toward 4,050m, watch for yaks grazing the high pastures that give Yak Kharka its name. The journey is rewarded with ever-changing panoramas of the Annapurna range - pause often to breathe in the thin air and capture the stark beauty. By afternoon, you'll reach the cluster of rustic teahouses that make up Yak Kharka. Settle in with a warm drink as golden light washes over the peaks, then share stories with fellow trekkers over a nourishing dal bhat. As night falls beneath a blanket of stars, rest well knowing Thorong La Pass awaits.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs.

Simple Lodge

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The thin air bites sharply as you depart Yak Kharka, each step carrying you deeper into the Himalayan giants' domain. Today's trek is a steady climb through the Marsyangdi Valley's stark beauty - where scree slopes meet sapphire skies and prayer flags whip in the gusty wind. The trail demands focus: navigate carefully over exposed switchbacks and loose shale as Annapurna's frozen sentinels watch silently from above. At 4,450 meters, Thorong Phedi emerges like a mountaineer's outpost, its stone shelters clinging to the mountainside beneath the imposing shadow of Thorong La. This is where seasoned trekkers sip garlic soup and check gear by headlamp light, knowing tomorrow brings the pass's ultimate test. As sunset paints the peaks in alpenglow, remember - these final meters of altitude gained today will be your greatest ally at dawn.

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Your predawn departure from Thorong Phedi marks the start of an epic Himalayan challenge. With headlamps cutting through the cold darkness, you'll begin the strenuous ascent toward Thorong La Pass (5,416m). The thin air and steep switchbacks test your endurance, but strategic breaks and steady pacing bring you closer to the roof of the Annapurna Circuit. At sunrise, the snow-capped peaks emerge in golden hues, fueling your final push to the prayer-flag-draped summit. Standing atop the pass, you're rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views spanning the Annapurna massif and Mustang's arid landscapes, a triumphant moment made sweeter by steaming tea shared with fellow trekkers.

The long descent to Muktinath (3,800m) winds through dramatic scree slopes and high desert terrain. As you reach the sacred village, the sight of ancient temples against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills welcomes you to this spiritual oasis. Pilgrims' chants mingle with the chatter of trekkers in Muktinath's lively streets, where cozy lodges and well-stocked shops await. After visiting the revered Muktinath Temple complex with its eternal flames and 108 waterspouts, enjoy your first hot shower in days and celebrate your Thorong La conquest over hearty local cuisine.

Hiking: 7-8 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Morning light gilds the temple's golden spires as you explore Muktinath's spiritual crossroads, where Hindu pilgrims and Buddhist monks move in quiet harmony around the eternal flame. The jeep ride down Kali Gandaki Gorge becomes a geological time machine - wheels kicking up dust past stratified cliffs that reveal millions of years, while Dhaulagiri's icy summit floats above like a mirage.

Tatopani's steam rises to meet you as the valley narrows, its sulfur-scented hot springs bubbling beside the roaring river. Here, you'll shed trekking layers for a baptism in mineral-rich waters, your muscles unwinding as local children sell oranges along the banks. Tonight's sleep comes easily to the lullaby of rushing water, with the knowledge that tomorrow's trail winds through rhododendron forests instead of scree slopes.

Hiking: 7-8 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

The day begins with the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling Tibetan bread in Tatopani's cozy teahouses. As you shoulder your pack, the trail immediately demands effort - a relentless 1,600m ascent that transforms the landscape hour by hour. Steamy subtropical air gives way to the crisp mountain breeze as you climb through enchanted forests where rhododendron blossoms cling to ancient branches like pink lanterns. Porters balancing impossible loads shout "Namaste!" as they breeze past, while donkeys carrying propane tanks clatter up the stone steps.

By late afternoon, the fairy-tale village of Ghorepani materializes through the mist, its wooden lodges adorned with flower boxes. Claim a window seat in the dining hall as the setting sun ignites Dhaulagiri's icy flanks in molten gold. Later, under a wool blanket, you set your alarm for 4 AM - tomorrow's pre-dawn pilgrimage to Poon Hill's viewpoint awaits. The mountains are calling.

Hiking: 7-8 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Your boots hit the trail as roosters crow in misty Tatopani, beginning what many call "the day of endless stairs." The morning sun filters through banana trees as you cross suspension bridges over roaring waterfalls, soon trading tropical warmth for the crisp air of ascending elevations. By midday, you're swallowed by a rhododendron cathedral - their gnarled branches heavy with pink blooms, creating a floral tunnel that smells of honey and damp earth.

The forest floor cushions each step as you conquer switchback after switchback, pausing to catch your breath beside waterfalls where rainbows dance in the spray. Local children sell wild strawberries in banana-leaf cones at rare flat sections. As the light turns golden, Ghorepani's stone guesthouses appear like a mirage, their windows perfectly framing Dhaulagiri's icy pyramid. That evening, the dining hall hums with a dozen languages as trekkers compare blistered feet over steaming bowls of thukpa, all setting alarms for tomorrow's sacred sunrise pilgrimage to Poon Hill.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Before first light, you'll join the pilgrimage of flashlights ascending to Poon Hill's summit. As dawn breaks, witness a celestial performance - the sun's first rays setting the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges aflame in shades of rose gold while mist swirls through the valleys below like liquid silver. The descent to Ghorepani feels like walking through a dreamscape, your boots crunching on frost-kissed trails as the village stirs to life.

The journey to Ghandruk descends through enchanted forests where sunlight filters through rhododendron blossoms. This living museum of Gurung culture offers stone homes with carved windows framing panoramic mountain views. As your vehicle winds down to Pokhara, watch the landscape transform - from rugged peaks to terraced fields, then finally to Phewa Lake's shimmering embrace. Tonight, let the lapping waves and twinkling lights along Lakeside lull you into well-earned rest, your soul full of mountain magic.

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

Driving: 2-3 hrs.

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B

Your final morning in Pokhara dawns with Phewa Lake's glassy surface reflecting the Annapurnas one last time. After a leisurely breakfast, the journey back to Kathmandu unfolds as a moving postcard of Nepal's diversity - terraced rice fields giving way to bustling market towns, then winding mountain roads where colorful trucks honk greetings. The 6-7 hour drive becomes a meditative transition, watching Himalayan foothills soften into urban sprawl. As Kathmandu's familiar chaos welcomes you back, the contrast with mountain solitude strikes deep. Your hotel arrives like an oasis, where a hot shower washes away road dust and memories of snowy passes alike. Tonight, the city's symphony of honking horns and temple bells replaces the mountain silence you've grown accustomed to - a jarring yet comforting return to civilization.

Driving: 6-7 hrs.

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B

As your Nepal journey comes to an end, remember to reach the airport a full 3 hours before your flight. During the journey home, let your mind wander through the incredible experiences you've collected - and perhaps begin dreaming of your next Himalayan adventure. Nepal's majestic peaks and vibrant culture will always welcome you back for new discoveries.

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