Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by the Kai Expedition team and transferred to your hotel. After a brief introduction and check-in, there will be time to relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, you may attend a short trip briefing where the team will review the Tilicho Lake trek itinerary, check essential documents, and answer any question. This day is mainly for rest, preparation, and enjoying your first impression of Kathmandu’s vibrant culture and atmosphere.
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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
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Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
This day is dedicated to sightseeing in Kathmandu, allowing you to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Nepal before starting the Tilicho Lake trek. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa, experiencing a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Walking through Kathmandu Durbar Square, you can admire ancient palaces, temples, and traditional architecture. The day also provides time for last-minute trekking preparation, gear checks, and shopping, ensuring you are truly ready for the adventure ahead.
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Day 3 Drive to Chame via Besishar from Kathmandu
With an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Chame, traveling via Besishar, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The journey starts with a scenic drive along the Prithivi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangadi rivers while passing terraced fields, small villages, and lush hillsides. After reaching Besishar, the road becomes rougher as we continue by jeep through winding mountain tracks, towards Chame, offering dramatic views of waterfalls, deep gorges, and snow-capped peaks. As we gain altitude, the landscapes gradually change from subtropical greenery to alpine terrain. Upon arrival in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, you will settle into teahouses, enjoying a warm meal, and rest in preparation for the trekking days ahead towards Tilicho Lake. -
Day 4 Chame to Pisang
The trek from Chame to Pisang, follow the Marsyandhi River through pine and fir forests with impressive views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. The trail passes apple orchards, suspension bridges, and traditional Tibetan-style villages, gradually ascending as the valley widens. After several hours of walking from Chame, we reach Pisang, where you can rest and acclimatize while enjoying stunning mountains scenery in preparation for the higher-altitude days ahead on the Tilicho Lake trek. -
Day 5 Pisang to Manang
Today, the trek takes you from Pisang to Manang, following the scenic upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal. The walk offers breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna, while the gradual ascents help with acclimatization. Passing traditional villages, prayer flags, and alpine landscapes, you will reach Manang, a beautiful Himalayan settlement where trekkers rest and prepare for higher elevations ahead. -
Day 6 Acclimatization Day at Manang
This is dedicated to acclimatization at Manang to help the body to adjust to the increasing altitude before heading towards Tilicho Lake. Short hikes to nearby viewpoints, Ganagapurna Lake, or the Bhojo Gompa provide stunning mountain views while supporting proper acclimatization. The rest of the day was spent exploring Manang village, learning about the local culture, and relaxing, ensuring trekkers are well-prepared for the higher and more challenging sections of the trek ahead.
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Day 7 Manang to Khangsar village
The trek takes you from Manang to the quiet village of Khangsar, following a scenic trail through alpine landscapes and ancient monasteries. The path gradually ascends past juniper forests, stone chortens, and sweeping views of Annapurna range, while passing the historic Khangsar Gompa. The walk is relatively short and relaxed, allowing time to acclimatize and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this traditional Himalayan village nestled beneath rugged mountain slopes.
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Day 8 Khangsar village to Tilicho Base Camp
The trek leads from Khangsar village to Tilicho Base Camp along a dramatic and challenging trail. The route traverse steep hillside, narrow paths, and landslides-prone sections, offering breathtaking views of rocky cliffs, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. As the altitude increases, the landscapes become more rugged and barren, highlighting the raw beauty of the high Himalayas. After a demanding but rewarding walk, you reach Tilicho Base Camp, surrounded by towering mountains and a truly remote alpine atmosphere. -
Day 9 Hike up Tilicho Lake and trek back to Tilicho Base Camp
The adventure continues with challenging but breathtaking hike up to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The trail gradually ascends through rocky terrain and sparse alpine vegetation, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks dusted with snow. The air grows thinner as you approach the lake, but the turquoise waters, framed by towering mountains, make every step worthwhile. After spending time at the lake, capturing photos, and soaking in the serene beauty, the trek reverses direction as you descend back to Tilicho Base Camp. The return journey allows for a slower time to appreciate the challenging perspective of the landscape, and the satisfaction of completing this high-altitude excursion leaves you with a profound sense of accomplishment. -
Day 10 Tilicho Base Camp to Manang
The trek takes you from Tilicho Base Camp to Manang, passing through a mix of rugged trail, rocky ridges, and peaceful alpine meadows. The descent is steady but requires careful footing, and along the way, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Thorang La region and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Small streams and terraced fields begin to appear as you get closer to Manang, signaling a return to a more inhabited area. The trail gradually transitions from high-altitude wilderness to the charming mountain village of Manang, where the welcoming lodges and local culture provide a perfect spot to rest and recover. -
Day 11 Manang to Chame
Today the trek is a long but scenic descent from the high, open landscapes of Manang down to the greener valley of Chame. The trail gradually drops through alpine terrain into dense pine and fir forests, following Marsyangdi River past waterfalls, suspension bridges, and small traditional villages. As altitude decreases, the air feels warmer and richer with vegetation, offering a refreshing contrast after the rugged high-altitude days and a comfortable rest point in Chame. -
Day 12 Chame to Dharapani
The trek continues with a pleasant downhill walk from Chame to Dharapani, passing through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages along the Marsyangdi River. The trail offers views of rocky cliffs and distant snow-capped peaks, with moving through settlements such as Taal and Karte, where the landscapes gradually shift to a more subtropical feel. This final stretch is relaxed and scenic, marking the closing phase of the trek as you return to Dharapani.
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Day 13 Drive back to Kathmandu from Dharapani via Besishar
The journey back to Kathmandu from Dharapani concludes the memorable Tilicho Lake Trek. After an early breakfast, the drive begins along the rugged mountain road toward Besishar, passing through scattered villages, terraced hillsides, and deep river valleys that reflect the changing landscapes of the Annapurna region. The off-road section offers final glimpses of snow-capped peaks and traditional mountain life before reaching Besishar, where the road becomes smoother. From Besishar, the drive continues towards Kathmandu, following the Marsyangdi River and later the Trishuli River, gradually descending into greener hills and bustling towns. By evening, you arrive in Kathmandu, bringing the trek to a close with lasting memories of high mountain passes, Tilicho Lake, and the rich culture of the Himalayas. -
Day 14 Departure Day
Today, you will depart from Nepal after successfully completing the Tilicho Lake Trek with Kai Expeditions. As you said goodbye to the mountains that had become your daily companions, there was a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the journey you had experienced. The trek had challenged you physically and mentally, yet rewarded you with unforgettable landscapes, moments of camaraderie and the serene beauty of Tilicho Lake. Leaving Nepal, you carried not only memories of snow-capped peaks and winding trails, but also a profound appreciation for the culture, hospitality, and guidance provided by the Kai Expedition team.