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Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Kopra Danda

Nepal Nepal

Trekking Map

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Kopra Danda takes you through Manang to the highest lake in the world – Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters and over the high Pass Thorong La at 5,416 meters.

The trek will take you through lush subtropical landscapes, over moraines, through alpine forests and a dry and diverse mountain landscape. A challenging tour full of Hindu myths, Buddhist culture and breathtaking views of the ice giants. Manang has a historical significance as an important place for the yak and salt trade between Nepal and Tibet. Also Muktinath (God of Salvation), one of the most important religious places in Nepal with its 108 gargoyles and numerous fossils in this area is very special. This trek offers spectacular views of beautiful mountain peaks such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Mount Gangapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri and many others.

We end the round with the ascent to Kopra Danda and enjoy another impressive panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri massif.
Surefootedness and height tolerance are prerequisites for participating in this tour.

Trip Details

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – briefing, equipment check and welcome dinner
Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon there will be a briefing. In the evening, you are invited to a joint dinner with your guide. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or same category (A).

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparation for the tour
Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. The most popular places and attractions are the Pashupatinath temple complex – with one of the most important Hindu temples, (the actual temples are accessible only to Hindus) – the Buddhist temple mountain Swayambhunath – also known as monkey temples and the Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa.
We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon and pack for the tour the next morning. The rest of the day can be used as free time. You can also leave a bag of stuff you do not need on the tour at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B).

Day 3: Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (760m) – 6 hours drive and then to Syange (1,136m) – 2 hours drive
Early drive from Kathmandu by private vehicle to Besi Sahar (about 6 hours) from there it goes with a SUV to Syange (about 2 hours). Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 4: Syange to Tal (1.100m) – 7 hours hike
After breakfast we walk along the Marsyangdi valley. Day destination is the Gurung village “valley” where there is a beautiful waterfall. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 5: Valley to Tanchowk (2,400 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Today we pass some steep wooded ridges and a landslide passage on the way to Tanchowk. We should not forget to raise our eyes so that we can enjoy the impressive views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525 m). On the way there are some small hot springs where we can relax. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 6: Tanchowk to Upper Pisang (3,300 m) – approx. 6 hours
We start our day by crossing a dense forest in a steep and narrow valley and cross the Marsyangdi River several times. Very impressive is the steeply rising Paungda Danda rock face which we can see today. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 7: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Today we reach the upper, drier part of the Manang district, which is already in the rain shadow of the Annapurna mountain range. Even in the monsoon, it rarely rains here. The people of this region guard yaks and grow crops. They still enjoy special trading rights today, which were obtained in 1784. After leaving Pisang, there are paths north and south of the Marsyangdi River that reunite with mungji. From Mungji, the trail leads past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Braga (3,475 m) to nearby Manang (3,540 m). Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 8: Day of rest and acclimatization in Manang (3,540 m) – 3 to 4 hours
Today we spend an acclimatization day in Manang. During the day we will hike to nearby attractions, enjoying the beautiful views around the village and witnessing the lives of the villagers. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B, L, D).Day 9: Manang to the Tilicho Base Camp (4,100 m)
We continue our adventure towards Tilicho Lake, following the path along Khangsar Khola (River) and climbing the slope. The path continues over a steep slope. A head for heights and sure-footedness are required for this route, which can sometimes lead to a landslide. The glacier and mountain scenery from here are of particular beauty and will make you rave. The tea houses at Base Camp are simple but cozy. We may also meet many locals trekkers here because the Tilicho Trek is one of the most popular tours for the Nepalese. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B, L, D).

Day 10: Climb to Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world (4,919 meters) – continue trek to Siri Kharka (about 7 to 8 hours)
Before sunrise, we start the ascent to the lake. The path is steadily uphill. At sunrise, the view of the glacier landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. After the last serpentine ascent, the path becomes flatter and we reach after about another 30 minutes the Tilicho Lake, a spectacular lake at the foot of the north wall of Tilicho Peak. The lake is an important place for the Hindus because it is sacred and is mentioned in one of the most sacred books of the religion, the Ramayan. We return to the lodge and after breakfast we continue to Siri Kharka, where we spend the night in the tea house. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B, L, D).

Day 11: Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,040 meters – 4 to 5 hours)
We leave Siri Kharka and descend to the village of Khangsar. On the way we pass Tare Gumba, a century-old monastery, which is very important for the local population. However, it is not inhabited, except for some shepherds celebrate the Buddhist festivals here. The path takes us past a rock wall to a bridge in Thorang Khola valley. After crossing the river, we climb to a plateau, and continue our trek to reach Yak Kharka. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 12: Yak Kharka – Thorang Phedi (4.420m – 3 to 4 hours)
Today drive up to Thorang Phedi. We walk to a suspension bridge and reach the village Ledar. We climb back up and pass high peaks before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before the Thorang La Pass. For the efforts we are rewarded with beautiful views of the mountains Gundang, Syagang, Thorung Peak and Khatungkan. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 13: Thorong Phedi – Thorong La (5.410m) – Muktinath (3,800m) – 8 hours walk
Today we expect an important goal: to cross one of the highest passes in the world. We will cross the pass from east to west, which is somewhat easier and safer, since the starting point is higher. Nevertheless, it is a busy day, we should not forget to pack our Grödel, because we will need for the slippery passages at the pass. Around 3 o’clock in the morning we get up and be reached within 4 to 5 hours to the summit. The effort is rewarded with a magnificent view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and the Kingdom of Mustang. We start the descent and after about 2-3 hours, the village of Muktinath, a significant both Buddhists and Hindus pilgrimage. Muktinath (God of redemption) one of the most important religious places in Nepal. The 108 gargoyles and numerous fossils in the area make this region so special. In Muktinath we look at the Vishnu Temple and will rest for the rest of the day. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 14: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190 m) – 6 hours drive
We will drive this once popular hiking trail by jeep / bus because of the now advanced road construction. The road leads us past Marpha and Tukche and other beautiful Thakali villages and in the afternoon we reach Tatopani, where we can relax in the hot springs. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 15: Tatopani to Paudwar Village (2,000m) 4 – 5 hours hike
The today’s way leads us over numerous steps uphill through a Terassenfelder with dreamlike view of the mountains all around until we reached the idyllic mountain village Paudwar. The accommodations are here with very basic facilities. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 16: Trek to Kopra Danda – about 5 hours
We hike most of the way uphill through a rhododendrons jungle overlooking the Dhaulagiri massif. This route is less frequented and we will hardly meet any other trekkers. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 17: Sunrise at Kopra Danda and trek to Swanta village (2.200m) – 5 hours hike
We get up at about 05:00 to admire the sunrise. The view of the 8,000 giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is of breathtaking beauty. After breakfast we descend, direction Chistibung. The descent takes one hour to get to our lodge. Here we stop for a drink before we continue to Swanta village. On the way we have several views of the mountain Dhaulagiri and a beautiful scenery with many terraced fields and villages with traditional houses. Swanta village is worth a visit to the local elementary school, which finances two teachers with income from the community huts. Overnight in teahouse lodge (B,L,D).

Day 18. Trek to Ulleri (2.050m) – 5 to 6 hours hike, then about 2 hours drive to Pokhar
About an hour after leaving the Swanta village, we meet the main road to Ghorepani, where it becomes livelier and meets many other hikers. We remember the quieter days walking along the Kopra ridge. After a short break in Ghorepani we go down through a rhododendron forest to Ulleri. By jeep we drive to Pokhara, a popular holiday resort on Lake Phew. There we spend the night and can relax a bit before returning home. Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara (B,L).

Day 19: Return to Kathmandu, rest of the day at leisure
After breakfast we take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu (about 7 hours drive). Overnight at Hotel Tibet in Kathmandu (B).

Day 20: Return home
Transfer to the airport / farewell

Program changes due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions are reserved.

Meaning Legends: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

Our trips start every Saturday:

German guided tour
English guided tour

This trekking tour can also be booked for individual travelers (one person alone) at an additional cost or for your group at dates other than shown here.

Duration: 20 days
Costs: € 1.890 per person
Group size: min. 2 Persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only two persons)
€ 190 for single room supplement (only for hotel accommodation, for lodge overnight stays during the trek, especially during the high season, single accommodation is not available).

What’s included:

  • Airport transfers in Nepal
  • All relevant surface transfer
  • All internal flights (with Yeit Air, Summit Air, Sita Air or Buddha Air), inclusive Airport Taxes and 15kg free luggage
  • All hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • All meals on trek (B,L,D)
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees, guide and vehicle
  • Permit, National Park Entrance/Conservation Fees
  • Guide and porters
  • 12 kg free luggage on trekking tours, carried by porter
  • Quality service and trek equipment
  • Oxymeter
  • Satellite Phone

Not Included:

  • International flights
  • Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned
  • Beverages
  • Personal bills
  • Visas (US$ 50)
  • Excess baggage charge (beyond 15 Kg each)
  • Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
  • Tips

Visa
Your visa can be issued on arrival at a counter at Kathmandu airport. Visa costs on arriving in Kathmandu amount to US $ 50 (stay of up to 30 days) and US $ 100 (stay of up to 90 days).
The fees can also be paid in euros, which are converted by the bank at the airport in accordance with the dollar exchange rate. Two passport size photographs must be provided for the visa. At the time of the trip your passport must be valid for at least a further six months and have at least one blank page.

These visa and passport regulations apply to EU countries, Switzerland and the USA. Other nationals should check with the relevant consular authorities.

Insurance
Travel health insurance (with recovery costs) is essential for your own safety and a precondition for participation in our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains which requires a helicopter rescue, the helicopter will not take off before the responsibility for the cost is clarified.
The conclusion of travel cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the case of bargain price flights in particular, changes or cancellations generally can’t be made free of charge. In Nepal complications with the weather or with your health could make it necessary to break off your journey.
We have requested ERGO (Reiseversicherung) to create various service packages for you. You can book travel health insurance at https://www.reiseversicherung.de/vrv/partner/ep-Assistent.html?/data/agent/hagtnr=027256&/data/agent/nagtnr=000000.

Please note: ERGO insurance can be booked by residents of Germany and Austria. Those living in other countries are requested to book their travel insurance through an insurance provider in their own country.

It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours advises its customers to book their travel insurance via ERGO as a recommendation only, and accepts no responsibility for the contractual content between the customer and the travel insurance provider. Customers can book their travel insurance via ERGO or another provider at their own discretion.

The hotels and lodges booked by us
In Kathmandu and Pokhara the hotels we book are good and correspond to medium-level Western standards. Sanitary facilities are clean and functional; the hotel cuisine is adapted to Western eating habits and the food is safe to enjoy. There may sometimes be power cuts, or no hot water may be available for a while. The hotel staff is generally very friendly and looks after the welfare of guests. The hotels booked by us are as follows:

Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet/Manaslu ***+
Pokhara: Mount Kailash Resort, Lake side retreat ***
Palpa/Tansen: Hotel Srinagar **
Lumbini: Hotel New Crystal ***
Chitwan: Jungle Villa Resort
Nagarkot: Nagarkot Farmhouse

During the trek and in the interior of the country conditions are very varied, and travelers must sometimes expect basic sanitation facilities. For standard treks and tours you will stay overnight in typical “lodges” (teahouses). These usually offer very small single rooms or double rooms (some with no running water and no private shower / toilet).
In general, during the trekking tour you can select what you wish to eat from the menu. However, at altitudes of 4,000 meters it can happen that on some routes the choice of food is not very extensive. Typical Nepalese cuisine is mostly vegetarian, but very tasty, filling and wholesome. Travelers need to be adaptable, however.

Flying in Nepal
The domestic flights booked by us are with Tara Air, Yeti Air, Sita Air, Summit Air or Buddha Air.

Tour program
The travel program for all of our recommended tours is carefully planned. It can happen, however, that roads are closed without advance notice or are impassable, that there are waiting times of several hours because of traffic congestion or fuel shortages and that specific tourist attractions are closed for various reasons. Other restrictions such as flight delays or even cancellations due to bad weather, strikes, the health of participants or unfavorable conditions while trekking may also make the implementation of the travel program more difficult or at worst make it impossible. However, our local guides are prepared for such situations and will make every effort to achieve every aspect of the program to your satisfaction. As a result the inconvenience can normally be kept to a reasonable level. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out at this juncture that for the above reasons program changes are possible at any time and cannot be influenced by the organizers. The resulting costs are borne by the traveler. We ask for your understanding.

Trip Details

  • Duration: 20 day
  • Holiday Type: Lodge – Trekking
  • Best trekking period: Oct/Nov/Dec/Feb/Mar/Apr/May
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Max Altitude: Thorong La 5.416m
  • Group size: Min. 2 persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only two persons)
  • Tour guide: English speaking, trained Nepalese mountain guide
  • Difficulty:
  • Fitness:
  • Price: 1.990,00 €
  • Single room supplement: 190,00 €
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