Inspiring Nepal Annapurna Circuit, October, Nepal

Inspiring Nepal Annapurna Circuit

Via Tilicho Lake & Thorong Peak Climbing

Himalayan, Nepal

Difficulty

This is a moderately challenging trek. A large number of long transitions require preliminary preparation.
The ascents are not difficult, but endurance is required.
Duration

15 days
Group size

10-12
Price

From $2600
Date

17 - 31 October
Location

Himalayan, Nepal

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Himalayan Adventure
+ Climbing Thorong Peak

Embark on a journey through one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes — the Annapurna Circuit. This trek offers a rare combination of high-altitude landscapes, diverse cultures, and breathtaking mountain views. From subtropical forests to alpine meadows, and from traditional villages to the stark, high-altitude desert, the Annapurna Circuit showcases the full range of Nepal’s natural beauty.

The trek takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Himalayas. You'll cross the Thorong La Pass, the highest point at 5,416 meters, and enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges. Along the way, you will also visit Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, located at (4,919 meters (16,138 feet). Its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offer unforgettable views and a truly unique experience.

For those seeking an even greater challenge, we suggest climbing to the top of Thorong Peak 6,144 meters (20,156 feet). This trek provides the opportunity to conquer your first 6,000-meter peak. The climb is not technically difficult but is physically demanding. The day will be long but rewarding, with slopes ranging from 30 to 40 degrees. The ascent includes climbing a glacier and requires excellent physical condition.

Climbing Thorong Peak

Thorong Peak is the most accessible trekking peak near Muktinath, suitable for trekkers with basic mountaineering skills.

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 4,900 meters in Nepal. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the majestic mountains, creating a stunning landscape. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and only a few travelers get to experience its beauty by navigating the challenging Annapurna Circuit.

Daily Schedule

*The program timings are approximate and may change slightly.

1

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 meters (4,600 feet).

Today, you will arrive in Kathmandu, and we will meet you and check you into a great hotel with breakfast included. We will do an inventory check and introduce you to our amazing guides, who will answer all your questions.
Additionally, today you will receive useful souvenir kits that will be helpful for your journey.
2

Day 2: Drive to Dharapani (1,860 meters (6,102 feet).

We wake up early, have breakfast, and load into jeeps for the long drive to Dharapani. The journey will take most of the day, with a stop for lunch on the way. Overnight stay at a local hotel.
Total driving time: approximately 10 hours.
3

Day 3: Breakfast & Start of Our Trek! Up to Chame (2,670 meters (8,760 feet).

Today, we begin our trek to the village of Chame (2,670m). The trail takes us through stunning gorges alongside a river, crossing several suspension bridges along the way.
If the weather is clear, we’ll have the chance to see snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the breathtaking summit of Manaslu.
Total trekking time: approximately 6 hours.
4

Day 4: Chame — Upper Pisang (3,310 meters (10,860 feet).

Today, we trek to Upper Pisang, at an altitude of 3,310m. This is not the longest stretch of the trek — it will take about 4.5 hours. From Upper Pisang, you’ll enjoy clear views of the Annapurna massif.
Total trekking time: approximately 4.5 hours.
5

Day 5: Upper Pisang — Manang (3,520 meters (11,545 feet).

We’ll trek to Manang today, located at 3,520m.
The route is stunning, with incredible views of the Annapurna peaks. This will be one of the longest days—about 8 hours of trekking.
Total trekking time: approximately 8 hours.
6

Day 6: Acclimatization in Manang (3,520m).

We’ll spend the day in Manang, acclimatizing to the altitude. We’ll take leisurely walks around the village and hike to nearby lakes. Manang is a picturesque village, and the local food here is excellent.
7

Day 7: Manang — Base Camp Tilicho (4,150 meters (13,615 feet).

Is the last major stop before reaching Tilicho Lake, one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. It consists of a few teahouses and lodges providing basic accommodation and food for trekkers. The area is surrounded by rugged cliffs and barren landscapes, with stunning views of the Annapurna range.
Total trekking time: approximately 7 hours.
8

Day 8: Tilicho Lake (4,919 meters (16,138 feet) and Descent to Shree Kharka (4,070 meters (13,353 feet).

We’ll wake up at 4 a.m. and set out for Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest-altitude lakes. The views here are absolutely incredible! After taking in the beauty of the lake, we’ll descend to the base camp for lunch and then continue down to the village of Shree Kharka.
Total trekking time: approximately 3-4 hours + 6 hours.
9

Day 9: Shree Kharka — Yak Kharka (4,050 meters (13,287 feet).

Today, we’ll rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trek, heading to the village of Yak Kharka. The village is named after the yaks raised here, and you’ll have the chance to try delicious yak steaks.
Total trekking time: approximately 3-4 hours.
10
Day 10: Yak Kharka — Thorong Phedi Lower Camp (4,450 meters (14,600 feet) or Thorong High Camp 4,850 meters (15,912 feet) & Group Split.
Today, we will split the group into two.
1. The Climbing Group will ascend to High Camp Thorong and stay there to prepare for the early morning ascent.
2. The Hiking Group will stay either at Thorong Phedi Lower Camp or at the High Camp Thorong as well. This will depend on the physical condition of the group and the weather conditions. The decision will be made by the guide.
Total trekking time: approximately 4-5 hours.
11

The Climbing Group Day 11: Summit to Thorong Peak 6,144 meters (20,156 feet) & trek to Muktinath (3,710 meters (12,172 feet).

The Climbing Group will start climbing early at 4am. As we begin the steep climb, we will be able to see the Kali Gandaki valley. As we reach the top, we will be blessed with the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. From here, we will make our way down a steep cliff to the small town of Muktinath. Overnight stay at a lodge in Muktinath.
Total trekking time: approximately 10-12 hours.

The Hiking Group Day 11: Thorong Camp — Johnsom (1,700 meters (5,577 feet).
The Hiking Group will continue on their way, crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters (17,769 feet), the highest point of the trek. Afterward, they will reach Johnsom (40 minutes by jeep). Overnight stay at a lodge in Johnsom.
Total trekking time: approximately 7-8 hours.
12

The Climbing group Day 12: Reserve day for Thorong Peak Acsent (6,144 meters (20,156 feet) & trek to Muktinath (3,710 meters (12,172 feet).

This is a reserve day for the Climbers Group. In case of bad weather on Day 11, they will make the ascent today and then join the rest of the group in the town of Muktinath.
If the ascent to Thorong Peak is successful on Day 11, then in the morning, we will drive from Muktinath to Jomsom and join The Hiking Group, flying from Jomsom airport to Pokhara today.

The Hiking Group Day 12: Flight from Johnsom to Pokhara.
The domestic flight to Pokhara on a small plane offers unforgettable experiences, taking off from an airstrip in the mountains. In case of unfavorable weather, we will travel to Pokhara by jeep. In this case thr journey will take 6-7 hours. Pokhara is a beautiful, cozy town where we’ll stay at a lakeside hotel.
The flight time around 20-25 minutes.
13

The Climbing Group Day 13: If the ascent was on Day 12, then there will be a flight from Johnsom to Pokhara.

The domestic flight to Pokhara on a small plane offers unforgettable experiences, taking off from an airstrip in the mountains. In case of unfavorable weather, we will travel to Pokhara by jeep. In this case thr journey will take 6-7 hours. Pokhara is a beautiful, cozy town where we’ll stay at a lakeside hotel. You’ll have time to take a relaxing walk along the lake and enjoy a scenic celebratory dinner.
The flight time around 20-25 minutes.

The Hiking Group Day 13: Enjoy a variety of activities in Pokhara.
Depending on the weather and your preferences, you can enjoy a variety of activities in Pokhara. You can take a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake, where you'll be surrounded by stunning views and have the opportunity to visit the Tal Barahi Temple, located on an island in the middle of the lake.
For nature lovers, you can explore the nearby Devi's Fall, a famous waterfall, and visit the Gupteshwor Cave, which is located just beside the waterfall and houses the Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple. Another fascinating spot is Mahendra Cave, where you can learn about the region's natural and cultural history.
After a day of adventure, you can unwind by enjoying the local cuisine at one of the lakeside cafes or treat yourself to a relaxing SPA experience to rejuvenate.
14

Day 14: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

After arriving in Kathmandu, we’ll drop off our belongings at the hotel and visit Boudhanath, an ancient Buddhist complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath is home to one of the largest and oldest stupas in the world, built along the trade route from Tibet to India. It attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world, especially from Tibet and China.
15

Day 15 - International Departure.

Adventure Highlights

What’s included?

Professional guide services;
All domestic flights, including the flights to/from Pokhara and Kathmandu;
Porter services;
Guided excursions and entrance tickets;
All permits (required for the trek);
All jeep transfers along the route;
Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners;
Accommodation throughout the trip (hotels, lodges);
A gift photo book about your adventure;
Commemorative merch from Geeks Go Peaks;
Guides and porters tips.

Does not include:

International flights;
Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional services, like SPA in Pokhara etc.);
Equipment rental;
Insurance.

Who Else Is Going

Peter Zaitsev

Founder | Open Source Geek

The route takes you through remote villages, where you’ll experience authentic Tibetan culture, and across lush valleys, with constantly changing landscapes.

With expert guides, small group sizes, and carefully planned itineraries, this tour offers not only a physical challenge but also an unforgettable cultural and spiritual journey. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, beauty, and discovery.

LET ME KNOW WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS!

REVIEWS

We told them if they didn’t leave a review, they wouldn’t come down the mountain

Ella Boucaud

Event: Red Rock Climbing

I had an incredible experience rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada! It was my first time climbing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure. The scenery, climb, and the amazing group of people I got to share it with made it awesome. I highly recommend, if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity and a chance to meet great people.

Yuriy Prokopenko

Event: Geeks go Ninja!

It was a good balance between teamwork and individual challenges to complete various gymnastic exercises. I was challenged to test my balance, muscle strength, and running on vertical surfaces to reach the top of the structure. We had fun, supported each other, and collaborated to find the best approach to completing the tasks. I believe this could be a great training for trekking and hiking! I had a fantastic time at the Geeks go Ninja!

Shawn Turnbull

Event: Geeks go Ninja!

My friend Peter invited me to his pre conference ‘Geeks go Peaks’ event, and I immediately accepted because he loves adventure, and his events are never dull. I am complete out of shape and didn’t know anyone going, but I knew it would be fun. In keeping with Peter’s roots in the open source software community. The group was welcoming and cheered me on to try new things! I made some new friends, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group will grow community and explore opportunities for connection and adventure.

Mindaugas Zukas

Event: Unforgettable Ararat

Ararat adventure was an experience I’ll never forget! Big thanks to Geeks Go Peaks! The trip was better than I expected. The videos on Youtube do not reflect full wild experience you get during the trip. Before the trip I was a bit nervous, nit sure how I will handle the height and difficulty. After the trip I felt good, because all went well and most of the group achieved summit. I liked the itinerary and good company! I want to say big thanks! Ararat adventure was great and I will have great memories for life.

Sergey Samoylov

Event: Unforgettable Ararat

Climbing Mount Ararat is an opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy breathtaking views. Personally, I gained emotions not only from the climb itself, but also from the time spent with a great team of like-minded people. I made new acquaintances with wonderful individuals. And Kurdish hospitality evokes nothing but warm feelings. Of course, the nature — you can watch the starry sky endlessly, far from city lights.
The sunrise at the summit during the climb is not only a sight to admire,
but also a hope for the upcoming warmth, meaning my gear held up — I won’t freeze!) Most importantly, such an adventure allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and feel truly connected to yourself — a part of nature!