• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Activity: Equipment Check and Expedition Preparation
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel

You begin preparing the personal equipment that will eventually be used above 6,000 and 7,000 meters. The climbing team checks your expedition boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender, descender, high-altitude clothing, gloves, goggles and sleeping system.

This is also the right time to deal with any equipment that does not fit correctly or is missing from your personal kit. Technical gear should already be familiar to you before leaving Kathmandu rather than being tested for the first time at Base Camp.

Expedition luggage is then separated between personal trekking equipment, Base Camp gear and the technical equipment required on the upper mountain.

• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Activity: Expedition Briefing, Permit Formalities and Final Preparation
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel

Today is dedicated to the final organisational side of the Tilicho Peak Expedition. The expedition leader reviews the approach through Manang, the acclimatization plan, high-camp rotations, technical climbing system and the way the summit window will be managed.

You also discuss communication procedures, emergency arrangements and how decisions are made if weather, snow stability or the condition of an individual climber requires the mountain schedule to change.

The remaining expedition paperwork and documentation are completed before the team prepares to leave Kathmandu the following morning.

• Maximum Altitude: Chamje – 1,410 m
• Overnight Altitude: Chamje – 1,410 m
• Drive Duration: 8 to 10 hours
• Drive Distance: Around 200 km
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge in Chamje

You leave Kathmandu early and begin the long road journey toward the Annapurna region. The first section follows the main highway west before turning north toward Besisahar and the Marsyangdi Valley.

Beyond Besisahar, the journey changes onto a narrower mountain road that follows the Marsyangdi River deeper into the Himalayan foothills. Waterfalls, terraced hillsides and steep valley walls gradually replace the urban landscape of Kathmandu.

You reach Chamje for the night, positioned beside the Marsyangdi and ready to begin the walking approach toward the upper Manang Valley.

• Maximum Altitude: Bagarchhap – 2,160 m
• Overnight Altitude: Bagarchhap – 2,160 m
• Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• Trek Distance: Around 14 to 15 km
• Altitude Gain: 750 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Bagarchhap

Your first trekking day follows the Marsyangdi Valley north toward the higher parts of Manang. The trail climbs and descends through forest while repeatedly crossing the river and smaller streams on bridges.

You pass through Tal, where the valley briefly opens into a wide river basin, before continuing toward Dharapani. From there, another gradual climb brings you to Bagarchhap.

The increase in altitude is already noticeable by evening, but the mountain environment is still relatively sheltered by forest. Bagarchhap provides a good transition before the higher stages toward Chame and Pisang.

• Maximum Altitude: Chame – 2,670 m
• Overnight Altitude: Chame – 2,670 m
• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Trek Distance: Around 13 to 15 km
• Altitude Gain: 510 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Chame

You continue through pine and fir forest while following the Marsyangdi deeper into Manang. The trail passes smaller settlements and climbs steadily as the valley narrows beneath increasingly high mountain walls.

Views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II begin appearing more frequently as you gain elevation. The environment now feels distinctly Himalayan, with cooler temperatures and increasing Tibetan Buddhist influence in the villages.

You reach Chame, the administrative centre of Manang District, where you spend the night before moving above 3,000 m the following day.

• Maximum Altitude: Pisang – 3,200 m
• Overnight Altitude: Pisang – 3,200 m
• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Trek Distance: Around 14 km
• Altitude Gain: 530 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Pisang

You leave Chame and continue west along the Marsyangdi through pine forest and dramatic rock formations. The route passes Bhratang before approaching the enormous curved rock face of Paungda Danda.

As you climb toward Dhukur Pokhari, the valley begins opening and the vegetation gradually becomes more alpine. The transition is particularly noticeable as you approach Pisang, where the dry upper-Manang landscape starts replacing the deeper forests of the lower valley.

You spend the night above 3,000 m with views toward Annapurna II, Pisang Peak and the surrounding high ridges.

• Maximum Altitude: Manang – 3,540 m
• Overnight Altitude: Manang – 3,540 m
• Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• Trek Distance: Around 16 to 18 km
• Altitude Gain: 340 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Manang

You continue through the broad upper Manang Valley toward the settlement of Manang. Depending on trail and team conditions, the route can follow the lower valley or the higher trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal.

The upper route requires more climbing but provides useful acclimatization and wide views across Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna and the surrounding landscape. Whichever trail is chosen, the terrain becomes noticeably drier as you move farther into the rain-shadow region.

Manang becomes an important staging point for the expedition. You will remain here for another night so your body can adapt before moving toward Khangsar and the much higher Tilicho basin.

• Maximum Altitude: Up to 4,500–4,600 m depending on the acclimatization route
• Overnight Altitude: Manang – 3,540 m
• Activity Duration: 4 to 6 hours
• Walking Distance: Depends on the selected acclimatization hike
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Manang

You remain in Manang rather than continuing immediately toward Tilicho. The objective is not simply to rest but to gain some additional altitude during the day and then return to the lower village to sleep.

The team can make an acclimatization hike toward one of the surrounding viewpoints, Gangapurna area or higher trails according to weather and individual condition. A stronger team may climb considerably higher, while others can use a shorter route and concentrate on recovery.

The afternoon is kept relaxed. You eat, hydrate and prepare for the side valley toward Khangsar, where regular Annapurna Circuit traffic begins to fall away.

• Maximum Altitude: Khangsar – 3,734 m
• Overnight Altitude: Khangsar – 3,734 m
• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Trek Distance: Around 6 to 7 km
• Altitude Gain: 194 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Khangsar

You leave the main Annapurna Circuit route and turn west into the Khangsar Khola Valley. The walking day is shorter, giving your body another controlled increase in sleeping altitude before the considerably higher Tilicho section.

The trail crosses open slopes above the river with views back toward the Manang Valley and surrounding Annapurna peaks. Khangsar is the final substantial village before you begin entering the increasingly barren landscape around Tilicho.

The afternoon can be used to rest and reorganise trekking gear before tomorrow’s longer climb toward Tilicho Base Camp.

• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Base Camp – 4,150 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Base Camp – 4,150 m
• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Trek Distance: Around 9 km
• Altitude Gain: 416 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge or Camp at Tilicho Base Camp

You continue above Khangsar through Siri Kharka and enter increasingly exposed terrain on the way toward Tilicho Base Camp. The route traverses dry slopes of loose rock and scree where careful footing becomes important.

This is the trekking Base Camp used by visitors travelling toward Tilicho Lake and should not be confused with the higher expedition Base Camp used for the Tilicho Peak climb.

You spend the night at 4,150 m, giving your body another stage of acclimatization before moving above the level of Tilicho Lake and into the dedicated expedition camp.

• Maximum Altitude: Expedition Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Overnight Altitude: Expedition Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Tilicho Lake Altitude: 4,919 m
• Trek Duration: 5 to 7 hours
• Trek Distance: Route-dependent according to the expedition campsite
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Tilicho Peak Base Camp

You leave the trekking Base Camp and climb into the high basin toward Tilicho Lake. The trail gains altitude steadily across moraine and increasingly barren terrain before reaching the lake at 4,919 m.

From this point, the expedition begins separating from the normal trekking itinerary. You continue according to the route selected by the climbing team toward the higher expedition camp beneath Tilicho Peak.

The exact Base Camp position can change from one expedition to another because the glacier, snow cover, access to water and the condition of the surrounding moraine influence where a safe and practical camp can be established. Once the site is reached, the support team organises the sleeping, dining and kitchen tents for the climbing phase.

• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Activity Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp

Your first full day at expedition Base Camp is used for both acclimatization and technical preparation. The expedition also completes the traditional puja ceremony before the main climbing operations begin.

You then review the climbing systems that will be used above Base Camp. Training includes crampon movement, harness setup, ascender technique, fixed-rope transitions, rappelling, rope management and glacier procedures.

The aim is not to teach mountaineering from the beginning but to make sure every climber is comfortable using the same systems while wearing expedition boots, gloves and high-altitude clothing.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I Area – approx. 5,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Altitude Gain: Around 850 m
• Climbing Duration: 7 to 9 hours round trip
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent; changes with glacier and snow conditions
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp

You make your first substantial move onto Tilicho Peak and begin learning the lower climbing route. The terrain transitions from moraine into glacier and increasingly sustained snow and ice as you work toward the Camp I area.

Depending on the condition of the season’s route, steeper sections may already require fixed-rope movement. The climbing team can also carry part of the equipment and supplies required for the later overnight rotation.

After reaching the planned altitude exposure, you return to Base Camp. Climbing high and sleeping lower gives your body time to respond to the increase in altitude while allowing a stronger recovery overnight.

• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp

You remain at Base Camp after the first major altitude exposure. Rather than adding more climbing immediately, the day gives your body time to absorb the previous day’s work.

You focus on eating, drinking and sleeping while personal equipment is dried and checked. Minor issues with crampons, boots or fixed-rope systems are much easier to solve here than during the next rotation.

The route team also evaluates conditions toward Camp I and Camp II and positions equipment needed for the overnight acclimatization phase.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 5,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 5,800 m
• Altitude Gain: Around 850 m
• Climbing Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent; varies with the active glacier route
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and High Camp Dinner
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

You return to the lower climbing route, this time carrying enough personal equipment to remain overnight at Camp I. Having already travelled much of the terrain during the first rotation allows you to move more efficiently.

The route gains considerable altitude from Base Camp and can include glacier travel followed by steeper mixed snow-and-ice terrain as you approach the first high camp.

Once you reach Camp I, activity becomes deliberately limited. You organise the tent, melt water, eat and allow your body to experience its first full night close to 5,800 m.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp II – approx. 6,200 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 5,800 m
• Altitude Gain: Around 400 m to Camp II
• Climbing Duration: 6 to 8 hours round trip
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent; varies with snow and fixed-line placement
• Meal: Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

You climb above Camp I toward the shoulder where Camp II is established. The terrain becomes noticeably steeper, and efficient movement on crampons and fixed ropes becomes increasingly important.

This section can involve sustained snow and ice climbing, with the route determined by current snow stability and the condition of the upper glacier. You move deliberately rather than trying to gain altitude quickly.

After reaching the Camp II area and spending controlled time above 6,000 m, you descend to Camp I for another night. This provides significant altitude exposure without yet committing to the full summit rotation.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 5,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Altitude Loss: Around 850 m
• Descent Duration: 3 to 5 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp

You descend through the familiar fixed-line and glacier sections toward Base Camp. Although the direction is downhill, steep snow, ice and crevassed terrain still require careful movement.

Returning below 5,000 m brings you back into a much more comfortable environment for eating, sleeping and rehydrating. The rotation has now exposed you to both Camp I and the 6,200-meter level.

The next two days are deliberately focused on recovery and preparation before you commit to the summit rotation.

• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Activity: Recovery, Weather Monitoring and Route Assessment
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp

You take a full rest day after the first overnight high-altitude rotation. Your main responsibilities are eating, drinking, sleeping and allowing your body to recover sufficiently for several consecutive days above Base Camp.

The expedition leader and climbing team review wind forecasts, recent snowfall, temperatures, snow stability and the condition of the fixed lines before deciding when to start the summit push.

Personal readiness is considered alongside the weather. A suitable forecast is only useful if the climbers have also recovered properly from the acclimatization rotation.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp I – approx. 5,800 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp I – approx. 5,800 m
• Altitude Gain: Around 850 m
• Climbing Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent; varies with glacier conditions
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and High Camp Dinner
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp I

You leave Base Camp for the final climbing rotation and return toward Camp I. By now you know the lower route, allowing you to concentrate on pacing, efficient rope transitions and preserving energy.

Your pack contains only what is needed for the upper camps and summit phase, while additional supplies have already been positioned by the expedition team.

Once at Camp I, you settle into the high-camp routine and rest as much as possible. From tonight onward, recovery becomes increasingly difficult as each camp moves higher.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp II – approx. 6,200 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp II – approx. 6,200 m
• Altitude Gain: Around 400 m
• Climbing Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent; varies with the active fixed-line route
• Meal: Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp II

You climb once again through the steeper terrain leading toward Camp II, this time remaining there overnight. Snow and ice conditions determine the most efficient line onto the broad upper shoulder.

Fixed ropes can be an important part of this stage, so smooth ascender technique helps conserve energy. Above 6,000 m, rushing normally creates more problems than it solves.

At Camp II, even simple tasks such as melting water and changing clothing require additional effort. You focus on hydration and food before resting for the move toward the upper camp.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp III / Upper Camp – approx. 6,600 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp III / Upper Camp – approx. 6,600 m
• Altitude Gain: Around 400 m
• Climbing Duration: 4 to 6 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent; varies with snow conditions and the selected upper route
• Meal: Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp III / Upper Camp

You continue onto the upper section of Tilicho Peak, climbing from Camp II toward the summit staging camp. The air is considerably thinner now, and the pace becomes slower even when the technical difficulty remains manageable.

Snow stability and wind loading become increasingly important because the upper mountain can contain long, steep snow slopes. The climbing team continuously assesses the condition of the route rather than relying only on what was observed during earlier rotations.

Camp III is established at the safest suitable position available for the season. Once there, you prepare your summit equipment, organise water and food and conserve as much energy as possible for the night ahead.

• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Peak Summit – 7,134 m
• Overnight Altitude: Camp II – approx. 6,200 m, depending on descent progress
• Altitude Gain: Around 534 m from Camp III to the summit
• Climbing Duration: 10 to 14 hours for the summit climb and descent
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent; varies with the summit line and snow conditions
• Meal: Expedition Rations
• Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent at Camp II or another safe camp according to descent progress

You wake during the night and begin preparing for the summit while temperatures are at their lowest. After hot drinks and a small meal, you leave Camp III under headlamps and begin moving onto the final upper slopes.

The summit route can involve sustained steep snow and ice where efficient fixed-rope movement is essential. At this altitude, every transition takes longer, so you manage clothing, gloves, equipment and hydration carefully while maintaining a deliberate climbing rhythm.

As you move beyond 7,000 m, the effects of altitude become increasingly pronounced. The expedition leader continues assessing wind, snow stability, climbing speed and individual condition throughout the ascent.

If conditions remain suitable, you reach the 7,134-meter summit of Tilicho Peak, with wide views across the Annapurna Himalaya, Tilicho Lake and the surrounding high mountain landscape.

The summit is only the halfway point of the day. You begin descending shortly afterward, carefully reversing the technical sections and continuing toward Camp II or another safe high camp according to the team’s progress.

• Maximum Altitude: Camp II – approx. 6,200 m
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Altitude Loss: Around 1,250 m
• Descent Duration: 5 to 7 hours
• Climb Distance: Route-dependent
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp

You continue descending through Camp I and the lower glacier toward Expedition Base Camp. Fatigue from the summit day can make this stage demanding even though you are steadily losing altitude.

Fixed ropes, glacier features and changing snow conditions still require concentration, particularly when descending with tired legs and a heavier pack.

Once back at Base Camp, thicker air and the organised camp environment provide an immediate improvement in comfort. You can finally eat a substantial meal, rehydrate properly and begin recovering from the summit rotation.

• Maximum Altitude: Variable up to Tilicho Peak Summit – 7,134 m if required
• Overnight Altitude: Depends on the active climbing schedule
• Activity: Weather Reserve, Delayed Summit Rotation or Recovery
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner or Expedition Rations according to location
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp or High Camp according to the climbing schedule

This day is deliberately held outside the fixed climbing sequence. If high wind, snowfall, poor snow stability or slower acclimatization has delayed the main summit push, the schedule can move into this contingency period.

If the summit has already been completed, you remain at Base Camp and use the day for recovery while the climbing team begins bringing unnecessary equipment down from the higher camps.

The reserve day is therefore part of the expedition strategy rather than an unused day added to the itinerary.

• Maximum Altitude: Variable up to Tilicho Peak Summit – 7,134 m if required
• Overnight Altitude: Depends on the active climbing schedule
• Activity: Summit Reserve, Route Adjustment or Recovery
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner or Expedition Rations according to location
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp or High Camp according to the climbing schedule

A second reserve day gives the expedition additional flexibility when the mountain does not follow the original calendar. A short delay in weather or fixed-line preparation does not automatically mean abandoning the summit attempt.

The day can also accommodate a slower descent from the upper mountain if climbers require additional recovery after the summit.

If no additional climbing time is needed, Base Camp operations continue with equipment sorting, rest and preparation for the trek back toward Manang.

• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m when climbing is complete
• Overnight Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Activity: Final Weather Reserve, Recovery and Expedition Pack-Up
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Expedition Tent at Base Camp

This is the final reserve day built into the mountain schedule. If the summit sequence has shifted, it can still be incorporated into the climbing window according to the expedition leader’s decision.

When the summit phase has finished, the focus changes from climbing to leaving the mountain responsibly. High-camp equipment is brought down, group gear is sorted and expedition waste is collected for removal according to the camp-management plan.

You also have valuable time to rest before making the long descent through the Tilicho basin toward Khangsar and Manang.

• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Peak Base Camp – approx. 4,950 m
• Overnight Altitude: Manang – 3,540 m
• Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Trek Distance: Around 17 to 20 km depending on the expedition Base Camp position
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Manang

You leave the expedition camp and begin the long descent away from Tilicho Peak. After days spent on glacier and high camps, returning to the trekking trail brings a dramatic change in both terrain and available oxygen.

You pass through the Tilicho area and continue toward Khangsar before rejoining the route to Manang. The trail is familiar from the approach, but the effects of the expedition can make even a mostly descending day physically demanding.

Reaching Manang at 3,540 m provides a significant improvement in breathing and sleeping conditions. A teahouse, proper meal and lower altitude make this one of the most comfortable nights since leaving the village weeks earlier.

• Maximum Altitude: Manang – 3,540 m
• Overnight Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Drive Duration: 10 to 12 hours, depending on road conditions
• Drive Distance: Around 265 km
• Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel

You leave Manang and begin the long overland return through the Marsyangdi Valley. The first section follows the mountain road through Chame and the lower Manang region before reaching Besisahar.

From Besisahar, you continue along the main highway toward Kathmandu. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal maintenance can affect the total travel time, so this is treated as a full travel day.

After arriving in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel in Thamel. The evening is free to rest, enjoy a proper shower and begin organising your luggage after the 7,134-meter expedition.

• Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m
• Meal: Breakfast

Your Tilicho Peak Expedition comes to an end today. Depending on your international flight schedule, you can spend the remaining time resting at the hotel or completing any final preparations before departure.

A Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, concluding the journey after the Manang approach, Tilicho Lake, high-altitude rotations and summit period on Tilicho Peak.