A 7-day 4×4 expedition into the heart of the Annapurna region, built for travellers who want to reach the high Manang valley and the sacred Tilicho Lake by vehicle as far as the road allows — with a short, rewarding hike to complete the journey. Rolling Adventure Holidays runs this as a private jeep tour with an experienced mountain driver, combining rugged road travel with a taste of the Annapurna Circuit on foot.
Why choose the 4×4 Manang & Tilicho drive
- Reach Manang (3,540m) and Tilicho Lake (4,919m) by 4-wheel drive — minimal walking, maximum scenery.
- Drive the newly opened Annapurna circuit road through Lamjung, Manang and the Tilicho jeep track.
- Short hikes at altitude with time to acclimatise in Manang.
- Private vehicle, flexible stops, and an expert local driver-guide.
Highlights
- Chame hot springs and the dramatic folds of the Marsyangdi valley.
- Khangsar and the semi-desert landscape beneath Tilicho.
- Tilicho Lake — one of the highest lakes in the world.
- Heritage stop in Bandipur on the return to Kathmandu.
Trip Facts
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Region: Annapurna (Manang)
- Max altitude: Tilicho Lake 4,919m
- Difficulty: Hard (high altitude, 4×4 + day hikes)
- Transport: Private 4×4 jeep with driver-guide
- Price: from $1,350 per person (was $1,450)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu to Chame (2,670m) — Drive
The journey begins with a scenic 4×4 drive from Kathmandu west along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. The road climbs through Dumre and Besisahar into the Annapurna Conservation Area, reaching Chame, the headquarters of Manang district, by evening. Overnight in Chame.
Day 02: Chame to Khangsar (3,734m) — Drive
A full day of high-altitude 4×4 driving. The jeep track leaves Chame, passing the dramatic gorge, the twin villages of Upper and Lower Pisang, and the Tibetan-influenced villages of Braga and Manang. Continuing past Manang town, the road reaches Khangsar, the last settlement before Tilicho. Overnight in Khangsar.
Day 03: Khangsar to Shree Kharka (4,060m) — Hike
Leave the vehicle and begin the trek on foot. The trail from Khangsar climbs gently through a bare, windswept valley toward Shree Kharka, a seasonal herders’ settlement beneath the Tilicho massif. This short hike aids acclimatisation and offers the first close views of Tilicho. Overnight at Shree Kharka.
Day 04: Shree Kharka to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — Hike
The highlight of the trip: a trek to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, set beneath the 7,000m Tilicho and Muktinath Himal walls. After time at the lake for photos and reflection, retrace the trail to Shree Kharka. Overnight near the Tilicho base.
Day 05: Tilicho area to Manang (3,540m) — Drive back to Manang
Rejoin the 4×4 and drive back through Khangsar to Manang village. Manang is the cultural heart of the valley — spend the afternoon exploring the gompas, the Himalayan Rescue Association post, and the views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. Overnight in Manang.
Day 06: Manang to Tal (1,700m) — Drive
Begin the descent, driving back along the Annapurna circuit road through Pisang, Chame and Dharapani, continuing down to Tal — a picturesque village on the Marsyangdi river with a waterfall and peaceful riverside setting. Overnight in Tal.
Day 07: Tal to Bandipur to Kathmandu — Drive
The final drive takes you out of the hills to the heritage town of Bandipur, where we pause for lunch and a walk through its preserved Newari streets. From Bandipur the road continues to Kathmandu, arriving by evening — end of the 4×4 Manang & Tilicho expedition.
Cost Includes
- Private 4×4 vehicle with experienced mountain driver-guide for the entire trip.
- All ground transport as per itinerary (Kathmandu–Chame–Khangsar–Manang–Tal–Bandipur–Kathmandu).
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
- Standard teahouse/lodge accommodation on twin-sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast during the drive days.
- First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder for altitude safety.
Cost Excludes
- Nepal entry visa and international flights.
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory).
- Lunches, dinners and drinks.
- Personal expenses (tips, snacks, hot showers).
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (can be arranged on request).
