Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake

Overview Departures Itinerary Inclusion Exclusion Gallery

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is one of the most spectacular and complete trekking adventures in the Himalayas, combining the classic circuit around the Annapurna massif with a breathtaking detour to Tilicho Lake—one of the highest lakes in the world. This extraordinary journey takes you through lush subtropical forests, arid high-altitude deserts, traditional mountain villages, and culminates in the crossing of the legendary Thorong La Pass.

The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead, following the Marsyangdi River through terraced farmlands and dramatic gorges. As the trail ascends, the landscape transforms into a rain-shadow desert with sweeping views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and Manaslu. The route passes through diverse ethnic communities, including Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi settlements, each offering unique cultural traditions and hospitality.

The highlight of this journey is the side trip to Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters, often described by trekkers as the single most breathtaking moment of the entire circuit. The turquoise lake sits in a glacial amphitheater beneath the north face of Tilicho Peak, surrounded by snow-covered walls and rocky moraines. The detour requires 2-3 extra days from Manang, some serious altitude fitness, and comfort with exposed cliff trails, but the reward is an unforgettable high-altitude experience.

The journey then continues to the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, one of the world's highest mountain passes, connecting the Manang District to the Mustang region. The trek descends through the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, with its ancient temples and 108 water spouts, before taking a scenic jeep or bus journey back to Pokhara via the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a physically demanding Himalayan adventure filled with dramatic landscapes, high mountain passes, glacier crossings, and authentic cultural experiences.

Best Seasons to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, offering stable weather, clear mountain views, safe trail conditions, and blooming rhododendron forests.

Notes to Travelers

This trek is physically demanding and recommended for experienced trekkers with strong fitness levels and prior high-altitude trekking experience. The circuit reaches altitudes over 5,400 meters at Thorong La and 4,919 meters at Tilicho Lake, requiring proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

The Tilicho Lake extension is particularly challenging due to exposed cliff trails, steep ascents, and significant landslide risk in certain sections. The trail between Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp traverses narrow paths with steep drop-offs, and after heavy rain or snow, sections may be muddy or icy. It is not recommended for trekkers uncomfortable with heights.

Accommodation throughout the trek is in teahouses and mountain lodges with basic but comfortable facilities. At Tilicho Base Camp, there is only a single lodge that fills up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is essential. Temperatures drop well below freezing at night, so warm gear is crucial.

Crossing Thorong La Pass requires good endurance, proper acclimatization, and preparedness for rapidly changing mountain weather. Snow and ice can occasionally make the pass crossing challenging, so flexibility in itinerary planning is essential.

Transportation from Muktinath to Pokhara is available by sharing jeep or local bus via Jomsom. Jeeps are recommended for safety and comfort, with a travel time of approximately 8-9 hours, while buses take over 11 hours.

The Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal's ultimate Himalayan trekking adventures, offering unmatched mountain scenery, remote wilderness, cultural immersion, and high-altitude challenge.

Highlights

  • Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest lakes in the world

  • Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters

  • Spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhare (6,993m), Manaslu (8,163m), and Tilicho Peak

  • Explore diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to arid high-altitude deserts

  • Experience rich cultural heritage of Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi communities

  • Visit ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and the sacred Muktinath Temple with its 108 water spouts

  • Journey through the world's deepest gorge—the Kali Gandaki Gorge

  • The Tilicho Lake detour improves acclimatization for Thorong La Pass

  • One of Nepal's most complete and adventurous trekking experiences

Fixed Departure Dates

Early booking recommended due to limited seats.

September 30, 2026
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December 31, 2026
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March 01, 2027
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May 30, 2027
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Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival and Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu (1,350m)

    • Highlights: Arrival in the capital city of Nepal, welcome by our representative, first glimpse of the Himalayan atmosphere

    • Activity: Transfer to hotel, rest and recovery from your flight

     

  • Day 2 : Rest, Preparation, Permits Formalities and Briefing in Kathmandu

    • Highlights: Trek preparation and orientation, permit processing, meeting your guide, last-minute gear shopping

    • Activity: Rest day in Kathmandu, trek briefing with your guide, permit formalities (ACAP and TIMS), gear check and preparation

  • Day 3 : Drive Kathmandu to Chame (2,670m) via Besisahar and Dharapani

    • Highlights: Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, views of Trishuli River, journey through the Marsyangdi Valley, first views of Manaslu and Annapurna ranges

    • Activity: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus, transfer to shared jeep to Chame, arrive at the district headquarters of Manang District

     

  • Day 4 : Trek Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)

    • Highlights: Dramatic gorges, waterfalls, dense pine and rhododendron forests, views of Annapurna II, Paungda Danda rock face, apple orchards

    • Activity: Trek through forests and narrow gorges, cross suspension bridges, arrive at Upper Pisang village with views of Pisang Peak

     

  • Day 5 : Trek Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m) via Ngawal

    • Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, Tibetan-influenced culture, Gangapurna Glacier, ancient monasteries, Manang Valley

    • Activity: Trek along the high trail via Ngawal village, visit Barge Monastery, arrive at the bustling town of Manang

     

  • Day 6 : Acclimatization and Rest in Manang

    • Highlights: Exploration of Manang village, Gangapurna Lake, Himalayan Rescue Association talk on altitude sickness, views of Annapurna range

    • Activity: Acclimatization hike to nearby viewpoints, visit local monasteries, rest and prepare for Tilicho Lake detour and high altitude

     

  • Day 7 : Trek Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)

    • Highlights: Dramatic exposed cliff trails, steep hillsides above the Marsyangdi River, landslide zones, wild alpine terrain, Tilicho Base Camp

    • Activity: Trek through rocky terrain and exposed sections (requires comfort with heights), arrive at the single lodge at Tilicho Base Camp

     

  • Day 8 : Trek Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and Shre Kharka

    • Highlights: TILICHO LAKE - one of the highest lakes in the world, turquoise waters reflecting Tilicho Peak, glacial amphitheater setting, silent high-altitude landscape

    • Activity: Early morning start (4:30-5:30 AM), steep climb up rocky terrain and loose scree to the lake, 30-60 minutes at the lake, return to Tilicho Base Camp

     

  • Day 9 : Trek Shre Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,050m)

    • Highlights: Descent through alpine terrain, views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III, yak pastures, high-altitude landscape

    • Activity: Return through Khangsar, continue along the main circuit to Yak Kharka, open terrain dotted with grazing yaks

     

  • Day 10 : Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,850m)

    • Highlights: High mountain scenery, wildlife spotting (blue sheep), views of Thorong La Pass, base camp atmosphere

    • Activity: Gradual ascent through rugged terrain, cross streams, arrive at Thorong High Camp, the base camp for Thorong La Pass

     

  • Day 11 : Trek via Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,710m)

    • Highlights: THORONG LA PASS CROSSING - one of the world's highest passes, panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, sunrise from the pass, prayer flags, sacred Muktinath Temple

    • Activity: Early morning start, ascent to the pass, celebration at the top, descent to Muktinath, visit the Muktinath Temple complex with 108 water spouts

     

  • Day 12 : Drive Muktinath to Pokhara via Jomsom

    • Highlights: Scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley, views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, world's deepest gorge, changing landscapes, arrival in the beautiful lake city of Pokhara

    • Activity: Drive from Muktinath to Jomsom by jeep, continue to Pokhara (8-9 hours), hotel transfer, explore Phewa Lake

  • Day 13 : Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

    • Highlights: Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, views of the Trisuli River, return to the capital, farewell dinner celebration

    • Activity: Drive back to Kathmandu, hotel transfer, free time for shopping, farewell dinner with Himalayan Karma Treks

     

  • Day 14 : End of the Program / Fly to Your Destination

    • Activity: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, farewell

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure in a private vehicle
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan (twin-sharing basis)
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara on BB plan (twin-sharing basis)
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar transportation by tourist bus
  • Muktinath to Pokhara transportation by sharing jeep
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu transportation by tourist bus
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • One experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage
  • Insurance, salary, meals, and accommodation for guide and porters
  • Medical kit (basic first aid)
  • All government taxes and official expenses
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with Himalayan Karma Treks
  • Complimentary duffel bag from Himalayan Karma Treks for storing and carrying your trekking gear

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport)
  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, covering emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking)
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet, battery charging, hot showers, etc.
  • Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, bottled water, and snacks
  • Extra meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara beyond the itinerary
  • Extra porter services (if required beyond the standard 1:2 ratio)
  • Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (recommended but at your discretion)
  • Any additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather delays, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Emergency evacuation and medical treatment costs
Altitude
5,416m
Duration
14 Days
Group Size
5-10 Climbers
Best Season
Spring and Autumn
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