Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake

Key Points

Start At :

Kathmandu

Duration

16 Days

Trekking Grade

Challenging

Accommodation

Tea House / Lodge

Max. Altitude

5,416 m (Thorong La Pass)

Activity

Trekking

Meals

B.L.D

Best Season

Tea House / Lodge

End At

Kathmandu

The Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is an extended and more adventurous version of the classic circuit, combining the iconic Thorong La Pass with a side trip to one of the world’s highest lakes—Tilicho Lake (4,919 m). This trek offers a perfect blend of high-altitude landscapes, cultural richness, and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Trekkers pass through the diverse terrain of the Annapurna Conservation Area, from subtropical forests to arid Himalayan deserts. The journey also includes crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), making it one of Nepal’s most rewarding trekking experiences.

Trip Overview

  • Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)

  • Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)

  • Explore Annapurna Conservation Area

  • Visit Muktinath Temple

  • Diverse landscapes: forest, alpine, desert

  • Experience Gurung, Thakali & Tibetan culture

  • Scenic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak

Highlights

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Duration: 30–40 minutes
Distance: ~6 km

Important Notes:

  1. Airport pickup

  2. Trek briefing

  3. Gear check

  4. Currency exchange

  5. Rest

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, relax or explore Thamel. In the evening, attend a detailed trek briefing covering the Tilicho Lake route, altitude safety, equipment checklist, and overall trek preparation.
Day 02: Drive Kathmandu → Chame (2,670 m)

Duration: 8–9 hours
Distance: ~240 km

Important Notes:

  1. Long drive

  2. Scenic route

  3. Rough roads

  4. Hydration

  5. Lodge stay

➡️ Begin a scenic drive along river valleys, terraced farms, and mountain roads to reach Chame. The journey offers stunning views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II as you enter the Annapurna region.
Day 03: Trek Chame → Pisang (3,200 m)

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~14 km

Important Notes:

  1. Forest trail

  2. River views

  3. Gradual climb

  4. Scenic walk

  5. Lodge stay

➡️ Trek through pine forests and narrow valleys along the Marsyangdi River. Enjoy views of Annapurna II and dramatic landscapes before reaching Pisang village.
Day 04: Trek Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~16 km

Important Notes:

  1. Upper route recommended

  2. Cultural experience

  3. Windy trail

  4. Scenic views

  5. Lodge stay

➡️ Take the upper route for better views and acclimatization. Pass through traditional villages and monasteries before reaching Manang.
Day 05: Acclimatization Day in Manang

Duration: 3–4 hrs hike
Distance: ~5 km

Important Notes:

  1. Rest day

  2. Short hike

  3. Hydration

  4. Health check

  5. Explore village

➡️ Spend a rest day with short hikes to nearby viewpoints or Gangapurna Lake. Proper acclimatization is essential before heading toward Tilicho Lake.
Day 06: Trek Manang → Shree Kharka (4,050 m)

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes:

  1. Narrow trail

  2. Landslide zone

  3. Fewer lodges

  4. Slow pace

  5. Lodge stay

➡️ Leave the main trail and head toward Tilicho Lake. The path becomes narrower with landslide-prone sections and fewer settlements.
Day 07: Trek Shree Kharka → Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m)

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~9 km

Important Notes:

  1. Risky trail

  2. Early start recommended

  3. Cold weather

  4. Stay alert

  5. Lodge stay

➡️ Continue along a challenging trail with steep cliffs and rocky sections. Reach Tilicho Base Camp and prepare for the lake visit.
Day 08: Visit Tilicho Lake & Return to Shree Kharka

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes:

  1. Early hike

  2. High altitude

  3. Cold conditions

  4. Stunning lake

  5. Return safely

➡️ Early morning hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes. Enjoy breathtaking views before returning.
Day 09: Trek Shree Kharka → Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes:

  1. Rejoin main trail

  2. Moderate trek

  3. Alpine landscape

  4. Hydration

  5. Lodge stay

➡️ Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail and continue toward Yak Kharka through alpine terrain.
Day 10: Trek Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~8 km

Important Notes:

  1. Short trek

  2. Prepare for pass

  3. Rest early

  4. Stay warm

  5. Hydration

You'll descend towards Jomsom, a windswept town in the Mustang district. You'll witness the dramatic change in landscapes as you venture into the arid and desert-like terrain and explore the town and head towards Tatopani Hotspring where you’ll take a dip into Natural Hotspring to rejuvenate yourself. Overnight stay will be in Tatopani.
Day 11: Cross Thorong La Pass → Muktinath (3,800 m)

Duration: 7–8 hours
Distance: ~15 km

Important Notes:

  1. Early start

  2. High altitude

  3. Cold

  4. Long descent

  5. Slow pace

You will be driven from Tatopani to Pokhara and enjoy the mountain views. You will relax and unwind thinking about the incredible journey you have completed in Pokhara. Congratulations! You've completed your dream adventure.
Day 12: Drive Muktinath → Tatopani (1,200 m)

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~100 km

Important Notes:

  1. Jeep drive

  2. Rough road

  3. Hot springs

  4. Relax

  5. Lodge stay

➡️ Drive through the Kali Gandaki valley to Tatopani, famous for hot springs.
Day 13: Trek Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,850 m)

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~17 km

Important Notes:

  1. Long climb

  2. Forest trail

  3. Moderate difficulty

  4. Scenic views

  5. Lodge stay

Trek uphill through forests to Ghorepani.
Day 14: Poon Hill Sunrise & Trek to Tadapani

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes:

  1. Sunrise view

  2. Scenic trail

  3. Forest walk

  4. Easy trek

  5. Lodge stay

Early hike to Poon Hill, then trek to Tadapani.
Day 15: Trek Tadapani → Ghandruk → Drive to Pokhara

Duration: 4–5 hrs trek + 2 hrs drive
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes:

  1. Easy descent

  2. Cultural village

  3. Scenic drive

  4. Relax

  5. Hotel stay

Descend to Ghandruk village and drive to Pokhara.
Day 16: Drive/Fly Pokhara → Kathmandu & Departure

Duration: 25 min flight / 6–7 hrs drive
Distance: ~200 km

Important Notes:

  1. Return travel

  2. Buffer time

  3. Departure prep

  4. Document check

  5. End of trip

Return to Kathmandu and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.

Itinerary

  • Airport pickup & drop-off

  • Hotel in Kathmandu (BB basis)

  • Transportation (Kathmandu–Besisahar–Chame & Jomsom–Pokhara–Kathmandu)

  • All meals during trek (B/L/D)

  • Professional trekking guide

  • Porter service

  • ACAP permit & TIMS

  • Accommodation during trek

  • First aid kit

Package Include

  • International airfare

  • Nepal visa fee

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Personal trekking gear

  • Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot shower, drinks)

  • Tips for guide and porter

  • Emergency rescue & evacuation

Package Exclude

All Inclusive Price

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