The Annapurna Circuit trek combined with a visit to Tilicho Lake ranks among the finest Himalayan adventures, blending the classic Annapurna route with the striking beauty of Tilicho Lake. Over 17 days, trekkers are treated to breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences, passing through traditional villages of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities. The journey features alpine meadows, dramatic valleys, and a traverse along the Kali Gandaki Valley, offering a diverse and immersive mountain experience.
Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
Moderate to Challenging
5,416 m
Private Tourist Vehicle, Tourist Bus & Domestic Flight
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, marking the start of a trek that passes through Chame, Upper Pisang, Ngawal, and Manang—key stops for acclimatization before venturing off to Tilicho Lake at 4,920 meters. After taking in the stunning alpine scenery of the lake, the route reconnects with the Annapurna Circuit, leading to Thorong Phedi and onward across the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), where panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges unfold.
From the pass, the trail descends to the sacred Muktinath Temple and continues to Jomsom. Travelers can choose a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, followed by a drive back to Kathmandu, concluding the trek. Along the way, the trip offers close encounters with snow-draped peaks, centuries-old monasteries, and the rich traditions of Himalayan communities. The landscape shifts dramatically—from lush subtropical forests to the rugged, arid terrain of the high desert—with sweeping vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and other towering summits.
Key Highlights
- Explore Tilicho Lake, among the world’s highest alpine lakes.
- Cross Thorong La, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit.
- Discover Tibetan-style monasteries and immerse in local culture in Manang, Ngawal, Chame, and Muktinath.
- Spend a full acclimatization day in Manang, nestled amid towering Himalayan peaks.
- Witness diverse landscapes, from subtropical woodlands to high-altitude deserts.
- Visit Muktinath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Enjoy breathtaking mountain views throughout the trek.
- Experience a scenic road journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara through Nepal’s central hills.
- Take an optional mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering aerial views of the Himalayas.
- Engage with the warm hospitality and distinct cultures of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in the capital city Kathmandu (1,400m), you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel where you can freshen up. Later in the afternoon, you will have some free time to wander around Thamel before briefing about your trek and its preparation.
Leave Kathmandu early in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills, river valleys and traditional villages to Dharapani, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Spend your first night in the Himalayas.
Overnight: Guesthouse, Dharapani
Drive duration: 9-11 hrs
Day hike through pine and rhododendron forests and across suspension bridges to Chame, the administrative center of the Manang District.
Overnight: Guesthouse, Chame
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Follow the Marsyangdi River through dramatic valleys and alpine forests to Upper Pisang. Marvel at the sight of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and other Himalayan giants. Overnight at a Guesthouse in Upper Pisang.
Distance: 6-7 hrs
Take the more scenic upper route through traditional villages, ancient monasteries and open ridges with great views over the valley towards the charming village of Ngawal.
Overnight: Guesthouse, Ngawal
Duration: 4–5 hours
Descend to the historic monastery village of Bhraka, then continue on to Manang, an ancient settlement nestled in a high-altitude basin ringed by towering mountain peaks. Here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in traditional Himalayan life. Spend the night in a local guesthouse in Manang.
Duration: 4–5 hours
Elevation: 3,540 meters
Spend the day adjusting to the increasing elevation as you take in scenic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and other nearby Himalayan summits. This rest day allows your body to acclimatize properly before moving forward. You'll spend the night in Manang.
Guesthouse, Manang
Duration: Acclimatization day
Depart Manang on a gently rising trail leading to Shree Kharka, traversing scenic alpine landscapes and crossing striking mountain passes en route to the Tilicho area.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Shree Kharka
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Proceed along the rugged mountain path, where dramatic cliff vistas unfold, until you reach the junction leading to the well-known detour for Tilicho Lake—the trail to Tilicho Base Camp.
Overnight: Guesthouse at Tilicho Base Camp
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
The early morning hike to the beautiful Tilicho lake (4920m) one of the highest alpine lake in the world followed by returning back to the Tilicho base camp for overnight stay after enjoying the spectacular views of the lake.
Overnight: Guesthouse, Tilicho Base Camp
Duration: 6–7 hours
Depart from Tilicho Base Camp and follow the Annapurna Circuit trail back toward Yak Kharka, where you'll stay at a local guesthouse. Along the way, expansive high-altitude terrain unfolds, offering stunning vistas that set the stage for the upcoming challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Yak Kharka
Hiking duration: 7 to 8 hours
Continue ascending the hillside toward Thorong Phedi, the final stop before crossing the pass. Pace yourself during the climb and use the time to prepare for the most challenging section of the trek.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Thorong Phedi
Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours
Crossing Thorong La Pass, the trek’s highest point at 5,416 meters, demands an early departure. The route then leads downhill to Muktinath, a site held sacred by numerous pilgrims.
Overnight: Guesthouse
Duration: 8–9 hours
Spend the morning discovering the sacred Muktinath area before driving to Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang region.
Overview
Overnight: Guesthouse, Jomsom
Duration: 1 hour drive
Begin your day with a scenic morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and spend the rest of the day unwinding by Phewa Lake and exploring the charming attractions of this picturesque city.
Overview
Overnight: 3-star Hotel in Pokhara
Flight Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, taking in the scenic landscapes of rivers, hills, and countryside along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening as your final time in Nepal.
Overnight: 3-star Hotel, Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400m
Travel time: 7–9 hours by road
Alternative: 30-minute flight option available
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek to a memorable conclusion.
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Reaching Tilicho Lake (4,920m) is a highlight of the trek—one of the world’s highest alpine lakes. Nestled among towering peaks, it stands as a major attraction in the Annapurna region.
Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) offers an exceptional experience, with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. As one of Nepal’s highest mountain passes, it draws trekkers from around the world.
Spending a day acclimatizing in Manang village allows time to take in breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna while adjusting to the altitude.
A visit to Muktinath Temple presents a unique cultural and spiritual opportunity—it is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Located amidst high mountains, it is regarded as one of the holiest places in the Himalayas.
An optional 30-minute scenic flight over the Annapurna and Mustang regions provides unforgettable aerial views before landing in Pokhara. A brief transfer from Pokhara to Jomsom also offers excellent vistas of the surrounding mountain landscapes.
The trek traverses diverse landscapes, including lush forests, alpine meadows, rugged rocky terrain, high-altitude deserts, traditional Himalayan settlements, and glacial zones.
Along the route, trekkers can explore traditional settlements of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities, such as Chame, Upper Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, and Muktinath.
Throughout the journey, there are outstanding views of major peaks including Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and numerous other Himalayan summits.
The trip combines comfortable hotel stays in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara with overnight accommodation in well-maintained guesthouses along the trail.
It is recommended for hikers who are fittest as hiking trails are high altitude along with a long trekking and Thorong La Pass crossing.
The highest elevation reached is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters above sea level.
Tilicho Lake sits at an altitude of 4,920 meters, ranking among the world’s highest alpine lakes.
Yes, a full day is set aside for acclimatization in Manang to help adjust to the altitude.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll stay in 3-star hotels. During the trek, accommodations consist of clean and comfortable guesthouses.
All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included in the tour package.
You will need both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card to complete this trek.
The ideal months are March to May and September to November, when weather conditions and visibility are most favorable.
Key highlights include Tilicho Lake, crossing Thorong La Pass, visiting Muktinath and its temple, exploring Manang Village, and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
After Muktinath, the journey continues with a drive to Jomsom, followed by a flight to Pokhara and then a tourist bus ride back to Kathmandu.
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