Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your guide for a trek briefing. Enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your adventure officially begins today! After breakfast, you’ll drive from Kathmandu to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang and the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The journey takes about 9–10 hours, following a scenic route through Besisahar, Bhulbhule, Syange, and Dharapani. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced fields, roaring waterfalls, and the winding Marshyangdi River.

The road gradually climbs into the mountains, revealing beautiful landscapes of terraced hills, waterfalls, and pine forests. As you approach Chame, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.

Begin your trek from Chame, following the Marshyangdi River through pine forests and traditional villages like Bhratang and Dhikur Pokhari. Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and the striking Paungda Danda rock face before reaching Pisang, a beautiful village with stone houses and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.

Today’s trail from Upper Pisang to Manang is one of the most scenic sections of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. The route climbs gently through Ghyaru and Ngawal, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. You’ll pass through Humde and Braga (Bhraka), dotted with ancient monasteries, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags.

By afternoon, reach Manang village, the main acclimatization stop before Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass. Explore the local monastery, visit Gangapurna Lake, or relax at a cozy lodge and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

Highlights: Don’t rush! Stop in Ghyaru and Ngawal for tea, chat with locals, and enjoy the small monasteries along the way. Once in Manang, take some time to visit Gangapurna Lake and explore the village—it’s perfect for photos and soaking in Himalayan culture. Also, try local food like yak cheese or dal bhat; it really gives you energy for the next day.

Take a rest day in Manang, the key acclimatization hub on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. Spend this time exploring the village, and visit Braga Monastery, or take a walk to Gangapurna Lake. You can also make short excursions to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) or other viewpoints nearby—these include some nice walks and great views of Annapurna II, IV, and Tilicho Peak.

Today, you leave the main Annapurna Circuit Trek trail and head toward Tilicho Base Camp, the gateway to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)—one of the highest lakes in the world. The trek passes through rugged alpine landscapes, rocky ridges, and scattered villages like Khangsar and Dhonka, offering incredible views of Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and Annapurna II.

Along the way, take time to explore small chortens and prayer walls, enjoy the serenity of the Marshyangdi Valley, and spot local wildlife such as yaks and Himalayan birds. This stretch is also perfect for photography, capturing snow-capped peaks, glacial streams, and sweeping mountain panoramas.

An early start is essential. Trek up to Tilicho Lake, a pristine high-altitude lake glimmering under the sun. Feel the serenity as you stand at 4,919 m, one of the highest lakes in the world. Take photographs, soak in the views, and descend to Siri Kharka, passing glacial streams and alpine meadows. Overnight in Siri Kharka.

Tips: Don’t forget to explore the nearby ridges, streams, and prayer walls, and peek into the small alpine villages like Khangsar and Dhonka. Keep your camera ready for views of Tilicho Lake, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna.

Today, you trek from Siri Kharka to Letdar, a quiet high-altitude village. The trail goes through alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and small streams, with beautiful views of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna. Take breaks at viewpoints to enjoy the scenery and take photos. You may see yaks, birds, and local herders along the way. In the evening, relax at a cozy lodge, enjoy a warm meal, and get ready for tomorrow’s climb to High Camp.

Today, you trek to High Camp, the final stop before Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs steadily through rocky paths and sparse meadows, with spectacular views of Chulu West, Annapurna II, and nearby ridges. Take frequent breaks to acclimatize, enjoy the peaceful mountain environment, and prepare for the early morning pass crossing. Overnight at a lodge in High Camp, resting well for tomorrow’s big day.

Today is the highlight of the trek! You start very early from High Camp to climb Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, with Tilicho Lake. On the way, enjoy views of Thorong Peak, Yakawa Peak, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I & II, and surrounding snow-capped ridges.

After reaching the pass, descend through Thorong Phedi and Muktinath village, a sacred pilgrimage site with the famous Muktinath Temple and holy springs. Take time to explore the temple area and the local Mustang culture.

Continue your descent along the Kaligandaki Valley to Jomsom, passing through Marpha, famous for apple orchards, and Lete, known for traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. Overnight in a comfortable lodge in Jomsom, reflecting on your achievement of crossing one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

After breakfast in Jomsom, you’ll leave the windswept Mustang region and begin your journey back to the lush greenery of Pokhara. The drive winds through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, with views of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and scattered villages along the way.

If you choose the scenic flight option, it’s a short but thrilling ride offering aerial views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) before landing in Pokhara.

Once in Pokhara, you can finally relax and enjoy the comforts of lakeside life. Stroll around Phewa Lake, sip coffee in cozy cafés, or take a boat ride with the Annapurna peaks mirrored in the water. In the evening, celebrate your trek’s success with a hearty Nepali dinner or even live music at a lakeside restaurant.

This day is all about transition—from rugged mountain trails to the calm and laid-back atmosphere of Pokhara.

Note: Don’t miss sunrise at Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Also, do explore Muktinath Temple and stop at Marpha for apple orchards and Lete for traditional Tibetan-influenced culture. Moreover, take your time on the scenic descent to Jomsom and capture panoramic mountain views.

After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu along the scenic Prithvi Highway, passing rivers, terraced fields, and hillside villages. Alternatively, take a short flight with stunning aerial mountain views. In the evening, enjoy a farewell Nepali dinner with a cultural performance, celebrating the successful completion of your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home or onward journey. If you have extra time, you can explore more of Kathmandu’s cultural sites or join another adventure in Nepal.