Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
5(49)
13-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Itinerary
Follow our carefully planned itinerary, which covers the complete Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, including daily walking hours, overnight stops, major highlights, and gradual altitude gain for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400 m/4,600 ft
Hotel
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to your Hotel. You can explore the city & enjoy vibrant culture. In the evening, meet your guide for a trek briefing and prepare for the adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive to Chame
2,650m(8,092ft)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tea House
8-10 Hours
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 is approximately 238-240 km, 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. Overnight stay in Chame.
Day 03: Trek to Pisang
3,200m/10,531ft
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tea House
4-5 hours
Having an early breakfast in Chame, we’ll trek to Pisang, following the Marshyangdi River through pine forests and traditional villages such as 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.
Day 04: Trek to Manang via Upper Pisang
3,540 m/11,300 ft
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea House
6-7 hours
Leaving Pisang, the trail follows the higher route toward Manang, offering some of the finest mountain scenery of the entire Annapurna Circuit. You’ll pass through Ghyaru, Humde, and Braga (Bhraka), where Tibetan culture remains deeply rooted in daily life, with ancient monasteries, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags dotted throughout. The gradual climb rewards trekkers with panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the wide Manang Valley below. As you descend toward Manang, the landscape transforms into a dramatic high-altitude desert surrounded by towering Himalayan giants.
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.
Note: Trekkers can choose the beautiful high route via Ngawal while heading toward Manang, offering spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and the entire Manang Valley. Compared to the lower route, this section provides more dramatic mountain scenery and a truly authentic Himalayan experience.
Manang – Gateway to the High Himalayas
Manang is a serene alpine village perched at 3,540 meters, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Annapurna ... Read More
Day 05: Acclimatization in Manang
3,519m/11,545ft
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Tea House
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.
Day 06: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
4,150m/13,615ft
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Tea House
6-7 hours
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. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 07: Hike to Tilicho Lake and Trek to Siri Kharka
4,919 m/16,138 ft
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tea House
6-8 hours
Early morning, we trek to Tilicho Lake, a pristine high-altitude lake glimmering under the sun, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours. 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.
Don’t forget to explore the nearby ridges, streams, and prayer walls, and peek into the small alpine villages like Khangsar and Dhonka.
Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of about 4,919 ... Read More
Day 08: Trek to Letdar
4,230m/13,878ft
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Tea House
4-5 hours
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.
Day 09: Trek to High Camp
4,800m/15,748ft
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Tea House
3-4 hours
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.
Day 10: Cross Thorong La Pass, Trek to Muktinath, and Continue to Jomsom
5,416m/17,769ft
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tea House
8-10 hours
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.
Thorong La Pass: The Pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Altitude: 5,416 meters (17,769 ft)Location: Between Manang and Mustang regions, Annapurna Massif, NepalDifficulty: Strenuous high-altitude pass Overview:Thorong La ... Read More
Muktinath Temple
Location: Muktinath Valley, Mustang region, NepalAltitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 ft)Significance: Important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists Muktinath ... Read More
Day 11: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara
822m/2,697ft
Breakfast
Hotel
7-8 hours
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.
Once in Pokhara, you can finally relax and enjoy the comforts of lakeside life. Stroll around Phewa Lake, sip coffee in cozy cafes, 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.
Optional: You can also choose the scenic flight option, which is a short and thrilling ride offering aerial views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) before landing in Pokhara.
Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
1,400m/4,600ft
Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Hotel
6-7 hours
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.
Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu
Breakfast
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.
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Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- Airport transfers (arrival/departure) by private car
- 2 nights in Kathmandu & 1 night in Pokhara at 3-star hotels (Twin sharing, with breakfast)
- Kathmandu to Besisahar by sharing Hiace, Besisahar to Chame by Jeep Sharing
- All meals during the trek (B/L/D with tea/coffee)
- Best available lodges during trekking
- 1 Licensed English-speaking guide (including salary, insurance, accommodation)
- An additional guide will be provided for every group of 5 trekkers
- Bold Himalaya either cap or T-shirt
- Sleeping bag, down jacket & trekking poles (for use)
- Essential first-aid kit including oximeter
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) & TIMS Card
- Muktinath to Jomsom to Pokhara sharing bus
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist Bus
- One cultural farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All applicable government and local taxes
- International Airfare
- Tips for guide and porter
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Items not mentioned in the inclusions
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Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek Map
Navigate Your Journey
Good to Know before you trek
Read this essential practical advice, and important information that help you prepare for a safe, comfortable, and memorable trekking experience.
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
2 ImagesThe best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the autumn and spring seasons.
Autumn (September-November): The most popular trekking season, offering crisp skies, dry trails, excellent visibility, and comfortable trekking conditions.
Spring (March-May): One of the best seasons for the trek. Enjoy mild temperatures, blooming rhododendron forests, clear mountain views, and stable weather.
These seasons offer the best visibility of Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass, as well as ideal trekking conditions.
Winter (December to February): Suitable for experienced trekkers. Although the trek is possible in winter, heavy snowfall around Tilicho Lake and high passes like Thorong La can make the journey more challenging.
Monsoon (June to August): Generally not recommended due to frequent rain, slippery trails, landslides in the lower sections, and limited mountain views. However, the rain-shadow areas of Manang receive less rainfall than other parts of the Annapurna region.
Images
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Difficulty
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is typically rated as moderate to difficult. This trek is a fantastic high-altitude trek that demands excellent fitness levels and adequate acclimatization.
You should expect to walk for 5-8 hours per day, and on some tougher days, steep and rocky paths, and crossing Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and Thorong La pass (5,416 m), which makes it more difficult than a usual Annapurna Circuit.
Accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is mainly in traditional teahouses and mountain lodges. They give a warm and comfortable place to rest after each day’s trek, with facilities becoming more basic as you gain altitude.
What to Expect
- Teahouse accommodation is available throughout the route, from the lower villages to the higher settlements.
- Twin-sharing rooms with simple beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets are the standard option.
- Shared bathrooms are common, while attached bathrooms are available only in some lower-elevation villages.
- Dining halls are warm and cozy, often heated by a central stove during the evenings.
- During the peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn), booking in advance is recommended as teahouses can fill up quickly.
Overall, while the accommodation is simple rather than luxurious, it provides everything needed for a comfortable and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.
Transportation
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake combines scenic road journeys with trekking through the Himalayas. Our journey begins with a drive by shared vehicle from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar and ends with a return from Jomsom to Pokhara by flight or road, followed by travel back to Kathmandu.
Private jeeps, domestic flights, and helicopter services are also available and can be customized depending on your itinerary and preferences.
Meals during Trek
Throughout the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, meals are served at local teahouses along the trail. You’ll find a variety of freshly prepared Nepali, Tibetan, and international dishes to keep you energized each day.
Popular options include dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, pasta, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, porridge, and hot drinks. While the menu becomes simpler at higher elevations, it still provides nutritious and filling meals for the trek.
Nepal Visa Process
Most foreign nationals can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at designated land border crossings. You can also apply for a visa in advance through a Nepali embassy or consulate in your country.
Visa Requirements
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- A completed visa application form.
- One recent passport-sized photograph (if required).
- Visa fee payable in a major foreign currency (USD is commonly accepted).
Tourist Visa Fees
- 15 Days: USD 30
- 30 Days: USD 50
- 90 Days: USD 125
You can also complete the online visa application before your arrival to save time at the airport. Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling, as regulations and fees may change.
Preparation for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake
Preparing your body before the trek will make the journey safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake involves long days of hiking, steep ascents and descents, so building endurance and strength is essential.
- Build cardiovascular fitness through walking, running, cycling, or swimming.
- Strengthen your legs and core with squats, lunges, step-ups, and planks.
- Practice hiking on uneven and uphill trails.
- Train with a backpack to get used to carrying weight.
- Increase endurance for 5-8 hours of walking each day.
- Improve flexibility with regular stretching or yoga.
- Wear in your trekking boots before the trek to prevent blisters.
- Stay active consistently for at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated during your training.
Allow proper acclimatization during the trek to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Facilities during Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
Electricity
Electricity is available in most teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit. Charging electronic devices is possible, although a small additional fee is usually charged, especially at higher elevations.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Network
Wi-Fi is available in many villages for an extra cost, while mobile network coverage is provided by local operators in most areas. However, connections become weaker and less reliable as you gain altitude.
Hot Showers
Most teahouses offer hot showers for an additional fee. The availability and water temperature may vary, particularly in remote villages and at higher elevations.
ATM Services
ATMs are available in larger towns such as Besisahar, Chame, and Jomsom. Since ATM services are limited or unavailable in remote villages, it is recommended to carry enough cash before starting the trek.
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is available for purchase at teahouses or refill stations. Carrying a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a filter is recommended to reduce plastic waste.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek due to its remote location and high altitude. Your policy should cover trekking up to 5,416 meters (the elevation of Thorong La Pass), emergency medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation, as rescue costs in the Himalayas can be very expensive.
It is also beneficial to have coverage for trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, and personal belongings. Before starting the trek, carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact details.
FAQs of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek
Your Questions, Answered
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake?
It’s a moderately to highly challenging trek due to high altitudes (Tilicho Lake 4,919 m, Thorong La Pass 5,416 m). Proper acclimatization in Manang and good fitness are essential.
How many days does the trek take?
Typically 13 days, depending on the route and side treks like Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) or Gangapurna Lake.
Do I need a guide or porter?
While it is not mandatory, a licensed guide is strongly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insights. Porters can carry your gear for extra comfort.
What is the highest point of the trek?
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) is the highest point of the trek, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
What permits are required for the trek?
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?
Yes. Since the trek reaches Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), there is a risk of altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a gradual ascent help reduce the risk.
Which is better: Tilicho Lake or Ice Lake?
Tilicho Lake: Highest, stunning, requires an overnight stay at base camp.
Ice Lake (Kicho Tal): Shorter day-hike, great for acclimatization and mountain views.
When is the best time to trek?
Can beginners do the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake?
Yes, beginners with good physical fitness and adequate preparation can complete the trek. Regular cardio exercise and some hiking experience before the trip are highly recommended.
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