Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Altitude

2,650m(8,092ft)

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Drive Duration

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.

Altitude

3,200m/10,531ft

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Duration

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.

Altitude

3,540 m/11,300 ft

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Duration

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, dotted with ancient monasteries, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags. 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. The trail passes through traditional Himalayan villages rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls along the way. Compared to the lower route, this section provides more dramatic mountain scenery and a truly authentic Himalayan experience.

Altitude

3,519m/11,545ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation

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.

Altitude

4,150m/13,615ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Duration

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.

Altitude

4,919 m/16,138 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Duration

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.

Altitude

4,230m/13,878ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Duration

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.

Altitude

4,800m/15,748ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Duration

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.

Altitude

5,416m/17,769ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Tea House

Duration

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.

Altitude

822m/2,697ft

Meal

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Duration

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 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.

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

Altitude

1,400m/4,600ft

Meal

Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel

Duration

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.

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.