Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake Trek
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and adventurous journeys, combining the world-renowned Annapurna Circuit with an excursion to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft)—the highest-altitude lake in the world. This trek offers trekkers the perfect balance of cultural immersion, natural diversity, and high-Himalayan adventure.
Starting from the lush Marsyangdi Valley, the trail gradually ascends through subtropical forests, terraced fields, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung and Manangi villages before entering the arid landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan region, influenced by Tibetan culture.
The highlight of the journey is the detour to Tilicho Lake, a turquoise alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped giants like Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Nilgiri. After visiting the lake, the trail rejoins the classic Annapurna Circuit, leading towards the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft)—one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Crossing this pass rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, before descending into the spiritual valley of Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
The trek further explores the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, with contrasting landscapes of arid deserts, apple orchards, and ancient monasteries, before concluding in the lower Mustang or Jomsom regi
on.
Highlights
- Cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) with panoramic Himalayan views
- Visit Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes
- Explore traditional villages: Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang, Siri Kharka, Yak Kharka, Jomsom
- Trek through alpine meadows, rocky ridges, pine forests, and barren landscapes
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple (Hindu & Buddhist significance)
- Stunning views of Annapurna I, II, III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Machhapuchhre
- Stay in authentic teahouses and lodges along the trail
- Acclimatization days included for safe altitude gain.
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Tilicho Lake
- 13 days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- -
- -
- 5,416m
- -
- -
Best Season
Autumn (September – November) → BEST Clear skies post-monsoon → stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, and Thorong La. Pleasant temperatures: warm days (10–20°C lower altitudes, 0–10°C higher altitudes), cool nights. Stable weather with minimal rainfall and landslide risk. Popular trekking season → trails busy in Manang and Thorong La region. Spring (March – May) → SECOND BEST Rhododendron forests bloom beautifully in lower Annapurna valleys (Chame, Pisang). Long daylight hours for trekking; moderate temperatures. Afternoon haze may slightly obscure mountain views. Winter (December – February) Crisp clear skies, fewer trekkers. Very cold nights at high altitudes (down to -15°C near Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong La). Some higher trails may be blocked by snow. Monsoon (June – August) Lush green landscapes and waterfalls. Not recommended → slippery trails, leeches, landslides, and cloud-covered mountain views.
Inclusions
- All land transportation: Kathmandu ↔ Besisahar / Pokhara ↔ Kathmandu
- 3 meals/day during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Lodges/teahouse accommodation during trek
- Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Licensed English-speaking guide & porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Salaries, insurance, meals, equipment for staff
- Trekking permits: Annapurna Conservation Area & TIMS card
- First-aid kit & oximeter
Tour Plan
Drive Kathmandu → Besisahar (800m) – ~7 hrs
- Altitude: 800 m / 2,625 ft
- Drive Duration: ~7 hours
- Scenic drive via Prithvi Highway
- Views of Trishuli River, terraced fields
- Overnight at Besisahar
Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300m) – 5–6 hrs
- Breakfast in Chame
- Trek 5–6 hrs via Bhartang and Dhukur Pokhari
- Lunch at Dhukur Pokhari
- Views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, pine forests
- Dinner at teahouse
- Overnight in Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540m) – 6–7 hrs via Ghyaru & Ngawal
- Breakfast with mountain views
- Trek 6–7 hrs on high route via Ghyaru & Ngawal
- Lunch at Ngawal
- Panoramic views of Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna
- Dinner at Manang lodge
- Overnight in Manang (3,540m)
Acclimatization in Manang
- Breakfast
- Optional hike to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake
- Lunch in Manang
- 👁 Explore Manang village, monasteries, Chorten
- Acclimatization and light walk
- Dinner
- Overnight in Manang
Manang → Siri Kharka (4,060m) – 4–5 hrs
- Breakfast in Manang
- Trek 4–5 hrs along rocky trails
- Lunch at Khangsar
- View of Tilicho Peak, Himalayan blue sheep, alpine forests
- Dinner
- Overnight in Siri Kharka (4,060m)
- Breakfast at Siri Kharka
- Trek 4–5 hrs on narrow and landslide-prone trail
- Packed lunch or hot meal at Base Camp
- Rocky cliffs, glaciers, barren alpine terrain
- Dinner at Tilicho Base Camp
- Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)
- Early morning hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) – 3 hrs
- Breakfast or tea at lake viewpoint
- Spend time at one of the world’s highest lakes
- Packed lunch or hot meal on return
- Return to Siri Kharka (3–4 hrs)
- Dinner at
- Overnight in Siri Kharka
- Breakfast
- Trek 5–6 hrs via Khangsar and Gunsang
- Lunch at Gunsang
- View of Annapurna III, high-altitude pasturelands
- Dinner
- Overnight in Yak Kharka (4,050m)
- Breakfast at Yak Kharka
- Trek 4–5 hrs
- Lunch at Phedi or High Camp
- Rocky landscape, snowy ridgelines, herders’ huts
- Dinner
- Overnight in Thorong Phedi (4,450m) or High Camp (4,880m)
- Start early (around 4 AM)
- Long 7–9 hr trek over Thorong La (5,416m)
- Breakfast/snacks at pass; lunch at Chabarbu
- Stunning mountain views, snowfields, prayer flags at pass
- Visit Muktinath Temple (sacred to Hindus & Buddhists)
- Dinner
- Overnight in Muktinath (3,760m)
- Breakfast
- Trek 4–5 hrs or drive by jeep (optional)
- Lunch in Kagbeni or Jomsom
- Views of Mustang region, Kali Gandaki gorge
- Dinner at Jomsom
- Overnight in Jomsom (2,720m)
- Breakfast
- Morning Drive / flight to Pokhara
- Lunch at Lakeside
- Relax or enjoy a massage after the trek
- Dinner at Lakeside restaurant
- Overnight in Pokhara (822m)
- Breakfast at hotel
- Drive or fly back to Kathmandu
- Lunch en route or in Kathmandu
- Trip ends — farewell or optional overnight in Kathmandu