The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal's most spectacular Himalayan adventures, combining diverse landscapes, rich mountain culture, and unforgettable high-altitude experiences. The journey follows the classic Annapurna Circuit through lush forests, terraced hills, alpine valleys, and Tibetan-influenced villages before reaching the remarkable Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m. The trek continues toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the highest point of the journey, before descending to sacred Muktinath and traveling through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara. Along the way, trekkers experience traditional Gurung, Magar, Manangi, and Thakali communities and magnificent views of the Annapurna range.
A day-by-day breakdown of your journey through Annapurna Circuit + Tilicho Lake.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, enjoy refreshments and a short trek briefing covering the route, permits, accommodation, safety, and final preparations. Depending on your arrival time, explore the lively streets of Thamel or nearby cultural attractions. Take the evening to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast, drive toward Besisahar through scenic countryside, following rivers and passing terraced fields, hills, and rural settlements. After Besisahar, continue by local jeep along the mountain road toward Dharapani. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter the Marsyangdi Valley, surrounded by forested hills and mountains. The entire journey takes approximately 8–10 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. Overnight in Dharapani.
Begin trekking through pine and oak forests, passing the traditional villages of Bagarchhap and Danaque. The trail gradually climbs toward Timang, where clear weather may reveal impressive views of Lamjung Himal and surrounding peaks. Continue through peaceful forests and riverside landscapes before reaching Chame, the administrative center of Manang District. Enjoy views of Annapurna II and the pleasant atmosphere of this mountain settlement. Overnight in a teahouse.
The trail leads through pine forests and apple orchards before entering a dramatic narrow valley. Cross a suspension bridge and follow scenic mountain trails with impressive views of Paungda Danda and Annapurna II. As the valley opens, the landscape becomes drier and more alpine. Continue toward Upper Pisang, a picturesque village featuring traditional Tibetan-style architecture and magnificent mountain views. Overnight in a teahouse.
Take the scenic high trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal, offering spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak. After enjoying the mountain scenery, gradually descend toward the Manang Valley, passing small settlements and the Humde area. The landscape becomes increasingly dry and alpine as you approach Manang, an important cultural and trading center surrounded by dramatic Himalayan peaks. Overnight in a teahouse.
Spend an important acclimatization day in Manang before heading toward higher elevations. After breakfast, hike toward Ice Lake, reaching approximately 4,600 m. The steep ascent provides excellent high-altitude experience and spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, and surrounding peaks. After spending time at the lake, descend carefully to Manang and enjoy a relaxing evening. This active acclimatization day helps prepare you for Tilicho Lake and Thorong La. Overnight in Manang.
Leave Manang and follow the trail toward Khangsar Village through a dramatic Himalayan landscape. Continue along dry mountain slopes and rugged trails toward Tilicho Base Camp. The surroundings become increasingly barren and alpine as you gain elevation, with magnificent views of Annapurna and the surrounding peaks. The route provides a gradual transition into the high mountain environment and prepares you for the following day's challenging excursion to Tilicho Lake. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.
Start early for the challenging hike to Tilicho Lake at approximately 4,919 m. The trail climbs steadily through barren alpine terrain, rocky slopes, and high mountain landscapes. Upon reaching the lake, enjoy its spectacular turquoise waters surrounded by impressive Himalayan peaks. Spend some time taking in the scenery before retracing the trail back to Tilicho Base Camp. The round trip generally takes around 6–8 hours, depending on conditions and walking pace. Overnight at the base camp.
After breakfast, descend from Tilicho Base Camp and reconnect with the main Annapurna Circuit route. Depending on trail conditions, pass through Shree Kharka before continuing toward Yak Kharka. The landscape gradually changes from rugged mountain slopes to open alpine meadows where yaks and other livestock graze. This is a relatively long trekking day, but the changing scenery and spectacular mountain surroundings make it rewarding. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Continue gradually ascending through the high-altitude landscape toward Thorong Phedi, the staging point for crossing Thorong La Pass. The trail follows rugged mountain terrain with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. Depending on weather, trail conditions, and your physical condition, you may continue to Thorong High Camp, reducing the following day's ascent. Your guide will make the final decision based on safety and conditions. Overnight at Thorong Phedi or High Camp.
Start early for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Climb steadily toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. After reaching the pass, enjoy spectacular Himalayan views before beginning the long descent toward Muktinath. This sacred pilgrimage destination is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and offers a fascinating combination of natural beauty and spiritual heritage. Overnight in Muktinath.
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Jomsom and Marpha. Enjoy dramatic Trans-Himalayan landscapes, deep valleys, and traditional Thakali villages along the way. Continue by road toward Pokhara, gradually leaving the dry mountain environment behind. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax around the beautiful Lakeside area. Enjoy the evening at leisure after completing the challenging trekking section. Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Pokhara, Nepal's beautiful lakeside city. Early morning, visit Sarangkot for sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, weather permitting. Later, visit Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the International Mountain Museum. The remainder of the day is free for boating on Phewa Lake, shopping, walking around Lakeside, or simply relaxing after the trek. Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara Airport for a scenic flight to Kathmandu. Subject to weather conditions, enjoy beautiful aerial views of Nepal's hills and Himalayan landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may explore Thamel, purchase souvenirs, visit nearby attractions, or simply relax after the trek. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Your memorable Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled international flight. We hope you return home with wonderful memories of Nepal's Himalayan scenery, mountain communities, culture, and trekking experience.
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights)
Teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
English-speaking licensed trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS card
Kathmandu–Dharapani transportation by tourist/local vehicle as applicable
Muktinath–Pokhara transportation
Pokhara–Kathmandu domestic flight
Guide and porter insurance
Basic first-aid support
Trek completion certificate
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
Drinks and beverages
Personal expenses and shopping
Hot showers and charging fees where applicable
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Travel insurance, including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
Emergency evacuation and medical expenses
Nepal visa fees
Tips for guide, porter, and driver
International airfare
Any services not specifically mentioned under “Includes”
Trek through the spectacular and diverse Annapurna Circuit landscape.
Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the world's highest lakes.
Experience the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of Manang and Mustang.
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek.
Experience Gurung, Magar, Manangi, and Thakali cultures and mountain hospitality.
Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath and travel through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
This trek is available year-round — complete your details below and our team will contact you to confirm your preferred travel dates.
HEALTH & FITNESS: This trek requires good physical fitness because of long walking days, steep ascents, high altitude, and the Thorong La crossing. Regular walking, hiking, stair climbing, or cardiovascular exercise before departure is recommended. Consult your doctor about your fitness for high-altitude trekking and bring any regular medications you require. A personal first-aid kit is also recommended.
ALTITUDE & ACCLIMATIZATION: Altitude is an important consideration, with the itinerary reaching 5,416 m at Thorong La. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Manang with a hike to Ice Lake. Ascend gradually, maintain a comfortable pace, drink plenty of fluids, and inform your guide immediately if you experience headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, dizziness, or breathing difficulties. Never ignore worsening altitude symptoms.
WEATHER & CONDITIONS: Weather changes rapidly in the Annapurna region. Lower elevations can be warm, while higher areas are cold, windy, and potentially snowy. Conditions around Tilicho Lake and Thorong La can change quickly and may affect the itinerary. Flexible timing and the guide's safety decisions are essential, particularly during the high-altitude sections.
PACKING: Pack lightweight but warm and practical clothing, including thermal layers, trekking trousers, a warm jacket, gloves, sun hat, waterproof jacket, and comfortable trekking boots. A sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights is recommended. Carry a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, personal medicines, and a power bank. Keep your main luggage within the agreed porter-weight limit.
DAYPACK ESSENTIALS: Keep your daypack light and carry water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain protection, an extra warm layer, camera, personal medicines, and important documents. Your passport, permits, insurance details, and valuables should remain with you rather than in porter luggage. A comfortable daypack will make the long trekking days considerably easier.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT: Your trekking guide carries basic first-aid supplies and provides assistance throughout the journey. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended and should be arranged before departure. If serious altitude sickness, illness, or injury occurs, the trekking plan may be modified or descent arranged according to the guide's assessment and local conditions.
It is a challenging trek requiring good physical fitness. The main difficulties are long walking days, high altitude, the Tilicho Lake hike, and crossing Thorong La at 5,416 m.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Regular hiking and good physical preparation are important, and the trek should be undertaken with appropriate acclimatization and professional guidance.
The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. Tilicho Lake reaches approximately 4,919 m, while the acclimatization hike to Ice Lake reaches approximately 4,600 m.
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when conditions are generally favorable for trekking and mountain views. Weather can still change rapidly at high elevations.
You stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and local teahouses during the trek. Facilities become more basic at higher elevations, with hot showers, charging, and other services sometimes available for an additional fee.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Make sure your policy specifically covers trekking at elevations above 5,000 m.