Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek 16 Days

Trip Facts
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max. Altitude 5,416 m
  • Trip Style Adventure
  • Trip Type Solo or Group
  • Best Time Spring & Autumn

Highlights

  • Scenic drive to Besisahar

  • Explore Barge monastery on the way to Manang village

  • Hike to Gangapurna Lake

  • Trek through lush forests and pastures

  • Witness the lifestyle of locals while passing by beautiful villages

  • Explore the second highest lake in Nepal, Tilicho Lake

  • Cross the challenging Thorong La pass

  • Get a blessing at Muktinath Temple

  • Walk alongside Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world

  • Spend a night in picturesque Jomsom village

  • Witness breathtaking western Himalayan mountains views and tempting landscapes throughout the trail

"Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek combines two jewels of the western Himalayas, the Thorong La pass and the Tilicho Lake. Explore the picturesque village, lush forests, beautiful valleys, deep gorges, gorgeous waterfalls, green pastures, and a high pass on this adventurous trek."

​​Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is the ultimate trek in the Annapurna region that not only crosses the highest pass in the Himalayas, Thorong La but also takes you to the second-highest lake in Nepal, Tilicho. You get to explore the two gems of the Annapurna region and also get to visit the pilgrimage site Muktinath. It is a 16 days long trek that ascends through lush forests and beautiful villages to green pastures and a high pass.

This trek is suited for trekkers who are fit and can endure the steep trail & high altitude. You'll be walking inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, the trail is rich in flora and fauna. Trekking through the lush forests of rhododendron, bamboo, fir, pine, etc, you walk alongside rivers and cross thirling suspension bridges. The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking route is very impressive in terms of mountain views too.

We spend nights in the remote mountain villages. Annapurna region is home to many communities of Nepal. Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek 16 days offers a great opportunity to witness the lifestyle of the mountain people and see their rich cultural heritage. The locals are very welcoming, so you'll have a great time talking with them.

Mountains & Other Wonders of the Annapurna region

From lush green hills to barren hills and numerous snow-capped mountains keep you company during the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek. Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), etc are some of the mountains seen along the way.

The landscape changes at every turn of the trail. The soothing mountain air, teeming forests, chirping of birds, and serenity of the trail will leave you in awe. Manang village (3,519 m), Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), Thorong La pass (5,416 m), Muktinath (3,750 m), and Jomsom (2,743 m) are some major highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.

The trail from Muktinath goes along the deepest gorge of the world, Kali Gandaki gorge, and passes by stunning white-washed houses, narrow alleys & apple orchards to Jomsom. The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is amazing too, thanks to the breathtaking aerial panorama of the Himalayas mountains.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek route

Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The following day, we’ll drive to Chame and begin trekking towards Pisang. Following the Upper Pisang Trail via Geru, we head towards Manang village. Our first rest day is in Manang village. This village has many services like WiFi, cafes, souvenir shops, nice lodges, and an old cinema hall that only plays one movie.

Leaving Manang, we ascend to Khangsar and continue trekking toward Tilicho Base Camp. Depending upon the weather, you may have to walk on snow to reach Tilicho Lake. Surrounded by giant mountains, the scenery at this lake is phenomenal. From here, we follow the further high trail to Thorong La pass via Yak Kharka. We walk on grassy pastures to the steep, rocky uphill paths to reach the top of the pass.

The trail from the pass descends to Muktinath Temple. It is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. We walk alongside Kali Gandaki Gorge and reach the last destination of the journey, Jomsom. A short flight from here takes us to Pokhara, where we spend the night and drive back to Kathmandu the next day.

Difficulty

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a strenuous trek. You cross the most challenging pass in Nepal that requires proper guidance and strong physical fitness. Not only that, reaching Tilicho Lake itself tests your endurance to thin air and limited food options. The terrain is rough and steep. The trekkers have to walk 6 hours a day on average. So, Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek is best for experienced trekkers.

Altitude Sickness

This trek goes above 5,000 metres. You spend multiple days above 2,500 metres, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is given in high-altitude journeys when the body of the traveller does not acclimate properly. So, we have a rest day in Manang and do not ascend more than 500 metres a day.

Our Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary lessens the risk of altitude sickness, but you never know how your body reacts to drastic changes in the environment. So, we recommend you get a prescribed medicine for altitude sickness from your doctor and carry it while trekking.

Preparation

Your preparation for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking should involve a lot of physical training. You do not have to do anything in advance. Regular walking or some hikes before the beginning of the trek will be sufficient. Similarly, you can work out focusing on your core strength, endurance, and stamina.

Booking

To book Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek for 2022/2023, gets in touch with our team. You can do booking directly through our safe channels on the website or call/text us for in-person assistance.

Check out these other adventurous, challenging treks in the Himalayas- Three Passes Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, etc.

Trip Itinerary

 

This is a recommended itinerary. You can always make your own trip plan as per your interest and budget. 
 
  • Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 2:Drive to Besisahar
  • Day 3:Drive to Chame
  • Day 4:Trek to Pisang
  • Day 5:Trek to Manang
  • Day 6:Acclimatisation day at Manang village
  • Day 7:Trek to Khangsar Village
  • Day 8:Trekking to Tilicho Base Camp
  • Day 9:Trek to Tilicho Lake and back down to Tilicho Base Camp
  • Day 10:Trek to Yak Kharka
  • Day 11:Trek to Thorong Phedi
  • Day 12:Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong La pass
  • Day 13:Trek to Jomsom
  • Day 14:Morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom or drive to Pokhara
  • Day 15:Drive or fly back to Kathmandu

We have airport pick up and drop service included in our package cost. Our team members will receive you at the international airport and drop you at the designated hotel. In the late evening, you meet with the rest of the core team over a welcome dinner. We take some time to prepare for the trek and end the day.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the hotel
  • MealsWelcome dinner

Duration: 6-7 hours

From Kathmandu, it's a long but comfortable drive to Besisahar. During the drive, you can see lush green hills, rivers, waterfalls, beautiful terraced fields, and small settlement areas. You'll spend the remaining day in Besisahar. We recommend you explore the market and just have lots of rest. You can see a fine view of Lamjung Himal from Besisahar.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude760 m

 

Duration: 5 hours

After having a warm breakfast, we drive to Chame. The drive is short and goes along the foothills. The route can get a little bumpy sometimes. The views of green hills, terraced fields, and snow-capped mountains are fantastic along the way.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,610 m

 

Duration: 5 hours

We begin the trek from Chame to Upper Pisang. The trail ascends along a narrow valley. We'll soon come across a huge rock called Paungda Danda Rock Face rising 1,500 metres from the Marshyangdi River. On the way, we get to see stunning views of Pisang peak and Annapurna II. The trail then descends to the Manang Valley floor, and we eventually reach Pisang village.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,300 m

Duration: 5-6 hours

From Pisang, we follow an upper trail that goes through Geru to Manang village. Mountains like Annapurna II-IV, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, etc are seen along the way. The trail gradually ascends and passes by the ancient Barge monastery before reaching Manang village.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,540 m

We’ll spend a rest day in Manang today. It's needed for acclimatisation. We have the option to hike to Gangapurna Lake (Ice-Lake). The hike lets us adjust to the elevation and offers breathtaking views of Chulu Peak, Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, etc. Later, we visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village and explore Manang.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner

 

Duration: 4 hours

We continue trekking towards Kjangsar. Following the upper route, we reach a river. Crossing the river, we trek through coniferous forests. From here, there's a three-hour walk to Khangsar, which is a Tibetan village.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,756 m

 

Duration: 5 hours

After having breakfast, we ascend to Shiri Kharka (4,060 m), relishing wonderful views of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. From here, we ascend towards the Tilicho base camp, passing by landslide-prone areas. The trail is rugged and rocky. The views of the mountains are phenomenal on this day.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,150 m

 

Duration: 6 hours

Today, we reach the high alpine lake, Tilicho. From base camp, we follow a steep route to Tilicho Lake. Given the weather, the trail can be covered with snow. Upon reaching the lake, we can see the jaw-dropping view of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains like Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Peak. After spending some time here, we descend to base camp to spend the night.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,920 m

 

Duration: 5 hours

We’ll descend to Khangsar village, passing by Tare Gumba. Tare Gumba is a thousand-year-old monastery. We follow a rocky trail out of Khangsar that leads to Thorong Khola valley. Walking on pastures, we finally reach Yak Kharka to spend the night. Today, we may see blue sheep or a snow leopard (if we are extremely lucky).

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,060 m

The trail from Yak Kharka goes to Thorong Phedi. It's the last village before we cross the Thorong La pass. From Yak Khara, it's an uphill walk on a steep, rocky route to Thorong Phedi. The mountains we see are Gudang, Thorong Peak, and Khatungkan.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,525 m Duration: 5 hours

 

Duration: 8 hours

A big day today. We cross the challenging Thorong La pass. We begin walking towards the top of the pass around 3 am. We do so to avoid the strong week amidst mid-morning time. The route to the top is steep, however the striking mountain panorama from the top of the pass is worth all the challenges. From here, we descend to Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site. This temple is believed to be 2000 years old.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,416 m

Duration: 5 hours

From Muktinath, we walk alongside the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. The trail goes through white-washed houses and apple orchards. Compared to the last few days, it's a relatively gentle walk today.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,743 m

After breakfast, we take an early morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom. There is also the option to drive to Pokhara from Jomson. Either way, the route is very scenic. In Pokhara, we'll have the evening free to explore the Lakeside Market and enjoy the sunset at Phewa Lake.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the hotel
  • MealsBreakfast only

Duration: 6-7 hours drive

Today, we’ll drive back to Kathmandu. You can also opt for a short flight. In the evening, stroll in the narrow alleys of Thamel and do window shopping. We meet at the restaurant for a farewell dinner in the late evening.

 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & farewell dinner

It is our regular itinerary if you are looking for a personalized or planning an offline trip. Please, feel free to share our travel experts.

Trip Map

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek 16 Days map

Cost Details

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • Guide and porters.
  • All food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) in trekking.
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation.
  • Hot drinks (Tea and coffee) 3 times a day.
  • All land transportation.
  • TIMS (Trekking information Management System) card.
  • All require national park and entry Permit.
  • All food, drinks, Lodge, salary, Insurance, medical equipments, for guide and porters.
  • Sightseeing with guide and transport.
  • All government taxes.
  • Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and cold drinks), cigarettes, client’s personal insurance, any kind of unforeseen expenses.
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Tips for Guide and Porter (Tips are not compulsory but expected).

Essential Info

Best time

If you are planning to go on Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, then the best time will be spring and autumn. These two are the peak time to travel in the Himalayas and witness its unbelievable beauty. March to April and October to November are the months of these two seasons. The views will be clear from dusk till dawn.

Likewise, the weather remains stable most of the time with a moderate climate. There will be slight chillness in the air during mornings and nights with warm daytime. In spring, the average temperature ranges from 8 to 0 degrees C, whereas in autumn, the average temperature ranges from 20 to below 5 degrees C.

Trekking in the offseason, like winter and monsoon, is not a good idea. The trail gets risky with heavy snowfall or rainfall. Similarly, the views will not be clear, and the harsh cold makes survival tough. Also, the higher parts of routes may get blocked because of snowfall or landslides.

Accommodation

The accommodation during the trek is a basic teahouse. You will get more facilities in the lower elevation than in the tea houses situated at a higher altitude. As the elevation increases, everything gets scarce and expensive.

The teahouse offers twin-sharing rooms and a shared washroom. Single rooms are mostly not available, and even if you get one, it will be costly. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay overnight in a 3-star hotel or as per your budget.

Food

For meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trekking, you can choose as per your desire from the offered menu of the teahouse. You can expect things like toast, butter, jam, corn flakes, milk, oatmeal, cheese, porridge, eggs, pancakes, and fruits for breakfast.

Likewise, in lunch & dinner, you will mostly get dishes like dal bhat, veggies, meat, curries, tenduk, soups, etc. Dishes like macaroni, pizza, sandwich, and momo, are generally found at the lower elevation. Do know that with the increase in elevation, the menu will get limited.

Our Guides

During the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, you trek with our experienced guides. Our guides have mapped numerous trails in the Himalayas and are well certified. They have several years of expertise on the trail and are well aware of all the problems & solutions.

Moreover, our guides are locals of the remote Himalayan villages, which makes them a perfect accompaniment on the journey. They will brief you about the region, villages, villagers, and their lifestyles as well.

Child Policy

Annapurna Circuit Trek is very demanding for a kid. The trek involves walking on glacial and snowy paths. The elevation gain is high and might not be suitable for kids. If you believe your kid can do this trek with you, then contact us. We'll see what we can do.

Travel Insurance

Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake is a high elevation remote trip which requires travel insurance for your safety. It is necessary to have travel insurance covering emergency air evacuation and a medical bill to join this trek.

Likewise, we also recommend you add flight cancellation and loss or theft of property to your travel insurance. You cannot obtain travel insurance in Nepal. Therefore, get one in your country.

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