Key Information:

  • Duration:18 Days
  • Style:Trekking
  • Group Size:1 - 10 People
  • Max Altitude:5416 meters
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Arrival City:Kathmandu
  • Meals:All meals included
  • Accomodation:Teahouse/Lodge
  • Attractions:Muktinath, Tilicho Lake, Pokhara, Manang
Traveler's Choice
Price from: $ 1350 USD
  • Best Price Gurantee
  • No booking or Credit Card Fee
  • Free Cancellation

About Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake:

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a popular and adventurous trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, high mountain passes, and serene glacial lakes, making it a favourite among trekkers from around the world. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, charming villages, and lush forests, providing an immersive experience of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Kathmandu Summit Adventure’s Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is physically demanding and involves walking for several hours daily at high altitudes. Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are highly recommended. Adequate preparation, including cardiovascular training and strength exercises, can significantly enhance your trekking experience.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek starts from Kathmandu to Chame Drive via Bensishar and the trek proceeds to the Thorong La pass via Manang. We have modified this route as it is basically the same as Annapurna Circuit, Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west and passes through the Khangsar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then we trek back to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorong La at an elevation of 5416 m. From the pass of Thorong La, the Tilicho Lake trekking lead down to Muktinath and then to Jomsom. We take a jeep ride to Tatopani where we experience nature hot spring. We trek from Tatopani to Gorepani route and end our trek in Nayapul

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Highlights:

  • Crossing the highest Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres.
  • Discover the Highest lake in the world Tilicho Lake (4,910m).
  • Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
  • Relax at the hot springs in Tatopani
  • Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges and see blue sheeps at Yak Kharka.
  • Visit  Muktinath,a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • Visit the Temple, Stupa and Monasteries

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Kathmandu Summit Adventure will greet you and take you to your hotel. After checking in, you can rest or visit the Kathmandu Summit Adventure office. You may also want to explore the streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu, where you can shop for souvenirs. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted by Kathmandu Summit Adventure, featuring delicious Nepalese cuisine that will give you a taste of the country’s authentic food culture. Overnight stay in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:

We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03: Drive to Besishar – Syange from Kathmandu:

Starting the day early for the trek would be a good idea; we will travel by road from Kathmandu to Chame village which will be the starting point of the trek. Chamje is a small village in the Annapurna Region at an elevation of 1430 m. There is a waterfall which is an attraction for both locals and tourists alike. The beautiful greenery all around will fuel us for the trek ahead. Overnight in Chamje.

Day 04: Syange to Dharapani Trek:

We begin the trek early in the morning. The trail takes us through various vegetable plantations, waterfalls and mixed communities that are believed to have migrated from Tibet. After crossing the suspension bridge below Chamje and climbing two steep sections, we reach the village of Tal. From Tal, we enter the Manang district. On the way we also pass through Kodo village and walk on the trail that rises and falls and cuts across a mountain side to one of the biggest villages in the Manang district, Dharapani. Overnight in Dharapani.

Day 05: Dharapani to Chame Trek:

Today we negotiate a few steep, forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which will be a sweet respite from the tiring trek and help us relax for a while. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District in the Gandaki Zone of northern Nepal Overnight in Chame.

Day 06: Chame to Pisang Trek:

Today the trail continues up and down, passing several rivers and sparsely populated settlements. We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500 m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna 2 to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. We descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang

Day 07: Pisang to Manang Trek:

From Pisang there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we near Manang, the climate becomes colder and drier. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District, should cheer us up. Overnight in Manang.

Day 08: Rest and acclimatization Day at Manang:

It is important to have an extra day in Manang for acclimatization as we start the climb towards the higher altitude, Thorong La. There are spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas peaks around the Manang Valley, it’s not a good idea to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is recommended to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is the right place to do that as the next two days will be considered a challenging trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. There are lots of options for day walks around Manang. One possibility is to walk to Khangsar village on the way to Tilicho Lake or a longer walk to Ice Lake above Braga. Also worth visiting is the Himalayan Rescue Association to get some ideas about rapid mountain sickness.

Day 09: Manang to Khangsar Trek:

Our trek continues up to the village of Khangsar. As we walk ahead, the trail cuts down through a gorge and the Tilicho Peak can be spotted shrouded in clouds far above. We get to appreciate the natural beauty of the Annapurna range all along the way. We also pass through small scenic settlements and the Tore monastery and get to enjoy the breathtaking Khangsar River and the grand barrier before reaching Khangsar. Overnight in Khangsar.

Day 10: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp Trek:

As we begin the trek from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, we come across wide grassy fields and, after making a slight climb up a small hill, witness the glorious views of the entire valley. After trudging down a steep inclination, you now enter the Tilicho Base Camp. Camping is the only option as there are not many lodges out here. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake then trek back to Tilicho Base Camp:

After the initial tough ascent, our trail traverses onto a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain. However, the spectacular views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks are always close by to cheer us up. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, we get to admire its tranquil beauty. Sometimes reflections of the surrounding peaks are seen on its turquoise waters, at other times the lake remains frozen. We take a break beside the calm waters and soak in the astounding views before heading back to the base camp. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 12: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka Trek:

When returning from the Tilicho Base Camp, the trail leads out of the Marsyangdi valley and the abrupt change in surroundings can be noticed as the trees are left behind and replaced with more alpine vegetation. Our trail continues through the ruins of the old Khangsar village until we cross a log bridge over the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. The typical Himalayan village of Yak Kharka is an accolade to its name, as lots of yaks can be seen grazing and standing around. From here we also get breathtaking views of Annapurna III. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

Day 13: Yak kharka to Thorang Phedi Trek:

It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time, we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend further and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip, we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.

Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La pass Trek:

Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.

Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom Trek:

Muktinath, an ultimate destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, is a beautiful place. We visit the Muktinath Temple before embarking on the trek ahead. There are water spouts where fresh water pours out channelled from the streams above the temple. As the trail extends we can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You can even buy a fossilized mollusk, called ‘Shaligram’ as a memento. We move ahead among meadows, cross streams and hills over to Kagbeni, a village laden with chortens (memorial stupas) and a small monastery. Continue the trek after a lunch break at Kagbeni and over to Jomsom on the Kali Gandaki Valley as the trail cuts through windy areas. Overnight in Jomsom.

Day 16: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara:

We take a drive while looking at views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and over the deepest gorge in the world. The warmer climate in Pokhara will definitely make us feel better. We can take a boat ride in the serene waters of the lake with the reflection of Fishtail Mountain on its waters. In the evening, we can stroll around the lakeside area and buy souvenirs for loved ones. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:

After breakfast, transfer to the Tourist bus station and 06: 30 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 18: Farewell Friend and Departure/Fly back Home:

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Kathmandu Summit Adventure representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Service Included

  • Free airport picks upon your arrival and a drop at the end of your trip
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit. (ACAP Permit)
  • 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara.
  • All necessary ground transportation as per itinerary
  • Complete free trekking information before going to trek
  • Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • All nights in local teahouses/lodges during trekking
  • An experienced licensed holder Trekking Guide
  • Foods, transportation, accommodations and local tax for guide and porters
  • Medical first aid kit box ( which is carried by your team)
  • Down jacket, sleeping bag and all necessary trekking gears are available on a hire
  • Trekking Map

Service Excluded

  • Your travel insurance ( Travel insurance is compulsory to take an adventure trip and it must be covered both medical and emergency evacuation with a minimum cost of USD 100, 000.
  • Hot shower, WIFI, and any electronic battery charge only in trekking.
  • Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service, and cart meals.
  • Extra night accommodation or meals in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure and early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Tips and gratitude to your guides, porters, and drivers
  • Nepal entry visa fees

Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.

Book Now
You Might Also Enjoy These Trips

A Lifetime Experience

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is accompanied by the Modi River alongside luxuriant rhododendron forests and ...

enquiry now read more

Langtang Valley Trek

A characteristic Langtang Valley Trek as we hike through lush green forested valleys, sacred mountain ...

enquiry now read more

Ghorepani Ghandruk Village Trek

Ghorepani Ghandruk Village Trek lies in the Annapurna Region Trek, it is one of the ...

enquiry now read more

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is a well-known adventure trekking route in the world. Kathmandu Summit ...

enquiry now read more

Certifications and Affiliations

npl

Registered with: Company Registration Office, Government of Nepal

ntb

Licensed by: Department of Tourism and Nepal Tourism Board

taan

Proud Member of Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal

nma

General Member of Nepal Mountaineering Association