Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake- 15 days
Trip Facts
Overview
Highlights
-
Tilicho Lake (4,920 m) – The World’s Highest Lake: Marvel at the dazzling turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks. As one of the highest lakes in the world, it offers a surreal Himalayan experience and incredible photo opportunities.
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – Conquer One of the World’s Highest Trekking Passes: Challenge yourself with the iconic Thorong La Pass and enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This legendary high-altitude trek is a must for adventure enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable Himalayan journey.
Manang Valley – Scenic Beauty and Rich Himalayan Culture: Explore the picturesque Manang Valley, renowned for its Tibetan-influenced villages, ancient monasteries, and warm mountain communities. Experience authentic Himalayan culture amidst stunning alpine landscapes.
Diverse Landscapes – From Subtropical to Arctic Zones: Trek through the incredible diversity of the Annapurna region, passing subtropical farmlands, lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial terrains. Witness dramatic changes in scenery that make this trek truly unique.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal’s most extraordinary Himalayan adventures, combining high mountain passes, remote alpine landscapes, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, and the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s highest glacial lakes. This unforgettable journey takes trekkers deep into the heart of the Annapurna region, where every day reveals dramatic changes in scenery, culture, and altitude.
Starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, the trail gradually ascends through lush pine forests, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and charming mountain villages before reaching the beautiful Manang Valley. Along the route, trekkers experience the authentic culture of the Manang district, exploring picturesque settlements such as Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Manang with their ancient monasteries, stone houses, prayer wheels, and stunning Himalayan backdrop. The trek then diverts toward the spectacular Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters, where crystal-clear blue glacial waters reflect the surrounding snow-covered peaks and glaciers, creating one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Nepal.
Beyond Tilicho Lake, the adventure continues toward the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Crossing this iconic Himalayan pass is both physically challenging and deeply rewarding, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and many other majestic Himalayan giants. Unlike more crowded trekking routes, the Tilicho section provides a quieter and more remote trekking experience, allowing trekkers to fully connect with the mountains and nature.
The trek concludes at the sacred pilgrimage destination of Muktinath Temple, an important spiritual site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Surrounded by dramatic Mustang landscapes, Muktinath offers a peaceful and meaningful ending to this incredible Himalayan journey. From there, travelers descend through Jomsom and Tatopani before returning to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
Organized by Shalom Adventure Holidays Pvt. Ltd., the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is ideal for trekkers seeking a complete Himalayan experience filled with adventure, culture, natural beauty, and unforgettable mountain scenery.
Itinerary
Your Himalayan adventure begins upon arrival in Kathmandu. Our airport representative will warmly welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the tourist hub of Thamel.
In the evening, you can explore local cafés, trekking shops, and vibrant Kathmandu streets while preparing for the trek.
- Altitude: 1349
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Dinner
The scenic drive follows winding mountain highways, river valleys, terraced farmland, and traditional villages. As you leave Kathmandu behind, the landscapes gradually transition toward the Annapurna region.
After passing through Besisahar, the road becomes more adventurous as you continue toward Jagat.
Highlights:
- Trishuli and Marsyangdi River views
- Rural Nepal landscapes
- First Himalayan foothill scenery
- Distance: 185 KM
- Driving time: 8–9 hours
- Altitude: 1300
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
The trekking officially begins as you follow the Marsyangdi River through forests, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and stone-built villages.
You pass beautiful settlements influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture as the mountain scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.
Highlights:
- Traditional Gurung villages
- Waterfalls and river valleys
- Forest trekking trails
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 1860
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Today’s route passes through dense pine forests and scenic mountain trails with magnificent views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, offers beautiful mountain scenery and relaxing natural hot springs nearby.
Highlights:
- Pine and fir forests
- Himalayan river gorges
- Mountain panorama from Chame
- walking time: 5-6 hours
- Altitude: 2710
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
The trail climbs gradually through alpine landscapes and narrow valleys before opening into spectacular Himalayan scenery near Pisang.
Upper Pisang offers incredible panoramic views of Annapurna peaks and traditional Tibetan-style architecture.
Highlights:
- Dramatic mountain landscapes
- Tibetan-influenced villages
- Stunning Annapurna views
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 3300
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
This is one of the most scenic days of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail passes ancient monasteries, prayer walls, yak pastures, and breathtaking Himalayan viewpoints.
Arriving in Manang feels like entering a high Himalayan desert surrounded by snowy peaks.
Highlights:
- Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Panoramic Annapurna landscapes
- Traditional Himalayan villages
- Walking time: 6–7 hours
- Altitude: 3540
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Acclimatization is essential for safe high-altitude trekking.
Today includes a short hike to Gangapurna Glacier Lake viewpoint, allowing your body to adjust while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery.
Highlights:
- Gangapurna Glacier Lake
- Ice-covered mountain views
- Rest and altitude adaptation
- Altitude: 3800
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
The trail toward Tilicho Lake becomes more remote and rugged. You cross landslide-prone sections and dramatic cliffside paths while entering the alpine wilderness.
Tilicho Base Camp sits beneath towering Himalayan cliffs in a truly wild mountain environment.
Highlights:
- Remote mountain landscapes
- High-altitude trekking experience
- Incredible Himalayan terrain
- Walking time: 7–8 hours
- Altitude: 4150
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Today is one of the biggest highlights of the trek. Early in the morning, you hike toward the magical Tilicho Lake surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks. 25 minutes to explore, snap photos, drink a cup of hot tea, and then return to base camp.
Take lunch and a backpack, then trek to Shree Kharka, walking for 2 hours. Stay at a nice lodge. It's a long day that begins early in the morning and ends late in the afternoon. But you will feel proud after touching the lake.
The turquoise glacial lake at 4,920 meters creates one of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in Nepal.
Highlights:
- Tilicho Lake exploration
- Spectacular alpine scenery
- High Himalayan experience
- Walking time: 7–8 hours
- Altitude: 4500
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
The trail reconnects with the classic Annapurna Circuit route. You walk through yak grazing areas, barren hillsides, and high-altitude landscapes.
Yak Kharka is a peaceful settlement surrounded by rugged Himalayan terrain.
Walking time : 6-7 hours
- Altitude: 4050
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
As the altitude increases, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic and barren. Today is relatively shorter to allow proper rest before crossing Thorong La Pass.
Trekkers usually spend the evening preparing for the early morning ascent.
Highlights:
- High-altitude Himalayan scenery
- Glacier valleys
- Preparation for Thorong La crossing
- walking time : 5-6 hours
- Altitude: 4600
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
Starting before sunrise, you gradually climb toward the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters — one of the world’s highest trekking passes.
After celebrating at the summit, the trail descends toward the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple.
Highlights:
- Crossing Thorong La Pass
- Himalayan panoramic views
- Spiritual atmosphere of Muktinath
- Walking time : 8-9 hours
- Altitude: 3800
- Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
A scenic jeep or local bus ride descends through the Mustang region via Jomsom. Jomsom is a beautiful Himalayan town in Nepal’s Mustang region, famous for its dramatic mountain landscapes, strong winds, apple orchards, and stunning views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks. It serves as a major gateway for trekkers traveling along the Annapurna Circuit and toward Muktinath.
As you descend, the landscapes change dramatically from alpine desert to green valleys.
Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs — perfect for relaxing tired muscles after the trek.
- Altitude: 1200
- Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Today you return to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
After days in the mountains, Pokhara feels peaceful and relaxing with cafés, restaurants, lakeside walks, and Himalayan reflections over Phewa Lake.
- Altitude: 900
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
Today, you return to Kathmandu by tourist bus, enjoying another scenic journey through Nepal’s hills and river valleys. Athoug you can take the short domestic flight to kathamadu. The flight duration is hardly 30 minutes.
Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or take an optional domestic flight.
Upon arrival, you can explore local markets, purchase souvenirs, or enjoy your final evening in Nepal.
The journey concludes with unforgettable Himalayan memories and lifelong experiences from Nepal’s legendary trekking trails.
- Altitude: 1300
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Dinner
Our Cost's
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back ( flight in extra cost )
- Jeep drive to trekking point and return
- Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- Tea house/lodge accommodation and 3 times meal during the trek
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
- Licenced English-speaking trekking guide
- One porter service for every two trekkers (carrying up to 20 kg combined)
- Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and transportation
- First aid medical kit carried by the guide
- All government taxes and company service charges
- Trekkings gears if needed
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance and emergency rescue coverage
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Hotel
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and personal expenses during the trek
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, snacks, and desserts
- Tips for trekking staff and driver
- Extra accommodation or meals due to flight or bus delays, natural disasters, strikes, or personal reasons
FAQ's
The trek is considered moderately to challenging due to the high altitude and long walking days. Crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m and visiting Tilicho Lake at 4,919m requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). October is especially popular because of clear mountain views, stable weather, and comfortable trekking conditions.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Trekkers with good fitness, preparation, and a positive attitude can successfully complete the trek with proper acclimatization and guidance.
No. Tilicho Lake is an additional side route from the classic Annapurna Circuit. It adds extra adventure and is considered one of the major highlights of the trek.
The trek uses traditional tea house accommodation with basic but comfortable rooms. Most tea houses provide meals such as Nepali dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soup, potatoes, pancakes, tea, coffee, and simple international dishes.
