The Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek is an extraordinary adventure through the renowned Annapurna region, leading to Tilicho Lake (4,949 m), one of the highest lakes in the world. The trail passes through diverse landscapes and climates, from semi-tropical valleys to alpine forests, barren snowfields, and the striking Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. The journey begins in Kathmandu, with visits to several cultural heritage sites, followed by a drive to Chamje, and the trek starts from Dharapani. Over 18 days, you will experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness, concluding in Jomsom, from where you fly to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu.
Trip Info
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Hotel/ Tea houses
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Autumn/Spring
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5435m
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5/6 Hours
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Jeep/ Car/ Tourist Bus
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is an unforgettable adventure in Nepal. This trek takes you through the stunning Annapurna region, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna Himalayas. Though the journey is long and challenging, it is truly rewarding and promises a life-changing experience for every trekker.
Trip Highlights
- Travel through diverse terrains, from lush forests and terraced fields to arid valleys and alpine meadows.
- Explore the pristine Tilicho Lake, situated at a high altitude.
- Traverse the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
- Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Wander through ancient temples, monasteries, and traditional villages, connecting with the local way of life.
- Discover diverse wildlife species along the trail.
- Ease your muscles in natural hot springs.
- Explore the protected Annapurna Conservation Area.
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital, and transfer to your hotel. Rest and relax after your journey, or take some time to explore the local area and soak in the city’s unique culture and atmosphere.
After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Explore the city’s rich cultural heritage with visits to iconic sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and other historical landmarks. Immerse yourself in Nepal’s vibrant culture, traditions, and bustling local life before preparing for the trekking adventure ahead.
After an early breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Syange or Jagat via Besisahar, enjoying scenic views of the Marsyangdi River, terraced fields, and the surrounding mountains along the way. The journey takes you deeper into the Annapurna region, giving a first glimpse of the natural beauty and rural life of Nepal. Overnight stay in Syange/Jagat.
Begin your trek after breakfast, following the trail along the Marsyangdi River through charming villages, lush forests, and terraced farmlands. Enjoy the peaceful rural scenery and observe local life as you gradually ascend to Danakyu. The trek is moderately easy, allowing you to acclimatize while taking in the natural beauty of the Annapurna region. Overnight stay in Danakyu.
After breakfast, continue your trek along the Marsyangdi River, passing through charming villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Arrive in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, known for its traditional architecture and scenic beauty. Take some time to explore the village and rest for the night in a local teahouse.
After breakfast, continue your trek along the Marsyangdi River valley, gradually ascending through beautiful forests and terraced fields. Pass small villages and enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Arrive at Pisang, a traditional village divided into Upper and Lower Pisang, known for its unique Tibetan-influenced culture and stunning mountain scenery. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Pisang.
After breakfast, trek from Pisang through Gyaru village, following the scenic trail along the Marsyangdi River and past alpine landscapes. The route offers breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna. Continue gradually ascending to reach Manang, a charming village known for its traditional culture, friendly locals, and panoramic mountain vistas. Take time to acclimatize and explore the village. Overnight stay in Manang.
Spend the day in Manang to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the village, visit local monasteries, or take a short hike to nearby viewpoints such as Gangapurna Lake for stunning mountain scenery. This day helps your body adjust, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and preparing you for the higher sections of the trek ahead. Overnight stay in Manang.
After breakfast, begin your trek from Manang toward Siri Kharka, gradually ascending through alpine landscapes, rocky trails, and sparse vegetation. Enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges along the way. The trek is moderately challenging, giving you a sense of adventure while moving closer to the high-altitude sections. Arrive at Siri Kharka and rest at a local teahouse for the night.
After breakfast, start the trek toward Tilicho Base Camp, passing through dramatic alpine landscapes, rocky trails, and high-altitude terrain. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Tilicho peaks. The trail becomes steeper as you approach the base camp, offering a true sense of adventure. Arrive at Tilicho Base Camp (4,300 m approx.), where you can rest and prepare for the trek to Tilicho Lake the next day. Overnight stay at a teahouse or camp.
After an early breakfast, embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike to Tilicho Lake (4,949 m), one of the highest lakes in the world. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the surrounding alpine landscape. After spending time at the lake and capturing its breathtaking scenery, descend back along the same trail to Siri Kharka for an overnight stay at a teahouse, resting your legs after this unforgettable day.
After breakfast, continue your trek from Siri Kharka toward Yak Kharka, ascending through high-altitude terrain dotted with sparse vegetation and yak pastures. Enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak along the way. Yak Kharka is a peaceful settlement known for its grazing yaks and panoramic mountain scenery. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Yak Kharka, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the altitude.
After breakfast, trek from Yak Kharka toward Thorong Phedi, gradually ascending through the stark, high-altitude landscapes of the Annapurna region. The trail passes through rocky terrain and sparse alpine vegetation, offering spectacular views of surrounding peaks like Annapurna II and Gangapurna. Thorong Phedi, situated at the base of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), is a small settlement where trekkers rest and prepare for the challenging pass crossing the next day. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Thorong Phedi.
Wake up early for the challenging but rewarding ascent to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as you cross the pass. After reaching the summit, begin the descent toward Muktinath (3,760 m), a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Explore the temple, holy water springs, and local village before resting for the night at a teahouse in Muktinath.
After breakfast, drive from Muktinath to Tatopani, enjoying scenic landscapes along the Marpha and Kali Gandaki Valley. Tatopani, meaning “hot water,” is famous for its natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing tired muscles after days of trekking. Spend the evening soaking in the hot springs and enjoying the peaceful village atmosphere. Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse in Tatopani.
Start early in the morning and drive from Tatopani to Pokhara, passing through scenic valleys, rivers, and terraced farmland. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges along the way. Arrive in Pokhara, the city of lakes, and spend the day relaxing or exploring its charming lakeside area. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying the scenic landscapes of rivers, hills, and rural villages along the route. The journey offers a final glimpse of Nepal’s natural beauty before reaching the bustling capital. Arrive in Kathmandu in the evening and check in to your hotel. Rest and relax after the long drive or explore the city at your leisure.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Nepal, taking with you memories of stunning mountains, serene landscapes, and an unforgettable trekking adventure in the Annapurna region.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Hotel in Kathmandu with 3-star Bed & Breakfast for 3 nights Hotel.
- Hotel in Pokhara 3 star bed & breakfast 1 night at Splendid view twin sharing basis.
- Your daily breakfast, lunch, dinner- during the trek as per itinerary.
- One experience English speaking trekking guide & one porter for each two tourist. If you are only 1, it is not including porter in our package it is additional cost you have to pay extra.
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Jagat trekking starting point by private jeep or Scorpio & Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus your trekking ending point.
- Annapurna Conservation Permit.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).
- Insurance for Guide & Porters.
- All accommodation During the Trek Available Lodge /Tea Houses. (run by Nepali families).
- Airport - Hotel - Airport transfer.
- Muktinath to Tatopani to Pokhara by Local sharing Bus.
- Our service charge.
- Farewell Dinner typical Nepali cultural dance program.
Cost Excludes
- Nepal visa which is open arrival in Kathmandu per person $30 USD.
- Personal Equipment for Trekking: sleeping bag, down jacket, Trekking shoes, gloves, sunscreen, sun glass, hat. Trekking stick, some pair socks, hiking shirt , hiking pant.
- Personal Insurance for travel to Nepal covers helicopter rescue, accidents
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara per item $3-7 USD choose from menu.
- Emergency Rescue evacuation.
- Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee $26.
- Tipping (Tips) for guide & porter according to your main interest.
- All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. (Tea, coffee, mineral water, hot water, soup)
- Sweet things like chocolate and desert.
- Hot shower during the trekking $3 USD.
- Personal expenses, personal hygiene.
- Laundry, internet call, phone.
- All that are not included in cost include.
- WIFI, internet, phone calls, battery charging.
FAQs
The best time for this trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally clear, the mountain views are spectacular, and the trails are safer and less muddy. Winter is cold with snow at high altitudes, while monsoon season (June–August) brings heavy rain and slippery trails.
The trek is moderately challenging to difficult, with high-altitude sections such as Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and Tilicho Lake (4,949 m). Trekkers should have good physical fitness, stamina, and some prior trekking experience. Acclimatization days, like in Manang, help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Essential items include warm clothing, trekking boots, layered clothing, a good backpack, water bottles, sun protection, a sleeping bag, and basic personal items. Trekking poles and a first-aid kit are also recommended. Teahouses along the route provide basic meals and accommodation, but high-altitude essentials are necessary for comfort and safety.
