Annapurna circuit with tilicho lake Trek - 16 days

Things to Know
  • Duration16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Altitude 5416 m
  • Trip Type Hiking
  • Start and End Kathmandu and Kathmandu
  • Best Time March - May and September - mid December
What You’ll Do
  • Summit the Throng La Pass (5,416m): Conquer one of the world's highest navigable mountain passes, offering epic Himalayan panoramas.
  • Reach Tilicho Lake (4,949m): Stand at the edge of the world's highest glacier-fed lake, a truly unforgettable natural wonder.
  • Witness Diverse Wildlife: Spot rare Blue Sheep (Naur) near Yak Kharka and experience the region's unique biodiversity.
  • Unrivaled Mountain Vistas: Be surrounded by giants, with spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Chulu Peaks.
  • Cultural Immersion in Manang: Explore the ancient Manang District, visit the magnificent Barge Monastery, Ice lake ,Milarapa cave etc 
  • Sacred Muktinath: Visit the revered pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3710m) (holy to both Hindus and Buddhists).
  • Relaxing Hot Springs: Unwind and rejuvenate in the natural therapeutic Tatopani Hot Springs after days of trekking.

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a beautiful trek through typical Nepali villages, forests, and high mountains. Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, is peaceful and stunning. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres (16,138 ft) in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas.  The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trek that has been rated highly among the ideal trekking trails in Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit Trek passes through the Marsyangdi River, rises to Thorang La Pass at 5416 meters, and descends to the North of the mountains that look like the desert at the bank of the Kaligandaki River. It is known as Nepal's magnificent and most popular hiking trail globally. Rightly so, this trail is full of Thakali, Manangi, and Gurungs, who offer cultural uniqueness and spectacular views of the mountain ranges. We will pass by the thrilling and heavenly high-suspension bridges that can give you chills when you look underneath.  During the hike, you will be able to see several mountain ranges like Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993m), and several others. Start from Kathmandu, jeep ride up to Dharapani, crossing beautiful villages Chame, Pisang, Manang, Siri Kharka, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath and Tatopani, from Tatopani you have the option to visit Ghorepani poonhill before reaching to Pokhara. Depending on your availability, we customise a package. 

Annapurna Circuit is always a choice for adventure seekers due to its diversity. During this trek, you will experience a thrilling jeep ride, visit the most scenic villages, and reach high-altitude lake Tilicho, crossing the most popular mountain pass, explore the spiritual temple Muktinath, and experience the natural hot spring at Tatopani.

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1 hrs

Your arrival at the airport marks the first day of the journey. One of Iconic Holiday Nepal's representatives will greet you. You will be transferred to your hotel.

  • Altitude1860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time8-9 hrs

You may go from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar on a public bus that leaves early in the morning. A shared jeep will next be used to transport you to Dharapani, your last destination for the day. You will pass through picturesque small villages like Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal as you follow the Marsayangdi River side by side before you reach Dharapani. At the Dharapani police checkpoint, visitors should register their IDs and trekking permits.

  • Altitude2610 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hrs

We go through the forest full of pine, fir, oak, and maple trees. After passing through forests, one arrives at the Tibetan villages of Bagarchhap and Danakyu. You will see the apple-growing region in addition to pine woods, farms and with a view of the majestic Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal,  and Annapurna II rising behind us. After 5 hrs hike, we will reach the beautiful village of Chame.

  • Altitude3300 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hrs

 The Chame path passes through gorgeous pine and rhododendron woodland. Following a suspension bridge crossing the Marshyangdi River, the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Route ascends and offers breathtaking vistas of rocky surfaces, including the face of Pangdi Danda and Swargadwari Danda. The mountains that can be seen from Dhikur Pokhari include Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, Tilicho Peak, and many more. After that, you will walk over a suspension bridge over a river and finally reach the scenic village of Upper Pisang. 

  • Altitude3540m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hrs

We will be trekking on the upper trails through Upper Pisang via Geru, from there you will see the north face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As the path ascends, you feel a bit windy and cold. This trail goes through the Tibetan influence settlements, where you find another culture, way of life and traditions. We will not miss visiting Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in Manang.

  • Altitude3540 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time3-4 hrs

Today, we will spend a day acclimatising in Manang. We can spend the day sightseeing and viewing the wonderful sights around the village. Visit Gangapurna Lake, a glacial lake in Manang and about 1 km from the upper Manang area.

  • Altitude4060m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hrs

A simpler route connects Manang with Siri Kharka. The upper path will lead you down to a river, which you will cross, and then you will continue on a trail that will lead you through coniferous trees. You will reach Khangsar, a Tibetan village, after travelling on foot for around three hours. As you move on from Khangsar, pass a monastery, and finally arrive in Shiri Kharka. Today's Annapurna Circuit Trek connecting Tilicho Lake routes will provide you with stunning vistas of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu.

  • Altitude4150 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hrs

After breakfast, we will begin our hike to Tilicho Base Camp from Siri Kharka. The trail from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp is smooth and not physically challenging, although our walk is at high altitude, so we follow the slow hike rule.  You will follow a narrow trail across a slope and descend to Thorong Phedi. The rugged terrain is otherworldly and much different from the lush lowlands you passed on the way up during the initial phase of the trek. From Thorong Phedi, you will ascend until you reach the Thorong High Camp. 

  • Altitude4060m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hrs

 One of the exceptional days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek linking Tilicho Lake. To escape the afternoon wind, however, you will begin your day at Tilicho Base Camp early in the morning. You will reach Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, after two to three hours of exploration, capture the best scene, then you will return to Siri Kharka, where you will spend the night, after taking in the beauties of Tilicho Lake.

  • Altitude4018 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hrs

You will leave Siri Kharka and descend towards the Khangsar Village today. On the way, you pass Tare Gumba- a thousand year old monastery which is very important to the local people there. Upon reaching the Khangsar Village. Following a rock wall out of Khangsar, you will walk further and cross a Thorang Khola. After crossing the river, ascend and finally reach to Yak Kharka.

  • Altitude4550m
  • AccommodationTea house
  • Time4-5 hrs

You will continue the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit Trek after breakfast through Ledar, the last village on the route. You will climb a ridge after continuing along the windy route, giving you a spectacular vista of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tobuche, and Chuli Peak. Today, the trail descends to cross the river at 4310 meters, then ascends to Phedi at 4420 meters.

  • AltitudeThorong La Pass (5416m)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time8-9 hrs

Today main day, you are going to cross one of the highest passes in the Himalayas. Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp will lead you to Thorung La Pass, which is located at 5416 meters. The Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri, and other mountains may be seen in the distance from Thorung La Pass. After taking a few photos and admiring the beauty, you will stroll down to Muktinath. The road from Thorung La Pass to Muktinath is all downhill. Muktinath is the second-largest Hindu temple, in addition to being a Buddhist temple.

  • Altitude1200 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hrs

After a holy visit to Muktinath Temple, we continue our journey, this time in a local bus that takes us to Tatopani. The drive is pretty rough, full of twists and turns, in a region that is home to the world's deepest gorges. Our path will take us through the bustling Jomsom Bazaar and finally to Tatopani - known for natural hot springs. Before the night sets in, it would make great sense to enjoy a bath in these hot springs.

  • Altitude822m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hrs

After enjoying the hot springs at Tatopani (1,200 m), take a 4-hour drive to Pokhara (822 m). On arrival, relax and explore the city.

  • Altitude1400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hrs

From Pokhara, we will take a comfortable tourist bus back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views along the way. Alternatively, you can choose a 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu for an additional cost, offering a quick and convenient return while enjoying aerial views of the Himalayas.

    The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
    • Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
    • Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region
    • All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), including seasonal fruits
    • Permits for the Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS
    • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
    • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients: 18kg weight limit)
    • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
    • Transportation from Kathmandu to Dharapani (trek start) and Muktinath to Pokhara
    • Transportation from Pokhra to Kathmandu via tourist bus
    • Duffel bag, trekking map and trip completion certificate
    • All administrative expenses and government taxes
    Excluded
    • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
    • International flight fare and airport departure tax
    • Travel insurance, along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Tips for trekking staff and driver
    • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
    Useful Info

    Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

    The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek builds on the timeless beauty of the classic Annapurna Circuit while adding an extra layer of adventure and serenity. Like the traditional circuit, this journey takes you through charming Himalayan villages such as Chame, Pisang, and Manang, where terraced fields, monasteries, and warm local hospitality create an unforgettable cultural experience. What sets the Tilicho route apart is the thrilling journey along a spectacular stone-fall trail that leads to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), the highest glacier-fed lake in the world, resting at the base of the majestic Tilicho Peak. This less-traveled path offers dramatic alpine scenery, hidden valleys, and tranquil landscapes far from the crowds, giving trekkers a deeper sense of connection with the Himalayas. While both treks culminate in the iconic Thorong La Pass, the Tilicho detour rewards adventurers with breathtaking lake views, unique high-altitude terrain, and an intimate, off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience — making it the perfect choice for those seeking both beauty and adventure in one epic trek.

    Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek 

    The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is during Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the mountain views are at their most spectacular. It is advisable to avoid the Monsoon (June to August), as heavy rains make trails slippery and increase the risk of landslides, often hiding the breathtaking peaks behind clouds. Likewise, Winter (December to February) brings extreme cold, snow, and icy trails, making high passes like Thorong La (5,416 m) and the route to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) particularly challenging, with many teahouses closed. Choosing Spring or Autumn ensures a safer, more enjoyable trek with crisp views, vibrant landscapes, and the perfect conditions to experience the beauty of the high Himalayas.

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