Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake 

17 Days

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

This wonderful trek by The Great Adventure Treks is a wonderful journey into the beauty and diversity of the Annapurna region. It takes you through the mountains of this region, the beautiful lake of Tilicho, and the holy temple of Muktinath. One of the biggest attractions of this trek is a visit to Tilicho Lake. Tilicho is often referred to as the highest lake for its size. The lake has an astounding altitude of 4920 meters set amidst some towering mountains like Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, and Tilicho. The highest point along the trek is Thorong La pass. It lies at an altitude of 5416 meters.

This is an amazing vantage point for viewing amazing mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. There are plenty of other places during this trek from where you can catch some stunning views of the mountains. These places include Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom. Other beautiful peaks you can see during this trek are Manaslu, Gangapurna, Pisang, and Chulu. The splendid journey of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek itinerary takes you through rural farm villages, terraced farm fields and traditional villages from the subtropics, and along the arctic landscape.

The quaint villages along the way like Pisang, Chame, Yak Kharka amongst others give you a chance to appreciate the rich Buddhist culture of this region. You will also get some taste of the Hindu culture as you trek to Muktinath Temple. Hindus consider Muktinath temple to be a source of the cosmic energy. Much like the Annapurna Circuit trek, Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek is in an anticlockwise direction. The anticlockwise trek facilitates slower altitude gain making the trek more restful and easier than it would otherwise have been. All in all, Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek by The Great Adventure Treks makes you appreciate the Annapurna region in all its alluring beauty.

Highlights of the trip

  • Sightseeing Tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
  • Enjoy the turquoise blue waters of Tilicho lake and the panoramic mountains there.
  • Learn the Hindu and Buddhist culture in Muktinath Temple
  • Go to picturesque valleys like Jomsom, Muktinath, Manang etc.
  • Cross Thorong La pass, which is located at an altitude of 5416 meters.
  • Visit Kali Gandaki gorge, which is the world’s deepest gorge
  • Enjoy a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

You can complete the Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek any time of the year. But most visitors tend to come to this trek in the seasons of Autumn (September, October, and November) and Spring (March, April, and May). These two seasons have perfect trekking weather. Mild sunshine, low chances of rainfall, cleat views of mountains, and the chance to interact with many fellow travelers make this trek popular in autumn and spring.

You can also complete this trek in the winters (December, January, and February). This season is the best time to view the mountains. However, as the temperature in higher parts of the trek like Tilicho Lake and Thorong Phedi might be cold in the winters, proper gear is all the more necessary. In a similar way, as long as you prepare for the occasional monsoon rain, you can also complete this trek in the summer season (June, July, and August).

Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek is quite strenuous. So you need to have proper preparation for about 3-4 months before embarking upon this trek. You will trek for only 11 days during this trek. However, you will have to climb steeply during some days. The trek to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La pass is especially demanding. You will also have to climb up hills on other days although they won’t be as demanding as the ones described above. Trekking experience will come in really handy during this trek. We advise you to complete one of the easier or moderate hikes before coming to this trek so that it is easier for you to complete this trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek Map

Annapurna Circuit Trek Map

Overview

Day 01: Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel (1,300 m/4,264 ft), Hotel Accommodation.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Hotel Accommodation.

Day 03: Drive to Syange (1100 m/ 3608 ft)  via Beshishar (823 m /2699 ft) 7 – 8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1860 m /6101 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 05: Trek to Chame (2720 m /8922 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3200 m /10,496 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 07: Trek to Manang (3540 m /11,611 ft) 4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 08: Rest day at Manang (3540 m /11,611 ft) to enjoy the scenic beauty, beautiful Mountains views and meet and greet local community, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 09: Trek to Khangsar (3735 m / 12,251 ft)  4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp( 4140 m / 13,579 ft )  3 – 4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 11: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4920 m / 16138 ft ) and and  Yak Kharka (4040 m / 13,251 ft) 7- 8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 12: Trek to Thorang Phedi: (4450 m /14,596 ft ) 3-4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 13: Trek  to Muktinath (3800 m /12,464 ft ) via Thorong La pass (5416 m /17,764 ft ) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2720 m /8922 )  5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (828 m /2690 ft) 15 mins, Hotel Accommodation.

Day 16: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. 7 – 8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

Day 17: Final Departure

On availability of your time and interest after your trek, please feel free to choose our DAY TOURS, NEPAL TOURSJungle Safaris or other options from our website. Here are some trip extensions that might interest you.

Extended Trips

Day 01: Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel (1,300m/4,264 ft), Hotel Accommodation.

You will arrive at the only international airport in Nepal- the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu. Our representatives from The Great Adventure Treks will meet you outside the airport terminal. They will transfer you to your hotel and help you check in. Our guide will give you all the relevant information about the hotel you will be staying. He will also brief you about the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek. He will also give you other related information and answer your other queries.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Hotel Accommodation.

You will head out for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu after having breakfast. Modern buildings are complimented well by the ancient religious temples of this city. You can see the influence of this in the architecture of this city. Most of these temples were made in the medieval Nepal. You will visit the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites this day. You will go to two important Buddhist pilgrimages in Kathmandu – Boudhanath temple and Swayambhunath temple. You will also visit two Durbar Squares- Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Finally, you will also go on a tour of the Hindu pilgrimage- Pashupatinath Temple.

Pashupatinath Temple:

The largest as well as the most popular Hindu temple in the world-Pashupatinath Temple- lies on the banks of the river Bagmati. Tens of millions of Hindu devotees visit this temple yearly. Lord Shiva is the main deity. The temple is especially full on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. It is a two-storied temple that has various other temples surrounding it.

Boudhanath Stupa:

The peaceful eyes of the Boudhanath temple is the greatest symbol of Buddhism in Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage SIte made in in 1979 A.D. The temple was made about two thousand five hundred years ago. You can find people of all faiths in Boudhanath. The prayer wheels of this stupa are beautifully carved.

Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares:

Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square lie in the districts of Kathmandu and Patan respectively. The kings of Kathmandu and Patan resided in the palaces in these squares in the past. Displays of the Newari artists and craftsmen’s skills are replete in these squares. Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka complex in Kathmandu Durbar Square are the most important places there along with the museums there.

Day 03: Drive to Syange (1100 m/ 3608 ft)  via Beshishar (823 m /2699 ft) 7 – 8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

After an early breakfast, you will go on a scenic drive leading to the Pokhara highway. This interesting drive takes you along the foothills of the hills surrounding the Kathmandu valley. Just a few hours before the road that leads to Pokhara, the driving route diverts from Dumre town towards north eventually Besisahar. Beshishar is the district headquarter of Lamjung region. You will spend your night here. Besisahar lies at an altitude of 823 meters. You will reach here after a 7-8 hours ride from Kathmandu.

Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1860 m /6101 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Trekking starts from Besisahar with fascinating scenery of the gorge, high hills, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The trail is quite steep for half an hour leading you to lush farm terraces fields. As you trek further, you will reach the top of a ridge, which gives you a magnificent view of waterfalls. As you walk along some local villages and terrace farms, you will get to Chamje village. From Chamje, you will cross a bridge before another steep climb to Tal. This village lies by the side of the river Marsyangdi on a gorge-valley. As you leave Tal. the trek gets easier as there is a gentle path to a large bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will reach the village of Dharapani, where you will stay overnight. Dharapani lies at an altitude of 1860 meters and takes about 5-6 hours of a trek from Besisahar.

Day 05: Trek to Chame (2720 m /8922 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

From Dharapani, there is a change in vegetation. The air gets cooler. The landscape changes too. You will trek through forests before reaching Bagarchhap, which is the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. After a pleasantly cool morning walk, you will slowly gain altitude before reaching the apple country at Dhanaqi.Fr om Dhanaqi, you will pass through the farm area, orchards and beautiful pine forest with views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. The trail then follows the upstream of Marsyangdi river as you pass by the villages of Ratamanang and Koto. From Koto, a half hour of easy walk brings to the village town of Chame for the overnight stop. Chame, which lies an altitude of 2720 meters, is the district headquarters of Manang region. Today’s trek will be 4-5 hours long.

Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3200 m /10,496 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Today, you will trek from Chame to Pisang (3200 meters). It will take you 5-6 hours in order to get to Pisang from Chame. The walk from Chame follows the other side of the river on the northern bank. After you leave Chame, the path passes through pine woods and small villages along some gentle uphills and downhills before reaching Bratang. From here trek continues on the gradual path that leads you to a bridge. From the bridge, a short steep climb through the pine forest brings you at the top of the ridge of Pisang village. After walking past the tree lines, you can catch splendid views of Pisang peak and the Chulu peak. After a gentle descent for an hour brings you to the windswept village of Pisang.

Day 07: Trek to Manang (3540 m /11,611 ft) 4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

From Pisang onwards, the trekking trails offer you constant views of the high snow-capped peaks. The trail climbs steeply up for half an hour after a short gradual walk from the Pisang village before reaching the top of a small hill. This grand spot offers dramatic views of the valleys and Hongdre village with its short air-strip. You can also catch some mesmerizing views of peaks like Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilicho, Chuli, and Pisang peak. You will trek downhill from here all the way to Hongdre. From Hongdre to Manang, the trek is more or less flat. You will gain slight altitude as you near to the village of Braga and Manang. You can spend some time in Barga to visit Braga Monastery. The largest in the district, it has an outstanding display of statues, thangkas, and religious manuscripts. From Barga, it is only an hour walk to Manang for the overnight stop. Manang lies at an altitude of 3540 meters. Today’s hike will be 4-5 hours long.

Day 08: Rest day at Manang (3540 m /11,611 ft) to enjoy the scenic beauty, beautiful Mountains views and meet and greet local community, Tea House Accommodation.

You will spend this day acclimatizing and exploring Manang this day. Manang is home to about 500 flat-roofed houses. This village is set amongst some spectacular scenery compromising of Annapurna II, Annapurna III [7,555 meters], Gangapurna [7,454 meters] to the South – Tilicho [7,132 meters] and the Grand Barrier to the West – Chulu West [6,583 meters] and Chulu East [6,059 meters] to the North.

Day 09: Trek to Khangsar (3735 m / 12,251 ft)  4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

From Manang, you will walk along the main trail of Annapurna circuit for a while. As you trek further, you will reach the last village of Manang. From there, you will leave the main trail towards Tilicho. Walking along the south-west route for four hours will take you to Khangsar (3735 meters) in 4-5 hours’ time. You will stay here overnight. Khangsar is the last village before Thinegaon and Jomsom.

Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp( 4140 m / 13,579 ft )  3 – 4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

As you begin your trek from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, you will come across wide grassy fields initially. After that, you will make a slight ascent to a small hill. You can witness the glorious views of the entire Manang valley from this hill. After trudging down a steep inclination from this hill, you will get to Tilicho Base Camp (4140 meters). Camping is the only option as there are not many lodges in the Tilicho Base Camp Area. Today’s trek from Khangsar to is merely 3-4 hours long.

Day 11: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4920 m / 16138 ft ) and and  Yak Kharka (4040 m / 13,251 ft) 7- 8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Today’s initial ascent will be tough. After the initial hike, the trail traverses onto a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain before reaching Tilicho Lake (4920 meters). The spectacular views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks will always be by your side. You can admire the beauty of the turquoise blue waters of Tilicho Lake and its splendid setting. Depending upon the season, you can catch see in its bluish form with the reflection upon the mountains on it. Or you may see it in a frozen form. After spending some time here, you will head out to Yak Kharka (4040 meters). The trail leads out of the Marsyangdi valley. You can notice an abrupt change in surroundings you leave behind the trees and alpine vegetation greets you. The trail continues through the ruins of the old Khangsar village before you cross a log bridge over a river that lies between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. After trekking a total of 7-8 hours today, you will reach Yak Kharka. The Himalayan village of Yak Kharka has its name so because you can see a lot of yaks grazing and standing around. From here we also get breathtaking views of Annapurna III.

Day 12: Trek to Thorang Phedi: (4450 m /14,596 ft ) 3-4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

The trail from Yak Kharka leads to a slow climb up to reach the last settlement of Ledar. The trail then winds up offering grand views of the Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilache and the close-up view of Chuli peaks. Then you will ascend as you trek along the barren windswept terrain before reaching Thorong Phedi. The trail from Thorung Phedi(4450 meters) then depends upon your fitness. If you are willing to and the time permits, you will continue along a zig-zag track towards Upper Phedi or High Camp. There are a few tea houses and lodges here. If you can make it to Upper Phedi or High Camp, it makes the walk easier start for the next day. It also shortens the number of trekking hours as you head towards the pass. The trail from Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4925 meters) is about 5-6 hours long.

Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3800 m /12,464 ft ) via Thorong La pass (5416 m /17,764 ft ) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You will be starting your trek early after breakfast so that you can reach the top of the pass on time before the cold wind starts to blow. The trek can be quite strenuous in the beginning as you trek along a steep zig-zag path for an hour. After reaching the first ridge, the hike continues on the narrow gradual track for half hour or more till yu reach a small glacial pond. Around it is a small teahouse. From here, another hour and a half trek leads to the top of the pass. Finally, you will reach an altitude of 5,416 meters at Thorong-La. You can catch the best views of the northern Annapurna, Damodar, Bhrikuti and Dhaulagiri range of mountains from Thorong La. Despite the rough, steep descent from Thorong la, you can have excellent views of the Dhaulagiri 8,167 m. The descent will lead you to the sacred village of Muktinath (3800 meters). This will be the longest day in terms of trekking. You will trek 7-8 hours this day. After reaching the bottom, there are about two or three teahouses for refreshment. After a break here, you will continue for another hour before reaching Muktinath, which is the holiest of all holy places. During Hindu & Buddhist festivals, this place is full and busy with pilgrims from all over Nepal and India.

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2720 m /8922 )  5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Muktinath temple is the ultimate destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The temple is home to waterspouts where fresh water pours out channeled from the streams above the temple. After spending time at Muktinath temple, you will embark upon the trek to Jomsom. As you trek, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. We move ahead among meadows, cross streams and hills over to Kagbeni. You will have your lunch here. Kagbeni is a village that has many memorial stupas and a small monastery. After a lunch break at Kagbeni, you will trek to Jomsom(2720 meters). The trail to Jomsom from Kagbeni cuts through windy areas on the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trekking trail from Muktinath to Jomsom is 4-5 hours long.

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (828 m /2690 ft) 15 mins, Hotel Accommodation.

You will fly to Pokhara from Jomsom. The flight offers some spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This 15-minute long flight takes you over the deepest gorge in the world. The warmer climate in Pokhara will definitely make us feel better. You can head out to enjoy the serene waters of Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake. You can also get some boating experience here. Pokhara (820 meters) is also home to some adventurous caves like Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Bat Cave, and Mahendra Cave. So there are plenty of exciting things you can do in Pokhara on this leisure day. Or you can simply take a break and rest in your hotel.

Day 16: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. 7 – 8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

On this day, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The route of the bus takes you along the beautiful, scenic hills along with sights of Trisuli and Marsyangdi River. It is also possible for you to catch views of Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak during this bus ride. After a ride of 6-7 hours from Pokhara, you will reach Kathmandu. You can go for some last minute shopping in Thamel to buy some souvenirs or other items you might need.

Day 17: Final departure.

You will go to international airport for your flight back home today. You will go to the airport on a private transport along with our representatives from The Great Adventure Treks. You will reach the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Make sure that you have your confirmed air ticket with you along with other necessary travel documents. The Great Adventure Treks will be glad to arrange another tour for you in Nepal if you want to.

  • Pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star level hotel.
  • Kathmandu sightseeing by car.
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar by regular bus.
  • Besisahar to Syange by sharing jeep.
  • An Professional trekking guide with government license.
  • A porter who will carry your baggage (2 guest 1 porter: 25 kg max )
  • All Accommodation during Trekking(Tea House)
  • Food during Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit)
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management system) card.
  • Necessary Equipment( sleeping bag and Down Jacket)
  • Food, salary  Transport, clothing for Guide and Porter
  • Insurance for Guide and Porter
  • First aid kit from The Great Adventure Treks and Expedition
  • Emergency Rescue  Help ( covered by your travel insurance)
  • Flight ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • Accommodation at Pokhara.
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.( 3 star level hotel )
  • Government tax and service charge.
  • All program as per Itinerary
  • Airport drop
  • Airport departure
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Any kinds of Drinks( soft and Hard Drinks)
  • Kathmandu monuments fees
  • Personal Nature expenses
  • Tips for Staffs
  • Rescue and Evacuation cost
  • Any other special accommodation.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake 
From $ 1,080
/ Adult

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