Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. After your journey, take some time to rest. If you wish, explore the nearby area to get your first impressions of Kathmandu. In the evening, you’ll attend a brief orientation for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, where you'll meet your guide and receive trek details along with any missing gear.

Your journey begins with an early morning public bus ride from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, followed by a shared jeep transfer to Dharapani, your final stop for the day. Along the way, enjoy views of stunning waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and suspension bridges. The route follows the Marsayangdi River and passes through scenic villages such as Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal. Upon arrival in Dharapani, make sure to register your ID and trekking permits at the police checkpoint.

Today's trek leads through alpine terrain, where temperatures begin to drop. You'll pass forests and the Tibetan villages of Bagarchhap and Danakyu, with views of Lamjung and Annapurna II, as well as apple orchards, pine woods, and terraced farms. Continuing through the scenic villages of Timang, Thanchowk, and Koto—where the Naar-Phu route merges with the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trail—you’ll arrive in Chame. This district headquarters of Manang features a prominent mani wall with prayer wheels at its entrance and offers various services including hotels, internet cafés, gear shops, banks, and medical facilities.

The trail from Chame winds through a narrow, steep valley lined with beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River, the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake route climbs upward, revealing dramatic views of rocky cliffs, including Pangdi Danda and Swargadwari Danda.

Continuing onward, you’ll pass through Talekhu and Bhratang before reaching Dhikur Pokhari, where you can admire peaks like Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, and Tilicho Peak. A final suspension bridge leads you to Upper Pisang, offering stunning views of Kuntu Danda, Longyo Danda, and the Annapurna Range.

From Upper Pisang, the trail follows a rugged path with steep ascents and sharp turns. Trekking through Ghyaru and Ngawal on the upper route rewards you with panoramic views of Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna (7,544m), Glacier Dome (7,193m), and Khangsar Kang (6,091m).

As you gain elevation, the air becomes colder, drier, and harsher. Passing through Tibetan villages, you'll get a glimpse into Buddhist culture. The trail leads through the scenic village of Munchi and the quieter hamlet of Braga before reaching Manang. Along the way, you’ll visit Barge Monastery—the largest in Manang—and see Buddhist shrines lining the path. Manang, one of the largest towns on the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek, offers a lively market and cultural immersion.

Today is a rest day for acclimatization on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. Use this time to explore Gangapurna Lake with a short hike in the surrounding area. Though the trail is slightly challenging due to loose pebbles and debris, the views are stunning. The serene lake, fed by glacial melt, is surrounded by rugged hills and snow-covered peaks. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Glacier Dome, and Annapurna. Some trekkers also opt to hike to Ice Lake or Base Camp for even more spectacular scenery.

The trail from Manang to Siri Kharka is relatively easy. It descends to a river crossing before continuing through a forest of conifer trees. After about three hours of trekking, you’ll reach the Tibetan village of Khangsar. From there, the path passes a monastery before arriving at Siri Kharka. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu.

You’ll begin your trek early from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp. While the trail isn’t particularly steep or physically demanding, it can be tiring due to narrow, landslide-prone paths and unstable terrain. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of snow-capped peaks like Tilicho and striking rock formations. After a day of challenging trekking through a small valley and creek, you’ll arrive at Tilicho Base Camp.

Today is one of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as you visit the stunning Tilicho Lake. To avoid the strong afternoon winds, you'll start early from Tilicho Base Camp. The steep trail takes about 2–3 hours to climb, offering sightings of yaks and deer along the way. Nestled beneath the north face of Tilicho Peak, the lake is among the world’s highest and is set in a breathtaking alpine landscape. Named “The Great Ice Lake” by a renowned French expedition, Tilicho Lake is surrounded by the Tilicho Himal, Annapurna Range, and Nilgiri Himal. It also holds spiritual significance in Hinduism, as it's mentioned in the ancient text The Ramayan. After soaking in the views, you’ll return to Siri Kharka for the night.

Today’s journey from Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka continues your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. You’ll retrace the trail toward Kangsar, passing the ancient Tare Gumba monastery, which holds deep significance for Buddhists. Upon reaching Khangsar Village, you'll find it mostly deserted, except for occasional herders during festival seasons. Continuing through the Thorang Khola Valley, you'll cross a seasonal bridge to reach a plateau. A short hike from there brings you to Yak Kharka, where you'll spend the night, enjoying scenic views of the Annapurna range.

After breakfast, you'll resume the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek, passing through Ledar, the last village on this route. A climb up a ridge offers stunning views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tobuche, and Chulu Peak. The trail then descends toward the Marsyangdi River, which you’ll cross via a wooden bridge. Along the way, you'll spot a small teahouse where trekkers can rest and eat. After the village, the path climbs along the river’s right side, then winds down to Thorung Phedi. Once there, you can either relax at the teahouse or continue on to high camp for the night. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and surrounding valleys.

Today’s trek is one of the most challenging segments of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. From Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp, you’ll ascend to Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters. From the pass, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, and other surrounding mountains. After capturing the stunning scenery, you’ll descend to Muktinath—an entirely downhill trail.

Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, attracting thousands of Hindu pilgrims. The temple complex features 108 water spouts and two small ponds, where devotees bathe to cleanse past sins. Nearby, the Jwalamai Temple (Goddess of Fire) sits above a natural gas flame that burns continuously behind a metal grate, adding to the site's spiritual significance.

According to the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary, today marks your final day of trekking in the Annapurna region as you head toward Jomsom. After breakfast, you'll leave Muktinath and descend through the scenic villages of Jharkot, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti. The trail is mostly downhill, making the trek easier than previous days, though some steep sections near the end can be a bit challenging.

To reach Jomsom, you’ll follow the path down to the Kali Gandaki River and into its windswept valley. Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang region, is home to the Thakali people and once served as a hub for traditional salt traders. From here, you’ll enjoy clear views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Peak.

Today marks the end of your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. You'll leave early in the morning to catch a 30–40 minute flight to Pokhara. During the flight, enjoy aerial views of the trail to Tatopani and Ghorepani, along with sweeping vistas of the Annapurna Himalaya Range.

Once in Pokhara, take the day to relax and recover after your trek. You can explore popular attractions such as Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda, the International Mountain Museum, Bindabasini Temple, and Mahendra Cave. A peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake is especially enjoyable in good weather.

Today marks the end of your Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit trek. After waking up in Pokhara, you’ll board a tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The 205 km drive follows the scenic Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, passing through charming villages like Damauli and Dumre, with views of hills, rivers, and snow-capped mountains along the way.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a team member will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Use the evening to relax, explore Thamel, or shop for souvenirs on your final night in Nepal.

We typically arrange your airport transfer three hours before departure. If you have extra time, we can organize optional side trips or you’re free to explore on your own.