13-day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek from Kathmandu to Pokhara is an adventure mountain walking trip in Nepal's Annapurna Region to explore one of the world's highest lakes, Tilicho (4,919 meters / 16,138 feet and cross one of the biggest high passes, Thorong La (5,416 meters / 17,769 feet), seeing stunning close-up views of tall mountains, cultural monuments, and other natural attractions at 699-1,055 USD per person according to the number of trekkers in a group that includes public transport, all meal and guesthouse accommodation, trek permits, and experienced, friendly, and helpful guide.
Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek
Trip Facts
Duration
13 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5,416 meters
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Pokhara
Group Size
1-10
Activities
Trekking and Hiking
Best Time
September to December and March to May
A Quick Glimpse
- Trip Duration: 13 Days
- Trekking Duration: 11 Days
- Starting Point: Kathmandu
- Ending Point: Pokhara
- Maximum Elevation: 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Best Seasons: September to December and March to May
- Key Highlights: Mountain views, one of the world's highest lakes, Tilicho Lake, waterfalls, cultural monuments, traditional villages and lifestyle, high Himalayan desert lands, adventure high pass, and more
- Mountain Views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, and more
- Customizable: Yes
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a bold mountain journey in the Annapurna Region. It covers the world's highest lake visit and Throng La Pass. This two-week trip takes you into the high Himalayan territory through exceptional landscapes and typical villages.
While trekking to the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake in Nepal, you can see different types of landscapes, soil functions, and magnificent views of the snow-capped Annapurna Mountains. You can also explore vantage viewpoints and Buddhist monuments on this trip.
The 14-day Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek begins in Dharapani after a long drive from Kathmandu and ends in Berethanti, with a walk along the Ghorepani Poon Hill route. So, you can enjoy lower altitudes and the high Himalayan Alpine landscape on this tour at the same time.
Because of its popularity, the Tilicho Trail after Manang will be very busy for a few days. You will meet many domestic trekkers. The most challenging day of this trip is the hike to the lake from Tilicho Base Camp, which takes 4-5 hours. You must start early in the morning with a flashlight.
Two Weeks Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking Itinerary
You drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani on the first day to start a two-week trek on the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking. It is a long drive that takes around 10-11 hrs. You can use public transport to Besisahar and change to another jeep to Dharapani, or hire private transportation directly from Kathmandu.
You start walking to Chame the second day after a night's stay in Dharapani. It is a busy place because trekkers from the Manaslu Circuit arrive for their last night before returning to Kathmandu. You walk to Pisang on the third day and then to Manang. You will have open mountain views after Pisang on this trip.
You must have an altitude practice rest day on the journey to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake to have a spare day in Manang. You can either hike to Parken Gumba (100 Lama) or Chhongkar Viewpoint towards Gangapurna Lake and Glacier.
After acclimatizing in Manang, you trek to Tilicho Base Camp via Khangsar on the fifth day. You must cross the landslide area, where sometimes stones drop before you reach Tilicho Base Camp. On the sixth day, you hike to the World's Highest Lake, starting very early in the morning, around 4-5 am, with a flashlight.
After visiting the pristine Lake, you return to the base camp for lunch and trek to Khansar. You will also see magnificent views of Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Khang, Gangapurna, and more with Mount Manaslu (8157m) from the Tilicho Trail.
On the eighth day, you reach Ledar through Yak Kharka, which leads to Throng La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit Route. You go over this world's most significant pass on the 10th day, another tough day of this journey.
After Thorong La Pass, you get to Muktinath and drive to Tatopani (hot spring) the next day. You trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani, a long uphill walk. Here, you visit Poon Hill on the thirteenth day's early morning for the sunrise, hike to Hile, and drive to Pokhara. Then, you go back to Kathmandu on the fourteenth day.
Trekking to Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake: Is it the Right Tour for You?
Trekking to Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake is a challenging mountain adventure in Nepal, so beginners may find it difficult. However, anyone with strong determination and some hiking experience can go on this trip.
Adults who are not usual hikers also suffer on this trek (especially towards Tilicho Lake and Throng La Pass). Elderly people who regularly hike at high altitudes in the Himalayan Region may feel comfortable walking on this route.
Walking days while trekking the Annapurna Circuit to Tilicho Lake are shorter than going to Tilicho Lake, then crossing Throng La and continuing to Ghorepani via Tatopani. You will walk for five hours each day, except on those three days.
Preparation for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
Mental preparation is essential for adventure trips such as the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. You must read tour-related information before visiting or asking us any questions.
After being mentally ready to face any difficulties you will face during this mountain journey, you must do some hiking practice at least once a week for around two to three months before you go on this trek. It helps a lot if you carry a few kg in a backpack. At the same time, you do the hiking practice because you will have a daypack with snacks, valuables, a rain cover, water, and warm clothes for the day. You can also run a few kilometers and join an indoor gym to train your legs and muscles.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trip Cost
Our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trip costs 1,055 USD for a single trekker. However, the trek will be cheaper at 699 USD per person for a group of hikers. If you are booking this trip with a group or family, we have a special offer for you. Contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779851043624 to get a special discount on this adventure.
However, the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake will be cheaper for Indian and South Asian trekkers. This difference will not be huge, but the cheaper permits will reduce trip expenses.
Grab a Great Experience of Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake with Frolic Adventure
Frolic Adventure is a reputed trekking operator, so grab a great experience of the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake with us. We arrange the tour for your trip with experienced, government-licensed guides and friendly porters.
Our insured and equipped tour leaders will safely take you to the world's highest Lake and most significant high pass. They will provide authentic information about the trip and help you make quick, positive decisions when encountering mountain difficulties. So, you can book your travel with us without any hesitation today.
Note: We can also arrange hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, a heritage tour, and airport pick-up and drop-off services if you need them!
Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar 760 meters (2,493 feet) 6-7 hrs
Today, our guide will come to your hotel to take you to the tourist bus station. Then you will board the tourist bus to Besisahar for around 6-7 hours along a hillside road, enjoying views of green hills, terraced rice fields, rivers, traditional villages, and more. Once you reach Besisahar, check into the guesthouse, rest, and be ready for dinner and to stay overnight in Besisahar.
Max Altitude: 760m (2,493ft)
Altitude Loss: 590
Duration: 6-7 Hours
Distance: 175 KM
Meals: Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Tourist Bus
Day 2
Drive from Besisahar to Chame 2,710 meters (8,891 feet) 4-5 hrs
After breakfast at the guesthouse in Besisahar, you drive to Chame in a shared jeep along the Marsyangdi River and enjoy views of the beautiful Bung, Octopus, and other waterfalls, amazing landscapes, traditional villages, and more. It is around a 4-5-hour off-road drive, and you reach over 2,700, where you stay in Chame and overnight in a guesthouse.
Max Altitude: 2,710m (8,891ft)
Altitude Gain: 1950
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 65-70 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Sharing Jeep
Day 3
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang 3300 meters (10826 feet) 4-5 hrs
Today, you hike to Upper Pisang from Chame through Talekhu, Bratang, and Dhukur Pokhari. You can see a big apple farm in Bratang and enjoy fresh apple juice, cider, and other apple dishes after a short break, then trek to Dhukur Pokhari for lunch. After lunch, you walk another hour to Upper Pisang by crossing the Marsyangdi River. Overnight in Upper Pisang.
Max Altitude: 3,300m (10,826ft)
Altitude Gain: 590
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 14-15 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 4
Trek from Pisang to Manang 3,540 meters (11,614 feet) 5-7 hrs
You will have open views of the high mountains from today. You hike from Pisang to Manang through Humde, Munji, and Braka. You will see exceptional landscapes and typical villages with clay-roofed buildings along the way to Manang. It takes 4-5 hours to get from Upper Pisang to Manang and stay overnight there.
There are two routes to Manang after Pisang. You can take either way according to your physical fitness and interest. The upper route goes through Ghyaru and Ngawal; it is a longer trail with better views and no dust, but the lower route through Humde is shorter and easier, though it is dusty because of many jeeps and bikes.
Max Altitude: 3,540m (11,614ft)
Altitude Gain: 240
Duration: 5-7 Hours
Distance: 16-20 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 5
Rest Day in Manang 3,540m (11,614 feet)
Today, you have an exploration day in Manang to practice at altitude. You can hike to Parken Gumba (100 Lama) or Chhongkar Viewpoint to the Gangapurna Glacier and Gangapurna Lakeside for a short day. You can even walk to the Ice Lake or Milaripa Cave if you love a long exploration from Manang. After the acclimatization hike, you will be back in Manang and can visit coffee shops and bakeries. Overnight in Manang.
Max Altitude: 3,540m (11,614ft)
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 6
Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp 4,160 meters (13,648 feet) 7-8 hrs
It is a long day of walking from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp. You get to Khansar Village in about 2-3 hours from Manang, then walk another hour to an hour and a half to Shree Kharka. You stop for lunch and trek to Tilicho Base Camp by crossing a landslide area. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.
Max Altitude: 4,160m (13,648ft)
Altitude Gain: 620
Duration: 7-8 Hours
Distance: 13-14.5 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 7
Hike to Tilicho Lake 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) and Trek back to Shree Kharka 4,010 meters (13,156 feet) 8-9 hrs hrs.
It is a challenging day to hike to Tilicho Lake. You start the day early, around 4:30, with a flashlight. The trail gradually ascends for around 2 hours and steeply climbs for another hour from the 22 Ghumti (turnings) trail. There is a small tea shop near the Lake so that you can have hot drinks in this hut. After a successful visit to Tilicho Lake, you hike back to the Base Camp for Lunch, then trek to Shree Kharka to stay. You will see magnificent views of the high mountains, including Khangsar Khang, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and more, with Mount Manaslu visible from this trail today. Overnight in Shree Kharka.
Max Altitude: 4,010m (13,156ft)
Altitude Gain: 759
Altitude Loss: 909
Duration: 7-8 Hours
Distance: 16-17 KM (Total)
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 8
Trek from Shree Kharka to Ledar 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) – 4-5 hrs
Today, you will join the main Annapurna Circuit trail, walking from Shree Kharka to Ledar. You start the day with a gradual ascent to old Khangsar, then a long, steep descent to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb for half an hour to meet the Annapurna Circuit Trekking (ACT) route. After catching the ACT path, you hike an hour to Yakkharka, where you stop for lunch. Then, you trek another 45 minutes to Ledar. Overnight in Ledar.
Max Altitude: 4,200m (13,779ft)
Altitude Loss: 190
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 12-13 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 9
Trek from Ledar to High Camp 4,800 meters (15,778 feet) via Throng Phedi 4,500m (14,763 feet) 4-5 hrs
It is a short day. You walk for around 4 hours to the High Camp through Phedi. The trail until Phedi ascends gradually, but you will have a zigzag, steep path for the last hour to an hour and a half to Thorong High Camp. Overnight in High Camp.
Max Altitude: 4,800m (15,748ft)
Altitude Gain: 600
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 6-7 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 10
Trek from High Camp to Muktinath 3,760 meters (12,335 feet) via Thorong La Pass 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)7-9 hrs
It is another long, complex day. You start walking early, around 5 am, with a head torch towards Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). It takes 3-4 hrs to reach the top and walk on the descending trail to Muktinath. The trail to Muktinath is strenuous if there is snow and ice. Overnight in Muktinath.
Max Altitude: 3,760m (12,335ft)
Altitude Gain: 616
Altitude Loss: 1656
Duration: 7-9 Hours
Distance: 15-16.5 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 11
Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani 1,190 meters (3,904 feet) 4-5 hrs
Today is a relaxing day! You drive from Muktinath to Tadapani. The road is not wrong, but you feel scared in some places because of the falling cliffs and bumps. You will pass traditional Thakali Villages, the attractive Rupse Waterfall, and the world's deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge. Once you arrive in Tatopani, you can rest for a few hours and visit the natural hot spring in the evening. Overnight in Tatopani.
Alternatively, if you travel for a few days, you can stop in Jomsom today and fly out to Pokhara the next day.
Max Altitude: 1,190m (3,904ft)
Altitude Loss: 2570
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 70-74 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Public Bus
Day 12
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) 7-8 hrs
Walking in the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Tour is another long day. The trail to Ghorepani from Tatopani ascends, but you will have some flat parts, too. It takes about 7-8 hours to get through a typical village. You see the locals' traditional way of life and daily activities as you walk today. The view from this trail of Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Baraha Shikhar, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche is magnificent. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Max Altitude: 2,850m (9,350ft)
Altitude Gain: 1660
Duration: 7-8 Hours
Distance: 15-16 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 13
Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) 1 hrs, Trek to Birethanti 1,025 meters (3,362 feet) 7 hrs, and Drive to Pokhara 820 meters (2,690 feet) – 2 hrs.
It is another early morning start. You hike to Poon Hill with a flashlight to catch a sunrise from Ghorepani. It is around an hour's walk in the dark. You will see magnificent views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, Gurja Himal, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri South, Baraha Shikhar, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapuchchhre, Annapurna II, and more from Poon Hill. After enjoying stunning views, you return to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and trek downwards to Birethanti through Ulleri, Tikhedhunga, and Hile. Our private transport will be waiting for you here in Birethanti to take you to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Max Altitude: 820m (2,690ft)
Altitude Gain: 360
Altitude Loss: 2390
Duration: 7-8 Hours
Distance: 50-55 KM including 15-18 KM Walk
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Jeep/Van
The 14-Day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary begins in Kathmandu with a long drive to Besisahar and Dharapani on the first day. After a night's stay in Dharapani, the trip continues to Chame on the second day via Bagarchhap, Danaque, Timang, Thanchok, and Koto.
Then, on the third day, the journey goes to Pisang via Bratang and Dhukurpokhari. After Pisang, it goes to Manang on the fourth day and takes a spare day for exploration and altitude practice in Manang. After that, it heads to Tilicho Base Camp on the sixth day through Khansar and Shreekharka.
On the seventh day, hike to Tilicho Lake and return to Shreekharka. Then, the trip meets on the Annapurna Circuit route on the eighth day at Ledar. On the ninth day, go to Thorong High Camp and Muktinath via Thorong La Pass on the tenth.
A drive through a hillside road brings you to Tatopani, passing Jomsom, Marpha, Kalopani, Ghasa, and other typical villages on the eleventh day. On the twelfth, it goes to Ghorepani through Sikha and Chitre. The thirteenth day is another beautiful day, offering an unobstructed sunrise from Poon Hill with pristine views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, and a hike to Hile before driving to Pokhara. Then, the trip ends with a long drive back to Kathmandu in a tourist bus on the fourteenth.
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Route Map & Altitude Chart
Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek
Trip Cost Details
- Public sharing van from Kathmandu to Besisahar and sharing jeep from Besisahar to Dharapani
- Public Bus from Muktinath to Tatopani
- Private car/van/bus from Birethanti to Pokhara
- Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- One night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
- Annapurna Conservation permit, TIMS Card, and other necessary papers for the trek
- All accommodation in the mountains
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on the trek (a cup of tea or coffee in the morning)
- Fresh fruit every evening in the mountains
- Experienced, Friendly, and knowledgeable government-licensed guide and porter (one for two trekkers)
- Salary, food, drink, transportation, and accommodation for the guide
- Insurance for the guide and porter
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service and ground transportation if needed (paid by your travel insurance company)
- All Government Taxes
Private Trip
Essential Information
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a challenging and adventurous trip. Several difficulties you may face during this journey. What makes the trip difficult, then?
High Altitudes, with less oxygen in the air, make the trip difficult for trekkers. In addition to the elevation, cold temperatures and long walking camps make the tour challenging. You will also cross some landslide areas, where stones may drop. Heavy snowfall sometimes makes walking difficult, making descending in the higher regions slippery.
Best Time to Trek to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake
Autumn, from September to December, is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake. In these months, you can see bright views of the high mountains and a blue, unfrozen lake. You can also take this trip in spring, from March to May. The mountain views are magnificent, with colorful forests and blooming rhododendrons at this time, but the lake freezes. The temperature during the journey in the higher region will be warmer in spring compared to autumn.
Accommodation, Food, and Drink on Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trail
The Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trekking route is a well-managed Himalayan Region with plenty of lodges at each camp. You will have a twin-sharing private room in the guesthouse during the trek.
You will have a food menu at the place you stay, and the same will apply to the lunch stop. You will have many options on the menu, so you do not have to wait for the local course all the time. But if you would like to try traditional Nepali food on the trip, you can order it for your main course.
You can buy safe drinking water from the stations in each place, which is cheaper than bottled water. You must have your empty bottle to refill with safe drinking water from the stations. You can also buy bottled water in the lodge where you stay or in the grocery shops along the way. If you drink normal water, you can fill your bottle with tap water, but you must use purification before you drink it.
Toilets, Showers, Internet, and Battery Charging While Trekking to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake
Hot showers are accessible in most places but require payment in some areas. However, the cost is relatively lower than that of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Solar heating provides a warm bath free of cost, but if the lodges use gas on a cloudy day, you must pay for it.
You will have sitting and squat toilets in the guesthouses, where you will stay during your journey to the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake. You will also get an indoor attached bathroom in some places and share toilets most of the time. There won’t be any paper available from the guesthouse, so you have to bring your own toilet rolls.
There is electricity available in most places, so you can quickly charge your phone and camera. However, the lodges use solar power for lighting and heating in some higher regions, such as Thorong High Camp. You can't charge your devices here, so it's better to bring a power bank for the day.
Every guesthouse has Wi-Fi while trekking the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake. You can use them for free, but the service may be slow. You can also buy a Nepali SIM Card and use data, but internet access on the phone does not work in higher areas.
Safety Advice for the Trek
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a safe trek. Still, there might be some unexpected situations everywhere you travel in the mountain regions. Altitude Sickness is a significant problem at high Himalayan elevations. You must amble, drink plenty of fluid, eat well, sleep well, and keep warm to prevent altitude problems. If you have unusual symptoms, consult our guides and follow their suggestions.
You will be walking through landslide areas at some point during the trip. Wind, moving yak, and blue sheep can cause falling stones, so be careful when crossing landslides and check above the trail while walking.
If the trail is icy and there is lots of snow, the walking path will be slippery. Remember to use crampons/spikes while descending the steep trail.
What if You Struggle to Hike to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass?
You can hire a horse if you struggle to hike to Tilicho Lake from the base camp and Thorong La Pass from the high camp. Riding a horse is relatively safe, but if the path is icy, they can not walk. It would help if you employed a yak in this case.
What Should You Do If You Cannot Go Over Thorong La After Tilicho Lake?
Suppose you struggle to walk after visiting Tilicho Lake and cannot go over Thorong La for the Annapurna Circuit. In that case, you can drive from Khangsar to Besisahar and Kathmandu. If the condition worsens, you can take a helicopter ride directly to Kathmandu.
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