The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a challenging 14-day Himalayan adventure combining classic mountain trails, high-altitude landscapes, and cultural experiences. The journey takes you from Kathmandu through Manang and the remote Tilicho Valley to Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m, before crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m and descending through Muktinath, Kagbeni, and Jomsom to Pokhara.
This challenging trek reaches high altitudes, including Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Proper preparation, good physical fitness, acclimatization, and following your guide’s advice are essential. The itinerary may be adjusted according to weather, trail conditions, and local circumstances.
This trek offers a complete experience of the Annapurna region, from lush valleys and traditional villages to dramatic alpine terrain. Highlights include acclimatization in Manang, the spectacular Tilicho Lake, the Thorong La Pass crossing, and the unique landscapes of Mustang and the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trip ends with a scenic drive from Jomsom to Pokhara on Day 14.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu toward Dharapani. The journey passes through Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi River Valley, with beautiful views of green hills, waterfalls, rivers, and traditional villages. As the road gradually climbs into the mountains, the landscape changes from subtropical hills to a more alpine environment. Arrive in Dharapani and settle into your teahouse for the night.
Altitude: 1,860 m
Drive Time: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin your trek toward Chame, the administrative center of Manang. The trail passes through pine and fir forests, small mountain settlements, and along the Marsyangdi River. As you gain altitude, the surrounding mountains become more impressive, with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Arrive in Chame and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Altitude: 2,710 m
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 16 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, the trail continues through beautiful pine forests and narrow mountain valleys. You cross several bridges and follow the Marsyangdi River toward Pisang. As the valley opens, spectacular views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak appear. Continue to Upper Pisang, a traditional mountain village offering a beautiful setting for an overnight stay.
Altitude: 3,300 m
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is one of the most scenic days of the trek. Take the upper route through Ngawal and Braga, where you can enjoy wide views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The landscape becomes drier and more dramatic as you enter the Manang Valley. Continue to Manang, a historic Himalayan settlement and an important acclimatization point.
Altitude: 3,540 m
Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 17 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is reserved for acclimatization before heading toward the higher elevations. Rather than staying completely inactive, take a short hike around Manang and explore the surrounding area. You may visit Gangapurna Lake or nearby viewpoints while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. The day also provides an opportunity to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the Tilicho Lake section.
Altitude: 3,540 m
Walking Time: 3–4 hours optional
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leave Manang and follow the trail toward Khangsar, entering the remote valley leading to Tilicho Lake. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dry, with dramatic cliffs and mountain views surrounding the trail. Khangsar is a traditional Himalayan village and serves as the gateway to the Tilicho Lake route.
Altitude: 3,734 m
Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue deeper into the Tilicho Valley toward Tilicho Base Camp. The trail passes through rugged terrain with impressive views of the surrounding peaks. As the altitude increases, vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape takes on a true high-Himalayan character. Arrive at Tilicho Base Camp and rest in preparation for the following day’s lake excursion.
Altitude: 4,150 m
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start early for the challenging ascent to Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes. The trail climbs steadily through a barren alpine landscape, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Reaching Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m is a major highlight of the journey. After spending time enjoying the scenery and taking photographs, descend back toward the lower camp area for an overnight stay.
Altitude: 4,919 m
Walking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, reconnect with the main Annapurna Circuit route and continue toward Yak Kharka. The trail passes through increasingly high and dry mountain terrain. The pace is kept steady to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks before reaching Yak Kharka.
Altitude: 4,050 m
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue gradually upward toward Thorong Phedi, the base camp for crossing Thorong La Pass. The trail follows the upper Marsyangdi Valley through barren alpine terrain. As you approach Thorong Phedi, the surrounding mountains become more dramatic. Arrive in the afternoon and rest well for the early start required for the pass crossing.
Altitude: 4,450 m
Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Start early and ascend toward Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the journey at 5,416 m. After reaching the pass, take time to enjoy the spectacular Himalayan panorama before beginning the long descent toward Muktinath. The landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Mustang region. Arrive in Muktinath and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Altitude: 5,416 m (Thorong La)
Walking Time: 7–9 hours
Distance: Approximately 15–16 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue downhill toward Kagbeni through the distinctive landscape of the Mustang region. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki Valley, surrounded by dry cliffs and dramatic mountain scenery. Kagbeni is an ancient settlement with narrow lanes, traditional houses, and a unique Himalayan atmosphere. Spend the evening exploring the village and relaxing after the trek.
Altitude: 2,810 m
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue south through the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Jomsom. The route passes through traditional Thakali settlements and open mountain landscapes. You will notice the landscape becoming greener as you descend to lower elevations. Arrive in Jomsom, an important town and transportation hub in the Mustang region.
Altitude: 2,720 m
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, travel by road from Jomsom to Pokhara through the scenic Kali Gandaki Valley. The journey passes waterfalls, rivers, mountain villages, and changing landscapes as you descend toward the lower hills. Upon arrival in Pokhara, your Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake adventure officially ends.
Altitude: 822 m (Pokhara)
Drive Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
This itinerary is carefully designed to combine the Annapurna Circuit with the spectacular Tilicho Lake while allowing sufficient time for acclimatization. Walking times and distances are approximate and may vary depending on trail conditions, weather, individual pace, and road conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted by the guide when necessary for safety and comfort. Accommodation and transportation may also change according to availability and lo
At Mings Adventure Nepal, with over 10 years of trekking experience, we recommend the following equipment to ensure your trek in Nepal is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. This checklist is a general guideline and may vary depending on the trek, season, and altitude.
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