Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

Trip Code: NP-36 Country: Nepal Duration: 18 Days Best Time: Mar to May & Sep to Nov Base Price: 1895 USD Level: Challenging Season: Autumn, Spring

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Tilicho Lake, Annapurna Circuit Trek. Nepal

Overview

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is one of the finest long-distance treks in the world — a complete loop around the Annapurna massif that combines dramatic high-altitude passes, remote Himalayan valleys, ancient Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and the extraordinary detour to Tilicho Lake, the highest lake of its size on earth at 4,919m.

The route crosses the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m — one of the highest trekking passes in the world regularly crossed on foot — before descending into the sacred Mustang Valley and the pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Summit Routes guides this classic circuit from Kathmandu, returning via Pokhara with an optional Poon Hill sunrise extension included in the itinerary.
Deciding between the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp?
Read our detailed comparison
to find which trek suits your fitness, timeline, and goals.

Important Notes:

Best Time to Trek: March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn).
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging.
Highest Point: Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
Tilicho Lake: 4,919m — the world’s highest lake of its size; an unmissable detour requiring one additional day.

Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 2	Drive Kathmandu to Chame (2,670m)
Day 3	Trek Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Day 4	Trek Upper Pisang to Manang (3,500m) via Ghyaru & Ngawal
Day 5	Acclimatization Day in Manang — Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m)
Day 6	Trek Manang to Shreekharka / Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)
Day 7	Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and Return to Manang
Day 8	Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4,020m)
Day 9	Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,925m)
Day 10	Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — Trek to Muktinath (3,760m)
Day 11	Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) via Kagbeni
Day 12	Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (820m)
Day 13	Drive Pokhara to Nayapul — Trek to Ulleri (1,960m)
Day 14	Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Day 15	Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) — Trek to Nayapul — Drive to Pokhara
Day 16	Pokhara Sightseeing — Drive to Kathmandu
Day 17	Buffer / Free Day in Kathmandu
Day 18	Departure from Kathmandu

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Transfer to hotel, trek briefing and gear check.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Chame (2,670m)

Drive Distance: ~175 km | 7–8 hours.
Scenic drive along the Marsyangdi River valley through Besisahar and Dharapani.
First views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II on approach to Chame.
Overnight: Tea house in Chame.

Day 3: Trek Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)

Trek Distance: ~17 km | 6–7 hours.
Pass through dense pine and apple orchards, with the dramatic rock face of Paungda Danda rising to the right.
First full views of Annapurna II (7,937m) as you approach Pisang.
Stay in Upper Pisang for superior altitude and Annapurna views over Lower Pisang.
Overnight: Tea house in Upper Pisang.

Day 4: Trek Upper Pisang to Manang (3,500m) via Ghyaru & Ngawal

Trek Distance: ~18 km | 6–7 hours.
High route via Ghyaru (3,670m) and Ngawal — superior views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak compared to the valley floor trail.
Arrive in Manang, the main acclimatisation hub on the circuit.
Overnight: Tea house in Manang.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Manang — Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m)

Mandatory rest day before the high-altitude section begins.
Acclimatisation hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) — outstanding panorama of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and the Manang valley below.
Attend afternoon altitude awareness briefing at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Manang. Read our altitude sickness guide to understand what to expect above 4,000m.
Overnight: Tea house in Manang.

Day 6: Trek Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)

Trek Distance: ~12 km | 5–6 hours.
Leave the main circuit trail and head west toward Tilicho Lake on a narrower, less-travelled path.
Cross a steep landslide section before descending to the Tilicho Base Camp lodge — the only accommodation near the lake.
Overnight: Tea house at Tilicho Base Camp.

Aim to arrive by 2pm — Tilicho Base Camp has very limited accommodation
and fills quickly during peak season.

Day 7: Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — Return to Manang (3,500m)

Trek Distance: ~22 km | 8–9 hours.
Early start (5:00–5:30am) to reach Tilicho Lake before afternoon winds develop.
Tilicho Lake sits in a glacial bowl beneath the sheer walls of Tilicho Peak (7,134m) — at 4,919m it is the highest lake of its size on earth.
Return to Manang via base camp. Long day but entirely manageable with the early start.
Overnight: Tea house in Manang.

Day 8: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4,020m)

Trek Distance: ~10 km | 4–5 hours.
Resume the main Annapurna Circuit heading north toward Thorong La.
Short day by design — important altitude gain preparation for the pass crossing.
Yak Kharka is a small settlement with yak pastures and close Annapurna views.
Overnight: Tea house in Yak Kharka.

Day 9: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,925m)

Trek Distance: ~7 km | 4–5 hours.
Steady climb through Thorong Phedi to Thorong High Camp — your final sleeping point before the pass.
Early dinner and sleep by 8pm in preparation for a pre-dawn start the following morning.
Overnight: Tea house at Thorong High Camp.

Day 10: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — Trek to Muktinath (3,760m)

Trek Distance: ~16 km | 7–8 hours.
Pre-dawn departure (4:00–4:30am) to summit Thorong La Pass before afternoon winds close in.
Thorong La at 5,416m is one of the world’s highest trekking passes. The ascent takes 4–5 hours from high camp.
Descend the western flank to Muktinath — sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, home to a 108-spout fountain and the Jwala Mai temple where natural gas burns through the ground.
Overnight: Tea house in Muktinath.

Day 11: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) via Kagbeni

Trek Distance: ~18 km | 5–6 hours.
Descend through the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge — the deepest gorge in the world.
Pass through Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, with its medieval fortress and monastery.
Continue to Jomsom, the administrative centre of Mustang and base for the morning flight.
Overnight: Tea house in Jomsom.

Day 12: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (820m)

Flight: 20 minutes (must depart before 9am — winds make afternoon flights impossible).
Arrive Pokhara and transfer to hotel.
Rest afternoon after the physical demands of Days 9–11.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.

Weather cancellations on this flight are common, particularly in spring.
Day 17 is built into the itinerary specifically as a buffer for this eventuality.

Day 13: Drive Pokhara to Nayapul — Trek to Ulleri (1,960m)

Drive: ~1.5 hours to Nayapul.
Trek Distance: ~7 km | 3–4 hours.
Begin the Poon Hill extension — an optional but highly recommended addition included in this itinerary.
Steady climb through Birethanti and Modi Khola valley to Ulleri.
Overnight: Tea house in Ulleri.

Day 14: Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860m)

Trek Distance: ~10 km | 5–6 hours.
Through dense rhododendron forest — spectacular in October with autumn colour.
Arrive Ghorepani in time for an early evening walk to the ridge for sunset views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Overnight: Tea house in Ghorepani.

Day 15: Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) — Trek to Nayapul — Drive to Pokhara

Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (45 minutes from Ghorepani) for the finest panoramic sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges available from any accessible point in Nepal.
Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then descend to Nayapul via Tikhedhunga.
Drive back to Pokhara. Rest evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.

Day 16: Pokhara — Drive to Kathmandu

Morning free in Pokhara. Optional: Phewa Lake boat ride, Davis Falls, or Bindhyabasini Temple.
Afternoon tourist bus or private vehicle to Kathmandu (~7–8 hours) or morning flight option (30 minutes).
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Buffer Day / Free Day in Kathmandu

Contingency day to absorb any weather-related delays on the Jomsom flight or Thorong La crossing.
If no delays, use for Kathmandu sightseeing — Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, or Thamel.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward travel.

Pricing

NP-36 – Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake (18 Days)
Starting from USD 1,895 per person
(Based on 2 trekkers, private guide & porter support)

Includes domestic flights, experienced local guide, porter support, permits & full trek logistics.

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INCLUDED

All private transportation throughout the entire programme
14 nights Tea-House / Guest-House accommodation (twin sharing)
2 nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (twin sharing)
1 night Hotel accommodation in Pokhara (twin sharing)
All entrance fees, national park permits, and TIMS card
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
English speaking guide throughout the trek
Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
Meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary
Domestic flight tickets: Jomsom to Pokhara
Altitude sickness awareness briefing, Manang HRA clinic

NOT INCLUDED

International flights
Nepal visa fees
Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high altitude above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation)
Personal expenses and equipment
Tips for guide and porter
Pokhara to Kathmandu flight (optional upgrade available — ask on enquiry)
Everything not mentioned in the Included list

Hotel List

Gallery

FAQ

How difficult is Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake?

The trek is moderate to challenging. Daily distances are manageable (10–18km) but cumulative altitude gain over 18 days is significant. The two hardest days are the Tilicho Lake excursion (8–9 hours at high altitude) and the Thorong La crossing (pre-dawn start, 5,416m). Solid fitness and some prior hiking experience will see you through. No technical skills required. Prior Himalayan trekking experience is recommended but not essential — consistent aerobic fitness training in the 3–4 months before departure is more important than previous trek credentials.

When is the best time to do the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake?

October and November are the best months — clear skies, stable conditions, and Thorong La reliably snow-free. March to May is the second-best window with rhododendrons in bloom. Avoid June to September (monsoon) when trail conditions are poor and the pass can be blocked.

What permits are required and do you arrange them?

This trek requires an ACAP permit and a TIMS card. Both are arranged and included by Summit Routes — you do not need to apply for anything yourself. Our guides carry all documentation and manage permit checkpoints throughout the route.

What's included in the price?

Included: all transportation, tea-house and hotel accommodation, all meals on trek, ACAP and TIMS permits, English-speaking guide, porter support, Jomsom–Pokhara domestic flight, and the Manang HRA altitude briefing. Not included: international flights, Nepal visa, travel insurance, personal equipment, and guide and porter tips.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, and it is mandatory. Your policy must specifically cover high-altitude trekking above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation — standard travel insurance often excludes both. We provide a coverage checklist on booking to help you verify before departure.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416m on Day 10. Tilicho Lake reaches 4,919m on Day 7. The itinerary includes two acclimatisation days before the high-altitude section — one full rest day in Manang and the gentler Tilicho Base Camp approach day — specifically designed to prepare you for the pass crossing.

What happens if I develop altitude sickness?

Our guides are trained in AMS recognition, carry pulse oximeters, and take daily readings from Day 4 onwards. If symptoms do not resolve with rest, descent is non-negotiable. Helicopter evacuation can be arranged from Manang or Jomsom — which is why insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory on this trek.

Can the Tilicho Lake detour be skipped?

Yes, but we strongly recommend against it. Tilicho Lake is the defining feature of this itinerary and also serves a practical purpose — the altitude exposure on Days 6 and 7 meaningfully improves your acclimatisation before Thorong La. If your schedule is tight, speak to us — we can usually adjust the Kathmandu or Pokhara days instead.

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📅 Annapurna Circuit 2026 — Fixed Departures (18 Days)

Autumn season · Peak clarity · Thorong La at its best

Oct 05 – Oct 22 Oct 20 – Nov 06

⚡ Small groups · Local Nepali guides · All permits & Jomsom flight included

Arrive & Depart: Kathmandu (KTM), Nepal

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