Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is the standout trek of the Annapurna region. Many trekkers miss Tilicho Lake while taking the Annapurna circuit. Some make it to Tilicho Lake in a few days of trek but return back from there without going towards Thorong La Pass. The complete circuit trek with the Tilicho experience combines the best of both worlds.
This trek is very difficult and requires ample prior experience of trekking in the mountains. The trek is long and acclimatization is an issue in the thin air of the high Himalayas. What makes this trek arduous is the fact that we will first go to the altitude of 4,949 m (Tilicho lake) and then descend down to 4,040 m (Yak Kharka) and again move up to the altitude of 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass) in a matter of few days.
This rapid ascent and descent will drain your energy. Hence you should be much prepared before starting the trek. The beauty of the Annapurna region will however make you forget all the pain and trouble of the trek.
Tilicho lake is the highlight of our trek. It is a lake formed from glacial melts on the southern slope of Annapurna. Lake Tilicho is the highest altitude lake in the world for its size.
The lake has a great religious significance for the Hindus as it is believed to be the Kak Bhusundi lake mentioned in the ancient epic of Ramayana. It is said that this lake was the place where sage Kak Bhusundi first told the happenings of Ramayana to the king of birds – Garuda.
Kak translates to crow and it is said that the sage narrated the story of Ramayana to Garuda in the form of a crow. The texts of Ramayana mention that lake Kak Bhusundi was South of Annapurna and north of Nilgiri. The location, therefore, narrows down to Tilicho lake.
Lake Gangapurna is another highlight of our trek. It is also a glacial lake like Tilicho. In the Annapurna region, you also have an option for short Annapurna base camp trek and Annapurna base camp trek.
Mountain lakes, deep gorges, sky-high mountains, Marpha village – an apple production center, hot water springs of Tatopani, Kaligandaki valley, Muktinath Temple, and Thorong La Pass makes this trek a memorable affair.
Day | Mode | Route Itinerary | Elev.(m) | Duration | Overnight | Included |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Flight | Arrival in Kathmandu - Hotel | 1,300 | ---- | Hotel | D |
02 | free day | Free for you to rest and prepare | 1,300 | ---- | Hotel | B |
03 | Drive | Kathmandu - Chyamje | 1,300 | 8-9 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
04 | Trek | Chyamje - Dharapani | 1,960 | 6-7 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
05 | Trek | Dharapni - Chame | 2,710 | 5-6 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
06 | Trek | Chame - Pisang | 3,250 | 5-6 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
07 | Trek | Pisang - Manang | 3,519 | 4-5 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
08 | Hike/rest | Acclimatization day in Manang | 3,519 | ----- | Guesthouse | B L D |
09 | Trek | Manag - Shree kharka | 4,060 | 4-5 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
10 | Trek | Shree Kharka - Tilicho base camp | 4,140 | 5-6 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
11 | Trek | Visit Tilicho Lake and back | 4,949 | 7-8 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
12 | Trek | Shree Kharka - Yak kharka | 4,040 | 5-6 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
13 | Trek | Trek - Thorang Phedi or Hight camp | 4,600/ 4,800 | 4-5 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
14 | Trek | Trek - Thorang pass- Muktinath | 5,416/3,710 | 7-8 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
15 | Trek | Muktinath - Marpha | 2,650 | 6-7 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
16 | Drive | Marpha - Tatopani | 1,190 | 4-5 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
17 | Trek | Tatopani - Ghorepani | 2,850 | 6-7 hrs | Guesthouse | B L D |
18 | Trek/drive | Poonhill- Nayapul ,drive Pokhara | 3,210/822 | 7-8 hrs | Hotel | B L |
19 | Drive | Pokhara - Kathmandu | 1,300 | 6-7 hrs | Hotel | B |
20 | Flight | Departure - Airport | ----- | ----- | ----- | B |
Greetings from Nepal. Our tour operator will be at the Tribhuvan International Airport to receive you and take you to the hotel in Kathmandu.
Depending on your flight duration, you may have the evening free for rest, or a brief visit in nearby places of your hotel. In the evening, we will show our gratitude by inviting you to a welcome dinner in one of the reputed restaurants in Kathmandu.
We have a free day today, and you can explore the city on your own. Or, we can organize a private tour of the Valley with a private car, driver, and tour guide at additional cost.
After breakfast, you can visit the important sites of the Kathmandu Valley, including 3 UNESCO Heritage sites: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares.
You can also take a small trip to the Monkey Temple, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath Temple. In the evening, our guide will meet you and give you a brief introduction to the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek.
After dinner, retire early for a long drive the next day.
Early in the morning after breakfast, we will depart to Chyamche the destination for today. We will drive in a local bus through the serpentine road passing through numerous small village settlements.
After a long 8 to 10 hours of drive, we will finally reach Chyamche from where our actual trek begins the next day. For tonight, we will rest at one of the lodges of this small village.
Finally, our trek around Annapurna begins from today. After a hearty breakfast at Chyamche, we will walk along the picturesque Marshyangdi River, frequently jumping from one bank to another.
We will climb towards the Tal Valley and traverse through a dense forest of rhododendrons and bamboo. We have now entered the famous Manang area. In the evening, we will arrive at Dharapani, where we will rest for the night.
Dharapani is a typical Nepali village decorated with wooden houses, Mani walls, and colorful prayer lags from where you can enjoy the magical view of Manaslu.
After breakfast, we will begin our day with a gentle ascent towards the Bagarchhap village. The trail offers splendid views of Annapurna II. As we reach the village, the beautifully carved Mani Walls and fluttering prayer flags will welcome us.
We will then walk through a damp, shady forest and cross a suspension bridge, reaching the village of Timang. From the village, we can feast our eyes on the magical views of Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal.
As we arrive at Thanchok, we will stop for lunch. We will then take a gentle walk and reach Chame, known as the center of Manang. The village has some natural hot springs which you can explore later in the afternoon. We will stay for the night in one of the lodges of this beautiful village.
Today is an easy and short walk of only 4 to 5 hours, so we will have plenty of leisure time in the afternoon. We will walk along a steep, narrow trail passing through a dense forest.
We will arrive at an unusual rock named Paungda Danda Rock Face, rising from the stream to an altitude of 1500 m. at the village of Dhikur Pokhari.
We will stop here for lunch and enjoy the marvelous views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Chulu far east. After a short hike, we will arrive at Pisang, where we will rest overnight. In the evening, we can visit the old monastery.
We will resume our hike today with a gradual climb toward the village of Geru. We will discover the breathtaking views of the magnanimous glaciers of Annapurna II, III, IV, Pisang Peak, and Tilicho Peak.
We will also have a massive view of Chulu, Gangapurna, and Tarke Gyang. After delighting our eyes with these remarkable views, we will now continue our walk and reach the village of Nagyal. The landscape here changes with massive rock formations and higher mountains.
We will eventually arrive in Nawal, where we will take a short break. Then, we will descend to Braga and arrive at Manang, where we will spend the night.
Today is the day of acclimatization in the gorgeous village of Manang. So, we will spend this at our own leisure. We will have breakfast in the stunning background of Gangapurna Peak.
We will then take a walk to Milarepa cave located at an elevation of 4100 m. According to the legend, this cave is associated with the life of Milarepa, who is known to be a distinct figure in Buddhism.
If you are still feeling fatigued from yesterday’s hike, instead of the cave, we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) where they provide suggestions for altitude sickness. In the evening, we will return to the lodge and rest overnight for the trek the next day.
Today, we will be leaving the Annapurna route and entering the region from where the source of the Marshyangdi River is located: Lake Tilicho. We will descend to the river and continue our hike. In the afternoon, we will cross the river and trek along its southern bank.
The trail will then enter through the dense pine forest, leading us to the village of Khangsar. We will now climb a gentle slope and arrive at Siri Kharka, where we will take the lodge for the rest overnight.
In the morning, we will begin our hike to Tilicho Base Camp. The route today is quite an easy trail consisting of gentle ascend. If we are fortunate enough, we may spot blue sheep, a symbolic animal of the region. We will also have some exceptional views of Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and Khangsar Kang.
We will eventually reach the Tilicho Base Camp and rest at the lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Today is one of the highlights of our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. We will visit the highest lake in the world: lake Tilicho. We will ascend some ridges for 2 to 3 hours and reach the watershed. On the other side is situated Lake Tilicho which remains frozen for almost all year.
Therefore, a team of French expeditions led by Emanuel Schmutz named it the Great Barrier Lake. When the Lake water melts, the image of the great Himalayas reflects on its clear blue water.
The lake has religious importance as well as it is believed that the first narration of Ramayana took place here. After enjoying some time here, we will descend to our lodge for breakfast.
After breakfast, we will now trek back to Siri Kharka where we will rest overnight.
We will shorten our trek today by not going to Manang but taking a route to the Thorong Khola Valley. We will cross the same trail that will lead us to Khangsar. On the way, we will cross the old Tare Monastery.
As we move onwards, we will pass the abandoned ruined buildings in upper Kharsang. The untouched beauty of this place, along with the dazzling cliff overlooking the Marshyangdi River valley, will leave an unforgettable impression.
We will now cross a bridge, and a walk a little further will take us to Yak Kharka, where we will spend the night.
Today is a short trek to Thorong Phedi, which we will reach after about 3 to 4 hours. We will utilize the remaining afternoon for acclimatizing to the higher altitude as we will be traversing tomorrow to an altitude of more than 5000 m.
Our path will take us through the arid mineral landscape between some rubble and piles of brown rocks. We will then take a short descent and cross the river.
We will then take a short climb and arrive at Thorong Phedi, where we will spend the night in one of its lodges.
Trek today will be quite long and challenging, but the reward will be spectacular. We will rise before dawn, set the headlamp over our heads, and begin our hike to Thorong La Pass. First, we will begin with a steep climb to the base camp. Then, we will have an easy, gentle long climb to the Thorong La Pass.
We are on time to witness the magical sunrise over the massive Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, and Nilgiri. We will also have the greatest view of the Lower Mustang Valley.
After clicking some pictures, we will now descend to Thorong Phedi to have some breakfast. We will now resume our journey to another significant village of Muktinath. We will hike downhill for some hours and notice the change in landscape from barren land to green vegetation as you make your descent.
As we arrive at Muktinath, we will take a room in one of the lodges of this pilgrimage site and spend the night. Muktinath is religiously important for both Hindus and Buddhists of Nepal and India.
After having an early morning breakfast, we will make some time to explore the Muktinath Temple. Here, you can observe and take part in the rituals of devotees. We will also visit the sacred 108 springs of the temple.
We will now make our descent to the small village of Jarkot and continue our hike till we reach Kagbeni, which is the gateway to the Mustang region of Nepal.
After taking some rest here, we will now resume our descending hike towards Jomsom, following the trail along the Kaligandaki River. The landscape here resembles the Tibetan plateaus. The views are also incredible, with magnificent Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Nilgiri.
Another short downhill hike, then take us to Marpha, known for its extraordinary apple wine. We will rest in one of the lodges of this beautiful village.
A relatively easy and short day for Tatopani today. We will take a local bus to drive to Tatopani, a small town located in front of Nilgiri. The town has developed numerous infrastructure for promoting tourism. It is now capable of welcoming numerous visitors, both national and international.
Tatopani is known for its natural hot springs with a water temperature above 4o degrees Celsius. Nepali people also believe the natural hot mineral water here can cure many skin diseases.
Tatopani is also a favorite stopover for trekkers moving toward Mustang, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna. It is also one of the top relaxing spots to unwind before trekking to Ghorepani. We will rest for the night in one of the comfortable lodges of the town.
After a delicious breakfast, we will cross the Kali Gandaki and walk up to the village of Ghara. We will then cross a suspension bridge and get to the other side of Sikha village. From here, the path led steeply up the mountainside till we reached Chitre village.
From here, the path flattens a little but still continues uphill. As we walk along the trail, we can observe people working in their fields and some enjoying the warm sunny days at their home terraces.
We will now pass through an enchanting forest leading us to Ghorepani, where we will rest overnight.
We will utilize this day to ascend to Poonhill and observe the unimaginable views of the mountains. We will rise early at 4 am and continue with our uphill ascend for about an hour or two.
As the sun rises, spreading its orange rays, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, along with Kaligandaki, Mustang, and Dolpo valleys, seem painted with their golden hue.
It is the perfect spot to click selfies and souvenir photos. We will then return to Ghorepani, have our breakfast, and resume our journey to civilization.
We have a long descent ahead to Birethani, where our driver will be waiting for us to take us to Pokhara. After about an hour, we will reach the paradise for tourists.
In the evening, you can explore around the city and take part in the charming nightlife of Pokhara. We will stay in a hotel in Pokhara for the night.
A day that ends our remarkable journey to the Annapurna region. After breakfast in Pokhara, we will depart for Kathmandu on a tourist bus. The drive enables us to enjoy the beautiful yellow crop fields and roaring Trishuli River one last time.
We will arrive in Kathmandu probably at 3 or 4 pm. We will drop you at your hotel in the capital; you can take advantage of the remaining time by roaming Thamel or nearby areas.
After breakfast at your hotel, our guide will pick you up and transfer you to the Kathmandu airport for your departure from Nepal. If you wish to extend your trip to Nepal, you can undertake different other trips.
You can ask our guide for recommendations or visit our website for information on various Nepal trips.
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Important Note:
We prioritize your safety all the time while traveling with Ambition Himalaya Treks & Expeditions. We want our valuable guests and staff to be safe thus we have given full authority to your tour leaders to modify, cancel or update any part of the itinerary if it is considered necessary due to safety concerns.
Ambition Himalaya promises that we will do our best to stick with the planned itinerary. However, natural disasters, weather disturbances, health conditions, or any other mishap may force us to change the planned itinerary and we hope you understand these concerns. Our leaders will give you the necessary information and discuss it with you before changing the itinerary.
Number of People | Price Per Person |
1 Pax | US$ 1350 |
2 Pax | US$ 1100 |
3-5 Pax | US$ 1050 |
6-9 Pax | US$ 1000 |
10-15 Pax | US$ 950 |
Over 16 Pax | US$ 900 |
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, and throughout the world too. Expect nothing but the grandeur and beauty of Nepal! You will have dazzling and dizzying views of various eight-thousand-meter mountains covered with snow-white caps.
You will have an unimaginable journey through the hot, dense tropical forest to the arid zone of rocks, cliffs, glaciers, and slopes cut by moraines. Along the journey, you will have the opportunity to observe the authentic culture of Nepal. You will be able to make memories that will remain for life with you.
During this trek, you will see the magnanimous landscapes of the highest Himalayan peaks: all Annapurnas – Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), South Annapurna (7219 m); Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Nilgiri (7061 m), Manaslu (8163 m).
The most valuable and memorable moment of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a steep climb to the world’s highest walkable pass, Thorong La (5416 m). the summit of the pass offers some stunning views of the Himalayas.
Another highlight is a visit to Lake Tilicho, where the dizzying and grandiose Himalayan landscapes will steal your heart. Additionally, a trip to Muktinath will allow you to feel the spiritual and serene atmosphere that will touch your soul.
In short, a trip to Annapurna and Lake Tilicho will generously gift you with their treasures:
The trail to the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is simple, yet the trek involving high-altitude hikes has a fairly high complexity. You will begin your journey at an altitude of 1300 m from Kathmandu. You will then progress through numerous ascends and descends which can sometimes be steep.
Gradually, as your trek days move forward, the altitude will also increase to more than 3000 m. The maximum elevation you will attain in this trek is 5416 m at Thorong La Pass. The highest point where you will spend the night during the trek will be at almost 5000 m.
We have planned the gradual acclimatization with a rest day at Manang. Still, you may feel the mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, insomnia, tiredness, and difficulty breathing. In such a case, inform our guide who may descend you to a lower altitude and give you Diamox for alleviating the symptoms.
To complete this trek satisfyingly, we suggest you practice walking, running, and climbing at least 2 or 3 times a week. You should engage in these sporting activities 2 months before joining this trek.
To be honest, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is possible in any season, be it the peak trekking season of spring and autumn or the off-season of winter and summer. The all-year-round trek is possible with the best equipment, clothing, and a team of good guides and porters.
However, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are probably the best seasons for this trek. Because the Annapurna region enjoys the best weather conditions in these months. The day is dry, clear, and sunny, there is low humidity and few clouds. There is no or less likelihood of rain or snow, and the mountain terrain and scenic views are clear and refreshing.
The temperature is warm, with 7 to 24 degrees Celsius, making the long hikes of 6 to 7 hours pleasant. The landscape, mountain paths, and forests are enlivened with dense green vegetation, colorful blossoming rhododendrons, primroses, and other wildflowers. You will also have an opportunity to bond with other trekkers coming from different parts of the world.
In the winter months of December, January, and February, the temperature drops down to below freezing point. The region at higher elevations will be blanketed with a thick layer of snow. The Thorong La Pass, therefore, will be hard to pass, and sometimes the trail may be closed.
In the summer/rainy season of June, July, and August, expect heavy rainfall, cloudy weather, and muddy trails in lower altitudes such as Dharapani and Chame. But the higher altitude zones of Manang and Jomsom are in the rain shadows with no rain, even in the monsoon season.
Rest assured, our company will help you with any of your needs. We can organize the itinerary and make arrangements with the right equipment to make this trek possible even in winter and monsoon season.
For the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, you need to acquire a Nepal Tourist Visa, which is issued directly at the Tribhuvan International Airport. To apply for the Nepal Tourist Visa, you should have the following:
You pay the Visa Fee according to the number of days you are going to stay in Nepal. There is a special counter in the airport that will issue a Visa for which you have to pay in US Dollars.
Our itinerary for this tour is 20 days, so it is ideal for you to obtain a 30-day Nepal Tourist Visa. If you wish to stay longer, you can extend your Visa at an additional fee.
Cost of a Nepal tourist visa for foreign citizens:
In case of an extension of your Nepal Visa, you can extend your stay by 15 days, for which you need to pay USD 45. For additional days, you will be charged USD 3 per day.
For the comfort of the tourists to save their time, the Nepal government has granted an online application for obtaining the Nepal Visa. Please remember that the application should be sent no earlier than 15 days before your entry date to Nepal.
For the online processing, you need to have:
You need to follow the instructions mentioned below for the online application:
If you are traveling with children under 10 years of age, you also need to obtain the Gratis Visa for the children (except for US residents), which is free of cost.
Our tour package for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek includes all your food costs during the entire trek. However, during your stay in the urban cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, we will provide a hearty breakfast in the morning. For lunch and dinner, you have a variety of choices from Nepalese, Italian, Indian, Continental, Tibetan, and so on.
On the first day of your stay in Kathmandu, we will show our appreciation by providing you with delicious Nepali cuisine at one of the reputed restaurants in Kathmandu.
As you begin your trek, we will provide three meals each day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the lodge; you will retire for the night and lunch along the trail.
Basically, all the lodges include the national Nepali dish of Dal, Vat, and Tarkari. It is composed of white rice, lentil soup, and vegetables. The lodge menu will also provide you with other options. Such as for breakfast, you can have chapati, cereal, omelets, boiled egg, or porridge.
For lunch and dinner, you can have pizza, noodles, thukpa, momos, some soup, and meat as well. You will be served a hot cup of tea or coffee with each meal. For other drinks and beverages, such as fruit juices, sodas, mineral water, and alcohol, you will be charged an additional fee.
In the evening, after dinner, we will provide you with seasonal fresh fruits for your refreshment.
Our service for our guests during their Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek also includes full transportation during the entire trek. To begin with, we will drive you from the Kathmandu airport to your hotel in Kathmandu via a private vehicle.
The next day of your trek, you will spend a free day in the capital. But if you wish to explore the Valley, we can organize an exclusive sightseeing tour for you with a private car, driver, and tour guide at an additional cost.
As the trek day begins, we will drive you to Chyamche by a local bus. If you don’t want to go through the public transportation hassle, we can also arrange a private jeep drive to Chaymche for an extra fee.
As you make your way back to the urban civilization of Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will traverse through the beautiful town of Tatopani, where we will take you by a local bus drive. You will have plenty of opportunities to bond with the local people and enjoy the scenic views during the drive.
When you arrive at Birethani, we will arrange a private car to take you to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will transfer you to the capital in a cozy tourist bus. If you are short of time and wish to travel in luxury, we can also arrange for a short Pokhara to Kathmandu flight, for which you will have to pay an extra cost.
Want to learn more about this journey in-depth? Essential Trip Information includes a thorough itinerary, information for visa processing, Accommodations, Food , Acclimatization’s and pretty much anything else you could possibly need to know about this tour. Read more inside.
Yes, you can opt for a less commercial alternative of the Tilicho Mesokanto Pass Trek. Through this trek, you won’t have to cross the Thorong La Pass; instead, you will cross the Mesokanto Pass, standing at 5330 m.
With this trek, you will have plenty of opportunities to ascend Pisang Peak, Chulu Far East, West, and East.
When there are more than 6 members in a group, we provide an assistant guide for your better security, and to facilitate all the trekking procedures such as arranging accommodation, and meals.
Yes, even if you are new to trekking if you are in good physical and mental health, you can join this trek. Ensure you follow the information provided by our experienced local guide and utilize the acclimatization days according to the given instructions.
No, Lake Tilicho has a religious importance for Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. So it is prohibited to swim in Lake Tilicho.
Additionally, the lake will remain frozen for almost the entire year except for some months. It is situated at the highest altitude in Nepal so we also don’t advise you to swim for the risk of hypothermia.
Yes, if you only wish to go for the Lake Tilicho trek, you can do so, which takes only 6 to 10 days.
Yes, there are ATMs available along the route to this trek. You can withdraw money in Chame and Jomsom. But we suggest you withdraw money when in Kathmandu for safety’s sake.
No. of People | Price Per Person |
1 Pax | US$ 1350 |
2 Pax | US$ 1100 |
3-5 Pax | US$ 1050 |
6-9 Pax | US$ 1000 |
10-15 Pax | US$ 950 |
Over 16 Pax | US$ 900 |
14 Days / From: $ 950
14 Days / From: $ 799
16 Days / From: $ 1,090
19 Days / From: $ 1,490
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