Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake 15 Days
Trip Facts
Group size
1-20+
Duration
15 Days
Trip Mode
Private Vehicle/ Shared Vehicle
Level of difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude:
5416m
Best Season
Sep-Nov/Late Feb-May
Accommodation
Tea House/Lodge
Start/End
Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
- Traverse through diverse landscapes—from lush subtropical forests to alpine meadows and barren high-altitude deserts
- Breathtaking views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak
- Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — one of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks
- Stunning turquoise-blue waters nestled in a remote Himalayan setting
- Cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—one of the highest trekking passes in the world
- Challenging yet rewarding trek for experienced adventurers
- Experience the diverse cultures of Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities
- Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and chortens
- Pass through charming villages like Manang, Pisang, Braga, and Muktinath
Overview
Embark on an awe-inspiring landscape and cultural richness journey with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, a trekking odyssey that seamlessly combines natural beauty with cultural exploration. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, the Annapurna Circuit offers a mesmerizing tapestry of snow capped peaks, lush valleys, and charming villages.
One of the highlights of this extraordinary adventure is the enchanting Tilicho Lake. Which is situated at a breathtaking altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) a pristine jewel surrounded by towering mountains.
The trek to Tilicho Lake is a challenging yet rewarding ascent, providing trekkers with panoramic vistas that defy imagination. Every step reveals a new facet of this captivating region as you traverse diverse landscapes, from terraced fields adorned with vibrant rhododendron forests to high-altitude deserts.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local cultures as the trail takes you through traditional villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities. The warm hospitality of the locals and the serene beauty of the landscape create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you are an avid trekker seeking a physical challenge or a nature enthusiast yearning for breathtaking views, the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake promises an adventure that transcends expectations, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.
How does Annapurna Circuit Trek start and end?
Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moment of anticipation and excitement as trekkers stand at the trailhead, ready to immerse themselves in the spectacular journey ahead. The adventure commences in the vibrant town of Besisahar, where trekkers gather their gear and set the stage for the trekking odyssey.
The trail unfolds as the first steps are taken, revealing a landscape of terraced fields and charming villages. The air is filled with anticipation, and the distant views of the towering Annapurna massif provide a constant reminder of the challenges and rewards that await.
The trail weaves through lush forests, following the contours of the Marsyangdi River, and each turn brings a new perspective of the surrounding peaks.
The initial days of the trek are a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, with encounters with local communities adding depth to the journey. Villages such as Chamje and Dharapani offer glimpses into the traditional lifestyles of the people who call this region home.
The start of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is not merely a physical departure; it marks the commencement of a transformative adventure, where every step forward is a step deeper into the heart of the Himalayas, promising a tapestry of experiences that will linger in the memories of trekkers for a lifetime.
Itinerary
Early morning we drive from Kathmandu for concerning 6-7 hours (190 Km) to the Besishar. On the way, we will see several stunning villages, farms, flowing rivers, and a glimpse of gorgeous mountain ranges, which is an ideal feast for the eyes. As we’ll be taking native|an area|a neighborhood} bus, we would face unplanned traffic or anything while changing local buses from Besishar that will not allow us to step towards Chamje.
To avoid that situation, if you would like to book a personal car/Jeep (excluded from the package – luxury private drive from Kathmandu itself), we will manage that, or we will simply stay a night there and Continue our drive tomorrow morning towards Chamche to Dharapani height by local buses offered with comfort.
After breakfast, we start the second day of our trek; we cross a bridge, and once a steep climb, we enter the section of the Manang region at the village named tal; here, we see many waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. We follow the path through barley, rice, and potato fields. And go through the village of Kodo, one of the largest villages in the Manang valley. We cross a suspension bridge, and after a brief climb of the stone Kani, we reach Dharapani.
Today we follow the path through the forest with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees by a river to succeed in Chame; the district headquarter of Manang district. Well, be enclosed by the green forest around us, and over us, we’ll see outstanding views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We’ll conjointly stop by a little hot spring where we will relax for a moment.
We walk through a steep and slender valley to possess our initial view of the Paungda Danda rock face, a curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. We also see clear pictures of Annapurna, a pair in the south, and Pisang Peak in the northeast.
Next, we descend to the Manang valley floor long at a guesthouse or tea house.
We trek on the upper path through Upper Pisang via Geru; we decide on this path because it offers outstanding views of the north face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As we ascend, well feel the air flip cold, dry, and harsher. The path goes through Tibetan settlements, and we get an opportunity to explore Buddhist culture in an exceedingly short visit to the Barge monastery, the largest in Manang.
For our body to confirm, we spend these days exploring Manang; early morning, we tend to hike up to Gangapurna Lake, and Base Camp spend the day loving Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks, roll around Manang Village, and Monasteries. During the afternoon, we could visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village, wherever we will be briefed regarding acute altitude sickness., its symptoms, and preventions.
After Manang, we continue our journey to Tilicho Lake; from Manang, one heads out through the western gates and follows the trail right down to the stream. After crossing the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar and ascending the slope to the village, a village still in the previous Tibetan style is also known as Nepal’s last village.
Continue from Khangsar on an oversized path. Pass a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently made way up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards an area where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the ridge line. The former is the previous path and is much more challenging because it goes on a steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes entirely differently.
Continue on the new route, reach a high crest, and descend on switchbacks engraved out through the scree slopes to a facet valley of the central valley. At its bottom could be a brook. On the other side is a building referred to as Tilicho Base Camp at an elevation of 4200 meters.
Today our journey starts early in the morning, around 6 am, as we attempt to avoid the wind. From Base camp to the Tilicho lake takes another three to four hours. Tilicho Lake may be a cold, barren place in the afternoon and is claimed as the highest lake in the world. After we spend it slowly around Tilicho Lake, we’ll come back the same way back to Base Camp as there aren’t any accommodation facilities in the Tilicho Lake area.
Returning from Base camp, you’ll be able to keep high and follow a track 400meters approximately above Khangsar village. Pass through the ruins of previous Khangsar and follow an unmarked path that can lead you around and down to cross the river on a prior log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka.
Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb step by step to a ridge before the downhill to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and cross via a covered wooden bridge. After a brief ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a slender path across an unstable scree slope and so descend to Thorong Phedi.
Climb steeply to induce the High Camp and another climb up to yield to the Thorung La Pass. The pass has several memorials, prayer flags, and a tea house. We will be able to see bird’s-eye views of the Damodar and the Annapurna Peaks. We’ll descend on a steep path to the Holy Land of Muktinath after passing the village of Charabu. Night long at the tea house.
We follow a peaceful path for 2 hours until we reach the massive city of Jomsom and the Mustang region’s headquarters with a tiny low runway just over the Kaligandaki river.
We drive to Pokhara through the deepest canyon of the globe lying between two large mountain ranges of Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Dhaulagiri, with several snow-topped peaks.
Passing through the hanging countryside early in the morning and traveling for seven hours, we return to Kathmandu.
Price Includes
- Airport pick up and drop off, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
- All transportation: Kathmandu - Chyamje, Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu.
- Food all along the trip (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- One licensed and experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of guide and porter during the trip
- First Aid Medical Kit(Carried by the guide) Aarogya PC-303 Portable Vital Signs Monitor Device
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map (in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- Mobile SIM Card that works all over Nepal and a map of the trekking region
- All the required permits and paper works, applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations.
- Complimentary welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant
Price Excludes
- International airfare
- Nepal Visa charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc.
- Food and accommodation in Kathmandu
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on charted helicopter
- Tips for guides and porters
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
Add-ons & Options
1. Accommodation Booking in Kathmandu:
We can arrange your hotel stay in Kathmandu for a smooth and stress-free arrival.
✅ Double Room: USD 55 per night (cost can be shared between two trekkers)
✅ Single Room: USD 45 per night
📍 Centrally located near Thamel – close to gear shops, great restaurants, and cultural sites.
2. Private Jeep Transfer & Flights:
We offer comfortable and convenient private jeep services from Kathmandu Shange and Flight/Jeep arrangement from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
3. Porter Services:We can arrange a reliable, experienced porter to support your trek.
✅ Contact us for current rates and availability.
4. Accommodation Booking in Pokhara:
We can also assist with hotel bookings in Pokhara for your pre- or post-trek stay.
✅ Contact us for current rates and availability.
📍 Centrally located near Pokhara– close to gear shops, great restaurants, and cultural sites.
5. 🪂 Paragliding (Pokhara)
Glide above Fewa Lake with stunning Himalayan views.
6. 🤸 Bungee Jump (The Cliff, Kushma)
Leap 228m over the Kaligandaki Gorge – one of the world’s highest jumps.
7. 🎢 Swing (The Cliff, Kushma)
Feel the thrill on the world’s 2nd highest giant swing.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for current rates and availability.
Cost and Date
Select a departure month
Select year
| Start | Finish | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday Jan 15, 2026 | Thursday Jan 29, 2026 | Trip Status Available | Starting from US$ 1,000 | |
| Sunday Feb 01, 2026 | Sunday Feb 15, 2026 | Trip Status Available | Starting from US$ 999 | |
| Thursday Feb 05, 2026 | Thursday Feb 19, 2026 | Trip Status Available | Starting from US$ 1,000 | |
| Tuesday Feb 10, 2026 | Tuesday Feb 24, 2026 | Trip Status Available | Starting from US$ 999 | |
| Wednesday Feb 18, 2026 | Wednesday Mar 04, 2026 | Trip Status Available | Starting from US$ 999 | |
| Tuesday Feb 24, 2026 | Tuesday Mar 10, 2026 | Trip Status Guaranteed | Starting from US$ 999 |
If the above Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake 15 Days
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FAQ's for Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake 15 Days
General
It's a classic trek that includes the full Annapurna Circuit and a challenging side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes.
The best seasons are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May), which offer stable weather and clear views.
Itinerary & Duration
The trip is a standard 15 days, which includes travel to and from Kathmandu and the trekking days.
The trek follows the main circuit, with a detour to Tilicho Lake from Manang, and then rejoins the circuit to cross Thorong La Pass.
Difficulty & Preparation
The trek is considered strenuous due to its length, high altitude, and the challenging Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake detour.
You need excellent physical fitness. It is recommended to train for at least 2-3 months beforehand with cardio and strength exercises.
Transportation
The trek begins with a long drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar or a similar starting point.
The trek typically ends with a drive from Muktinath or a nearby town to Pokhara, followed by a bus or flight back to Kathmandu.
Altitude and Safety
The trek crosses the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), with the Tilicho Lake detour reaching approximately 4,919 meters (16,138 feet).
Acclimatization is crucial. The itinerary includes specific rest days in places like Manang to help your body adjust to the high altitude.
Accommodation & Food
You will stay in teahouses and lodges. Facilities are basic, and become very limited at higher altitudes, especially near Tilicho Lake.
The menu becomes limited to staple Nepali food like Dal Bhat at higher elevations due to the remote location.
Preparation and Gear
A warm sleeping bag, a down jacket, and sturdy trekking boots are essential for the high-altitude sections of the trek.
You should bring a first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and a power bank, as charging outlets are scarce.
Permit and Cost
You need a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
The cost varies, but a guided package can range from $1,000 to $1,500 per person.
Service and Guide
Yes, a licensed trekking guide is mandatory for this trek due to a recent law in Nepal.
Yes, porters can be hired to carry your main luggage, and they are usually included in a trekking package.
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