Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Trip Overview

This 15 day Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek takes you through some of the most spectacular high altitude scenery in Nepal, covering a journey from Kathmandu through Chame, Manang, and up to the world's highest altitude lake before crossing the legendary Thorong La pass into Muktinath and finishing in Pokhara. It's a true classic trek that blends culture, altitude, and trekking adventure in one unforgettable route.

Itinerary Overview

We begin in Kathmandu with a trip briefing before driving to Chame, the gateway to the Manang valley. From there we trek steadily higher through Pisang and Manang, take a proper acclimatization day, then push on toward Tilicho Base Camp and the breathtaking Tilicho Lake. After that we continue through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi before crossing the Thorong La pass, descending into Muktinath, and driving to Pokhara. The trip wraps up with sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu before flying home.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Trip briefing at 5PM. Overnight in Kathmandu at 1400m.

• Day 2: Drive to Chame, 237KM, about 10 hours. Overnight in Chame.

• Day 3: Trek to Pisang (3230m), 14KM, about 5 hours.

• Day 4: Trek to Manang (3550m), 18KM, about 4 hours.

• Day 5: Acclimatization day in Manang. Optional excursions to nearby villages and viewpoints.

• Day 6: Trek to Siri Kharka (4060m), 9KM, about 5 hours.

• Day 7: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m), 10KM, about 6 hours.

• Day 8: Excursion to Tilicho Lake (4920m), the world's highest altitude lake.

• Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m), 8KM, about 5 hours.

• Day 10: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4525m), 6KM, about 4 hours.

• Day 11: Cross Thorong La pass (5416m), the highest point of the trek.

• Day 12: Visit Muktinath temple, then drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Lakeside.

• Day 13: Breakfast, then Pokhara sightseeing. Overnight in Pokhara.

• Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu. Visit a UNESCO site in the city.

• Day 15: Fly back home.

Why You Will Love This Trip

• World's Highest Lake: Standing at the shores of Tilicho Lake at 4920m is something that stays with you forever. It's one of the most surreal high altitude landscapes you'll ever witness.

• Thorong La Pass: Crossing the pass at 5416m is the highlight for most trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit. It's demanding but the sense of achievement once you're on the other side is hard to describe.

• Manang Valley Villages: The stone houses, prayer flags, and Tibetan influenced culture of Manang and its surrounding villages give you a real feel for life in the high Himalaya.

• Muktinath Temple: A sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath offers a peaceful and spiritually rich stop right after your pass crossing.

• Diverse Landscapes: This trek takes you from lush lower valleys all the way up to high alpine desert, so the scenery changes dramatically day by day.

• Pokhara and Kathmandu Wind Down: After the trek, relaxing by Phewa Lake in Pokhara and exploring a UNESCO site in Kathmandu is a lovely way to close out the trip.

Trip Overview (Altitude & Activity Chart)

This is a high altitude trek, with elevations ranging from 850m in Pokhara up to 5416m at Thorong La pass, so proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary. Most days involve genuine trekking on foot, with one dedicated acclimatization day at Manang and one long drive at the start to reach Chame.

Accommodation & Meals Overview

Throughout the trip you'll stay in 2 nights of 3 star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, 10 nights of mountain lodge accommodation on a full board basis in the Himalayas, and 2 nights of 3 star hotel accommodation in Pokhara. Breakfast is included daily throughout the trip, totaling 14 breakfasts. During the trekking days in the Himalayas, all meals are provided on a full board basis, since teahouse and lodge options are limited at altitude. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore local restaurants, though a few are included as part of the package. In total, the trip includes 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 14 dinners.