Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake

12th year anniversary
Trip Advisor

This is the long course that follows The Marshyangdi River, crosses Thorang Pass (Highest pass in the country) from the bottom of Manang village. This trek offers the roundabout tour of the Annapurna region, crosses about 30 km around the entire Annapurna massif. With extension of Tilcho lake will mesmerize you its beauty and the surroundings as well as witnessing 360 degree of the mountains around, Tilicho lake is considered to be the highest lake in the world. Along with this serene and amazing lake, the trail allows us to witness the beautiful landscapes at the limit of Thorang Pass and around the sacred area of Muktinath Temple. The Variation in culture to be witnessed from the Tibet Like country on the north and to our own native People like Gurungs, Magars resides down the valley.

Day 01

Arrival Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing

Free day or you can opt for the Kathmandu Valley tour. The program will be: Bhaktapur Durbar Square monuments with their wooden pagoda-temples The Bodhnath stupa, a Buddhist sanctuary. Pashupatinath, a holy Hindu temple where the Cremations process of Hindu religion takes place and, including many temples spread about along the Crowded and busy streets of the antique city.

Day03 Drive Ktm to Besi Sahar

After the breakfast from the hotel, early start in the morning to Besisahar by car. The drive is about 7 hours; it’s a long way with a quite some part with the rough road. Over night at the lodges at Besisahar.

Day 04 Besi Sahar (820m) - Ngadi (950m).

The first day of walk starts across the rice fields with the stunning views of Himal Chuli (about 7200m). We walk along the Marsyangdi River, later on we come to the first remarkable villages (Bulbulhe). Cross the suspension bridge, pass the village, and follow the trail through paddy field and we will come to Tarangche, a Tamang village and ahead of this we come to Ngadi Bazar, small hamlet, near the torrent. We stop here for the night in the lodge. 4.30 hrs walk.

Day 05 Ngadi-Jagat (1310m).

Our first village after crossing the suspension bridge will be Bahundanda, the Bahun, Tamang & Gurung of cast live in Bahundanda. We walk through bamboo forerst, terraced field, and crossing the suspension bridge we come to the village of Syanje where strong Tibetan influence culture is witnessed. The valley narrows, and our ups and down walk stops at Jagat, which will be our overnight stay. 5hrs walk.

Day 06 Jagat-Dharapani (2000m).

The trail move along the river with many ascents & descents, river becomes narrow and the rock faces on the both side becomes steeper. Before long we will reach to village Chamje. We soon leave the village, cross the suspension bridge, river becomes pleasant as we walk through the maize fields which have replaced the rice fields before reaching Tal (1700 m), a small village stuck under huge cliffs. The trek has now entered Manang district. Climb past several bhattis to reach Ningala, keep walking on the flank to Khorto. Cross the suspension bridge and we will reach to Karte. From Karte, we walk again the level road on the left bank, cross the suspension bridge, climb up the terrace and enter to Dharapani village (2000 m), villages built with mani walls, slate roofs and wooden balconies. Overnight at Dharapani, 5 hrs walk.

Day 07 Dharapani-Chame (2700m)

After breakfast we start our walk and in an hour we reach Bagarchap(2164 m)village, built with mani walls and we can even see some of the monasteries around, people are called Bhotia Gurung, Tibetan Buddhist. We come to Danque and if you turn around point of view of 8163 m peak of Manaslu comes as a reward. We can also enjoy the hot spring bath in the Latamrang hot spring. The trek after now goes through forested area, pine trees and you will see Annapurna II (7937 m) and you will approach to Koto. And a little more climbing and you will come to Chame, good place to spend the night. Chame, capital of the Manang district with its numeral shops and its unrestricted outlook over Himal Chuli. 5hrs walk.

Day 08 Chame-Pisang (3200m).

Today we walk through the pine trees forest and later come to open area of Talekhu. Climb along the river side with several ascents & descents and come to a high huge rock cliff near about 300 meters tall. Before long you will be in Bhartang village. Our walk through pine trees, cross suspension bridge climb steep slope and in front of you stands again huge tall and wide rocky cliff about 300 m tall & 600 m wide. We descend and later trail becomes level and you will cross chorten and maroon colored in white and as you keep on walking you will begin to see Pisang Peak (6091 m) through the trees. You reach Pisang village. You can view of Annapurna II on your left. This is known as Manang area. Today we stay at the lodge at Pisang, a village with Tibetan influence culture. We visit the gompa, Buddhist temple. 4h30 walk.  

Day 09 Pisang-Manang (3500m).

Today we see with the huge glacial barrier of the Annapurna IV, II, III north faces, one of the most spectacular mountains with beautiful landscape. We also come across the beautiful village of Braga. After Braga, Manang village appears to welcome us. Our stop for the overnight will beat Manang. 7hrs walk.

Day 10 Explore Manang:

Today’s is the day to explore Manang Valley and this will be also good for acclimatization to get prepared to cross the most awaited THORANG PASS. We walk up to Khangsar Village & Khangsar gompa (3920m) today. A 5.30 hours loop circuit with sublime landscapes. Those who are tired may not to go and relax at or around Manang.

Day 11Manang-Khangsar & to Siri Kharka (3980m/ 4.30 hrs )

After acclimatizing at Manang we continue our adventure towards the Tilicho Lake, situated on the west end of Manang following the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola, we reach Khangsar and head towards the village region, still very traditional Tibetan and known as the Last Village of Nepal, little further lies Siri Kharka, our stop of the night.

Day 12 Siri Kharka-Tilicho Base Camp (4200 m/ 5 hrs).

Continue from siri Kharka on a large path, passing a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as the Tilicho Base Camp at elevation of 4,200m.

Day 13 Tilicho Base Camp - Tilicho Lake & back to Seesha Kharka (4325 m/ 6-7 hrs)

Our journey starts early in the morning at around 6am as we trying to avoid the wind. From the Base camp to the Tilicho lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as highest lake of the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return same way back to Base Camp for the lunch and again start the new trail to Seesha Kahrka for the night.

Day 14

Seesha Kharka- Ledar (4200 m/5 hrs)

Day 15

Ledar- Thorang High Camp (4925 m/4 hrs)

Day 16Thorang High camp - Thorang pass (5416 m) & to Muktinath (3700m).

It is good & wise to start very early on this day to avoid strong wind at the top of Thorang La. The ascent walk will be long of about 4.30 hours and again down seems like it never ends, but, this is the charm and unforgettable moment one can desire of this trek. After long & exhausting walk of up & down we reach at sacred place of Muktinath, also a pilgrimage spot of all Hindu religion. Muktinath is the doorways of Mustang, the old Lo Kingdom. 8hours walk.

Day 17 Explore Muktinath & surroundings:

Hike to Museum and nunnery and Tibetan influenced village for the day.

Day 18

Muktinath - Jomsom. (2700m). An easy day regularly dropping. We are now on the Annapurna Round trail. Passing Jarkot, a nice village overlooking the valley. Camp and last night with our local staff. 5 hours walk.

Day 19

Jomsopm-Pokhara Short flight to Pokhara, transfer to hotel. Explore the small lake city.

Day 20

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, hotel

Day 21

Free day in Kathmandu.

Day 22

Final Departure, transfer to airport.

  • All transfer in a Non Air conditioned private vehicle
  • Kathmandu & Pokhara hotel (budget to moderate hotel) on BB basis
  • Trekking on tea house basis
  • Accommodation on available lodges during the trekking
  • 3 fixed meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) suggested by guide during trek
  • National park fees & TIMS fee
  • One English speaking Trekking guide (Sirdar)
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 members) one porter is allowed to carry maximum of 25 kg of total weight
  • Daily wages of Nepali staffs, meal and accommodation
  • Insurance of guide & porter
  • Flight fare Jomsom- Pokhara
  • Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Laundry
  • telephone calls
  • emergency evacuation if required
  • Donation, tips Extra expenses due to road blockage/land slides/natural calamities/strikes
  • All personal nature expenses

Please note: Clients are suggested to give maximum of 12 Kg. of personal luggage to the porter. Also, please note that on the domestic flight you are only allowed to carry your luggage of 10 Kg and 5 Kg as a hand carry.

Booking Form


Note From Experts