Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal's most spectacular Himalayan adventures, combining diverse landscapes, rich mountain culture, and unforgettable high-altitude experiences. The journey follows the classic Annapurna Circuit through lush forests, terraced hills, alpine valleys, and Tibetan-influenced villages before reaching the remarkable Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m. The trek continues toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the highest point of the journey, before descending to sacred Muktinath and traveling through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara. Along the way, trekkers experience traditional Gurung, Magar, Manangi, and Thakali communities and magnificent views of the Annapurna range.
TOUR ITINERARY
A day-by-day breakdown of your journey through Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, enjoy refreshments and a short trek briefing covering the route, permits, accommodation, safety, and final preparations. Depending on your arrival time, explore the lively streets of Thamel or nearby cultural attractions. Take the evening to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2
Drive Kathmandu – Besisahar – Dharapani
After an early breakfast, drive toward Besisahar through scenic countryside, following rivers and passing terraced fields, hills, and rural settlements. After Besisahar, continue by local jeep along the mountain road toward Dharapani. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter the Marsyangdi Valley, surrounded by forested hills and mountains. The entire journey takes approximately 8–10 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. Overnight in Dharapani.
COST DETAILS
What is Included
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights)
Teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
English-speaking licensed trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS card
Kathmandu–Dharapani transportation by tourist/local vehicle as applicable
Muktinath–Pokhara transportation
Pokhara–Kathmandu domestic flight
Guide and porter insurance
Basic first-aid support
Trek completion certificate
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Not Included
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
Drinks and beverages
Personal expenses and shopping
Hot showers and charging fees where applicable
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Travel insurance, including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
Emergency evacuation and medical expenses
Nepal visa fees
Tips for guide, porter, and driver
International airfare
Any services not specifically mentioned under “Includes”
Trek through the spectacular and diverse Annapurna Circuit landscape.
Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the world's highest lakes.
Experience the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of Manang and Mustang.
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek.
Experience Gurung, Magar, Manangi, and Thakali cultures and mountain hospitality.
Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath and travel through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Book Your Trek
This trek is available year-round — complete your details below and our team will contact you to confirm your preferred travel dates.
Impotrant:
HEALTH & FITNESS: This trek requires good physical fitness because of long walking days, steep ascents, high altitude, and the Thorong La crossing. Regular walking, hiking, stair climbing, or cardiovascular exercise before departure is recommended. Consult your doctor about your fitness for high-altitude trekking and bring any regular medications you require. A personal first-aid kit is also recommended.
ALTITUDE & ACCLIMATIZATION: Altitude is an important consideration, with the itinerary reaching 5,416 m at Thorong La. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Manang with a hike to Ice Lake. Ascend gradually, maintain a comfortable pace, drink plenty of fluids, and inform your guide immediately if you experience headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, dizziness, or breathing difficulties. Never ignore worsening altitude symptoms.
WEATHER & CONDITIONS: Weather changes rapidly in the Annapurna region. Lower elevations can be warm, while higher areas are cold, windy, and potentially snowy. Conditions around Tilicho Lake and Thorong La can change quickly and may affect the itinerary. Flexible timing and the guide's safety decisions are essential, particularly during the high-altitude sections.
PACKING: Pack lightweight but warm and practical clothing, including thermal layers, trekking trousers, a warm jacket, gloves, sun hat, waterproof jacket, and comfortable trekking boots. A sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights is recommended. Carry a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, personal medicines, and a power bank. Keep your main luggage within the agreed porter-weight limit.
DAYPACK ESSENTIALS: Keep your daypack light and carry water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain protection, an extra warm layer, camera, personal medicines, and important documents. Your passport, permits, insurance details, and valuables should remain with you rather than in porter luggage. A comfortable daypack will make the long trekking days considerably easier.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT: Your trekking guide carries basic first-aid supplies and provides assistance throughout the journey. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended and should be arranged before departure. If serious altitude sickness, illness, or injury occurs, the trekking plan may be modified or descent arranged according to the guide's assessment and local conditions.
Trek FAQs
It is a challenging trek requiring good physical fitness. The main difficulties are long walking days, high altitude, the Tilicho Lake hike, and crossing Thorong La at 5,416 m.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Regular hiking and good physical preparation are important, and the trek should be undertaken with appropriate acclimatization and professional guidance.
The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. Tilicho Lake reaches approximately 4,919 m, while the acclimatization hike to Ice Lake reaches approximately 4,600 m.
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when conditions are generally favorable for trekking and mountain views. Weather can still change rapidly at high elevations.
You stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and local teahouses during the trek. Facilities become more basic at higher elevations, with hot showers, charging, and other services sometimes available for an additional fee.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Make sure your policy specifically covers trekking at elevations above 5,000 m.
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