Classic Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek
- 12 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to December)
We traverse high mountain passes and visit Tilicho Lake on this 12-day journey through the Annapurna region.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our 12-day Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake itinerary combines one of Nepal's most established trekking routes with a high-altitude detour to Tilicho Lake at 4919 m. We designed this route to balance historical trail segments with modern road modifications, ensuring we spend our days walking through high mountain landscapes rather than motor tracks wherever possible. The journey takes us past cascading waterfalls, pine forests, and traditional settlements inhabited by Gurung and Thakali communities.
This trek suits experienced hikers with good cardiovascular fitness who are comfortable walking between five and eight hours daily on rugged, uneven terrain. We cross the high point of our route at Thorong La Pass, situated at 5416 m, which demands careful pacing and proper acclimatisation. Our team manages daily ascents progressively, allowing our bodies to adapt to diminishing oxygen levels before we reach the high camps.
Throughout the expedition, we stay in local teahouses operated by mountain families, sharing communal dining spaces and eating standard lodge meals. We experience shifting ecosystems as we climb from subtropical river valleys up to the arid rain-shadow zone behind the Annapurna range. Our lead guides carry comprehensive medical kits and maintain constant oversight of group health, ensuring a safe and measured approach to high-altitude trekking.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Thorong La Pass Crossing
We climb to 5416 m to cross one of the world's highest trekking passes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Tilicho Lake Exploration
We spend a morning at Tilicho Lake, situated at 4919 m, one of the highest alpine lakes globally.
Multiethnic Communities
We pass through villages settled by Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities, visiting local monasteries along the trail.
Diverse Landscapes
We transition from lush lower river valleys through alpine forests into the arid Tibetan-influenced Mustang borderlands.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our staff meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. We gather in the evening for a comprehensive trip briefing and a group welcome dinner.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Besisahar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Besisahar
Meals: B / L / D
We depart early from Kathmandu on a local vehicle, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers westward to Besisahar at 760 m. The drive takes seven to eight hours through highway traffic and terraced hill country.
Day 3
Besisahar to Chame
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Besisahar to Chame
Meals: B / L / D
Our journey continues by local sharing jeep along rugged mountain roads following the Marsyangdi River upward to Chame at 2670 m. We arrive by afternoon, entering the main Annapurna conservation area.
Day 4
Chame to Upper Pisang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Chame to Upper Pisang
Meals: B / L / D
We walk through dense pine forests and across suspension bridges, catching our first close views of Annapurna II. A steep afternoon climb brings us to Upper Pisang at 3230 m.
Day 5
Upper Pisang to Manang Village
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Upper Pisang to Manang Village
Meals: B / L / D
The trail takes us along the high arid route past Tibetan-style settlements with sweeping views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. We descend slightly before entering the broad valley floor leading into Manang village at 3450 m.
Day 6
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Meals: B / L / D
We spend a necessary rest day in Manang to let our red blood cell counts adapt to 3450 m. Our guides lead a short acclimatisation hike up towards Gangapurna Glacier before returning to the lodge for the afternoon.
Day 7
Manang to Khangsar Village
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Manang to Khangsar Village
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the main circuit trail behind, turning southwest towards the remote valley leading to Tilicho Lake. Our walk takes three to four hours past old gompas and barley fields to Khangsar village at 3756 m.
Day 8
Khangsar Village to Tilicho Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Khangsar Village to Tilicho Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We navigate a narrow, landslide-prone trail carved into steep scree slopes above the Khangsar Khola. After four to five hours of careful footing, we reach Tilicho Base Camp at 4050 m.
Day 9
Tilicho Lake Visit and Siri Kharka
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Tilicho Lake Visit and Siri Kharka
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn to climb towards Tilicho Lake at 4919 m, surrounded by massive wall peaks. After spending time by the water, we retrace our steps down the valley to overnight at Siri Kharka at 4050 m.
Day 10
Siri Kharka to Ledar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Siri Kharka to Ledar
Meals: B / L / D
We rejoin the standard Annapurna Circuit route today, climbing steadily through sparse alpine scrubland. Our walk concludes at Ledar at 4125 m after five to six hours on the trail.
Day 11
Ledar to Thorong High Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Ledar to Thorong High Camp
Meals: B / L / D
A short, steep push brings us past Thorong Phedi up to Thorong High Camp at 4850 m. We rest early in the afternoon to prepare for our pre-dawn alpine start across the pass.
Day 12
Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Meals: B
Day 12
Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Meals: B
We depart in the dark at 5000 m to climb steadily to the prayer-flag-draped summit of Thorong La at 5416 m. Following a cold descent down into the Mustang valley, we complete our trek at Muktinath at 3800 m.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle
- Twin-share teahouse rooms during the 12-day trek
- Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on trek
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- TIMS card and ACAP conservation permits
- Land transport from Kathmandu to Besisahar and Chame
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter rescue
- Hot showers, battery charging, and bottled drinks on trek
- Tipping for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We incorporate scheduled rest days and gradual elevation gains into our itinerary to minimise acute mountain sickness. Our guides monitor every participant daily for symptoms of altitude distress and carry pulse oximeters to check oxygen saturation levels.
Fitness expectations
This trek requires solid physical endurance, with daily hiking legs averaging five to eight hours over steep ascents and loose scree. We strongly recommend building your cardiovascular stamina with running, cycling, or stair-climbing for several months prior to departure.
Teahouse accommodation
We lodge in family-run mountain teahouses providing twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Dining rooms are heated by central biomass or yak-dung stoves, but individual bedrooms are unheated.
Weather conditions
Mountain weather changes rapidly, bringing intense sun during morning hours and potential cloud cover, wind, or snow at higher elevations by afternoon. We pack layers ranging from lightweight thermal underwear down to heavy down jackets.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle-supportive boots broken in prior to arrival.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at high camps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Essential for treating local water sources.
Valid passport and permitsEssential
Documents
Keep copies stored securely in waterproof bags.
Sleeping bag (-15°C rating)Essential
Camping
Required for cold teahouse nights above 3000 m.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Useful for knee support during long descents.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Necessary for snow glare crossing Thorong La.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitMandatory conservation entry permit for the Annapurna region.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitRegistration card required for all trekkers in Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permits for the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, we arrange both the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit and the Trekkers' Information Management System card as part of our service.
Can I trek this route alone?
We strongly advise against solo trekking on this route due to unpredictable weather over Thorong La and landslide risks along the Tilicho trail. Our licensed guides ensure your safety throughout.
What is the maximum altitude we reach?
Our highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5416 m, with Tilicho Lake reached at 4919 m.
How are meals handled in the teahouses?
You order from the lodge menu, which typically includes dal bhat, noodles, soups, and momos. Three meals daily are included on the trek.
What happens if someone falls sick on the trek?
Our guide assesses the condition immediately, administers first aid, and coordinates with our Kathmandu office for emergency helicopter evacuation if required.
Are sleeping bags provided?
We provide down jackets and sleeping bags upon request, which must be returned to our office after the trek concludes.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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