Need help?
Talk to trip expertAnnapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek – Complete Overview
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a remarkable Himalayan journey that blends the legendary circuit trail with an extraordinary excursion to the breathtaking Tilicho Lake. Resting at a staggering height of 4,920 meters, this glacial-fed lake is often celebrated as one of the highest and most spectacular alpine lakes on the planet. Fed by the ice fields of the Annapurna massif, its shimmering blue waters lie in a dramatic bowl of rock, snow, and sky — a sight that captures the imagination of trekkers from around the world.
Your adventure starts in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling cultural heart, where the lively streets, ancient temples, and rich traditions set the tone for the trek ahead. From the capital, a scenic drive winds toward Dharapani in the Marsyangdi River Valley, marking the official beginning of your trekking experience.
As you ascend deeper into the mountains, the trail gradually shifts from lush subtropical vegetation, roaring waterfalls, and terraced farmlands to the rugged, high-mountain terrain Nepal is known for. Towering Himalayan peaks dominate the horizon while traditional stone-built villages welcome trekkers with warm smiles and timeless hospitality.
The route meanders through diverse ethnic settlements, offering glimpses into the everyday lives of Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan-influenced communities. Sacred monasteries, intricately carved prayer wheels, and colorful Buddhist flags enrich the trail with spiritual significance, lending a serene and mystical aura to the trek.
From the forested trails of Chame to the open, windswept landscapes of Upper Pisang and Ngawal, the elevation rises steadily. Manang, one of the trek’s cultural and scenic highlights, serves as an essential acclimatization stop. Here, trekkers enjoy dramatic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and numerous glaciers while adjusting to the thinning air.
Leaving the main route, the trail diverts toward the remote and lesser-traveled Tilicho region. Passing through Khangsar and Shree Kharka, this segment offers an adventurous blend of narrow cliffside paths, pristine cliffs, and silence broken only by the sound of the wind. The journey to Tilicho Base Camp can be challenging, but every step is rewarded as the surroundings become more dramatic and untouched.
The pre-dawn hike to Tilicho Lake is a highlight of the entire trek. Reaching the shores of this icy, turquoise lake — surrounded by towering Himalayan ridgelines — is a moment of pure awe, one that stays with trekkers long after they leave the mountains.
After absorbing the beauty of Tilicho, the trail reconnects with the classic circuit and proceeds toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. These high-altitude stops prepare trekkers for the ultimate challenge: the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. This demanding ascent rewards you with sweeping views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mustang regions — some of the finest vistas in the entire Himalaya.
Descending from the pass brings you to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, a peaceful haven revered by Buddhists and Hindus alike. The trail then leads into Lower Mustang, where a short drive takes you to Jomsom — a dry, windswept town rich with Tibetan-influenced culture and a gateway to the Kali Gandaki Valley.
A short morning flight returns you to the tranquil lakeside city of Pokhara. After days in the high mountains, this is the perfect place to unwind before your journey concludes with a scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
Offering a rich blend of dramatic landscapes, high Himalayan passes, remote lakes, and cultural depth, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is ideal for adventurers seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding version of the classic circuit. While the journey demands solid fitness and proper acclimatization, the memories and scenery it delivers are truly unmatched.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is one of the most breathtaking adventures you can experience in Nepal. At Adventure Walkway (P) Ltd, we are not just an adventure and trekking company — we are storytellers, experienced travelers, and nature lovers.
Who We Are
At Adventure Walkway (P) Ltd, we are not just an adventure and trekking company — we are storytellers, experienced travelers, and nature lovers. Our goal is to take adventure enthusiasts on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, allowing you to experience the Himalayas, rich history, and unique cultures.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a trek or seeking a peaceful mountain retreat, our trekking, mountaineering, and cultural tour packages are designed to prioritize your safety and joy. With a skilled team of licensed trekking guides and climbers, Adventure Walkway ensures your journey is smooth, safe, and truly unforgettable.
As one of the most trusted trekking agencies in the Himalayas, Nepal, we have guided thousands of trekkers through the mountains, ensuring every adventure is rich in experience and memories.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake: A Travel Journal
I stepped off the dusty bus in Besisahar, heart racing, legs tingling with anticipation. From the first steps, the trail drew me in: terraced rice fields, rhododendron-scented air, and villages where children waved from leaning wooden bridges. As one Reddit trekker recalled:
“The hike is worth it. … I remember stopping here and buying a pastry from a local … One of the best hikes of my life!”
Walking through lush forests toward alpine deserts, crossing zones of climate, culture, and self-discovery, the journey is about more than distance or altitude — it’s about breathing in the mountain air, letting your thoughts quiet, and letting your legs lead.
You’ll pass villages where Gurung, Thakali, Magar, and Tibetan-Buddhist traditions live through prayer flags, mani walls, and evening laughter over dal bhat. Culture is part of the trail, not a sideline.
Nothing prepares you for the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. When the wind catches prayer flags and peaks open in all directions, all aches and struggles become proof of arrival. One trekker said:
“The day we crossed Thorong La Pass was the hardest day of my life… But when I reached the top, a sense of accomplishment and awe washed over me.”
The Tilicho Lake side trek at 4,919 m is an intimate detour. The glacial water mirrors sky and snow, creating one of the most serene moments of the trek.
This trek is real and raw: frozen teahouses, mule trains at dawn, and the simplicity of life in the mountains leave you humbled. Yet it’s sublime, offering moments of awe, reflection, and connection with nature and people alike.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake & Poon Hill Sunrise – Difficulty Level
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is considered a challenging, high-altitude adventure suitable for trekkers who are prepared for long days and tough terrain. This combined route includes steep ascents, rugged offbeat trails, and the demanding crossing of the iconic Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Because the journey involves sustained elevation gain and reduced oxygen levels, trekkers should be in good physical condition and ideally have some prior trekking experience.
Expect to walk 7 to 8 hours a day, often on uneven paths that include rocky staircases, dense forests, glacial moraines, and narrow cliffside sections. The sections towards Tilicho Lake are especially remote, with areas where no settlements, teahouses, or rest stops exist for long stretches. This isolation, combined with the harsh alpine climate, adds to the overall difficulty of the trek.
Although the trek does not require technical climbing skills, its duration, altitude, fluctuating weather, and limited facilities make it a demanding journey. Proper acclimatization is crucial, especially when approaching Manang, Tilicho Base Camp, and Thorong Phedi.
To prepare yourself physically, it’s recommended to begin training several weeks in advance. Activities like jogging, hiking, stair climbing, swimming, cycling, or other cardio workouts will boost endurance. Strength training at the gym — focusing on your core, legs, and back — will help your body handle long hours of walking with a backpack.
With the right preparation and mindset, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill becomes a deeply rewarding challenge that offers some of the most unforgettable views in the Himalayas.
Trip Overview
Duration: 17 Days
Group Size: 2–15 Pax
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel, Guesthouse, Lodge
Activities: Trekking
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake takes you through western Nepal, covering 160–230 km through the Annapurna Conservation Area and the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas. The trek showcases diverse landscapes, small villages, and the crystal-clear Tilicho Lake, the second-highest lake in the world.
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization
Trekkers ascending above 3,000 m may experience reduced oxygen levels, causing altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. Proper acclimatization, hydration, rest, and avoiding alcohol or tobacco can minimize risks. Medication like acetazolamide may also help.
Trip Highlights
Explore the Annapurna Conservation Area’s diverse landscapes.
Trek through Thorong La Pass.
Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and lifestyle.
Walk across suspension bridges and cascading streams.
Visit Tilicho Lake.
Marvel at peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to hotel, welcome dinner.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing / Trip preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (6 hrs).
Day 04: Drive to Chame (2,399 m, 5 hrs).
Day 05: Chame to Pisang (3,300 m, 5 hrs).
Day 06: Pisang to Manang (3,540 m, 5 hrs).
Day 07: Acclimatization in Manang.
Day 08: Manang to Khangsar (3,700 m, 4 hrs).
Day 09: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m, 5 hrs).
Day 10: Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (5,200 m) & back (6 hrs).
Day 11: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4,000 m, 5 hrs).
Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m, 5 hrs).
Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m, 8–9 hrs).
Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720 m, 5 hrs).
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara (flight/drive).
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu (flight/drive).
Day 17: Departure.
Inclusions
Airport pickup & drop-off
3-night hotel in Kathmandu
English-speaking guide and porter (1 per 2 clients)
Twin-sharing accommodation along the trek
All meals during trekking
Trekking permits & TIMS card
Transportation as per the itinerary
Emergency rescue arrangements
Trip certificate
Exclusions: International flights, visa fees, personal expenses, travel insurance, hot showers, and additional costs due to natural or political disturbances.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March–May): Clear skies, vibrant flowers, green valleys.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp weather, post-monsoon clarity, peak trekking season.
FAQs
Do I need a sleeping bag? Yes, it is highly recommended.
How hard is Thorong La Pass? It is physically demanding; proper acclimatization is required.
Do I need special permits? TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area permit are required.
How long is the trek? 17 days, including acclimatization and travel days.
Why Choose Adventure Walkway
With years of experience and thousands of trekkers guided safely through the Himalayas, Adventure Walkway ensures every journey is memorable. Our expert guides, carefully crafted itineraries, and deep knowledge of Nepal’s landscapes make us your trusted partner for an unforgettable adventure.
Ready for your Annapurna adventure? Contact us today, and let’s make your Himalayan dream a reality.
Packing and Gear Guide for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Proper preparation is key to making your Annapurna trek safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Here’s what you need to know about packing and essential trekking gear:
1. Warm Clothing:
A down jacket is highly recommended, especially for high-altitude sections like Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake. We suggest a jacket rated for -10°C to keep you warm during chilly mornings and nights.
Layering is essential: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
2. Trekking Poles:
Trekking poles are highly recommended for stability, reducing strain on knees, and improving balance on steep or uneven terrain.
3. Wi-Fi and Connectivity:
Most local lodges along the trek offer Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected while enjoying the serene Himalayan environment.
4. Equipment Provided by Adventure Walkway:
Don’t worry about bulky or heavy gear. Our company will arrange all necessary equipment, including sleeping bags, trekking poles, and other high-altitude essentials.
We collaborate with a trusted local Sherpa-run trekking gear company in Thamel, ensuring top-quality, reliable equipment for every trekker.
5. Personal Items:
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against sun exposure.
Headlamp or flashlight for early mornings or late evenings.
Water bottle or hydration system, with purification tablets if needed.
By packing smart and using the right gear, your Annapurna Circuit trek will be safer, more comfortable, and truly enjoyable. Adventure Walkway takes care of all arrangements so you can focus on the adventure ahead!
Annapurna Circuit Trek: 16-Day Himalayan Adventure
Experience the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake in this 16-day ultimate Himalayan adventure. Journey through breathtaking landscapes, cross the challenging Thorong La Pass, and visit the stunning Tilicho Lake, the world’s second-highest lake. Explore authentic Nepali culture in Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-Buddhist villages, trek through lush forests and alpine deserts, and enjoy a fully guided and safe trekking experience with Adventure Walkway (P) Ltd. All necessary trekking gear is provided, including high-altitude jackets, poles, and sleeping bags, arranged with trusted local Sherpas. Best time to trek: Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov).