Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a classic venture in the Annapurna region that allows you to explore the mighty Annapurna massif with a comfortable trekking itinerary. Annapurna Circuit Trek includes Tilicho Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4,949m above sea level and is a well-renowned place for pilgrimages of the Hindu and Buddhist religions.
Highlights
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and through the beautiful Marsyangdi Valley
- Classic trekking route of the Annapurna Circuit, one of the world’s most famous treks
- Walk through diverse landscapes: subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain deserts
- Trek to the stunning Tilicho Lake (4,900 m), one of the highest lakes in the world
- Spectacular views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Dhaulagiri range
- Challenging but rewarding crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,400 m)
- Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple
- Experience rich Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi cultures and local mountain lifestyle
Facts
Start the journey with a scenic ~7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Besishar, passing rivers, hills, and traditional Nepali villages. Besishar serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Drive Duration: ~7 hours
Continue the drive along the Marshyangdi River to Dharapani, the trailhead for your trek. The route offers beautiful Himalayan foothill views and a preview of the Annapurna region landscapes.
Drive Duration: ~7 hours
Begin trekking through forests, riversides, and terraced farmlands. Chame, the district
headquarters of Manang, provides a perfect first stop with mountain views and traditional lodges.
Trek Duration: ~5 hours
Ascend gradually through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy stunning views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II as you reach the village of Pisang.
Trek Duration: ~5 hours
The trail follows rivers and high valleys, leading to Manang, a key acclimatisation hub.
Marvel at Himalayan panoramas, including Annapurna and Gangapurna.
Trek Duration: ~5 hours
Rest and acclimatise while exploring Manang village. Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints help prevent altitude sickness and offer spectacular views of surrounding peaks.
Ascend through high-altitude trails and moraines. Sirikharka offers panoramic mountain views and is a perfect stop before Tilicho Lake.
Trek Duration: ~4–5 hours
Trek across rocky trails and alpine meadows to reach Tilicho Base Camp, the starting point for the Tilicho Lake hike.
Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours
Embark on a challenging trek to the stunning Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks before returning to Sirikharka.
Trek Duration: ~7 hours
Descend gradually through alpine valleys and traditional settlements. Yak Kharka is a
remote high-altitude village surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Trek Duration: ~5 hours
The trail ascends towards Throng Phedi, the base for crossing Throng La Pass. Enjoy
panoramic Himalayan views and alpine landscapes.
Trek Duration: ~4 hours
Cross the challenging Throng La Pass, the highest point of the trek, with spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Descend to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
Trek Duration: ~9 hours
Complete the trek with a scenic drive to Pokhara. Relax by Phewa Lake or explore lakeside markets, reflecting on your Annapurna Circuit trekking adventure.
Drive Duration: ~5–6 hours
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
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