Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a 14-Days trip into the heart of the central Himalayas in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit, as the name suggests, circumnavigates the Annapurna range including Annapurna I (8091 m / 26545 ft), the tenth highest mountain in the world above sea level. Moreover, the range is one of the three mountain ranges above 8000 m situated totally inside the territory of Nepal that a traveler can circumnavigate. Additionally, the trip also guides its travelers to Tilicho Lake via Tilicho Base Camp (4150 m). Tilicho Lake is a mesmerizing turquoise glacial lake nestled at an altitude of 4919 meters (16138 feet). Furthermore, the journey on later stages encapsulates Thorong La Pass, the highest pass in the world at 5416 m / 17769 ft before stopping at Jomsom.

The Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit has been termed as the most renowned trekking route that encircles the Annapurna massif in Nepal. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey, offering breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences. Its key highlights are Manang Valley, Thorong La Pass, Tilicho Lake, Muktinath Temple and Jomsom Bazar.

Manang Valley

The travelers begin from lower Manang, a breathtakingly beautiful region located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Nestled high in the Himalayas, it offers its visitors stunning views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Moreover, it also slays Tibetan-style architecture with stone walls and slate roofs in their house and gompas. Additionally, the locals here are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature in the passing villages including Chame, Pisang, Humde and Bhraka. The visitors here can thus also experience traditional local culture, Buddhist monasteries and prayer flags among others.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is a vibrant turquoise coloured glacial lake located in the Manang district of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 4919 m (16138 ft) in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Moreover, the lake is up to 4 km in length and 1.2 km in width. Besides, Tilicho Lake is a much preferred detour of the already renowned Annapurna Circuit Trek with an addition of three more days. Furthermore, the hike now requires no more camping as new tea houses have been built along the trails. The final approach to the lake has thus been planned for day eight from Tilicho Base Camp (4150 m).

Thorong La Pass

Thorong La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Damodar Himal, located within central Nepal. It’s a crucial part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and elevates at 5416 meters (17769 feet) above sea level. Moreover, it has been ranked as one of the highest trekking passes in the world and allows the travelers to enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. However, crossing Thorong La Pass requires a very good physical fitness and acclimatization due to its high altitude. The pass connects the Manang district from the north to the Mustang district towards the south, offering a unique cultural experience for its travelers.

Jomsom Bazar via Muktinath

The trails from Thorong La Pass on the later stages of the trek hike down towards Muktinath. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site located in the Mustang district of Nepal. It’s revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The travelers will then be driven to Jomsom via Kagbeni on Day 11. Jomsom is the district headquarters of Mustang district and is situated at an altitude of approximately 2743 m (8999 ft). The town is also the main hub for onward travel to Upper Mustang.

Trek Map

Trek Highlights

Additional information on 14-Days Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek:

Booking your 14-Days Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Annapurna region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1245 per person upfront. If you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We accept all convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 14 Days Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 14. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for 14-Days Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your 14-Days Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us so that we can provide you with a complimentary airport pickup. Our airport representative will be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can also arrange an accommodation for extra nights with add-on tours for additional cost.

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 4 to Day 11. You’ll be driven to Chame via Besisahar to commence the trek and return to Kathmandu on Day 13. Additionally, on Day 12 itself, you can choose to fly back to Kathmandu (with additional costs for flight tickets) or stay at Pokhara for the night. Moreover, if you opt to fly back to Kathmandu on Day 12, you may even plan to catch your international flight the next day on Day 13.

Expect to spend 10 nights and 11 days completing the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Chame to Tilicho Lake and via Thorong La High Pass towards Jomsom with overnight stays in Chame, Pisang, Manang, Tilicho Base Camp, Shree Kharka, Lader, Thorong Phedi and Jomsom. Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara:

In Kathmandu & Pokhara, you’ll stay in ‘3 Star’ Category Hotels with twin/double sharing beds.

Food:

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, your package includes breakfast only. They are typically served buffet-style but since you leave early in the morning for your trip on Day 2, you’ll receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.

Baggage and weight limit:

On your flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 4/5 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Drinking water during the trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please be advised that you’re embarking on a trek to Annapurna Circuit and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 200 to 250 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 150-200 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of 14-Days Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek:

1. Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar

2. Trek from Chame to Tilicho, Thorong and Jomsom

3. Experience Tilicho Lake at 4919 m

4. Cross Thorong La High Pass (5416 m)V

5. Visit the very famous temple of Muktinath

6. Scenic return flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

7. Explore Manang and Mustang

8. Explore the very beautiful city of Pokhara

9. Experience a diverse culture and traditions of different ethnic groups