Trip Facts
Country:
Nepal
Duration:
16 Days
Max Altitude:
Thorong La pass, 5,416 m (17,769 ft)
Activities:
Trekking and a high pass crossing
Region:
Annapurna (Annapurna Conservation Area)
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
Strenuous
Group Size:
2 to 12 trekkers (private and custom departures available)
Accomodation:
Teahouses on the trail, 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Best Season:
Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Notice
This trek adds a side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest lakes in the world, to the classic Annapurna Circuit. So you get the lake and the pass in one trip.
The high point is the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), crossed on Day 10. You then drop to the holy temple of Muktinath (3,800 m).
It is a strenuous trek with long, high days. So it suits fit trekkers with some experience. A licensed guide and permits are required, and Spade Himalaya arranges both.
Overview of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek 16-Days
Quick answer: The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a 16-day trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region. It adds a side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest lakes on earth, to the classic circuit over the Thorong La pass (5,416 m). It is graded strenuous, and it needs an ACAP permit, a TIMS card, and a guide (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-30).
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a 16-day journey that adds a jewel to the classic circuit. Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919 m, in a high basin below the Grande Barrier. So it is one of the highest lakes in the world, and its turquoise water is unforgettable. This trek reaches the lake, then rejoins the main trail over the Thorong La pass.
The route follows the classic Annapurna Circuit for the first days. First, you drive to Chame, then walk up the Marsyangdi valley through Pisang. Then you reach Manang (3,540 m), a Tibetan-style town below the Annapurna peaks. So you take a rest day here to explore and adjust to the height.
From Manang, the trail branches off to Tilicho. You walk through Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m), on a wild, exposed path. Then you climb to the lake at 4,919 m, with the ice wall of the Grande Barrier behind it. After the lake, you rejoin the circuit at Yak Kharka. So you cross the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), the high point of the trek. On the far side, you drop to the sacred temple of Muktinath, then fly out from Jomsom.
This trek is graded strenuous. It reaches 5,416 m, adds the high Tilicho detour, and has several long days. So you need good fitness and ideally some trekking experience. The plan builds in a rest day at Manang and a slow, steady climb. Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Nepali guides. So your guide sets a safe pace, watches the weather, and checks your health each day.
Prefer a shorter trip? Then see the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek in 12 days. For a fuller cultural version, see the Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass. For a lower, easier trek, see the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. For a remote add-on nearby, see the Nar Phu Valley Trek, or read our Annapurna region trekking guide.
Trips Highlights
- Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest lakes in the world.
- Cross the famous Thorong La pass (5,416 m), the high point of the trek.
- Visit the sacred temple of Muktinath (3,800 m), holy to Hindus and Buddhists.
- Walk the classic Annapurna Circuit, from green valleys to high desert.
- Rest and explore the Tibetan-style town of Manang (3,540 m).
- See Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu peaks up close.
- Trek below the huge Grande Barrier, a wall of ice above Tilicho Lake.
- Cross into the dry, Tibetan world of the upper Kali Gandaki.
- Enjoy apple pie and apple brandy in the Thakali village of Marpha.
- Finish with a scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → drive to Chame (2,670 m) → Upper Pisang (3,300 m) → Manang (3,540 m) → Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m) → Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) → Yak Kharka (4,050 m) → Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) → Thorong La pass (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,800 m) → Jomsom → fly to Pokhara → Kathmandu.
In short, you drive to Chame and walk up to Manang. Then you detour to Tilicho Lake and back to the circuit. After that, you cross the Thorong La pass to Muktinath. Finally, you fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and travel on to Kathmandu.
Trips Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. A Spade Himalaya guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and helps with your bags. Then a private car takes you to your hotel in Thamel. So you can shower and rest after your flight. In the late afternoon, you meet your guide for a full trek briefing. They walk you through the route, the daily plan, and the gear you need. So bring your passport, two photos, and a copy of your insurance for the permits. Then you can explore the shops and cafes of Thamel. Have an early night, ready for the drive ahead.
- Duration: about 30 min drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Accommodation: 3 star hotel (Shared)
Today is a long but scenic drive by private jeep. First, the highway follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers west. Then, past Besisahar, the smooth road ends and the mountain track begins. So the jeep climbs slowly up the Marsyangdi valley, past waterfalls and farms. The views grow wilder as you gain height. By evening, you reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. So you settle into a teahouse and rest for the trek.
- Duration: 9 to 10 hrs drive(230 km)
- Max Altitude: 2,670 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today the trek begins in earnest. First, you walk through pine forest along the Marsyangdi river. Then you pass the dramatic curved rock face of Paungda Danda, which soars above the valley. So you crane your neck at the huge cliff. The trail climbs steadily toward Pisang. As you gain height, Annapurna II and Pisang Peak come into view. By afternoon, you reach Upper Pisang, a stone village with an old monastery. So you camp high, with wide mountain views.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs walk (14 km)
- Max Altitude: 3,300 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you take the high, scenic route to Manang. So you climb to the villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal, high on the valley side. The views here are the best of the whole valley. Ahead stand Annapurna II, III, and IV, and Gangapurna. So you stop often for photos. The trail then drops toward the Marsyangdi and on to Manang. You pass old chortens and mani walls on the way. By late afternoon, you reach Manang. So you rest here for two nights to adjust to the height.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs walk (17 km)
- Max Altitude: 3,540 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a rest day, but you still take a high hike. The rule is to climb high and sleep low. So you can hike up to the Ice Lake or to a viewpoint above the town. From up high, you see Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and the Gangapurna Lake below. Then you return to Manang to sleep. So your body climbs high and rests low, which helps it adjust. In the afternoon, you can visit the old gompa or the small mountain museum.
- Duration: 3 to 5 hrs hike (7 km)
- Max Altitude: 4,600 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you leave the main circuit and head for Tilicho Lake. First, you walk to the village of Khangsar, the last real settlement on the route. Then the trail climbs onto a wild, exposed hillside. So you cross loose, rocky slopes, with your guide leading the way. The path is famous for landslides, so you move carefully across it. The scenery is stark and huge, with peaks all around. By afternoon, you reach Tilicho Base Camp, a lodge set below the high basin. So you rest here, ready for the lake.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs walk (16 km)
- Max Altitude: 4,150 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is the day you came for. So you start early, before the wind picks up. The trail climbs steeply up switchbacks from base camp. The air is thin, so you go slowly, step by step. After about three hours, you reach Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m. So you stand by one of the highest lakes in the world. The turquoise water sits below the huge ice wall of the Grande Barrier. So you take photos and soak in the silence. Then you walk back down to Tilicho Base Camp to sleep, tired but amazed.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs round trip (13 km)
- Max Altitude: 4,919 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit. First, you retrace the trail toward Khangsar. Then you branch onto a higher path through Shree Kharka. So you traverse open, grassy slopes, grazed by yaks. The route rolls up and down across the hillside. You may spot blue sheep on the rocky slopes above. By afternoon, you reach Yak Kharka, back on the circuit. So you camp here, ready for the climb to the pass.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs walk (15 km)
- Max Altitude: 4,150 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a short day, which helps you adjust before the pass. So you climb gently along the valley toward Thorong Phedi. The trail crosses a landslide area, so your guide leads the safest line. You cross the river on a small bridge and climb to the lodges at Phedi. The name Phedi means “foot of the hill”. So you reach the base of the great pass by early afternoon. Then you rest, eat well, and sleep early, ready for a dawn start.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs walk (7 km)
- Max Altitude: 4,450 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is the big day of the trek. So you start before dawn, in the cold and dark. You climb slowly up the long trail toward the pass. The air is thin, so every step takes effort. After several hours, you reach the top of the Thorong La at 5,416 m, strung with prayer flags. So you stand at the high point of the whole trek, with peaks all around. Then you begin the long, steep descent toward Muktinath. So you use your poles and take care on the rocky trail. By late afternoon, you reach Muktinath, home of a temple sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
- Duration: 7 to 9 hrs walk (16 km)
- Max Altitude: 5,416 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This morning, you visit the holy temple of Muktinath. So you see its 108 water spouts and the eternal flame, both sacred to pilgrims. Then you head down toward the Kali Gandaki valley. You can walk or take a jeep down the dry, windy trail. On the way, you pass Kagbeni, an old walled village at the gate of Mustang. So you feel the Tibetan world of the upper valley. By afternoon, you reach Jomsom, the main town of the region. So you rest and enjoy your last night in the mountains.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs walk & drive (about 20 km)
- Max Altitude: Muktinath 3,800 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. So the short mountain flight gives grand views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. You fly down the deep Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest on earth. Then you land in the warm, green lakeside city of Pokhara. So you check into your hotel and relax by Phewa Lake. In the evening, you can enjoy the cafes and the calm of the lakeside.
- Duration: about 25 min flight
- Max Altitude: 2,720 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel (Shared)
Today is a free day in Pokhara, kept partly as a buffer. Mountain flights can be delayed by weather, so this day protects your plans. If all has gone well, the day is yours to enjoy. So you can boat on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, or simply rest. You might also shop for gifts or enjoy a lakeside meal. Then you have a calm evening before the drive back.
- Max Altitude: 822 m
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel (Shared)
Today you return to Kathmandu, by a short flight. So the drive retraces the river valleys and hill towns. It is a relaxed day to rest and look back on the trek. By the afternoon, you reach Kathmandu and check into your hotel. So you can shower and rest before a farewell dinner. In the evening, you celebrate the trek with your team.
- Duration: 6 hrs drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel (Shared)
Today is a spare day, kept for safety in case of any delay. If all is on plan, the day is free to enjoy. So you can visit the old temples and squares of the Kathmandu Valley. You might tour Bhaktapur or Patan, both rich in art and history. Or you can shop for gifts in Thamel and relax at a cafe. So you have a calm last day in Nepal.
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel (Shared)
Your trip comes to an end today. After breakfast, the morning is free for any last shopping. At the set time, a Spade Himalaya guide drives you to the airport for your flight home. So you leave Nepal with great photos and the memory of Tilicho Lake and the Thorong La. We hope to welcome you back to the Himalaya again one day.
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast included
Trips Include
- All airport transfers in a private vehicle.
- 4 nights' hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (3-star, twin share) with breakfast.
- Tourist bus or flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Private jeep from Kathmandu (or Pokhara) to Chame, the trek start.
- Jomsom to Pokhara flight after the trek.
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, plus a farewell dinner.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
- A licensed, experienced Nepali guide (pay, insurance, meals, lodging).
- Porter support, one porter per two trekkers (pay, insurance, meals, lodging).
- First-aid kit and a pulse oximeter for daily health checks.
- Trip-completion certificate and all government taxes.
Trips Exclude
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- entry visa (US30 for 15 Days, US50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days).
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory; must cover trekking above 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation).
- All drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on the trail.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver.
- Personal expenses and any costs from early departure or itinerary changes.
- Anything not listed under Cost Includes.
Trips Altitude
Trips Gallery
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag.
- Sleeping bag liner.
- Puffy down jacket.
- Duffel bag.
- Daypack, 35 to 45 litres, with a rain cover.
Upper Body
- Knitted hat or beanie
- Buff, scarf, or neck gaiter
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp with spare batteries (needed for the pre-dawn pass start)
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 to 60) and lip balm
- Technical base-layer tops (light and heavy)
- Short and long sleeve trekking shirts
- Fleece jacket or wool pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Technical base-layer trousers
- Hiking trousers (2 pairs)
- Comfortable trousers for the teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated outer gloves for the pass and Tilicho Lake
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken in)
- Warm wool socks and sock liners
- Light shoes or sandals for the evenings
- Micro spikes (useful for snow or ice on the pass)
- Gaiters (light for dust, heavier for snow)
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Sleeping clothes or pyjamas
First Aid Kits
(Your guide carries a kit, medication, and a pulse oximeter, but a personal kit is strongly recommended.)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Antiseptic ointment and blister care
- Personal medication and any altitude medication advised by your doctor
- Water-purification tablets or a UV purifier
- Hand sanitiser and basic cold or stomach medicine
Others
- Passport and extra passport photos
- Reusable water bottle and a hydration bladder
- Toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, toilet paper
- High-protein snacks (bars, nuts)
- Waterproof or dry bags for documents and money
- Trekking poles
Optional
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera or phone for photos
- Binoculars
- Cards or a book
- Thermos for hot water
Good to Know
The classic Annapurna Circuit is a wonderful trek on its own. Adding Tilicho Lake makes it even better. So you reach one of the highest lakes in the world, in a wild, hidden basin. The detour also gives you more time up high, which helps you adjust for the pass. In short, it is the best way to see the full Annapurna Circuit.
The path to Tilicho Base Camp is famous for landslides. So your guide crosses it early, when the ground is firm and cool. You move steadily and keep together as a group. The trail to the lake is steep, so you climb slowly in the thin air. The reward, the turquoise lake below the ice wall, is worth every step.
The Thorong La at 5,416 m is the high point of the trek. So you cross it early in the day, before the wind rises. The climb is long, and the air is thin, so you go slowly. Your guide checks the weather first and will wait for a safe window. The descent to Muktinath is long, so trekking poles help your knees.
The plan follows the climb-high, sleep-low rule. So it adds a rest day at Manang and a steady build-up. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, and walk slowly. Skip alcohol up high, and eat well for energy. If you feel unwell, tell your guide at once. Your guide carries an oximeter and checks you daily.
You leave the mountains by a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. So the flight depends on clear morning weather, like all mountain flights. This plan keeps a free day in Pokhara and a spare day in Kathmandu, in case of a delay. So a little flexibility keeps your trip smooth and safe.
Trips Reviews
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Trips FAQs
Permits, Guide & Insurance
Yes. Since 2023, Nepal requires a licensed guide for the Annapurna region (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-30). You also need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a TIMS card. It is not a restricted area, so no special permit is needed. Spade Himalaya provides the guide and arranges both permits.
The ACAP is about NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-30). The TIMS card is about NPR 2,000. So the permits total roughly US$42 per person. Spade Himalaya includes both in the trip cost and handles the paperwork.
Yes, it is a must. Your policy has to cover trekking above 5,000 m and a helicopter rescue. Many normal policies do not, so check the wording first. This trek is high and remote in places, so good cover matters. Arrange it at home before you fly, and leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the briefing.
Trek Difficulty & Altitude
It is graded strenuous. You walk 3 to 9 hours a day, you cross the Thorong La at 5,416 m, and you add the high Tilicho detour. There is no technical climbing. Still, the altitude, the long days, and the Tilicho path make it hard. So you need good fitness and ideally some trekking experience.
The path from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp crosses loose, landslide-prone slopes. So you cross it carefully, and your guide picks the safest line and time. It is best crossed early, before the day warms up. With care and a good guide, most fit trekkers manage it well.
It is a real risk, because you reach 5,416 m and spend many days above 3,500 m. So the plan adds a rest day at Manang and a slow, steady climb. Your guide checks your oxygen with a pulse oximeter each day. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, walk slowly, and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Going down is the best cure.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best, with clear skies and stable weather. The Thorong La needs a clear, snow-free window, so flexibility helps. Winter buries the pass in snow, and the Tilicho trail can be icy. The summer monsoon brings cloud and slippery trails, so most people skip it.
Trek Highlights & Views
Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919 m, which makes it one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies in a high basin below the Grande Barrier, a huge wall of ice. So its turquoise water and wild setting are unforgettable. The lake is also sacred to Hindu pilgrims.
The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek crosses the Thorong La but skips Tilicho Lake. This 16-day version adds the Tilicho side trip from Manang. So you get the lake and the pass in one trek. It is longer and higher, so it needs a few more days.