Annapurna Circle Trek with Tilicho Lake

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to Hotel

Welcome to Nepal, the land of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Trek Around Himalayas and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and taking some time to relax, you will meet your trekking guide for a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming Annapurna Circle Trek with Tilicho Lake. The guide will explain the itinerary, trekking preparations, altitude considerations, and important safety information.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Kathmandu, especially the vibrant streets of Thamel, the city's popular tourist hub. Here, you can shop for any last-minute trekking gear, enjoy local restaurants, and experience the lively atmosphere. This is a perfect introduction to Nepal before your Himalayan adventure begins.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960 m/6430 ft) dive Private tourist vehicle – 10 to 12 hours.

After an early breakfast, you will leave Kathmandu and begin a scenic drive towards Dharapani, the starting point of your Annapurna Circuit Trek. Traveling by private vehicle offers a comfortable and flexible journey through Nepal’s diverse landscapes, passing along winding mountain highways, terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and rushing river valleys.

The drive follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, providing beautiful views of hills, waterfalls, and rural settlements. As you leave the busy city behind, the scenery gradually changes to the rugged terrain of the Himalayan foothills. Passing through Besisahar and several charming mountain villages, you will enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and continue to Dharapani.

Dharapani is a picturesque village situated at the junction of the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu trekking routes. Surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks, it offers the first taste of the mountain atmosphere that awaits in the days ahead.

Drive Duration: Approximately 8–10 hours
Altitude: 1,960 m (6,430 ft)
Overnight at a tea house lodge in Dharapani.

Day 3 : Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft) : 5-6 hours

This day will be a very rewarding day with beautiful mountain views of Annapurna, Lamjung Himal and few hot springs where you can dip to get healing. You will stay overnight at Chame.

Day 4 : Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft) : 5-6 hours

A physically demanding day through the steep rocky mountain to the dramatic vistas of Marsyangdi valley. You will enter the valley through Poungda Danda and continue the trek to lower Pisang for staying overnight.

Day 5 : Pisang to Manang : 6-7 hours

On this day you will trek to Upper Pisang via Geru. You will observe the drastic change in environment which becomes cold and dry with rare vegetations. On the way you will visit to Barge monastery while gazing the wonderful mountain views of Annapurna and Pisang.

Day 6 : Manang: Acclimatization day

Today you will take rest at Manang for acclimatization. You can hike to Gangapurna Lake or Bhojo Gompa and spend rest of the day embracing the epic beauty of Manang

Day 7 : Manang to Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft): 4-5 hours

You will trek out from the west of Manang valley, cross the river and reach to Kangsar village. Along the trail you will be accompanied by beautiful coniferous forest. You will trek up to the pristine alpine meadow of Siri Kharka while frequently gazing back to mount Gungang and Chulu. You will stay overnight in Sri Kharka.

Day 8 : Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours

You will continue trekking up through the excellent terrain which will physically challenge you. You can see beautiful rocks, mountain peaks and landscapes along the trail. You will get to Tilicho Base Camp for staying overnight.

Day 9 : Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka: 5-6 hours

Today is the most rewarding day of your trek. You will discover the beautiful Tilicho lake situated at an altitude of 4949m which makes it the lake situated at highest altitude on the planet. You will trek through the alpine meadow gazing at the stunning view of the Tilicho lake under the north face of Tilicho Peak. Your guide will tell you interesting story related to the Tilicho lake and lord Ram. You continue trekking alongside the lake and get back to sri Kharka for staying overnight.

Day 10 : Siri kharka to Yak kharka (4040m/13,020ft):4-5 hours

You will start trekking back following the same trail to the village in Khangsar. On the way you will venture into a thousand year old Tare monastery. Your guide will enrich your experience by telling you interesting stories about this monastery. After then you will trek further and cross a river and reach to Yak Kharka for staying overnight.

Day 11 : Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft) : 3-4 hours

You will continue ascending trek to Ledar village and then to Thorong Phedi which is the last village before Thorong La Pass. On the way you will see beautiful views of mount Gundang, mount Syagang, Thorung Peak and mount Khatungkan.

Day 12 : Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m/12,467ft) 7-8 hours

Today is the most strenuous day of this trek. Thorong La Pass is among the world’s highest mountain pass scaling 5416m. You will climb up to the pass take some photos, embrace the view and make some memories. After spending a while at the Pass you will start descending down to one of the most holy Hindu temple Muktinath at the bottom of the Thorong La Pass.

Day 13 : Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft) : 4-5 hours

Early morning today you will visit Muktinath temple which is one of the most sacred Vishnu temple and a Gumba nearby. After breakfast you will continue the trek descending down to Kagbeni and Jomsom. You will trek further to Marpha and stay overnight. Marpha village got it’s name for its popular apple brandy industry throughout the ages.

Day 14 : Marpha to Ghasa (2000m/6562ft) : 6-7 hours

You will continue trekking through beautiful Thakali villages and apple gardens along the way to Chokhopani. Next you will continue to Kalopani gazing at the beautiful views of mount Nilgiri, Tukuche, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. After then you will cross the river and get to Kalopani for staying overnight.

Day 15 : Ghasa to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft) : 6-7 hours

Today you will trek down to Ghasa. As you continue downwards you will find more vegetation, you will pass by Rupse waterfall and finally reach to Tatopani where you will immerse ourselves in natural hot spring.

Day 16 : Tatopani - Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) : 7-8 hours

Today you will trek through beautiful farmland of villages Shikha and Chitre and continue to lush green rhododendron forest. You will then trek up to ridge top Ghorepani for staying overnight.

Day 17 : Sunrise tirp to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2700m/8860ft) ( 7/8 hours

Before dawn, begin an unforgettable hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of Nepal’s most celebrated viewpoints. The gradual uphill walk takes about an hour and rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-capped peaks, witness a spectacular sunrise over Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Nilgiri, and several other majestic mountains. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery make this a truly memorable highlight of the trek.

After enjoying the sunrise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing toward Tadapani. The trail follows scenic ridgelines and passes through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. During spring, the forest comes alive with colorful rhododendron blooms, creating one of the most picturesque sections of the entire journey. After several hours of trekking through this enchanting landscape, arrive at Tadapani for an overnight stay at a cozy teahouse.

Day 18 : Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m/6362ft) and drive to Pokhara (827m/2,789ft) : 6-7 hours

Today marks the final day of your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. After breakfast, you will begin your descent from Tadapani through beautiful rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides towards the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is one of the most picturesque villages in the Annapurna region, renowned for its rich Gurung culture, traditional stone houses, and spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the village and enjoy lunch while taking in the stunning mountain scenery.

After lunch, you will board a private vehicle for the scenic drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest after completing your Himalayan adventure. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax, stroll around the lakeside area, or celebrate the successful completion of your trek.

Your guide and porter will bid you farewell, marking the end of a memorable journey through the Annapurna region. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.