Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the legendary treks inside the Annapurna Region, famous for its incredible diversity and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Then there is beautiful Tilcho Lake, which is the world’s highest altitude lake which is located at an altitude of 4,919 meters(16,138 feet) above sea level. For those who want to visit both this stunning palace, we have brought this 13-day combined Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek Package for you. You will visit both famous destinations in a single trip with the guided team of Peaceful Nepal Treks.
Your journey of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek starts from Kathmandu. You will ride a comfortable private vehicle( hiace or Jeep) arranged by Peaceful Nepal and head toward Chame. Then from Chame you will start trekking on the Annapurna Circuit trail. On the route, you will pass through beautiful villages like Pisang and Manang to reach Tlicho Lake while enjoying the natural beauty of the Annapurna Region.
After exploring Tilicho Lake, you will trek toward the High Camp and cross the Challenging mountain pass, Thorang La Pass. Thorong La Pass(5,416 metres above sea level) is the highest point of this trek from where you can enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri range, Ganngapurna, Tilicho Lake and several other mountain peaks.
After this, you will descend and trek toward the Muktinath Temple, which is a sacred temple as well as the highest altitude temple of Nepal. After exploring the Temple, we will head to Jomsom to stay, and the next day, we will take a domestic flight to Pokhara. You will also have enough time to explore Pokhara city. Then we will leave Pokhara on a luxury tourist bus to reach Kathmandu and finally conclude your Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake Trek.
Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is full of adventure, and in every step, you can find something unique and exciting. But let’s see the top attraction of this trek, which will make your trip more memorable:
Manang is the main gateway to the high-altitude trek in the Annapurna region. This is a palace where the landscape changes from green hills to the dry, cold. You can experience the local Gurung and Ghale culture, old houses, and Buddhist lifestyle. Manang is famous for high altitude scenery and acclimatization day, so trekkers often take a rest here. From this village, you can see amazing views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. Additionally, this area is filled with monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens. The Barge Monastery, the largest in Manang Valley, also lies here.
Tilicho is one of the main attractions that you will visit in this 13-day Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake Trek. During a visit to this lake, you need to pass the landslide zone on a narrow trail, which is a thrilling and adrenaline-filled adventure. Tilicho Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 4,949 meters, is surrounded by Tilicho Peak, and its reflection on its lake is an unforgettable sight.
The main challenging part of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is to cross the Thorong La mountain pass. But when you reach the top, it rewards you with the beautiful view of the lower valley and the Himalayan range. From here, you can see the breathtaking panorama stretching from the Annapurna Massif in the south to the Dhaulagiri range in the west.
Located below the mountain pass, there lies a Jomsom and Kagbeni village, which is known for the dry beauty of the Mustang region. Here you can see Tibetan-influenced villages, traditional reddish-brown architecture, and ancient chortens. Muktinath temple is a sacred high altitude temple where people visit to experience the spiritual atmosphere. 108 Mukti Dhara, Jwala Mai, eternal flame and Shaligram stones are the key attractions of this temple.
During the exit from the windy Jomsom village in a flight, you will witness the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge on earth, including two 8,000-meter giants: Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). Also, the aerial view of Pokhra city is equally stunning.
Before heading for the Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek, participants must know the best time so that they can choose the right departure date. It will help them to know what to carry during the trek and prepare for the weather and trail conditions.
Autumn season (September to November) is the top choice for many trekkers due to perfect weather conditions, clear sky, safe trail conditions and moderate day temperature. During this time, you can enjoy the clear view of valleys, lush hills and mountain peaks.
Another good time to go for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is during the spring season (March to May). During this time, you can see the trails in the forest area are covered by a colourful rhododendron forest. The daytime temperature is warm and comfortable for trekking and enjoying the views without worrying much about weather conditions. Also, due to the start of the trekking season, you can expect a few crowds in the trekking trails and tea houses.
Winter (December to February) & Monsoon (June to August) are off-season for trekking in Nepal and also for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. Very few people trek in this season due to poor weather conditions. In winter, the trails at high altitude will be covered with snowfall, and during the monsoon, the heavy rainfall makes the trails slippery and risky. Additionally, flight delays are common in this season.
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is considered a challenging trek in Nepal. The most challenging part of this trek is crossing the Thorong La mountain pass, whose altitude is 5,416 meters. To cross this challenging mountain, you need to have strong physical fitness and be able to walk for long hours.
Another challenging factor can be the effect of altitude. During the trek, you will hike above 3,500m for several days. While walking at high altitude, some trekkers might catch altitude sickness when not following acclimatization plans. The altitude sickness is treatable and manageable but if you neglect it, it can be life threatening.
Sometimes, even if we plan our trek in the best trekking season, there can be a sudden change in the weather conditions. Because of this, we may need to pause the trek and must take extra care to stay safe. Sudden changes in the weather can make the trekking trails slippery, snowy and drops in the temperature, adding difficulties to trekkers.
For those who have trekked before in Nepal, trekking in the uneven, narrow hills and high terrain can be tough. Trekking difficulty actually depends upon how well you prepare before you head for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. So, prepare in advance, and even though this trek sounds tough, it is absolutely manageable.
Arrival in Nepal and meet the staff from the Peaceful Nepal Treks at the airport parking, waiting to welcome you. Then take a ride in the private vehicle and transfer to the hotel that we have booked for you. In the evening, we will meet to have dinner in the cultural restaurant, and you will get a short briefing about the upcoming journey. After dinner, you will return to the hotel and rest, as you will have an early morning drive tomorrow.
Note: After completing the immigration from the TIA airport, we request that you grab a local SIM ( Ncell or NTC) from the vendor so that it will be helpful during your stay in Nepal. To get this SIM, you need to pay around RS100 and submit your passport copy and a passport-sized photo.
Early in the morning, our drive and trekking team will be there at your hotel doorstep for a road trip. After loading your luggage, we will start to leave Kathmandu in our private hiace. In the middle of the ride, you will get time for lunch and short breaks. The road conditions till Besisahar are fine, but after that, it is completely off-road. So we will transfer to a jeep for the journey from Besisahar to Chame. After we reach Chame, we will check into the tea house, enjoy dinner and spend the night.
You will start your official trek from today. After having breakfast in the Chame tea house, we will leave for Pisang. Today's walk will be around 5-6 hours. On the route, you will pass through beautiful pine forests, traditional villages following the Marshyangdi River. You will enjoy the distant, clearer views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Pisang Peak. After you reach Pisang, you will check in at the tea house, have dinner and spend the night.
Today we will enter the beautiful village of the Annapurna region, Manang. After having breakfast in the Pisange tea house, we will prepare to leave. Today's trek will be around 7-8 hours. On the route, we will pass through traditional villages, prayer walls, and charming monasteries. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy the constant stunning views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak. After you reach Manang, you will check into the tea house, enjoy a warm meal and spend the night.
Today you will take a rest day in Manang to acclimatise your body to the increasing altitude. It is important to adjust your body to a high altitude environment to reduce the effects of altitude and prevent altitude sickness. So after breakfast, we will go for a short hike around Manang: either Gangapurna Lake or the Chongkor Viewpoint. After the hike, we will return to the tea house, take proper rest and prepare for the next part of the trek.
After having breakfast in the Mangnag tea house, it's time for you to leave for Tilicho base camp. Today's hike will be around 5-6 hours at high altitude. On the route, you will pass through beautiful alpine landscapes, narrow trails, and rugged high-altitude terrain. You will also see prayer flags, small streams, and unique Himalayan flora. Also, surrounding peaks, including Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Kang, and the Annapurna range, keep you entertained during the trek. After you reach Tilicho Base Camp, you will check into the tea house and enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Note: On the route to Tilicho Basecamp, you need to pass the landslide zone, so while walking here, make sure to watch your step carefully and stay alert for falling rocks.
Today's morning will be extra special. Today, early in the morning, we will visit the Tilicho Lake to see and explore. It takes around 3 hours to reach Tilicho Lake. Once you reach Tilcho Lake, you can take your time to admire the beauty of the Lake, taking photographs and enjoying the surrounding mountain peaks.
After walking for around 1 and a half hours, we will return to the base camp for breakfast. Once refreshed, we will continue our trek toward Shree Kharka. On the route to Shree Kharka, you will pass through rocky and rugged alpine terrain, as well as high-altitude shelters and yak herder camps. Once you reach Shree Kharka, you will check into the tea house, enjoy dinner and spend the night.
After breakfast in the Shree Kharak, we will rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail. Today's walk will be around 4 to 5 hours. On the route, you will pass through Upper Khangsar, where you may see local yak herders and their grazing herds. You will also cross a wooden bridge over the Thorung Khola, walk up ascents and descents and finally reach Yak Kharka. Then you will check into the Yak Kharka tea house, enjoy the dinner and spend the night.
After having breakfast in the tea house, we will leave the Yak Kharka and head toward the High Camp( also called Thorong High Camp). Today's trek duration will be around 5 to 6 hours. Walking for 2-3 hours, we will reach the Thorong Phedi, and further walking through very steep and challenging terrain, we will reach the High Camp. On the trail, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Once you reach the High Camp, you will check into the tea house, enjoy a meal and sleep early for tomorrow's early trek.
Today will be one of the most exciting and most challenging days in the entire Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek. We will start our trek early in the morning, around 4:00–5:00 a.m., to cross the Throng la Pass, because of strong winds and potential storms. We will walk slowly by taking enough rest to cross this strenuous mountain pass. Also, don't forget to drink enough water and monitor your health conditions. Once you reach the top of the Thorangla pass, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After taking time to enjoy a moment and taking pictures, we will descend toward the Muktinath Temple. You will find the pilgrims taking baths and doing puja in the Temple. Exploring this Temple and getting blessings, we will take a local bus and head toward the Jomsom village. Jomsom is known as a windy village due to strong winds in the afternoon. Once we reach Jomsom, we will check into the nice lodge and relax. Tonight we will spend the night in Jomsom.
Today we will have a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, so we will wake up early to enjoy the morning views of Jomsom. After this, we will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the lodge and leave for the Jomsom flight. The flight duration will be around 25 minutes. Once you land in Pokhara International Airport, we will take a drive and head toward the lakeside to stay. After checking into the tea house, you can have lunch and explore the surrounding places on your own.
Today we will leave Pokhara from the Pokhara bus park. Taking a ride in a tourist bus, we will head toward Kathmandu. The ride duration will be around 7-8 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. You will have lunch and a short break in the middle of the trip. Once the bus arrives at Kathmandu Bus Station, we will take a drive to the hotel.
Depending upon the flight schedule, our private vehicle will transfer you to the Airport. Remember that you need to be 3 hours earlier for this flight to complete the check-in process.
On these 13 days, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, you will depend on the tea house in the trekking route. The Peaceful Nepal will book the room in the tea house while you book the trek package with us. You will stay in a shared room, and you can expect a communal bathroom. Inside the room, you will be provided a warm blanket, pillow and bedsheet with twin beds.
In lower region tea houses, you can find a hot shower at extra cost, but at high altitude tea houses, there will be no hot shower facility. To beat the extreme cold at night, we suggest you carry a sleeping bag with you.
Charging facilities are also available, but you need to pay an extra cost for that. You can connect to Wi-Fi in the tea house, but the connection might be poor at high altitudes. You can also use the local SIM for the mobile internet and for communication.
Be prepared for basic facilities while staying in tea houses, and don’t forget to carry essential items such as toilet paper, handwash, and other personal hygiene products.
Peaceful Nepal will arrange three meals (Breakfast, lunch and Dinner) in the tea house while you are trekking in the Annapurna region. You will have an option to choose veg and non-veg options. Don’t expect luxury food items and seafood while you are on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. Most of the food items on the menu will be Nepali dishes and very few international options. Let’s see the common menu that you can expect on the tea house menu:
Breakfast:
Lunch and Dinner:
Beverage:
To reach the Chame, which is the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilcho Lake trek, Peaceful Nepal will arrange a hiace and a Jeep for you. From Jomsom to Pokhara, you will take a domestic flight, and its cost will also be included in the trekking package. We will arrange all the transportation as mentioned in the itinerary.
| Season | Months | Temperature Range (°C) | Weather Condition |
| Autumn | Sep – Nov | 0 to 22 | Clear skies, moderate temperatures, best trekking season |
| Spring | Mar – May | 2 to 20 | Pleasant, blooming flowers, clear skies, ideal trekking |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | -5 to 12 | Cold, dry, occasional snow at higher altitudes |
| Monsoon | Jun – Aug | 12 to 24 | Heavy rainfall, slippery trails, limited views |
Note: The weather in the Annapurna region can be unpredictable, so before heading for the Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek, make sure to check the weather forecast.
Although this will be a guided trek, the actual preparation depends on you. Preparation does not happen in a single day, so make sure to start at least 6–8 weeks in advance. Let’s see the important things that you should focus on while preparing for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek:
Maintain Fitness Level: All the participants who want to participate must have good health with strong legs. It means you should focus on building cardiovascular endurance and strengthening your legs, core, and back. For this, you can do regular exercise, join a gym, practice yoga or participate in outdoor activities like hiking, running and cycling.
Acclimatisation Awareness: Trekkers often overlook the importance of acclimatisation during high-altitude treks. On challenging routes like the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, no one should ignore acclimatisation plans. Before starting the trek, learn about altitude sickness and its preventive measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Clothing and Gear Preparation: You should not pack the heavy things for the 13-day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. You should carry only what you will need on this trek. Carry clothes and gear that can adjust to all weather conditions, and make sure to carry high-quality trekking gear.
Health Checkup: Trekking in the remote village of Nepal, you must be in good health. If you have any serious health issues, you need to avoid this trek. It is better to check your health conditions before heading for a trip. Also, don’t forget to carry personal medications, as you will not find this medicine on the trek.
Travel & Logistics Readiness: You need to make your passport ready for this trek. Check the validity of your passport. Also, obtain travel and health insurance and carry enough cash, as there will be no banks or ATMs on the trekking trails.
For the successful and comfortable journey, we will provide you with this supportive team for your Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake Trek:
To book the Annapurana Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek package with Peaceful Nepal advance payment is required. You need to make a payment of 20% to reserve your seat according to your preference date. If you want to join the group, it is also possible, but for this, you need to confirm first with our tour operator. Payment can be made through various methods, and once the payment is made, we will contact you or send an email with further detailed information and plans.
If you need to cancel the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Package, then there will be no refund, as the money will be used for booking the logistics and accommodation. So it’s better to postpone the travel date rather than to cancel. Additionally, if you end your journey in the middle of the trip, then we will arrange the transportation for you, but remember, there will be no refund for the days you didn’t trek. If you have any confusion regarding the trips, booking, payment, or cancellation, then make sure to contact us.
Annapurna Circuit trek is a famous trek in the Annapurna region, where you will complete the Annapurna Circuit and add a side trip to Tilicho Lake.
The average duration of an Annapurna Circuit trek depends on your trekking pace, starting and ending point, the transportation you choose, rest days, and the itinerary you choose from the tour operator. On average, it takes around 12-16 days to complete it.
There are two best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). The weather and temperature, including views, remain best during this time.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is possible to do in winter, but it will be tough. The hardest part will be to cross the Throng La pass and to reach Tilicho Lake due to heavy snowfall on the route and freezing temperatures.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek can be strenuous for those who don't have good physical fitness. You are a regular high-altitude trekker, and you can manage this trek even though some challenge is involved. The difficulty always depends on how well you are prepared for the trek.
Thorong La Pass: 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
Tilicho Lake: 4,919 meters (16,138 feet). (The Tilicho Base Camp is lower, often around 4,140m).
Here is how you can manage altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek by following this acclimatization plan:
Ascend Slowly: Do not increase sleeping altitude by more than 300–500 meters per day once above 3,500m.
"Climb High, Sleep Low": Take day trips to higher altitudes, then return to a lower village to sleep.
Hydration: Drink 3–4 litres of water daily.
Rest: Build 1–2 mandatory rest/acclimatisation days into the itinerary (e.g., in Manang or near Tilicho Lake).
Medication: Consult your doctor about prophylactic use of Diamox (Acetazolamide).
There are multiple sections in the trail that lead to Tilicho Lake that are prone to landslides. The trail is narrow and the chances of falling stones are high. So you need to walk carefully while paying attention.
You will need: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)- Required for entry into the Annapurna conservation zone.
Although the Annapurna Circuit trek route is well marked, trekking solo is not permitted as per the new rules. You must trek with a licensed guide. This is for your safety and security. Also, hiring guides and porters helps to support the local economy by providing employment opportunities.
You can start your trek either from Besisahar, Jagat, or Chame. To end the trek, you can choose either Jomsom or Muktinath(often taking a flight or jeep from Jomsom/Muktinath to Pokhara).
Accommodation is mainly tea houses, which are also called mountain lodges. Rooms are basic, often twin-sharing, with simple beds, mattresses, and blankets. Many higher-altitude teahouses have limited heating (usually only in the communal dining hall). To use hot showers, electricity/charging you need to pay a small fee.
For this Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, you must pack these basic things with you:
Layers of clothing (base, mid, and outer shells).
Waterproof and windproof jacket/trousers.
Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots.
Hat, gloves, and sunglasses (mandatory sun protection at high altitude).
Trekking poles (essential for knees and stability on the Tilicho route).
Basic first-aid kit (including blister treatment and water purification).
Toiletries and personal hygiene items.
Don't drink tap water during the trek. Always purchase a water bottle or refill your bottle with hot boiling water from the tea house. Also, you can use the water purification tablets to make it safer. Remember, plastic bottles are banned in Manang.
Lower Regions: Basic mobile connectivity (NCELL or NTC) is usually available.
Upper Regions (above 3,500m): Connectivity is intermittent or nonexistent, especially around Tilicho Lake and on the Thorong La crossing day.
Wi-Fi: Available in most teahouses for a small hourly or daily fee, though speeds are generally very slow.
The altitude of Tilicho Lake is 4,919 metres (16,138 ft) above sea level. It is considered one of the highest altitude lakes in the world.
On these 12 Days, you will get free transportation, permits, guide, porter, wages, and insurance of guide and porter, food, and accommodation.
While lodges provide blankets, it is best to carry the sleeping bag to remain warm and for hygiene. You can rent good-quality sleeping bags in Kathmandu or Pokhara if you prefer not to buy one.
The best place to buy good-quality trekking gear in Nepal is in Thamel. Here you can find the best quality at an affordable cost.
Your porter will carry a weight of around 10kg, so for you, we suggest making your backpack light, around 5kg.
If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Bishnu will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working on this industry for more than 10 years