Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9841409994
info@earthmtreks.com.np
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Annapurna

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Flight/Drive

  • Duration

    18 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Strenuous

  • Altitude

    5,416m

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-Nov

  • Start/End Point

    Pokhara to Pokhara

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Annapurna Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Flight/Drive
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
18 Days Strenuous 5,416m March-May & Sept-Nov Pokhara to Pokhara

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is an amazing side adventure from the circuit trail towards one of the world’s highest altitude glacial lakes. Leaving the circuit trail behind, this route takes you across remote landslide gorges and rocky outcrops to the bright turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake (4,919m) surrounded by the sheer ice walls of Tilicho Peak and the Annapurna Massif.

 

In addition to being an incredible detour, the added time and distance of the hike to Tilicho Lake also provide unparalleled acclimatization for the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416m) crossing that awaits at the end of the classic Annapurna Circuit trail. After enjoying the sublime glacial lake scenery, the trail rejoins the circuit at Yak Kharka and follows it up through the high pass into the sacred temple town of Muktinath and down the wind-swept valley of the Kali Gandaki River.

 

Besides the unparalleled views of the Annapurna Mountains, the circuit route also takes you through a spectacular variety of ecosystems from pineforested river valleys to secluded traditional Gurung and Manangi villages and ancient Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries before dropping into the high alpine wilderness of the Annapurna Circuit trail. With overnight stays in remote mountain tea houses warmed by fireplaces, sharing a hot meal and enjoying the traditional hospitality of the local people, you can tick off two of the region’s most iconic high mountain challenges in one incredible trek.

Trip Highlights

  • A walk through dramatic landslides canyons to the turquoise ice rimmed waters of Tilicho Lake (4919 m) – one of the highest glacial lakes in the world.
  • Perfect opportunity to acclimatize at high altitude by visiting the great lake perched on the side of the mountain at 5000 meters before attempting the big climb over Thorong La pass (5416 m).
  • Marvel at the great peaks including the awesome Tilicho peak and Great Barrier wall that tower over the valley, far above the trail.
  • Tread the high rocky trails to the top of Thorong La pass and marvel at the spectacular panorama of towering mountains that open up before you.
  • Wander through stone chortens and fluttering prayer flags and discover ancient Budhhist monasteries in the traditional Gurung, Thakali and Manangi villages.
  • Tremble at the power of the spiritual complex of Muktinath – a sacred and important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike, set in a landscape of 108 water spouts and alpine gas flames.
  • Gaze into the deep narrow gorge of the Kali Gandaki – one of the world’s deepest river gorges situated between the great Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.
  • Sit back and relax each evening in the warm wood heated dining rooms of the remote mountain teahouses, sharing local home cooked meals and a pot of steaming tea with your trekking companions.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest after your flight or take a relaxed walk around Thamel to get oriented. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We spend today running through the route details, going over daily distances, and reviewing safety guidelines for high-altitude trekking. We will check over your gear list together to ensure you have proper cold-weather layers and footwear. If you are missing any essential items like down jackets, sleeping bags, or trekking poles, you'll have plenty of time during the day to buy or rent them in Thamel. In the evening, you can walk around Thamel, try local food, and relax before starting the drive tomorrow. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Drive duration: 6 hours | Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • We leave Kathmandu early in the morning for a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers to Besisahar. After arriving at the trailhead, we lace up our boots and begin hiking along the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail leads past subtropical forests, terraced fields, and small river villages before arriving in Dharapani. Overnight stay in Dharapani.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Leaving Dharapani, the trail climbs steadily through pine and fir forests, following the roaring river upward into the district of Manang. As we gain elevation, the landscape sharpens, and we get our first views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal towering above the valley. We end the day in Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. Overnight stay in Chame.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Today we hike through deep oak and pine woods, passing the impressive curved rock face of Paungda Danda rising sheer above the river. As the valley opens up, the climate turns noticeably drier and colder. We make a short, final climb up to Upper Pisang, an ancient stone-built village offering sweeping, up-close views of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Overnight stay in Upper Pisang.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • We take the scenic high route today through the stone villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal. Walking along high ridge paths gives us unmatched panoramas across the entire Annapurna range and Gangapurna. The trail gradually descends into the dry, windswept valley floor, leading us into Manang, the main cultural hub of the upper region. Overnight stay in Manang.

  • A full dedicated rest day to let our bodies adapt to the higher altitude before heading into the high wilderness toward Tilicho. After breakfast, we take an acclimatization hike up to the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint or Chongkor viewpoint for views over the glacier. The afternoon is free to rest, browse local teahouses, or attend the daily high-altitude safety lecture held in the village. Overnight stay in Manang.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Leaving the main Annapurna Circuit trail behind, we turn west toward the remote Tilicho region. We hike past the ancient stone settlement of Khangsar and climb gradually along open pasture slopes. As we gain height, the views open up toward Tilicho Peak and the surrounding snow-draped walls before we reach the small settlement of Siri Kharka. Overnight stay in Siri Kharka.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Today's walk takes us through some of the most dramatic landscapes of the trek. We traverse narrow, dry paths cut into steep landslide shale slopes, surrounded by tower-like rock formations and deep canyons. Walking carefully through the scree sections, we arrive at Tilicho Base Camp tucked into the foot of the mountain basin by early afternoon. Overnight stay in Tilicho Base Camp.

  • Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
  • We start with an early morning uphill climb over steep zig-zag trails to reach Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest glacial lakes in the world. Standing beside its turquoise waters, backed by the sheer frozen walls of Tilicho Peak, is an incredible experience. After spending time at the lake shore taking photos, we descend back to Tilicho Base Camp for lunch and continue our walk back down to Siri Kharka. Overnight stay in Siri Kharka.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Leaving Siri Kharka, we take a high mountain trail that bypasses Manang village and re-joins the classic Annapurna Circuit route near Tenki. The path moves gently along high alpine slopes past grazing yaks and low juniper bushes. Having already slept near 4,200 meters and hiked to nearly 5,000 meters at Tilicho Lake, your body will feel strong and well-acclimatized as we arrive in Yak Kharka. Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • Today is a short, deliberate hike to prepare for the high pass. The trail follows the edge of the Jarsang Khola stream before crossing a suspension bridge and climbing a steep, narrow path below scree slopes. We arrive at Thorong Phedi by lunch, leaving the afternoon open to rest early, hydrate, and prepare our gear for tomorrow's big climb. Overnight stay in Thorong Phedi.

  • Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours
  • We wake up before dawn to begin the long, steady ascent up Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek. Walking slowly on icy stone trails, we reach the top marked with prayer flags and huge panoramas across the snow-capped Himalayan crest into Mustang. After taking photos at the pass, we make a long downhill descent over rocky slopes into the sacred temple village of Muktinath. Overnight stay in Muktinath.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • In the morning, we visit the sacred Muktinath Temple before walking down through arid, desert-like hills to the historic village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, we follow the wide, windy valley floor of the Kali Gandaki River—famous for ancient ammonite fossils (Shaligrams)—until we arrive in Jomsom. Overnight stay in Jomsom.

  • Flight duration: 20 minutes | Drive duration: 6 to 7 hours
  • After breakfast, we board a scenic early-morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying between the massive peak walls of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (or take a private drive along the Kali Gandaki highway if flights are affected by wind). Upon arrival in Pokhara, we transfer to our hotel near Phewa Lake, where you can rest, enjoy a hot shower, and relax along the lakeside cafes. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

  • Drive duration: 6 to 7 hours
  • We board our private vehicle for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening free to shop or relax in Thamel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • A full dedicated day to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the city, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner with our team to celebrate your journey. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our team will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This is the end of your Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking adventure. Thank you for trekking with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another adventure soon. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport Pick up and Drop off by private vechile
  • Four nights accommodation in Kathmandu BB plan
  • All accommodation during the trek (attached bathrooms where available)
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days, along with cup of tea or coffee with every meal.
  • If and when available, fresh fruit will be provided
  • One Experience Trekking guide & one porter per 2 trekkers
  • Private vehicle for Kathmandu–Besisahar drive and Pokhara–Kathmandu drive.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage.
  • All accommodation during the trek (attached bathrooms where available)
  • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipement, transportation, etc.

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu/Pokhara
  • Personal Equipment for Trekking.
  • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Sightseeing costs in the city. (Temples, monasteries, etc.).
  • All beverages, snack, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, etc.
  • Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks.

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