The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is an extraordinary 18-day adventure that takes you through stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and the majestic Himalayan peaks. The trek begins in Kathmandu, where you will arrive and spend the night before taking a local bus to Jagat the following day.
From Jagat, the trek starts with a steady hike towards Dharapani, passing through lush forests and picturesque villages. You will continue to Chame, Pisang, and Manang, each offering a closer view of the majestic Annapurna range. At Manang, you will acclimatize before trekking further to Shree Kharka and then to the Tilicho Base Camp.
At Tilicho Base Camp, you will have the opportunity to visit Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. This is a highlight of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. After exploring Tilicho Lake, you will trek to Yak Kharka, then head towards Thorong Phedi, the base camp for crossing the Thorong La Pass, which stands at an impressive 5,416 meters.
Once you’ve crossed the Thorong La Pass, the descent begins towards Tatopani, where you can relax in natural hot springs. From there, the trek leads to Ghorepani, where you will hike up to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint for a stunning sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The trek continues with a descent to Nayapul, where you will take a drive to Pokhara. Finally, after exploring the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, you will drive back to Kathmandu, where the 18-day trek will conclude, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Annapurna region and Tilicho Lake.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. You can take the rest of the day to relax, recover from your flight, or explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and markets at your leisure.
After an early breakfast, your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syange, passing through the picturesque countryside, small villages, and terraced fields along the Prithvi Highway. You’ll stop in Besishahar for a brief break before continuing towards Syange/Jagat. The drive will take around 8-9 hours, and upon arrival, you’ll settle in for the night in this small but charming village.
Today marks the start of your trekking adventure. From Syange/Jagat, you will begin your trek towards Dharapani, passing through forests, rocky paths, and crossing several suspension bridges. The route offers fantastic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you will arrive in Dharapani, a village that serves as an important gateway for trekkers heading into the Annapurna region.
Today’s trek takes you from Dharapani to Chame. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River, passing through pine forests and small villages. Along the way, you will have beautiful views of Annapurna II and other peaks. The trek takes about 5-6 hours, and once you reach Chame, you can relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
The trek from Chame to Pisang takes you deeper into the Annapurna region. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to more arid, alpine terrain. As you walk, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Paungda Danda rock face. After about 5-6 hours, you will arrive in Pisang, where you can rest and take in the dramatic scenery.
Today, the trek continues from Pisang to Manang, a highlight of the Annapurna Circuit. The route passes through the upper valley, where the landscape becomes more arid, and you can see the beginnings of the Tibetan plateau. The trek takes approximately 6-7 hours, and upon reaching Manang, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and other surrounding peaks.
To help your body adjust to the higher altitude, you’ll spend a day in Manang for acclimatization. You can explore the village, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association, or take a short hike to higher altitudes for better acclimatization. This rest day is crucial for ensuring that you remain healthy and well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
After acclimatizing in Manang, you will begin the trek to Siri Kharka. The trail takes you through alpine meadows and offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The trek takes around 4-5 hours, and as you approach Siri Kharka, you will notice the landscape becoming more barren. It is a peaceful place to rest for the night.
Today's trek takes you from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp. The trail gradually ascends, passing through rocky terrain and crossing high-altitude meadows. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you will reach the base camp, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
This day is dedicated to visiting Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. After a challenging 5-6 hour round trip, you will reach the lake, surrounded by stunning views of the nearby peaks. After spending some time at the lake, you will return to Siri Kharka to rest for the night.
Today, you will trek from Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka. The trail offers more spectacular mountain views, and you will pass through rugged terrain. This part of the trek takes around 4-5 hours, and Yak Kharka, with its picturesque setting, will be your place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the area.
Your trek continues from Yak Kharka to either Phedi or High Camp, depending on the route chosen by your guide. The trail is a steep ascent, and the landscape becomes increasingly barren. The trek takes around 4-5 hours, and once you arrive at High Camp or Phedi, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Today is the most challenging day of the trek as you will cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the entire Annapurna Circuit at 5,416m. The climb is demanding, but the views from the pass are absolutely rewarding. After descending from the pass, you will continue the trek to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, where you’ll rest and recover after the long day.
From Muktinath, you’ll drive to Tatopani, a village known for its hot springs. The drive takes around 5-6 hours, passing through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once in Tatopani, you can soak in the hot springs to relax your muscles and rejuvenate.
Your trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani takes you through beautiful forests and charming villages. The trail climbs steadily as you ascend through terraced fields and dense rhododendron forests. After about 7-8 hours of trekking, you will arrive in Ghorepani, a scenic village with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Early in the morning, you will hike to Poon Hill to catch the stunning sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After enjoying the view, you will descend and continue trekking to Nayapul. From there, you will take a drive back to Pokhara, where you can relax by the lakeside or explore the town's vibrant atmosphere.
Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, passing through the beautiful countryside, lush forests, and rivers. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can enjoy your final evening in Nepal, either relaxing or exploring more of the city.
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you depart. The journey concludes as you take off, bringing an end to an unforgettable adventure in Nepal.
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a fantastic adventure, but there are a few things you should know before you begin your journey to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
To trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area and visit Tilicho Lake, you will need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Ensure you have the necessary paperwork before starting your trek.
This trek reaches altitudes of over 5,400 meters at Thorong La Pass, so it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Spend a day or two at Manang to adjust to the elevation before continuing to higher altitudes, and take the trek slowly.
The trek begins with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Jagat, which can be bumpy and long, taking about 6-7 hours. Be prepared for local transportation and consider bringing motion sickness medication if you're sensitive to rough roads.
Make sure to bring proper trekking boots, a warm jacket, sleeping bag, and a rain poncho, especially if trekking during the monsoon season. It's also advisable to bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
One of the highlights of the trek is the sunrise from Poon Hill. It offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Make sure to wake up early for the best view!
Although clean water sources are available along the trek, it's advisable to carry a water purification system (like tablets or a filter) to ensure safe drinking water. Always drink clean, treated water to avoid illness.
The trek passes through villages inhabited by ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Manangs, and Thakalis. Respect their local customs and traditions, and remember that hospitality is important to the people living in the region.
After crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass, you’ll have the chance to unwind in Tatopani, a natural hot spring that will soothe your muscles and relax you after the strenuous days of trekking.
After reaching Nayapul, you'll return to Pokhara by bus and then head back to Kathmandu. Be prepared for some travel time, and enjoy the last leg of your journey through the beautiful valleys.
Prepare well, stay hydrated, and enjoy one of the most scenic and culturally rich treks in the world!
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The best time to trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and great visibility for mountain views. Avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall.
While previous trekking experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. The trek is considered moderate to challenging, but anyone in good physical condition with some endurance can complete it. Proper acclimatization and pace are key to success.
The trek is moderate to challenging due to the long days of walking, high altitudes, and the crossing of the Thorong La Pass at over 5,400 meters. Adequate fitness and acclimatization are essential for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation along the route typically consists of teahouses or lodges. These are basic but comfortable, providing a bed, hot meals, and shared bathroom facilities. The higher you go, the more basic the amenities might become.
It is not required but is recommended. Hiring a guide can enhance your experience by offering insights into local culture, geography, and history. A porter can carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to enjoy the trek more comfortably.
It’s best to carry enough Nepali rupees to cover your expenses. Some larger villages have ATM facilities, but they are unreliable, so ensure you have enough cash for your entire trek, especially for remote areas like Tilicho Lake.
Essential items include trekking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, water purification tablets, sleeping bag, sunscreen, and personal medication. You should also carry a good camera for the stunning mountain views!
The Thorong La Pass stands at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. This is one of the highest points of the trek and can be challenging, so proper acclimatization is essential.
Altitude sickness can occur above 2,500 meters and is a risk on the trek, especially as you approach Thorong La Pass. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It’s important to trek slowly, stay hydrated, and acclimatize properly to reduce the risk.
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek lasts for approximately 18 days. The itinerary includes acclimatization days and ample time for rest, ensuring you enjoy the full experience while trekking through this stunning region.
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My Annapurna Base Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition was the best decision I’ve made for travel in years. Everything was organized with precision, and our guide Dorchi truly made the journey memorable. He was friendly, highly experienced, and very responsive to our needs throughout the trek. His guidance on altitude management and pacing helped us avoid any health issues. The landscapes changed daily—from lush green valleys to snow-covered ridges—and Dorchi always stopped to let us absorb the views or share a story about the area. The local insight he offered brought the trek to life. Sherpa Expedition arranged everything seamlessly: flights, accommodations, meals, and permits. The tea houses along the trail were clean and comfortable, and food was plentiful. I appreciated the daily briefings and flexibility based on our group’s energy. Standing at Annapurna Base Camp surrounded by snow-capped peaks felt surreal. I’ve done other treks before, but the care and local connection Sherpa Expedition offers is unmatched. If you’re planning this trek, book with them and request Dorchi—you’ll be in excellent hands.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition was absolutely life-changing. From the first email inquiry to our return to Kathmandu, everything was managed with care. I was especially impressed by our guide, Tandin, who was thoughtful, funny, and incredibly organized. Tandin made the trek enjoyable even during the tougher climbs. He always checked on our health, explained the route, and kept the atmosphere light with great stories. His knowledge of the region and local culture enriched every step of the journey. Sherpa Expedition provided excellent accommodations and food throughout the trek. The tea houses were cozy, and we had delicious meals after long hiking days. Even the little details like wake-up tea and hot water bottles were appreciated. The beauty of the trail was beyond words—cascading waterfalls, forests filled with blooming rhododendrons, and breathtaking mountain views. The moment we reached Annapurna Base Camp under clear skies will forever stay with me. Tandin and Sherpa Expedition created the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. I highly recommend them to anyone dreaming of the Himalayas.
I had read about how difficult the Everest Three Pass Trek is, but I was still caught off guard by how demanding it was. That said, I wouldn’t change a single thing, especially because we had Suman Sherpa from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking leading the way. Suman is one of the kindest and most organized people I’ve ever met. He was meticulous in planning, but also incredibly adaptable—adjusting our rest stops and daily pace as we went. What I loved most was how he fostered a strong group dynamic. We all felt like we were in it together. Crossing the Kongma La Pass was my favorite part. The high-altitude stillness and raw views made me feel completely present. Suman made that moment even more special by surprising us with chocolate and tea at the top! From the cozy lodges to the acclimatization hikes, every part of this trip was well thought out. Suman was more than a guide—he was a mentor, a friend, and a mountain expert through and through. This is a trek that will test you, but with Sherpa Expedition and Suman by your side, it becomes a joy.
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Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is one of the pioneers of Trekking, tour and expedition in Nepal which was established on January 07, 1977, with a motto: ‘Enhancing Tourism possibilities across the Globe’. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is proud to be recognized as the fifth Trekking and Adventure company authorized by the Tourism Board of Nepal.
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