Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek – 20 Days | アンナプルナ周遊付きティリチョ湖トレッキング20日間

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most remarkable adventures in the Annapurna region. While many trekkers follow the classic circuit route, they often miss the opportunity to explore Tilicho Lake. Some do reach Tilicho, but then retrace their steps without continuing on to Thorong La Pass. This extended route, however, offers the perfect blend—experiencing both the pristine beauty of Tilicho Lake and the thrill of crossing Thorong La.

This trek is not for the faint-hearted. It demands solid prior experience in high-altitude trekking. The route is long, and acclimatizing to the high Himalayan atmosphere becomes a major challenge. The trek’s difficulty lies in its intense altitude shifts—first ascending to Tilicho Lake at 4,949 meters, descending to Yak Kharka at 4,040 meters, and then ascending again to 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass—all within a few days. This rapid gain and loss in elevation can be exhausting and physically draining, so proper preparation and fitness are essential before embarking on this journey.

Despite the challenges, the breathtaking landscapes of the Annapurna region make every hardship worthwhile. The trek’s crown jewel, Tilicho Lake, is a stunning glacial lake formed from the snowmelt of Annapurna’s southern slopes. It holds the distinction of being the world’s highest lake of its size and is deeply revered in Hindu mythology. Tilicho is believed to be the legendary Kak Bhusundi Lake from the Ramayana—where sage Kak Bhusundi narrated the epic to Garuda, the king of birds, while in the form of a crow. Ancient texts mention the lake lies south of Annapurna and north of Nilgiri, making Tilicho a strong contender for this sacred spot.

Another highlight of the trek is Gangapurna Lake, also a glacial formation nestled in the same region. Beyond the lakes, the trek features a rich array of experiences: dramatic gorges, majestic peaks, the cultural charm of Marpha village—famous for apples, rejuvenating hot springs in Tatopani, the sacred Muktinath Temple, the expansive Kali Gandaki Valley, and of course, the thrilling ascent of Thorong La Pass. For those seeking a shorter experience, there are also alternative treks like the Annapurna Base Camp trek, but the full circuit with Tilicho Lake promises an unforgettable adventure.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft), transfer to hotel

Day 02: Free day and trek preparation

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Chyamche (1,300 m/4,265 ft), estimated to drive 8 – 10 hours

Day 04: Trek from Chyamche to Dharapani (1,960 m/6,430 ft), estimated walk 6 – 7 hours

Day 05: Dharapani to Chame (2,710 m/8,891 ft), estimated walk 5 – 6 hours

Day 06: Chame to Pisang (3,250 m/ 10,662.73ft), estimated walk 4 – 5 hours

Day 07: Pisang to Manang (3,519 m/ 11,545 ft), estimated walk 4 – 5 hours

Day 08: Acclimatization in Manang

Day 09: Manang to Siri Kharka (4,060 m/13,320 ft), estimated walk 4 – 5 hours

Day 10: Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m/13,583 ft), estimated walk 5 – 6 hours

Day 11: Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949 m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka, estimated walk 7 – 8 hours

Day 12: Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,040 m/13,020 ft), estimated walk 4 – 5 hours

Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,420 m/14,501 ft), estimated walk 3 – 4 hours

Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,764 ft) and trek to Muktinath (3,710 m/ 12,171 ft), estimated walk 7 – 8 hours

Day 15: Trek to Marpha ( 2,650 m), estimated walk 6 – 7 hours

Day 16: Drive to Tatopani (1,190 m/3,937 ft), estimated drive 4-5 hours

Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850 m/9,350 ft), estimated walk 7 – 8 hours

Day 18: Early morning visit to Poonhill, trek to Nayapul, and then drive to Pokhara, estimated walk 7 – 8 hours and estimated drive of one hour

Day 19: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, estimated drive 6-7 hours

Day 20: Departure or extend your trip

Trip Information

What to Expect?

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is not only one of Nepal’s most iconic treks but also ranks among the most admired treks globally. It promises an unforgettable experience filled with the raw beauty and magnificence of the Himalayas. Throughout the journey, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of some of the world’s highest snow-capped peaks.

This adventure takes you from warm, lush subtropical forests to stark alpine terrain filled with glaciers, rocky cliffs, and glacial valleys. Along the way, you’ll encounter the vibrant and authentic culture of Nepalese mountain communities, creating memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

The trek offers breathtaking panoramas of legendary peaks, including the full Annapurna range—Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), and Annapurna South (7,219 m)—as well as Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), and Nilgiri (7,061 m).

One of the most defining moments of this trek is the challenging ascent to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the world’s highest walkable mountain pass. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable Himalayan vistas stretching as far as the eye can see.

Another unforgettable highlight is the visit to the mystical Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes. Surrounded by towering peaks, its dazzling beauty is bound to leave a lasting impression. A visit to the sacred site of Muktinath adds a spiritual dimension to your journey, offering a peaceful, soul-touching atmosphere.

In essence, this trek is a generous gift of nature and culture. You’ll witness:

• Majestic mountain ranges
• Raging Himalayan rivers
• The magical sunrise from Poon Hill
• Blooming rhododendrons and magnolias in spring
• Hidden Buddhist monasteries in remote highlands
• Thundering waterfalls and natural hot springs
• Grazing herds of yaks and so much more

This trek is a profound adventure through landscapes and cultures that few places on earth can match.

Difficulty Level of Trek

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek follows a relatively straightforward trail, but due to the high-altitude nature of the journey, the trek itself is moderately to highly challenging. Starting from Kathmandu at 1,300 meters, the route involves several ascents and descents, some of which can be quite steep and demanding.

As the trek progresses, you’ll steadily gain elevation, eventually reaching over 3,000 meters, with the highest point being Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. The highest overnight stay during the trek will be close to 5,000 meters, making proper acclimatization essential.

To help your body adjust to the altitude, we’ve included a rest and acclimatization day in Manang. Despite this, you may still experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, or difficulty sleeping. If you feel unwell, it’s important to notify your guide immediately—they will take appropriate action, such as descending to a lower elevation and administering Diamox to relieve symptoms.

To ensure a comfortable and rewarding trekking experience, we highly recommend preparing in advance. Start a routine of walking, jogging, or stair climbing at least 2 to 3 times a week, beginning about two months prior to your departure. Regular physical activity will build the stamina and endurance needed to enjoy this incredible high-altitude journey.

Weather and Best Season

Honestly speaking, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek can be undertaken at any time of the year—whether during the popular trekking seasons of spring and autumn or the quieter off-seasons of winter and summer. With the right gear, proper clothing, and an experienced team of guides and porters, this trek is possible year-round.

That said, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the ideal times for this adventure. During these months, the weather in the Annapurna region is at its finest—dry, sunny, and stable, with low humidity and minimal cloud cover, providing clear mountain views and pleasant trekking conditions.

Daytime temperatures typically range between 7°C to 24°C, making the 6–7 hour daily hikes comfortable. The landscapes burst into life with vibrant rhododendrons, primroses, and a variety of wildflowers, especially in spring. You’ll also meet and interact with fellow trekkers from around the world, adding a social dimension to your journey.

In winter (December to February), temperatures in higher regions can dip well below freezing, and heavy snowfall may blanket the trails. Thorong La Pass can become particularly treacherous, and sometimes even impassable due to snow accumulation.

During the summer/monsoon season (June to August), the lower sections of the trail—such as Dharapani and Chame—often experience heavy rain, overcast skies, and muddy or slippery paths. However, the higher altitude areas like Manang and Jomsom lie in the rain shadow and remain relatively dry, even during monsoon.

Regardless of the season, our team is fully equipped to assist you with proper planning, logistics, and essential gear. Whether you’re trekking in winter’s snow or summer’s rains, we’ll tailor the itinerary and provide everything needed to ensure a safe and successful journey in any season.

Passport and Visa

For the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, obtaining a Nepal Tourist Visa is essential. This visa can be conveniently issued upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. To apply, you must have the following:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Nepal.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Payment of the visa fee in US Dollars, based on the duration of your stay.

You are allowed to stay in Nepal for up to 150 days per year with this visa. Since the trek itinerary spans 20 days, it’s recommended to obtain a 30-day tourist visa. Should you wish to stay longer, visa extensions are available for an additional fee.

Visa fees for foreign nationals are as follows:

• 15 days: $30
• 30 days: $50
• 90 days: $125

If you extend your visa, the first 15-day extension costs $45, and any further extra days will be charged at $3 per day.

To save time, the Nepalese government offers an online visa application system. You can apply online up to 15 days before your arrival. The online process requires:

• About 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
• A scanned copy of your passport’s main page.
• A recent photo.

Steps to apply online:

1. Visit the official Nepal Department of Immigration website: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
2. Complete the visa application form with your details such as passport number and birth date.
3. Click the blue button to proceed to the next page and continue filling out the required information.
4. Upload your photograph.
5. Select the duration of your stay.
6. Review the information carefully, then download and print the application form.
7. Bring the printed form with you and present it at the airport upon arrival.

For travelers with children under 10 years old (except US residents), a Gratis Visa is available free of charge.

This process helps ensure a smooth and quick entry into Nepal for your trekking adventure.

Food and Drinks

Our tour package for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek covers all your meal expenses throughout the trekking days. While you are in the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, we provide a hearty breakfast each morning. For lunch and dinner in these urban areas, you’ll have a wide selection of cuisines to choose from, including Nepalese, Italian, Indian, Continental, Tibetan, and more.

On your first day in Kathmandu, as a warm welcome, we’ll treat you to a delicious traditional Nepali meal at a well-known restaurant.

During the trek, you will receive three meals daily—breakfast and dinner at the lodges where you stay overnight, and lunch served along the trail.

Most lodges serve the classic Nepali dish Dal Bhat Tarkari, which consists of white rice, lentil soup, and vegetables. Besides this staple, lodge menus offer a variety of options. For breakfast, choices may include chapati, cereal, omelets, boiled eggs, or porridge.

For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy dishes such as pizza, noodles, thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), momos (dumplings), soups, and meat dishes. Every meal is accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Additional beverages like fruit juices, soft drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks are available but come at an extra cost.

After dinner each evening, we’ll provide you with fresh seasonal fruits as a refreshing treat.

Transportation during the Trek

Our services for guests on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek include comprehensive transportation throughout the entire journey. Upon your arrival, a private vehicle will pick you up from Kathmandu airport and transfer you to your hotel.

The following day is free for rest or exploration in Kathmandu. Should you wish to discover the Kathmandu Valley, we can arrange a private sightseeing tour with a dedicated car, driver, and guide for an additional fee.

When the trek begins, transportation to Chyamche will be by local bus. If you prefer to avoid public transport, we offer the option of a private jeep ride to Chyamche at an extra cost.

On your return trip to the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will travel via local bus through the scenic town of Tatopani, providing a chance to connect with locals and enjoy beautiful landscapes along the way.

Upon reaching Birethani, a private car will be arranged to take you to Pokhara. From there, you will travel back to Kathmandu aboard a comfortable tourist bus. For those pressed for time or seeking a more luxurious option, a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu can be organized at an additional charge.