Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
Nepal · 20 Days · Strenuous
Adventure Trek From US $1,360 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Duration
20 Days / 19 Nights
Difficulty
Strenuous
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Drive + Car
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude
5,416m / Thorong La + Tilicho
Overview
The full Annapurna Circuit plus a side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — the world's highest lake.
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 5,416m / Thorong La + Tilicho
- Duration: 20 days / 19 nights
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $1,150 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $1,360 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $1,670 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $1,150 | US $1,360 | US $1,670 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $1,040 | US $1,220 | US $1,500 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $950 | US $1,130 | US $1,390 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $870 | US $1,030 | US $1,270 |
| 14+ Pax | US $800 | US $950 | US $1,170 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
📍 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your guide. This extended Annapurna Circuit adds the spectacular Tilicho Lake — at 4,919 metres, one of the highest lakes in the world — to the classic circuit route. Welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2
Day 2: Drive to Besisahar, Jeep to Chame (2,670m)
📍 Chame
Drive to Besisahar and continue by jeep up the Marsyangdi Valley to Chame. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Chame to Pisang (3,300m)
📍 Pisang
Trek past the great curved rock wall of Chame and emerge into the open Manang Valley. Upper Pisang's monastery overlooks the valley with fine mountain views. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Pisang to Manang (3,519m) via Ghyaru
📍 Manang
High route through Ghyaru and Ngawal — the finest viewpoints on the circuit — with panoramas of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Arrive in Manang. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Acclimatisation in Manang
📍 Manang
Rest day with Ice Lake acclimatisation hike (4,600m). Preparation for the Tilicho and Thorong La sections. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Manang to Shree Kharka (3,870m) — Tilicho approach
📍 Shree Kharka
Leave the main circuit and head northwest towards Tilicho Lake. The trail climbs through barren hillsides with views of the Manang Valley below. Shree Kharka is a basic teahouse camp. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)
📍 Tilicho Base Camp
Continue ascending to Tilicho Base Camp — the last teahouse before the lake. The trail becomes increasingly dramatic, traversing cliff-edge paths with views across the entire Manang region. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and Return
📍 Tilicho Base Camp
Day hike to Tilicho Lake — one of the highest lakes in the world. The frozen or turquoise waters (depending on season) surrounded by steep Himalayan walls are breathtaking. The Tilicho Peak towers above at 7,134 metres. Return to base camp for the night. Walking time: 6–7 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
📍 Yak Kharka
Descend back to the main circuit trail and continue to Yak Kharka, rejoining the Thorong La route. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 10
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,850m)
📍 Thorong High Camp
Ascend to High Camp in preparation for tomorrow's pass. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 11
Day 11: Cross Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m)
📍 Muktinath
The great crossing. Pre-dawn start, 3-hour ascent to Thorong La (5,416m), long descent to Muktinath and its sacred temple. Walking time: 8–10 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 12
Day 12: Muktinath to Marpha (2,665m)
📍 Marpha
Descend through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to charming Marpha — apple orchards, whitewashed lanes, and the best apple pie in Nepal. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 13
Day 13: Marpha to Tatopani (1,190m)
📍 Tatopani
Descend through the gorge past Tukuche, Lete and Ghasa to Tatopani hot springs. Walking time: 6–7 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 14
Day 14: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m)
📍 Ghorepani
Long climb from river level to Ghorepani ridge through rhododendron forest. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 15
Day 15: Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Tikhedunga
📍 Tikhedunga
Classic Poon Hill sunrise over the Annapurna chain and Dhaulagiri, then descend to Tikhedunga. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 16
Day 16: Tikhedunga to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara
📍 Pokhara
Final trekking section to Nayapul and jeep to Pokhara. Walking time: 2–3 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 17
Day 17: Leisure Day in Pokhara
📍 Pokhara
Rest day in Pokhara — lake, museum, paragliding or massage. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 18
Day 18: Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Celebration dinner. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 19
Day 19: Kathmandu Sightseeing
📍 Kathmandu
Explore Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 20
Day 20: Final Departure
📍 Kathmandu
Airport transfer for your international departure. The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is the complete Annapurna experience — adding the world's one of highest lakes to an already legendary circuit. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Nepal trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek?
This trip is rated Strenuous. Requires good fitness and ideally prior high-altitude or multi-day trekking experience. Begin cardio and hiking training 3 months before departure.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.
➤ What permits are required?
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (USD 30) + TIMS card. Arranged by Mantra Adventure. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek (Strenuous): Cardiovascular fitness built over 3-4 months including hill walks with a pack. Prior trekking experience strongly recommended.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 5,416m / Thorong La + Tilicho. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.