Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake Trek

The following day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek. We leave the capital city of Kathmandu at 6 AM. The road to Besishahar is paved for the most part since we will be going over the Prithvi Highway.

We pass through green hills and small villages and stop for lunch in Dumre or a roadside town. After our meal, the road gets rougher and we have to switch to a smaller vehicle, preferably a jeep.

We reach Syange or Jagat by late afternoon: these are the first trek entry points. The road ends there and we check into a basic teahouse to spend the night. We eat dal bhat, rest our legs, and prepare our packs for the trek.

Max. Altitude: 1,100m/3,609ft. (Syange/Jagat)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The 3rd day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek starts early from Syange or Jagat. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River and has us cross suspension bridges.

We will walk through terraced fields, small villages, and traverse stone steps that climb steadily. Forests of pine and rhododendron line the path as we pass waterfalls and prayer flags. Villages like Chamje and Tal appear along the way shortly after.

The trail narrows in places. As we get closer to Dharapani, we have to cross a long suspension bridge. Locals run tea houses and small shops at this stop, sitting at a trail junction. There, we rest in basic lodges. The walk takes five to six hours, gaining elevation but not too steeply.

Max. Altitude: 1,960m/6,430ft. (Dharapani)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

On the 4th day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, we leave Dharapani on a wide trail, and the path climbs beside the river. Soon enough, we have to cross Bagarchhap and Danaque villages, where you can see apple orchards and mani walls.

The trail steepens past forests as we enter a narrow valley. Views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II open up, followed by crossing a new bridge near Koto. The police checkpoint at the entrance requires permits.

After Koto, the trail becomes noticeably rocky. We pass pine forests and landslide zones to reach Chame, the district headquarters.

You can find better lodges and bakeries compared to the previous day. Hot showers and wifi are available, as we rest at 2650 meters above sea level. The walk takes five to six hours in total.

Max. Altitude: 2,650m/8,694ft. (Chame)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The 5th day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek is here. We leave Chame on a wide trail beside the Marsyangdi River.

You pass through apple orchards and stone-walled fields and the path climbs steadily. You cross a long suspension bridge near Bratang before reaching a police checkpoint again. The guide will handle the permit submission.

After Bratang, the trail enters a pine forest and we walk past landslide zones. Views of Annapurna II and IV grow clearer as the trail reaches Pisang after five to six hours.

Upper Pisang sits higher with better mountain views, but Lower Pisang has more lodges and supplies. You can choose where to stay based on energy and acclimatization.

Regardless of where you stay, teahouses offer dal bhat, noodles, dumplings, and hot drinks. Wi- Fi is slow but available and you should not miss the sunset over the peaks from Upper Pisang if you have energy.

Max. Altitude: 3,250m/10,663ft. (Pisang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

We start say 6 of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek early to avoid the afternoon wind. You climb steeply above Pisang through juniper forests to reach Ghyaru, a quiet village with stone houses.

We then pass Ngawal, where chortens and prayer wheels line the trail; views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna dominate the skyline. You descend slightly before climbing again and the trail flattens near Braga. You can even see the Manang valley below.

Braga Monastery, one of Nepal’s oldest, sits on a cliff en route. After a short visit to the monastery, we will enter Manang after six to seven hours of trekking. Lodges here are better equipped; you can find oxygen, clinics, and gear shops.

Max. Altitude: 3,519m/11,545ft. (Manang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

This is the first acclimatization day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek. We stay in Manang to let our bodies adjust to the change in elevation and climatic conditions.

Altitude here sits at 3500 meters above sea level, so we walk short hikes to higher ground. We will visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, which offers free altitude talks twice daily.

After a short time learning more about altitude sickness in detail, we will walk to Gangapurna Lake. The trail takes two hours round trip and the gorgeous scenes of Gangapurna Glacier reward us. We return to Manang before noon, then we rest or explore the village.

Stone houses, chortens, and monasteries mark the area. You can talk with the locals, check your gear for the pass, or just walk around the village. Climbing high and sleeping low cuts the risk of sickness, and this day saves energy for Thorong La.

Max. Altitude: 3,519m/11,545ft. (Manang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

After a restful day in Manang, we start the 8th day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with the Tilicho Lake Trek after breakfast. The trail climbs gently north as we cross meadows and stone huts.

We pass yak herders and grazing animals, and follow the Jarsang Khola valley. We will gain about 500 meters in four hours, going over a path that is rocky but clear.

You can see snow peaks ahead, as we reach Khangsar. We stop at its ancient monastery, take in the scene, and the intricate details of the monastery. We then continue uphill and enter alpine terrain; the surrounding vegetation thins out.

You can spot blue sheep on slopes, as we arrive at Siri Kharka by early afternoon. You can charge devices if solar power is available; this usually comes at a price not included in the trek package.

Max. Altitude: 4,080m/13,386ft. (Siri Kharka)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

For the next day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, we have to rise before dawn. Breakfast fuels us for the climb and the trail leaves Siri Kharka on a steep moraine path.

Loose rocks and scree test our footing as we gain 300 meters in under two hours. Prayer flags mark the ridge with views of the Annapurna range. We will pass frozen streams, glacial remnants, and you’ll definitely notice that the air thins above 4000 meters. We have to ascend slowly, rest often, and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Soon enough, we will reach Tilicho Base Camp, our destination of the day. Tents and stone huts dominate the flat ground and the guide will find our tea house for the night.

We eat simple meals and prepare for tomorrow’s lake ascent. The guide will check the weather for tomorrow.

Max. Altitude: 3,900m/12,795ft. (Tilicho Base Camp)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today is one of the main days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, and we start the day at 6 AM. Headlamps guide us up the lateral moraine if it’s too dark outside.

The trail climbs 800 vertical meters as we scramble over boulders and cross snow patches in the early season. We recommend using trekking poles to ascend with breaks every 30 minutes or so.

We will reach the lake shore by 10 AM, standing at 4919 meters above sea level. It is one of the world’s highest lakes.

The high mineral content water features ice floats, and the color is beautifully turquoise. Annapurna I towers above the far shore, making up a great scene of the lake and peak.

We will spend just about one hour at the lake, have a little snack, and hydrate. You can take as many photos as you want.

We will turn back to Siri Kharka by 11:30 AM. This descent can be harder on the knees. Trekking poles are very handy in such situations. We reach the base camp by 1 PM, have our lunch, and walk down to Siri Kharka.

Max. Altitude: 4,078m/13,379ft. (Siri Kharka)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 11 of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek is a mix of descent and ascent. We initially descend from Siri Kharka through open pastures and cross small streams fed by glacial runoff.

You pass herders’ huts where they stay temporarily, and see their cattle graze near the path. We walk beside the Jarsang Khola river, where the air feels lighter at 4040 meters. You gain energy after leaving higher altitudes, where the oxygen concentration is noticeably higher.

The tea houses in Yak Kharka offer basic accommodation facilities, common meals, and standard drinks such as tea. Charging your devices costs extra, at the standard rate. You can see Thorong La from certain points of the village. This entire walk takes four to five hours to complete.

Max. Altitude: 4,020m/13,189ft. (Yak Kharka)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The following day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, we leave Yak Kharka after breakfast. You climb stone steps through dry terrain and pass Ledar village.

En route, you can see prayer flags tied to chortens as you go over narrow trails near cliffs. Then, we cross a wooden bridge over a gorge, entering a valley carved by ice and wind. Views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III appear as we enter the valley.

You can refill your water bottle at an eatery en route, before we push higher to Phedi or High Camp. The High Camp sits at 4600 meters, we sleep there to prepare for Thorong La. Lodges are very basic, the mattresses are thin, and the toilets are outside. The walk takes four to five hours, as we move slowly.

Max. Altitude: 4,500m/14,764ft. (Phedi)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

This is yet another main day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, and we wake up before dawn. The climb starts steeply from High Camp, following cairns and prayer flags.

Wind gusts can be challenging above 5000 meters, so we avoid them by starting early as much as possible. We have to stop every 20 minutes to rest our bodies and as part of acclimatization tactics. The summit of Thorong La Pass sits at 5416 meters above sea level.

There, you can sign the guestbook, take photos with the stupa, and enjoy the grand view of the surroundings. Soon after, we have to descend fast on rocky switchbacks, keeping ourselves balanced with the help of trekking poles. You reach Thorong Phedi in two hours, followed by stone steps leading down to Muktinath.

Max. Altitude: 3,800m/12,467ft. (Muktinath)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The next day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, we leave Muktinath after breakfast. You walk flat trails through arid terrain and pass the village of Kagbeni.

Checkpoint verifies your permits and you can see red cliffs and wind-carved rocks. After about 2 hours, we enter the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge.

Walking beside the river, the trail is dusty as the wind blows strongly. We reach Jomsom by lunchtime and refuel our bodies with apple pie.

Continuing the trek, the trail is wide and easy, as you pass orchards and stone fences. Marpha is clean and quiet, and the guide takes us to a family-run lodge where you can even try local brandy.

Max. Altitude: 2,650m/8,694ft. (Marpha)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

Leaving Marpha after breakfast, the road winds down the Kali Gandaki Valley. We pass apple farms and stone-walled villages. The town of Jomsom sits behind us. The drive takes about five to six hours, passing by rough roads.

We stop at small towns for tea or snacks. Tatopani means “hot water”, a fitting name for a village with natural hot springs. You can soak in stone pools fed by geothermal water; the springs sit beside the river.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The initial part of today’s trail climbs steeply over stone steps, gaining a total of 1500 meters in seven to eight hours. You pass through Sikha village, crossing a rhododendron forest that thickens as we ascend. Monkeys sometimes cross the path with the company of waterfalls beside the trail.

We rest at Chitre for tea and boiled eggs as the forest opens near Dobhan. The final stretch to Ghorepani is relentless, but still manageable. The steps cut into the hillside and we reach Ghorepani by late afternoon.

Max. Altitude: 2,874m/9,429ft. (Ghorepani)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 17 of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek starts before dawn. We hike to Poon Hill for sunrise. The trail is kind of steep, taking up to 45 minutes to reach the top.

You reach 3210 meters above sea level, featuring a stunning scene of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and many more peaks. The sunrise view lasts 30 minutes after which we descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast.

We leave Ghorepani on a forest trail dominated by Rhododendron trees, soon enough, we will pass Deurali and Banthanti. The trail drops then climbs, requiring us to cross streams and stone staircases. We then enter Tadapani after 7 to 9 hours of trekking. The lodges at Tadapani sit on a ridge where you get mountain views from your room.

Max. Altitude: 2,630m/8,629ft. (Tadapani)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The next day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, we leave Tadapani on a steep descent. Stone steps lead us through a rhododendron forest, as we make our way to Kimche.

We will join the main trail to Ghandruk, passing terraced farms and stone-roofed houses. Ghandruk is a traditionally rich Gurung village, where you can see Annapurna South along with many other peaks. We will also visit the Gurung Museum.

After some time at Ghandruk, a jeep waits for us at the trail’s end. This jeep takes us on a 2-hour ride to Pokhara. Roads are rough initially, but improve significantly as we lose elevation.

Max. Altitude: 833m/2,733ft. (Pokhara)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 19 is the last traveling day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, we leave Pokhara in the morning hours, getting on a tourist bus. The drive starts on paved roads, over the Prithvi Highway, passing through small towns like Dumre and Muglin.

The highway climbs through river valleys and settlements. Local buses and trucks share the route so it can be congested and slow at times. We will stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant.

In total, the drive takes seven to eight hours to complete. But it can take longer depending on the road conditions, which vary by season. Monsoon brings mud and delays, while winter brings clearer skies but colder stops and an overall slower ride. We will arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon and check into our hotel for the night.

Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel

The end is here, after we have completed the final processes of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek we will leave for the airport. As per your flight schedule, we will have to leave the hotel two and a half hours before your flight.

Kathmandu traffic is unpredictable and rush hour can add delays, so leaving well before the scheduled time is always beneficial. We take the main road to Tribhuvan International Airport.

After you get in, the airport staff check your visa and ticket. You weigh your bags and pay for your excess baggage if you have any. After clearing immigration and security, you have to wait a while before boarding. You fly home with photos, stories, and memories. Nepal welcomes you back.

Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)

Meal: Breakfast