The Annapurna Circuit Trek including Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal's most popular and hardest treks, lasting around 17 days. The trek combines the traditional Annapurna Circuit walk with a visit to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes. The trip begins at Besishahar and continues through beautiful woods, terraced farms, and traditional villages along the Marsyangdi River valley. The environment changes as you ascend, and you will meet more difficult terrain and lovely alpine woods. The path also provides breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna II, III, and IV, as well as Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. You will travel to Tilicho Lake at a height of 4,919m/16,138ft after traversing the difficult Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft), the highest point of the expedition. The lake is revered by Hindus and Buddhists for its pure beauty and breathtaking mountain vistas.
The Annapurna Circuit trek with views of Tilicho Lake Trek continues to Jomsom, where you can take in the breathtaking vistas of the Kali Gandaki valley and explore the old settlement of Kagbeni. From Jomsom, you may either hike to Ghorepani poonhill route or The trek ends with a drive to Pokhara, where you may rest and enjoy the gorgeous lakeside city. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake Trekking is a difficult journey that needs a high degree of physical fitness and acclimatization. It's critical to have the right gear and equipment for the expedition, as well as a trustworthy guide and porter, to ensure your safety and pleasure of the adventure.
The Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit trek introduce you to charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, all while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Our itinerary has been tailored to match the Annapurna Circuit route, with a slight variation. Instead of heading north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka from Manang, this route veers westward through the main valley. It takes you through the captivating Khanshar Village, which marks the last settlement in Nepal. Continuing onwards, the trek ascends to the stunning Tilicho Lake. From there, the journey proceeds to Yak Kharka and eventually culminates at the Thorong La pass, towering at an elevation of 5,416 meters.
Difficulties of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek presents significant challenges. Trekkers are required to hike for approximately 7-8 hours on average each day, enduring high-altitude conditions for over two weeks. Mitigating the risk of altitude sickness involves acclimatization, hydration, and gradual ascent. The trekking route encompasses steep ascents and descents, leading through various natural terrains like alpine forests, glacial lakes, mountain passes, and deep gorges. The demanding terrain, along with the constant elevation changes, poses challenges for trekkers of all levels of experience. This remarkable journey demands both physical and mental readiness, considering its extended duration. Accommodations and food are basic, necessitating some compromises. While technical skills are not imperative, the trek demands a considerable amount of physical strength and endurance.
Trekkers must possess good physical fitness and stamina, with prior hiking experience being advantageous. Adequate training and exercise, undertaken for two to three months or at least two weeks before the trek, are essential. This training regimen should encompass aerobic activities such as hiking, swimming, jogging, cycling, etc., to enhance your preparedness for the trek. In conclusion, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is undoubtedly challenging, but proper preparation and planning can ensure a more comfortable completion of the journey.
What to expect on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure, featuring stunning views of peaks like Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. The trek takes you to Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes, at 4,919 meters, and involves crossing the high-altitude Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Along the way, you’ll experience diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine terrain, and immerse yourself in Nepali culture with visits to remote villages and sacred sites like Muktinath.
This physically demanding trek includes acclimatization days in Manang and offers a mix of local hospitality and hearty meals in tea houses. Weather can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures at higher elevations. The journey is best suited for trekkers with good fitness and some prior trekking experience. With panoramic views, cultural encounters, and the beauty of Tilicho Lake, this trek is an unforgettable adventure in the Annapurna region.
Why Trek Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake?
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake offers a unique combination of spectacular mountain views, cultural immersion, and physical challenges. Here’s why it’s worth the trek:
- Breathtaking Views: The trek offers some of the most stunning Himalayan vistas, including views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and other towering peaks.
- Tilicho Lake: As one of the highest lakes in the world, Tilicho Lake provides a unique and tranquil destination surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
- Cultural Experience: The route passes through several traditional villages where you can experience the Nepali and Tibetan cultures, visit Buddhist monasteries, and explore the sacred site of Muktinath.
- High-Altitude Challenge: The trek is physically demanding, including Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes, giving you the opportunity to challenge yourself and achieve a major milestone.
- Diverse Landscapes: From lush subtropical forests to barren alpine terrain, the trek covers a variety of scenic landscapes, offering ever-changing vistas along the way.
- Acclimatization: The itinerary is designed with acclimatization days to help you adjust to the altitude, reducing the risks of altitude sickness while ensuring you have the best chance to complete the trek safely.
- Adventure & Serenity: Whether you’re seeking an adventurous challenge or a peaceful retreat by Tilicho Lake, the trek offers a mix of both, making it a unique and memorable experience.
In short, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is one of the best trekking routes for those who want to combine adventure, cultural exploration, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake via Thorong la pass Distance, Altitude, and Map
Tilicho Lake sits at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet), making it one of the highest lakes in the world, offering a serene alpine experience surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, while Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit, reaches 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), providing trekkers with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek covers a distance of 200-230 kilometers (125-143 miles) and typically takes 17 days to complete, depending on your pace and acclimatization schedule.
The route begins from Kathmandu, passing through Besisahar, Jagat, Chame, and Manang for acclimatization, before heading to Tilicho Base Camp and ultimately to Tilicho Lake. From there, the trek continues to Thorong Phedi and the challenging Thorong La Pass, followed by a descent to Muktinath, a sacred site, and Jomsom, where trekkers catch transportation back to Pokhara or Kathmandu. Both Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass present high-altitude challenges, making acclimatization in Manang essential to avoid altitude sickness, as the trek involves physically demanding climbs with changing weather conditions, making it a rewarding yet challenging adventure in the Himalayas.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Cost for 2026/2027
The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake can vary depending on factors like the duration, accommodation type, guide and porter services, and the trekking agency. On average, a fully guided trek can range from US$900 to US$1,600 per person. This typically includes accommodation, meals, permits, and transportation.
However, budget-friendly options are available, especially if you're trekking independently or choosing basic tea houses, which can reduce the cost. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, such as private guides and premium accommodations, the cost may be higher.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US$ 1599 |
| 2 - 6 Pax | US$ 1299 |
| 7 - 14 Pax | US$ 999 |




