Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake- 15 days

Your trek begins with a long and scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jagat which can take 8 to 9 hours a day which depends on road conditions and traffic. The route takes you through the picturesque scenery of rural Nepal with the perfect view of lush hills, river gorges, and distant mountain peaks. You will pass towns like Besisahar and Syange before you take on the off road section to Jagat.

The rugged stretch of the road is bumpy and gradually transitions from urban life to the natural wonders of the Himalayas. As you arrive in Jagat, you will check into a teahouse and stretch your legs or take a short walk around the village. The sound of the Marsyangdi River, which flows below, and the soft mountain breeze mark the beginning of a beautiful journey.

Jagat is a traditional Gurung village nestled along the Marsyangdi River Valley which serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. At around 1.300 metres, it has stone paved streets, compact stone horses and terraced fields along the hillsides. Because of the warm hospitality of the villagers as well, it is one of the best and pleasant first stops.

The next day’s destination is Dharapani, which takes around 6-7 hours of trekking while passing through several picturesque villages, including Chamje and Tal. You will experience the cascading waterfalls and narrow gorges, followed by suspension bridges swaying over the Marsyangdi River. Tal town is located on a flat plain next to the river with a wide valley and charming ambiance.

The trail introduces you to the Annapurna region’s geographical and cultural diversity. The final ascent to Dharapani is a gradual climb through a wooded area. You will notice the influence of Tibetan Buddhist and see prayer wheels, chortens, and stone mani as you enter a culturally rich section of the trek. Check into your teahouse, and then you can rest or stroll around the village.

Dharapani is a significant checkpoint for trekkers before you enter the Manang district. It is a beautiful location in the transitional zone between the subtropical forest and alpine terrain. The village is a fascinating blend of vegetation and crisp mountain air. A quiet mountain village that lies at approximately 1, 860 meters is the perfect location to spend your night and prepare for the trek next day.

Following destination is Chame that takes 5 to 6 hours where you will start with a gradual climb through dense forests of pine, fir, and oak. Along the way, you will enjoy the mesmerizing views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. The sound of the Marsyangdi River that runs below and the scent of pine in the air is the refreshing segment of the trek. As you approach Chame, you will see more of the Tibetan architecture and Buddhist prayer flags.

Near Chame, you can find hot springs where you can take a sweet and a relaxing soak to drain away all your fatigue. The village is quite developed, where you can find shops, baking, and good accommodations. Chame is the district headquarter of Manag and settles at an altitude of about 2, 670 meters. It offers a good balance of modern amenities and cultural depth.

Surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks, Chame is a vital stopover for acclimation and to collect supplies before entering the higher altitudes.

The trail from Chame to Pisang will take you about 5 to 6 hours. You can see the stunning natural rock formations that include the dramatic Paungda Danda which a massive curved cliff face rising from the riverbank. The vegetation becomes sparse, and the landscape turns more arid and rugged. You will cross several suspension bridges and walk through narrow gorges carved by the glacial rivers.

The views of Annapurna II and IV are so beautiful as you get near to Pisang. Upon arrival, you can explore the local monasteries and interact with the local of the village. You can also rest at your teahouse and prepare for the next day. However, we suggest that you experience the cool breeze and expansive skies that make Pisang a truly peaceful overnight stop.

A high altitude village located at 3, 200 meters, Pisang has the most iconic views of the Annapurna massif. The town is split into lower and upper Pisang, where both the village provides different cultural insights. However, Upper Pisang offers a better panoramic views and a more traditional Tibetan feel.

Manang is one of the largest and most developed villages on the Annapurna Circuit. It is the cultural hub for trekkers all around the world. The village offers you everything from small bakeries to gear shops and even altitude clinics. The unique blend of modern comforts and traditional Tibetan culture makes this place the highlight of the journey. 

The trek from Pisang to Manang takes you 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the path you choose. The trail offers you the lower route through Humde, and the upper route is via Ghyaru and Ngawal. The upper route is more challenging however, it gives you the exceptional views of the Annapurna range along with the deep insights into local life in traditional villages.

As you reach Manang, the landscape becomes barren and dramatic, and the terrain is dry and desert-like. The village sits in a rain shadow, therefore it barely rains there hence the desert like environment. Check in to your teahouse, and you can visit the nearby local monastery. You can also stroll around the village while communicating with your fellow trekkers of the local people.

Your body must adjust to the increasing altitude before ascending to the higher altitudes. So, today is a crucial acclimatization day in Manang. You will stay one extra night to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and help your body adapt to the thinner air. With the comfortable lodges and beautiful surroundings, Manang is an ideal place for the acclimatization day.

You can rest in your teahouse or have an optional acclimatization hike to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), if you are looking for a more challenging excursion. The trek is steep and strenuous but is a beautiful place with the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Tilicho ranges. However, you can spend the rest of day exploring the village or even attending an altitude session at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.

The trek from Manang to Siri Kharka takes about 4 to 5 hours which include moderate ascents through alpine meadows and shrublands. Along the way, you will pass through the beautiful landscape with the perfect views of Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the surrounding valleys. If you are lucky enough, you can have a quick view of the Himalayan blue sheep or even a snow leopard.

Siri Kharka is a small settlement located at about 4,060 meters. The trail take you off the main Annapurna Circuit and into a more remote and rugged part of the Himalayas. You can feel the shift in environment and a more solitary ambiance. Upon arrival, you will find basic and cozy lodges which the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy the silence of the mountains and the crisp here as you prepare for the challenging trek to Tilicho Base Camp, the following day.

The Tilicho Base Camp is situated at an elevation of around 4,150 meters which serves as the starting point for the trek to Tilicho Lake. This base campsite is situated amid unspoiled wilderness and rugged natural beauty, beneath high cliffs and snow-clad mountains.

The journey to Tilicho Base Camp is 4-5 hours followed by rocky and narrow paths that require focus and balancing. You will cross some landslide prone area so you need to focus on every step you take. The desolate high-altitude landscape is also stunning enough to ensure that spirits are not down.

When you get to the base camp, you will find a couple of basic tea houses offering simple food and hot drinks. Many people like to sleep early to have a good night and rest before waking up with the hike for the next morning to Tilicho Lake. Mountain air is fresh, and promises of the day tomorrow make this stay really memorable.

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 4,919 meters. It is a sacred destination surrounded by rugged peaks and glacier-fed waters. It is a serene place with a profound silence and spiritual energy. Reaching Tilicho Lake is one of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The trek starts earlier in the morning usually at around 4-5 AM so as to experience consistent weather which is neither too hot in the afternoon. The climb is arduous and tough, and it will take you 3 to 4 hours to reach Tilicho lake. The bleak landscapes of snowier peaks and panoramas of alpine sceneries become more prominent as you rise.

Following a visit to the lake, immersed in the beauty of nature, you will begin your return journey towards Siri Kharka. The downhill is faster, although there is loose gravel that needs attention. Return to Siri Kharka and relax and recover, then recollect over this mind blowing day of hike.

Yak Kharka, located at the altitude of 4 050 meters is a minor settlement that is the last acclimatization point prior to Thorong La Pass. The area is named after the translation that is Yak Pasture with good reason as there are grazing yaks and age-old stone shelters in the area.

Depending upon the condition of the trail, the trek to Yak Kharka can be made either via returning to Manang or by staying at the upper route. This leg is around 5-6 hours and includes a combination of up and down ridges with cross over little wooden bridges across the icy water. The landscape is mainly rocky and only here and there some alpine flora.

At Yak Kharka, there are a few simple lodges and teahouses. This air is thin and fresh and in the evening most trekkers enjoy hydrating and warming near the fire. As the place is blessed with good mountain views and clear sky, it is a relaxing place to acclimatise before taking in the trek through Thorong Phedi.

Approximately 4,540 meters high, Thorang Phedi is the final settlement before bidding to cross over the Thorong La Pass. It lies in a small valley among the huge cliffs and snow-covered mountain sides, which do not have much vegetation, although the views are incredible.

The Thorong Phedi trek is approximately 3-4 hours and it comprises gradual ascents. The path goes through rocky mountains, frozen rivers and sometimes landslide zones, requiring concentration. Altitude sickness is common in many trekkers here, though its effects are mild and can be cured by walking slowly and taking plenty of water.

On reaching there you may sit at Thorong Phedi or proceed further up about 45 minutes and stay at High Camp to acclimatise better. Anyhow the day ended early, so you can rest and prepare for your next day trek to Muktinath.

The highest point of Annapurna Circuit is the Thorong La Pass which is at a height of 5,416 meters above sea level, defining the major milestone of trekkers. Traversing the past is hard as well as inspirational, where the panoramas of the Himalayas are beyond any other experiences.

The climb up to the pass starts early in the morning and may take 4-6 hrs based on the weather. It is cold, thin air, and the path is icy here and there. Craving to finish the mission is always overwhelming with super joy, coupled with the sense of achievement once you get to the top despite the physical exertions. Since the pass is marked by the colorful prayer flags so are photo stops.

The trail steeply descends on the pass down to the sacred pilgrimage place of Muktinath using Hindus and Buddhists. The down route is 3 to 4 hours where you can find the land to be dry and more barren surroundings. Muktinath is considered a sacred pilgrimage destination in the Mustang region of Nepal, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters in the Himalayan region. It is believed to be a spiritual, free and peace filled location for both the Hindu and Buddhist religions. With its environment filled with dramatic mountainous settings, Muktinath also presents a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri, along with other surrounding mountains.

Jomsom, an administrative capital of the Mustang region, is a busy town situated at the altitude of 2,720 meters. Jomsom is famous for its strong winds and apple orchards, which bring a touch of Tibetan culture and modern luxuries, such as bakeries, guesthouses, and even an airport.

The journey between Muktinath and Jomsom is 5-6 hours long and it goes down the Kali Gandaki Gorge with steep cliffs. Jomsom is a high-altitude place known for its strong winds and a dry, desert-like landscape, in contrast to the lush green countryside of the lower Himalayas. The village has incredibly beautiful scenery of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Jomsom has a small airport, local lodges and cultural richness, thus making it a port of call among trekkers on Annapurna Circuit.

Pokhara is a lakeside city located at an altitude of 827 meters, boasting a picturesque setting and a convenient location, and is renowned as a restful destination after a trek. It is located by the bank of Phewa Lake with green hills on each side to offer breathtaking landscape of Annapurna mountains without the altitude.

The 20-25 minutes flight to Pokhara is an adventure and is also a short flight, departing Jomsom. The flight is spectacular, as far as you can see, with the Himalayas and the Kali Gandaki River flowing in the valley. The difference in scenery and climate is enormous. After reaching Pokhara, you will find different cafes with live music and walk along the lake. It is an ideal site to relax and rejoice after the successful completion of the Annapurna adventure.

The final stop on this memorable journey is Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is the perfect culmination of the trek, with its rich history and contemporary style. The trip to Kathmandu via Pokhara should be about 6-7 hours with views of terraced landscapes, rivers and small villages. Instead, there is an opportunity to be flown back to the capital in just 25 minutes, allowing for more time to visit the city or sleep. The two are all scenic views of Nepal's heart. In Kathmandu, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites or simply enjoy a good meal and relax. You can have a sweet souvenir shopping and strolling experience during the evening, adding a finishing touch to your Himalayan adventure in Thamel.