Nepal · Trekking

15-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal with Tilicho Lake and Thorong La

15 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through diverse landscapes from lush valleys to high mountain passes in the Annapurna region
02 Explore the stunning turquoise Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes
03 Experience rich local culture and traditions in Manang, Muktinath, and surrounding Himalayan villages
04 Conquer the iconic Thorong La Pass at 5416 metres for panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas

Embark on a thrilling 15-day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and experience Nepal's breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Journey through Kathmandu, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Muktinath, Tatopani, and Pokhara while crossing the iconic Thorong La Pass. Discover serene mountain villages, diverse cultures, natural hot springs, and the turquoise beauty of Tilicho Lake. Perfect for adventure seekers, this trek combines natural splendour, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable high-altitude experience in the heart of the Annapurna region.

Discover serene mountain villages, diverse cultures, natural hot springs, and the turquoise beauty of Tilicho Lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Tatopani, Muktinath

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Thamel Exploration

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Meet your trekking guide for a short briefing and gear preparation.
Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel in the evening.

Day 02

Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar

Enjoy a scenic drive through hills and river valleys.
Pass through countryside landscapes and local villages.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Besisahar.

Day 03

Mountain Drive to Chame

Drive through rugged mountain roads alongside the Marsyangdi River.
Enjoy views of waterfalls, cliffs, and snow-capped peaks.
Reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.

Day 04

Trek through Pine Forests to Pisang

Start trekking through pine forests and across suspension bridges.
Pass by small villages with panoramic views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Overnight stay in Pisang village.

Day 05

Trek from Pisang to Manang via Bhraka

Choose between the upper and lower routes; the upper route offers better views.
Observe the change in landscape from forests to arid mountain terrain.
Explore Bhraka Monastery and settle in Manang.

Day 06

Acclimatisation and Exploration in Manang

Rest and adapt to the higher altitude.
Explore Gangapurna Lake and visit local monasteries.
Take an optional short hike to nearby viewpoints for acclimatisation.

Day 07

Trek towards Tilicho Region to Siri Kharka

Begin the trail towards the Tilicho region.
Walk through yak pastures and stunning mountain scenery.

Overnight stay at Siri Kharka.

Day 08

Rocky Trail to Tilicho Base Camp

Trek through narrow rocky paths and glacial valleys.
Witness majestic views of Tilicho Peak and the surrounding ranges.

Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 09

Hike to Tilicho Lake and Return to Siri Kharka

Set out early in the morning for a hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes.
Spend time admiring the turquoise waters and snow-covered peaks.
Return to Siri Kharka for an overnight stay.

Day 10

Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit at Yak Kharka

Descend to Khangsar Village and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit route.
Enjoy a steady uphill walk to Yak Kharka.

Overnight stay at a mountain lodge.

Day 11

Trek to Thorong Phedi

Take a short but steep hike through rocky terrain.
Rest and prepare for the next day's high pass crossing.

Overnight stay at Thorong Phedi.

Day 12

Cross Thorong La Pass and Descend to Muktinath

Start early in the morning to cross Thorong La, the highest point of the trek.
Enjoy stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Descend to the sacred town of Muktinath.

Day 13

Drive through Kali Gandaki Valley to Tatopani

Drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley with dramatic landscapes.
Relax in the natural hot springs at Tatopani after long trekking days.

Overnight stay in Tatopani.

Day 14

Drive to Pokhara and Lakeside Leisure

Enjoy a scenic drive through lush hills and terraced fields.
Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy lakeside relaxation.
Optional boating on Phewa Lake or an evening stroll.

Day 15

Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

Return to Kathmandu by luxurious tourist bus.
Enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate the completion of your trek.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu or departure as per schedule.

Where this trip takes you

Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Kali Gandaki Valley

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 10 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All airport and hotel transfers by private vehicle
Three nights in a three star hotel in Kathmandu
Guided sightseeing tour with an experienced tour guide and private vehicle
Two nights in a three star hotel in Pokhara
Kathmandu to Pokhara by luxurious tourist bus
Pokhara to Kathmandu by luxurious tourist bus
Pokhara to Nayapul by private tourist vehicle
Shauli Bazaar to Pokhara by private tourist vehicle
All twin sharing accommodation during the trek
All meals including breakfast, tea break, lunch, and dinner with seasonal fruits during the trek
All necessary paperwork and permits including ACAP and TIMS
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
All government and local taxes
Experienced English speaking trekking guide
Assistant trekking guide, one assistant per ten trekkers
Sherpa porters or support staff, one for every two trekkers, including salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
Personalized virtual consultation before finalizing trek booking
Free online pre trek briefing after booking confirmation
Free excess luggage storage facilities at the office store
Duffle bag
T shirt or baseball cap
Trekking poles, down jacket, and seasonal sleeping bag to be returned after the trip
Self sufficient medical first aid kit with vital medications
Oximeter to check pulse oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily, useful for AMS monitoring
Trekking map
Hand sanitizer

What's Not Included

Nepal visa fee, with the lowest fee available for a 15 day visa costing 30 dollars per person
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Excess luggage charges
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara in case of early return from the mountain, early arrival, or late departure
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charge, bottled or boiling water, hot shower, wifi, or internet
Tips for guide and porters

What to bring

Sun hat or scarf
Warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Under garments
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Fleece or wool pants, seasonal
Waterproof pants
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes, sneakers, or sandals
T-shirts
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece wind stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof breathable shell jacket
Down jacket
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves
Sleeping bag
Headlamp
Duffle bag
Basic first aid kit
Regular medicine
Daypack, approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches
Trekking poles
Water bottles
Medium-sized quick-drying towel
Toothbrush and paste
Multipurpose soap
Deodorant
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Wet wipes or baby wipes
Tissue or toilet roll
Antibacterial hand wash
Reading book
Trail map or guide book
Journal and pen
Music player or iPod
Pencils and small notebooks
Travel games such as Uno, playing cards, or dice

Know before you go

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is classified as a moderate to challenging trek.
The trek features a combination of gradual ascents, steep stone steps, and uneven terrain.
Trekkers should be in good physical condition, and prior hiking or trekking experience is preferred.
No technical climbing skills are required, but the trail demands stamina and endurance, especially on long trekking days and at higher altitudes.
Proper preparation is essential to enjoy the trek safely and comfortably.
A fitness routine 6-8 weeks before the trip is recommended, including cardio workouts such as running, cycling, or swimming.
Leg-strengthening exercises like squats, lunges, and hiking practice with a loaded backpack are beneficial.
Mental readiness and understanding basic trekking techniques will enhance your experience.
The trek reaches an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 ft) at Annapurna Base Camp.
Gradual acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Inform your guide immediately if you experience any symptoms of AMS.
Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol helps with acclimatization.
The trekking team includes trained guides equipped with first aid kits and communication devices.
Evacuation options such as helicopter rescue are available in severe cases, though rarely needed.
Carrying a basic personal medical kit and informing the company of any health concerns in advance is recommended.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, and medical treatment is strongly advised.
Ensure your travel insurance policy explicitly covers trekking up to at least 4,500 meters.
Two key permits are required for the trek: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
ACAP grants access to the Annapurna Conservation Area and supports environmental conservation.
TIMS helps authorities monitor trekkers' safety.
The company assists with arranging all necessary permits before the trek.
The trail passes through villages inhabited by ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Magar, and Tamang communities.
Staying in teahouses run by local families offers authentic insight into local customs, festivals, and food.
Nepal issues tourist visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for most countries.
Visa durations range from 15 to 90 days, with fees depending on the length of stay.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Domestic flights or road trips connect Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region.
Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara take about 25 minutes and offer stunning views of the Himalayas.
Road travel is scenic but takes longer, approximately 6-8 hours.
All transfers can be arranged for trekkers' comfort and convenience.
Mobile networks like Ncell and Nepal Telecom provide reliable coverage in major cities and many trekking villages along the route.
Internet access is widely available in Pokhara and Kathmandu via cafes and hotels, though connectivity at higher altitudes may be limited.
Local SIM cards are easy and affordable to purchase at the airport or in city centres.
The official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).
Cash is preferred in remote trekking areas, as ATMs and card facilities are scarce beyond major cities.
Carry sufficient cash for personal expenses during the trek.
Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange counters in major cities.