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The journey
Take on a classic high-mountain journey through Nepal's Annapurna region, combining the dramatic Tilicho Lake excursion with the legendary Thorong La Pass crossing. This 14-day trek blends rugged alpine landscapes, traditional villages, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas as you travel from the Marsyangdi Valley into the high-altitude terrain of the Annapurna Circuit. With a built-in acclimatization day in Manang, you'll hike to the turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), then continue to cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) before descending to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. The adventure ends with a scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley, a restorative stop in Tatopani, and relaxed time by Pokhara's Phewa Lake before returning to Kathmandu.
At a glance
Day by day
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The road follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys, passing through green hills, villages, terraced farmland, and riverside settlements. After reaching Besisahar, check into your hotel and rest.
Driving: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Besisahar
After breakfast, continue by jeep toward Chame, the headquarters of Manang District. The road follows the Marsyangdi River through dramatic mountain scenery. You pass several small villages, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and narrow valleys before reaching Chame.
Driving: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Chame
Today you begin walking through the beautiful upper Marsyangdi Valley. The trail passes through pine and fir forests, with impressive views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak. After crossing several bridges and passing through villages, you reach Pisang.
Walking: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Pisang
Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek. The trail climbs gradually toward Manang, with spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna. You pass through traditional villages such as Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, and Ngawal before descending toward Manang.
Walking: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Manang
Spend a day in Manang to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. You can take a short hike to a viewpoint above the village or visit the local monastery and surrounding villages. The views of the Annapurna range and Gangapurna Glacier are spectacular.
After breakfast, leave Manang and follow the trail toward Khangsar Village. The route continues through the beautiful Khangsar Valley toward Tilicho Base Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly dry and rugged as you gain altitude.
Walking: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Tilicho Base Camp
Start early for the highlight of the trek - Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m. The trail climbs steadily across a barren mountain landscape. On a clear day, the turquoise lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks is breathtaking.
After spending some time at the lake, descend carefully and continue toward Shree Kharka for the night.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Shree Kharka
Today you reconnect with the main Annapurna Circuit route. The trail passes through dry mountain landscapes and gradually climbs toward Yak Kharka. As you approach the Thorong La section, the vegetation becomes thinner and the surrounding mountains become more dramatic.
Walking: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Yak Kharka
Today you enter the high-altitude section of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail climbs gradually toward Thorong Phedi, followed by a steeper section to Thorong High Camp. Take the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the early morning crossing of Thorong La Pass.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Thorong High Camp
This is the most challenging and rewarding day. Start very early and climb toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
After celebrating at the pass and enjoying spectacular mountain views, descend steeply toward Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Walking: 7-9 hours
Overnight: Muktinath
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The landscape changes dramatically from the dry Mustang region to greener valleys. Continue through Jomsom, Marpha, and Ghasa before reaching Tatopani.
Driving: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Tatopani
Enjoy your final journey through the beautiful hills of western Nepal. The road passes waterfalls, villages, terraced farmland, and river valleys before reaching Pokhara. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a relaxing evening around Phewa Lake.
Driving: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Pokhara
After breakfast, return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or take a short domestic flight. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Your Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit trek officially ends.
Driving: 6-7 hours by road / approximately 25 minutes by flight
Overnight: Kathmandu or onward departure.
After breakfast, enjoy your remaining free time in Kathmandu or relax at your hotel until it is time for your flight. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your final departure. We hope you return home with wonderful memories of your Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit treks.
Transfer: Kathmandu hotel -> Tribhuvan International Airport
Trip Ends: At the airport with farewells from our team.
The route
The fine print
Transportation: Kathmandu to Besisahar by tourist/local transport.
Besisahar to Chame and onward to Pisang: jeep transportation as required by the itinerary.
Muktinath to Tatopani: bus transportation.
Tatopani to Pokhara: bus transportation.
Pokhara to Kathmandu: tourist bus.
Final departure transfer: private vehicle from your Kathmandu hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): required for the Annapurna and Tilicho route.
TIMS Card: arranged through our registered trekking agency. The Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho routes are listed among the routes requiring TIMS and a licensed guide.
Experienced trekking guide: a government-licensed, experienced guide throughout the trek.
Porter: one porter for every two trekkers, including porter wages, food, accommodation, and insurance.
Guide and porter transportation: their required transportation costs during the trek.
Guide and porter accommodation and meals: included during the trekking period.
Accommodation: teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek, according to the itinerary.
Trekking support: assistance with check-ins, permits, route information, and basic trekking coordination.
Airport transfer: arrival and final departure transfers in Kathmandu.
Meals and drinks for guests during the trek
Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel accommodation, unless mentioned separately
International flights
Nepal visa fee
Travel insurance, including helicopter evacuation
Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, and laundry
Bottled water and alcoholic drinks
Tips for guide and porter
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Any extra transportation caused by unforeseen circumstances
Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned under 'Included'
For this trek, pack light but make sure you have the right clothing and equipment for cold, high-altitude conditions.
Essential Clothing
Waterproof trekking jacket and pants
Warm down jacket
Fleece jacket or warm sweater
Thermal inner layers
Quick-drying trekking T-shirts
Trekking trousers
Warm hat and sun hat
Gloves and warm socks
Comfortable trekking boots
Sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings
Trekking Equipment
Backpack (35-45 liters)
Rain cover for backpack
Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
Trekking poles
Headlamp with extra batteries
Water bottles (2-3 liters capacity)
Water purification tablets or portable filter
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Personal Items
Passport and required permits/documents
Travel insurance details
Small first-aid kit and personal medicines
Toiletries and quick-drying towel
Hand sanitizer and tissues
Power bank
Phone/camera and spare batteries
Small amount of Nepalese cash
Optional but Useful
Lightweight duffel bag for porter
Gaiters, especially during snowy conditions
Microspikes if recommended by your guide
Snacks such as chocolate, energy bars, and dried fruit
Earplugs
Small daypack for daily walking
Tip: keep your backpack as light as possible. Your porter can carry your main luggage, while you carry only the things you need during the day's walk.
Before starting the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek, it is important to be well prepared. This is a beautiful but challenging high-altitude trek, reaching Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m and Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m.
Good fitness is important: you should be comfortable walking around 5-7 hours a day on uphill and downhill trails.
Acclimatization: take the acclimatization day in Manang seriously. Walk slowly and allow your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness, and unusual tiredness can be signs of altitude sickness. Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
Weather can change quickly: conditions around Tilicho Lake and Thorong La can become cold, windy, or snowy. Your itinerary may need to change for safety.
Best seasons: March-May and September-November are generally the best periods for this trek, with autumn offering particularly clear mountain views.
Accommodation: teahouses are available along the route, but facilities become very basic at higher elevations, especially around Tilicho Base Camp.
Food and drinks: meals for guests are not included in your package price. You can purchase meals and drinks at the teahouses along the route.
Drinking water: bring a reusable water bottle. You can refill it with treated or boiled water and use purification tablets or a filter.
Permits: the Annapurna route requires the appropriate conservation and trekking registration permits. TIMS and a licensed guide are part of the current requirements for applicable Annapurna routes.
Thorong La crossing: the pass crossing starts early in the morning and can be one of the hardest days of the trek. Follow your guide's instructions and do not rush.
Travel insurance: comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended.
Personal expenses: carry some Nepalese rupees for Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, snacks, drinks, and other personal expenses.
Trekking equipment: good hiking boots, warm layers, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a sleeping bag, and a waterproof jacket are essential.
Road conditions: some sections are traveled by jeep or bus, and journey times can change because of road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Flexibility: Himalayan weather is unpredictable. Your guide may adjust the itinerary if conditions around Tilicho Lake or Thorong La are unsafe.
Logistics
Your 14 days run from Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport to Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport.
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