Nepal · Trekking

12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass

12 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Hard pace
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake
View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through diverse terrains in the Annapurna region
  • 02 Visit Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes
  • 03 Experience the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
  • 04 Explore cultural sites like Muktinath Temple
  • 05 Encounter breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri ranges

Trek through vibrant forests, terraced farms, and charming villages in the Annapurna region on a 12-day journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Experience the awe-inspiring Tilicho Lake at 4,919m, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, and cross the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, the highest point of the trek. Along the way, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri ranges, with time to acclimatize in Manang and descend to the sacred Muktinath Temple. This trek blends breathtaking mountain scenery with rich cultural encounters in the Himalayas.

Experience the awe-inspiring Tilicho Lake at 4,919m, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, and cross the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, the highest point of the trek.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Jomsom, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Dharapani
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani

  • Activity: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus for about 6-7 hours, then continue to Dharapani by jeep for another 2-3 hours.
  • Duration: 8-9 hours.
  • Overnight Stay: Dharapani.
2
Day 02

Trek from Dharapani to Chame

  • Trekking Route: From Dharapani, the trek winds through beautiful, rich forests and attractive villages.
  • Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Altitude: 2,710m.
  • Overnight Stay: Chame.
3
Day 03

Trek from Chame to Pisang

  • The route to Pisang is extremely appealing, with views of Lamjung Himal as well as Annapurna II standing magnificently on the horizon.
  • Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours.
  • Elevation: 3,300m.
  • Overnight Stay: Pisang.
4
Day 04

Trek from Pisang to Manang via Upper Pisang

  • Activity: Trek to Manang via Upper Pisang for stunning panoramic views.
  • Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Elevation: 3,540m.
  • Overnight Stay: Manang.
5
Day 05

Acclimatization Day in Manang

  • Activity: Rest day for acclimatization. Take a side trip to Gangapurna Lake and explore Manang village.
  • Elevation: 3,540m.
  • Overnight Stay: Manang.
6
Day 06

Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp

  • Activity: Trek through rugged terrain to reach Tilicho Base Camp.
  • Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours.
  • Elevation: 4,150m.
  • Overnight Stay: Tilicho Base Camp.
7
Day 07

Hike to Tilicho Lake

  • Activity: Hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at 4,919m, then return to Tilicho Base Camp.
  • Trekking Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
  • Overnight Stay: Tilicho Base Camp.
8
Day 08

Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka or Ledar

  • Activity: Trek to Yak Kharka or Ledar through alpine landscapes.
  • Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours.
  • Elevation: 4,200m (Yak Kharka) or 4,230m (Ledar).
  • Overnight Stay: Yak Kharka / Ledar.
9
Day 09

Trek to Thorong High Camp

  • Activity: Trek to Thorong High Camp in preparation for crossing the Thorong La Pass.
  • Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Elevation: 4,800m.
  • Overnight Stay: Thorong High Camp.
10
Day 10

Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

  • Activity: Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, the highest point of the trek, and descend to Muktinath.
  • Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours.
  • Elevation: 3,760m (Muktinath).
  • Overnight Stay: Muktinath.
11
Day 11

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni

  • Activity: Trek down to Jomsom, passing through Kagbeni and experiencing the windy Kali Gandaki Valley.
  • Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Elevation: 2,720m.
  • Overnight Stay: Jomsom.
12
Day 12

Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

  • Activity: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara via a scenic route.
  • Duration: Approximately 8-9 hours by jeep or bus.
  • Elevation: 820m (Pokhara).
  • Overnight Stay: Pokhara.
Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, the windy Kali Gandaki Valley, Annapurna peaks

Where this trip takes you

Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, the windy Kali Gandaki Valley, Annapurna peaks

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 13 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation by bus (Kathmandu-Besishare, Jomsom-Pokhara)
  • Jeep to Dharapani
  • TIMS/permits (ACAP)
  • Government license holder trekking guide (salary, accommodation, insurance, and food)
  • Accommodation (tea house) for guests during the trek
  • 1 night hotel in Pokhara after the trek
  • First aid box
  • Tax/VAT

What's Not Included

  • Tips to guide
  • Food and beverages
  • Insurance for guests
  • Personal expenses

What to bring

  • Equipment Checklist:
  • March-May, Sept-Nov: Hiking shoes, hiking sticks (optional), down jacket, refill water bottle, light gloves, headlight, and warm clothes.
  • June-Aug: Hiking shoes, hiking sticks (optional), down jacket, refill water bottle, light gloves, headlight, warm clothes, and a rain jacket.
  • Dec-Feb: Hiking shoes, sleeping bag, hiking sticks (optional), down jacket, crampons, refill water bottle, light gloves, headlight, and warm clothes.
  • 2 passport-size pictures.

Know before you go

  • The trek requires a moderate level of fitness.
  • Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers trekking activities.
  • Breathtaking Views of the Himalayas: Sweeping vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and Tilicho Peak.
  • Tilicho Lake: Explore Tilicho Lake (4,919m), among the highest glacial lakes globally, featuring stunning views.
  • Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters): Traversing the Thorong La Pass, the trek's highest elevation, presents breathtaking scenery and a feeling of accomplishment.
  • Cultural Variety: Explore the varied cultures of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali groups.
  • Explore historic Buddhist monasteries, temples, and cultural villages.
  • Picturesque Vistas: Diverse landscapes such as vibrant forests, highland pastures, dry deserts, and steep mountain trails.
  • Muktinath Shrine: Discover the holy pilgrimage destination Muktinath Temple, significant in Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • Manang Village (3,540 meters): Take time to adjust in Manang, a stunning village encircled by majestic mountains.
  • Hot Springs located in Tatopani: Unwind in the natural thermal springs of Tatopani after days of hiking.
  • Kali Gandaki Canyon: Experience the globe's most profound canyon, located between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
  • Abundant Plant and Animal Life: Stroll through the Annapurna Conservation Area, a habitat for rhododendron woodlands, distinctive birds, and Himalayan fauna.
  • Enchanting Tea House: Experience inviting hospitality, regional cuisine, and comfortable accommodations in traditional tea houses throughout the route.
  • Constantly Evolving Landscape: From lush valleys to snowy summits, the hike provides unmatched variety in scenery.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 690 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room $690.00 — $760.00
Double Sharing $690.00 — $760.00

When

Travellers

Total