Nepal · Trekking

11-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek to Tilicho Lake via Thorong La Pass

11 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
02 Explore Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world
03 Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, important to both Hindus and Buddhists
04 Trek through diverse landscapes of river valleys, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks

Experience the breathtaking Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake on this 11-day adventure through Nepal's central Himalayas. Discover stunning landscapes, from lush valleys and terraced fields to alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks, as you make your way toward one of the highest lakes in the world. Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass, visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, and pass through vibrant mountain villages along the route. Warm local hospitality and ever-changing Himalayan scenery make this trek a rewarding journey for experienced trekkers.

Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass, visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, and pass through vibrant mountain villages along the route.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Kathmandu to Chame

Depart from Kathmandu in a private vehicle and drive to Besisahar.
Switch to a mountain-friendly jeep for the scenic drive to Chame.
Enjoy lush hills, rivers, terraces, and mountain vistas along the way.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Chame.

Day 02

Trek through the Marsyangdi Valley to Upper Pisang

Begin trekking through the Marsyangdi River Valley.
Pass Paungda Danda Rock, a 1,500-meter-high cliff.
Descend along the river and hike through forested hills.
Enjoy views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Upper Pisang.

Day 03

Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal

Trek through lush forests and alpine vegetation.
See panoramic snow-capped mountains along the trail.
Pass small villages and prayer wheels.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Ngawal.

Day 04

Trek from Ngawal to Manang

Ascend through forested hills and wetlands.
Pass Bharka village and enjoy local culture.
Explore Manang village, including markets and traditional homes.
Take in beautiful mountain vistas throughout the day.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Manang.

Day 05

Trek from Manang to Siri Kharka via Khangsar

Navigate landslide-prone areas and narrow trails.
Trek along alpine pastures with panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
Experience the quiet and remote mountain environment.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Siri Kharka.

Day 06

Trek from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp

Trek along offbeat and steep trails through glacial areas.
Carry a packed lunch, as there are no settlements on the route.
Traverse landslide-prone and rocky tracks.

Overnight stay at Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 07

Hike to Tilicho Lake and return to Siri Kharka

Hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.
Enjoy stunning turquoise-blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Take in alpine vegetation and mountain scenery.

Return to Siri Kharka for an overnight stay at a lodge.

Day 08

Trek to Yak Kharka via Khangsar and Thorong Khola Valley

Descend from Siri Kharka to Khangsar.
Visit the ancient Tare Gumba monastery.
Trek along rocky trails to Thorong Khola Valley.
Reach Yak Kharka and explore alpine pastures.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Yak Kharka.

Day 09

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Ascend through Jarsang Khola Valley along steep trails.
Pass Ledar village on the way.
Optional hike to Thorong High Camp for acclimatization.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Thorong Phedi.

Day 10

Cross Thorong La Pass and descend to Muktinath

Start early to trek the steep uphill trail to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
Witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Descend via rocky paths and landslide debris.
Visit Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Muktinath.

Day 11

Drive from Muktinath to Kathmandu

Start early and enjoy scenic mountain roads and landscapes.
Experience a bumpy but picturesque journey back to Kathmandu.
Arrive in the evening, check in at the hotel, rest, and unpack.
Receive your trek certificate in the evening.

Where this trip takes you

Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Marsyangdi River Valley, Muktinath Temple

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 8 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation between Kathmandu and Chame, and from Muktinath to Kathmandu
One-night stays in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, accompanied by tea or coffee
Licensed, professional trekking guide who can speak your language (all guides speak Nepali and English)
Assistant guide if the group has more than eight trekkers
One porter for every two trekkers
Daily allowance, salary, permits, and insurance for guides and porters
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit and TIMS Card
Company service charge
All taxes incurred during the trek

What's Not Included

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
International flights to and from Kathmandu
Nepal travel visa fee
Travel insurance (must cover helicopter evacuation and medical bills)
Guide and porter tips (mandatory)
Shopping
Bar bills and extra food
Extra personal expenses during the trek, such as hot showers, charging, WiFi, etc.
Any expense not mentioned in our Cost Includes section

What to bring

Trekking gear
Duffel bag
Daypack
Sleeping bag with liner
Trekking poles
Water bladder
Map
Breathable undergarments
Trekking T-shirt and pants
Thermal layers
Down jacket
Fleece
Windproof/waterproof jacket and pants
Trekking boots
Liner socks
Fuzzy socks
Gloves (touchscreen compatible)
Scarves
Beanie
A casual pair of shoes to wear in lodges
SPF
Wet tissues
Lip balm
Moisturizer
Deodorant
Handwash
Shampoo
Small mirror
Comb
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Toilet paper
Reusable water bottle
Water purification tablets
UV sunglasses
Camera
Mobile phone
Power bank
Spare batteries
Universal charger
Snacks
Book
Journal and pen
Traveler's game for passing time

Know before you go

Trekkers need two permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and TIMS Card. Fees are included in the package.
The trek is advanced and physically demanding, requiring previous trekking experience. Crossing Thorong La Pass and reaching Tilicho Lake are the most challenging parts.
The total trekking distance ranges from 180 to 230 km, averaging six hours of walking daily.
Altitude sickness is a risk; acclimatization, slow ascent (no more than 500 m/day), hydration, and listening to guides are essential.
Accommodation is mostly in teahouses, with small rooms, limited amenities, squat toilets, and optional paid hot showers and charging. Sleeping bags are recommended.
Meals include three daily options such as dal bhat, thukpa, momo, rice, curries, pasta, soups, and desserts. Drink boiled water and carry snacks, electrolytes, and ginger honey lemon tea.
The best trekking seasons are March to May and September to November for stable weather and clear views. Summer/monsoon (June-August) has rain and challenging trails but lush scenery. Winter (December-February) is cold, often with snow at high passes.
Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory. A Nepal tourist visa is required and is available on arrival or from embassies.
Guides and porters are recommended for safety, pacing, and support; they enhance the trekking experience.

Logistics