Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal!
A representative from our team will be waiting to greet you just outside the luggage area at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From there, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle (car, jeep, or minivan—depending on the size of your group). Once you've checked in, feel free to relax and unwind after your journey.

If you arrive before noon, we’ll have a short meeting at the hotel to go over your trek, check your gear, and introduce you to your guide. If your flight gets in later in the day or evening, no worries—we’ll do the briefing the next day before leaving Kathmandu for Chame.

The rest of your day is free to enjoy at your own pace. You'll be staying overnight at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft), (15km), (5-6h)

After breakfast at the lodge in Chame, you’ll hit the trail once again. Today’s trek is about 15 kilometers and should take around 5 to 6 hours, with a gentle gain in altitude—just over 500 meters—so it’s a relatively moderate day.

The trail begins with a scenic walk through lush pine forests and green fields. About an hour and twenty minutes in, you’ll reach Bhratang, a lovely little spot known for its apple orchards and cozy café. It’s a great place to pause and enjoy some fresh apple juice or other tasty apple treats.

From Bhratang, the trail continues along a dramatic cliffside path, with incredible views of the river, mountains, and cascading waterfalls along the way. You’ll eventually cross a suspension bridge and start a steeper climb through forested terrain. As you approach Dhikur Pokhari, the trail evens out, and the views open up—offering breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks all around.

Just past Dhikur Pokhari, the path splits: one trail leads to Upper Pisang, the other to Lower Pisang. You’ll take the Lower Pisang route, descending gently into the valley. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful scenery—tranquil lakes, grassy meadows, and snow-dusted hills hugging the winding Marsyangdi River.

After about a 45-minute descent, you’ll arrive in Lower Pisang, where you’ll check into your lodge and rest up.

Afternoon Acclimatization Walk to Upper Pisang (+100m elevation gain)

In the afternoon, you’ll head out for a short acclimatization hike across the river to Upper Pisang, which sits about 100 meters higher than Lower Pisang. This traditional mountain village is a charming maze of stone houses with flat rooftops and narrow lanes that tell stories of the high Himalayas.

You’ll hike up to the local monastery, perched on a hilltop, offering stunning panoramic views of the valley below and towering peaks above. Take some time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular scenery before heading back down to Lower Pisang for the night. Overnight at a lodge in Lower Pisang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft),(11km),(5h)

Entering the drier Manang region.

After breakfast in Ngawal, you’ll begin your trek into the drier, high-altitude region of the Manang District. Today's hike is around 11 kilometers and takes about 5 hours, with a more relaxed pace compared to the previous day’s climb.

There are two trails that lead to Manang from Ngawal, and you'll be taking the longer but more scenic and adventurous one. This route descends gradually through a quarry and forested area, offering a refreshing contrast to the arid landscape ahead. You’ll eventually arrive at the charming village of Braga (Bragha), where a visit to the ancient Braga Monastery is highly recommended—it's one of the oldest and most picturesque in the region.

If you're planning to hike to Ice Lake for acclimatization the following day, Braga can also be a great place to spend the night. But if you're continuing on, the trail to Manang is an easy walk along a dusty road that follows the Marsyangdi River, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks all the way.

As you approach Manang, you’ll be welcomed by a large, traditional Tibetan-style village dotted with chortens (stupas), mani walls, and colorful monasteries—an unmistakable sign that you've reached your destination.

Once in Manang, check into your lodge and spend the rest of the day as you please. You can take it easy and relax at the lodge, explore the village, or settle into one of the cozy local cafés that serve freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked goods—a nice treat at this altitude. Overnight at a lodge in Manang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Shri Kharka (4080m/13,386ft), (8km), (4h)

Today’s trek is one of the more relaxed ones on your journey — you’ll be walking about 8 kilometers, heading west from Manang to the small settlement of Shri Kharka. It typically takes around four hours, so there’s no need to rush. You’ll start the day with breakfast in Manang before hitting the trail.

As you leave the charming cobbled streets of Manang behind, you’ll pass a small stream and come to a fork in the trail. Here, clear signs will point the way toward Tilicho Lake — that’s your route for the day.

The trail climbs gently through the valley, following alongside the Khangsar River, which eventually joins the Marsyangdi. As you gradually gain elevation, the scenery opens up beautifully. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges towering above Manang’s dry, rugged hills. If you glance back, you might catch a view of the turquoise waters of Gangapurna Lake shimmering in the distance.

After about an hour and a half to two hours, you’ll reach the village of Khangsar — a great spot to take a short rest. From there, it’s another two hours or so of steady walking to Shree Kharka.

Once you arrive, you’ll check into a cozy lodge, enjoy some lunch, and have the afternoon free to relax and soak in the breathtaking mountain views. Tonight, you’ll settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep at Shree Kharka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,920m/16,141ft), (10km),(4-5) and back to Sri Kharka (4080m/13,386ft), (6km), (3-4h)

Tilicho Lake: A Journey to the High Himalayas

Today’s journey takes you to a true gem of the Himalayas — Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. It’s a big day, so you’ll start early, setting off from Tilicho Base Camp around 4:00 AM with headlamps lighting the way.

The climb to the lake takes about 4 to 5 hours, following a steady uphill trail through stark, high-altitude terrain. As you ascend, the first light of dawn begins to reveal the breathtaking landscape around you. And then, finally, you’ll arrive at the lake — a surreal sight of glassy blue water cradled by towering snow-capped peaks. It’s the kind of view that stays with you forever.

Take your time up there. Sit by the lake, take photos, breathe it all in. This is a moment to remember.

After soaking in the beauty, you’ll begin the descent back to base camp, where a well-earned breakfast will be waiting. Following a short rest, you’ll continue your journey, retracing your steps down the familiar trail back to Shree Kharka.

All in, you’ll cover about 16 kilometers today, and the whole adventure will take around 8 hours. Once you arrive at Shree Kharka, you’ll check into your lodge for a cozy night’s rest — tired but full of memories from one of the most spectacular days of the trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,525m/14845ft),(5km),(2-3h) or High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft),(6km),(3-4h)

A Short but High-Altitude Day

Today is the shortest trekking day on the Annapurna Circuit, but don’t let that fool you—this is also the highest sleeping point of your entire journey and your last night in the Manang District. With oxygen levels dropping to around 55% at this altitude, it's normal to feel short of breath, have a faster resting heart rate, or feel tired even without much exertion. Listen to your body and take it slow.

After breakfast in Ledar, you’ll set off along a narrow trail that follows the river. A short descent will bring you to a suspension bridge, which you’ll cross before climbing steeply to a small teahouse—a great place for a brief rest and tea break.

From here, the trail leads into a landslide-prone area. This section requires extra caution—walk carefully and always follow your guide’s instructions. After crossing this tricky section, you’ll arrive at Thorung Phedi, about 5 km from Ledar. The hike usually takes 2 to 3 hours, with a moderate elevation gain of around 325 meters.

Once at Thorung Phedi, you’ll have a choice:

• If you want to make the next day’s climb over the Thorung La Pass easier, you can choose to hike an additional 1 km up to High Camp. This involves a steep, switchback trail on loose rock, gaining about 725 meters in altitude and taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.

• However, for a better night’s sleep and easier acclimatization, many trekkers prefer to stay at Thorung Phedi and tackle the pass early the next morning.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to rest well and stay warm. It's best to call it an early night in preparation for the big day ahead. Overnight in a lodge at Thorung Phedi or High Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Driver to Pokhara (7h)

After breakfast in Muktinath, your journey to Pokhara begins. A private jeep will be arranged for the roughly 7-hour drive, offering a blend of scenic landscapes and varying road conditions.

The road from Muktinath to Jomsom is mostly smooth and blacktopped, making for a comfortable start. From Jomsom to Beni, the road turns rough and off-road, adding a touch of adventure to the drive. Once you reach Beni, the road improves again, and the remaining stretch to Pokhara is mostly well-paved, with just a few uneven sections.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll be dropped off at the hotel reserved for you. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can simply relax at the hotel or head out to explore the beautiful Lakeside area. A boat ride on Phewa Lake or a peaceful stroll along the shore are perfect ways to unwind after the drive.Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Optional Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

If you prefer to skip the long drive and save time, we can also arrange a domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (additional charges apply). Since all flights from Jomsom operate early in the morning, usually before 9:00 AM, you’ll need to stay overnight in Jomsom the day before.

On flight day, your guide will accompany you to the airport from your lodge and assist with the boarding process. Once you land in Pokhara, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15: Departure day 

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport in a private vehicle at a time that aligns with your flight schedule. Your driver will ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in and catch your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast