Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake

After an early breakfast, we begin a scenic drive toward the Annapurna Conservation Area, following the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River. The landscape transitions from urban cityscape to lush green hills and river valleys as we pass towns like Mugling, Dumre, and Besisahar, the traditional gateway to the Annapurna region.

From Besisahar, the road becomes rugged as we switch to a 4WD jeep for the off-road journey, following the roaring Marsyangdi River upstream. We pass through charming villages like Jagat, Chamje, and Dharapani, before finally reaching Cheme — a peaceful village nestled among forested ridges.

The entire drive is a great introduction to the cultural and natural diversity of Nepal and gives you a real taste of the Annapurna Circuit Trek terrain ahead.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Cheme
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Today marks your first official day of trekking! After a nourishing mountain breakfast, we begin the journey northward from Cheme, walking along trails flanked by pine forests, waterfalls, and rugged cliff faces. The trail passes through the beautiful villages of Danaque and Timang, where you’ll catch your first real views of the mighty Annapurna II (7,937 m) and Lamjung Himal.

We stop for lunch in Chame (2,670 m), a large village and the administrative headquarters of Manang District. You’ll notice Tibetan-style architecture, colorful prayer flags, and ancient stone Mani walls that showcase the Buddhist influence of this region.

In the afternoon, the trail continues toward Upper Pisang, gaining elevation as the landscape opens up to stunning views of the Marsyangdi Valley. The village sits above the lower valley and offers spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna II and Pisáng Peak. You may even choose to visit the Upper Pisang Monastery, a quiet place of spiritual beauty.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Upper Pisang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Today’s journey takes us deeper into the heart of the Himalayas, as we trek from Upper Pisang to the important village of Manang, gaining both elevation and incredible panoramic views. After breakfast, we begin our walk along the upper trail via Ghyaru, which, though more challenging, offers unforgettable scenery and fewer crowds.

As the trail ascends gradually, the majestic Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak rise into full view. You’ll pass ancient prayer wheels, Mani walls, and chortens adorned with fluttering prayer flags, symbolizing the deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture of this region.

Midway, we stop for lunch in Ngawal, a traditional village perched on a ridge. From here, the path gently descends to Braga, home to the oldest monastery in the region — Braga Monastery — believed to be over 500 years old. If time allows, we can visit this monastery before continuing on a short final stretch to Manang.

Manang is a major settlement on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, nestled between soaring peaks and glacier-fed rivers. The village offers bakeries, shops, and even a Himalayan rescue clinic. You’ll settle into a comfortable guesthouse and begin to feel the effects of high altitude.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Today is a planned rest and acclimatization day in Manang to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude and prevent altitude sickness as we ascend toward Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.

Even though we stay in Manang overnight, staying active is key for acclimatization. After breakfast, we take a short acclimatization hike to Gangapurna Lake and the Gangapurna Viewpoint, a rocky ridge offering magnificent views of Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and the glacial valley below.

For those feeling strong and well-adjusted, another excellent option is hiking up to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) at over 4,600 meters. This high-altitude side trip adds challenge but offers stunning alpine scenery and even better acclimatization benefits.

Manang itself is rich in local culture. You can spend the afternoon visiting the local monastery or exploring the narrow stone lanes of the village. The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) also offers a daily altitude lecture, which is very helpful for trekkers heading higher.

Taking an acclimatization day here is crucial for your safety and success on the higher passes. It’s also a chance to relax, enjoy the views, and immerse yourself in this high-mountain culture.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

After a restful acclimatization day, we continue ascending from Manang toward the high alpine pastures of Shree Kharka. The trail gradually climbs through sparse juniper forests and open meadows dotted with yak herders' shelters.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of towering peaks like Gangapurna (7,455 m) and Tilicho Peak (7,134 m) shimmering in the distance. The air is crisp and clear, with the landscape shifting from lush valleys to the more arid, moon-like terrain typical of the upper Annapurna region.

We pass through the small hamlets of Holfung and Ledar, stopping for lunch in the latter, before making the final climb to Shree Kharka. This remote settlement serves as a gateway to Tilicho Lake and offers peaceful surroundings with panoramic mountain vistas.

Your lodge or teahouse here will provide a warm welcome after a day of steady trekking, with hearty meals and hot drinks to recharge.

Overnight: Guesthouse or lodge in Shree Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Today, we begin one of the most exciting sections of the trek — the approach to the stunning Tilicho Lake, the highest alpine lake of its size in the world. The trail from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp is dramatic and at times challenging, hugging steep hillsides and crossing landslide-prone areas.

After breakfast, we leave the green hills behind and enter a dry alpine zone marked by narrow rock ledges, scree slopes, and jaw-dropping cliffs. The trail is narrow and exposed in places, but with care and guidance from your experienced Mountain King Treks guide, it is manageable. The views along this stretch are surreal — snow peaks, glaciers, and valleys dropping far below.

We take a slow, steady pace, allowing our bodies to continue adjusting to the altitude. After about 4–5 hours of trekking, we reach Tilicho Base Camp, nestled at the foot of the soaring peaks surrounding Tilicho. Here, the air is thin and the landscape stark, but the sense of anticipation is high.

Tonight, we stay in a basic but warm lodge or tented camp depending on conditions and group size. The stars here are dazzling, and the silence is complete — a true high Himalayan experience.

Overnight: Lodge or tented camp at Tilicho Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

This is one of the highlight days of the entire trek. We rise early, have a light breakfast, and begin the challenging ascent to Tilicho Lake, located at an astonishing 4,919 meters. The trail climbs steadily across moraine and barren highlands, surrounded by massive rock walls and snowy ridges.

After 3–4 hours of slow climbing, we arrive at the shore of Tilicho Lake — a turquoise jewel nestled beneath the towering Tilicho Peak (7,134 m) and Mesokanto La ridge. On a clear day, the reflections of the snowy mountains in the still, icy waters are unforgettable. This sacred lake holds cultural importance for both Buddhists and Hindus.

We spend time here taking photos, enjoying snacks, and soaking in the spiritual and natural grandeur before retracing our steps back to Tilicho Base Camp, and continuing downhill to Shree Kharka for a well-earned rest.

This is a long day, but descending after Tilicho helps with acclimatization and gives your body a break before heading toward Thorong La.

Overnight: Guesthouse or camp at Shree Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

After exploring Tilicho, we reconnect with the main Annapurna Circuit trail today, heading back through Khangsar village and eventually turning toward Yak Kharka, our next high camp before Thorong La Pass.

The trail gradually climbs through juniper-covered hillsides, past herder shelters and open yak pastures. You may see Himalayan blue sheep or vultures circling overhead. The terrain becomes more arid and rugged, and the winds pick up in the afternoon — so an early start is always wise.

We pass through Gunsang, a small stone hamlet, and continue upward until we reach Yak Kharka, a high-altitude grazing area where yaks and horses are often spotted. The views here include the Chulu peaks and Ganggapurna, and the dry, desert-like valley makes for a truly remote alpine experience.

Tonight’s stop is in a basic but welcoming guesthouse. Our cook or lodge team ensures a warm meal and thick blankets — temperatures can dip well below freezing at night.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Today we make a shorter but vital climb to Thorong Phedi, the final resting point before crossing the mighty Thorong La Pass. After breakfast, we leave Yak Kharka and begin a gradual ascent along rugged alpine terrain, where the landscape grows increasingly barren and windswept.

The trail follows the Jorsang Khola River, winding past landslide-prone areas and frozen streams. Keep an eye out for blue sheep or eagles gliding high above the cliffs. After around 3–4 hours of steady walking, we arrive at Thorong Phedi, a small settlement surrounded by rock and snow, sitting at 4,540 meters.

In the afternoon, depending on your energy and acclimatization, you can take an optional acclimatization hike a few hundred meters higher toward High Camp (4,880 m) to prepare your lungs and legs for tomorrow’s big ascent.

This is a high-altitude zone, so rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear early. Your guide will give you a full briefing about tomorrow’s early morning departure for the pass — the highest point of the trek.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Thorong Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We wake as early as 4:00 AM, have a quick breakfast, and begin the steep, winding ascent to the top of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) — one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

The trail is cold, steep, and snow-covered, but the sense of achievement at the top is overwhelming. After 3–4 hours of effort, we reach the summit marked by prayer flags, a chorten, and a wooden sign that reads:
“Congratulations! You’ve just crossed the Thorong-La Pass – 5416m.”

Take time to absorb the epic views over the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, and the Tibetan Plateau in the distance. Photos, hugs, and silent moments are shared before starting the long descent toward Muktinath.

The downhill walk is steep but scenic. As we descend, the arid cliffs of Lower Mustang come into view. After a total of 7–9 hours of trekking, we reach the sacred town of Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

This spiritual destination is home to the famous Muktinath Temple, where 108 water spouts run continuously from Himalayan springs. You may visit the temple in the evening, offering a meaningful end to this incredible day.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

After breakfast in Muktinath, we say goodbye to the mountains and begin our journey back toward civilization. First, we take a jeep ride along the rough but scenic road to Jomsom, the windy valley town in Lower Mustang.

Depending on weather conditions and flight availability, we either:

• Take a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, which offers spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, or
• Continue our journey by road, which takes approximately 8–9 hours by jeep or tourist bus.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, the lakeside city, we check into a comfortable hotel near Phewa Lake. You can relax with a hot shower, enjoy fresh food, or stroll along the peaceful lakeside promenade. After many days in the mountains, Pokhara’s warm air, greenery, and restaurants feel like paradise.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (B/L)

After breakfast in Pokhara, we begin our return journey to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The drive takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering scenic stretches of the Prithvi Highway, which winds through green hills, rushing rivers, rice terraces, and small towns.

We stop for lunch at a local riverside restaurant and continue along the Trishuli River, which is popular for rafting and adds a refreshing element to the drive. You'll catch glimpses of rural life and the foothills that gently cradle the Himalayas.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, where you can unwind, take a hot shower, and enjoy some free time for shopping, massage, or relaxing at one of the rooftop cafés.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (B/L)

Today is a free day in Kathmandu — a well-deserved chance to rest, reflect, and explore at your own pace after your high-altitude Himalayan adventure.

You might want to:

• Visit cultural landmarks like Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) or Pashupatinath Temple.
• Shop for souvenirs, trekking gear, or hand-crafted Thanka paintings.
• Relax with an Ayurvedic massage or sip local tea at a garden café.

In the evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner hosted by Mountain King Treks at a traditional Nepali restaurant. Enjoy authentic cuisine with live cultural performances, celebrating the memories and friendships made during your trek.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner (B/D)

Your journey through the Annapurna region has come to an end, but the memories of snow-capped peaks, sacred lakes, and mountain hospitality will stay with you forever. At the scheduled time, a Mountain King Treks representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

We bid you a warm farewell with gratitude for choosing us, and hope to welcome you again for another Himalayan adventure — whether it's to Everest, Langtang, or the mystical regions of Dolpo and Mustang.

🔗 Explore more epic treks in Nepal on our Destinations page.

Meals: Breakfast (B)