Tilicho Lake Via Annapurna Circuit
Mountain Hawk Trek
Annapurna RegionStrenuous

Tilicho Lake Via AnnapurnaCircuit

Reach Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, as a side trip from the Annapurna Circuit. Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and descend to Muktinath. Manang acclimatization, high alpine terrain. 15 days, from USD 1,475.

View Itinerary
15
DaysTotal trek duration
5416m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Mar–Dec
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$1,475
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters is a deep, dark-blue glacial lake in a barren basin below Tilicho Peak (7,134m). The Guinness Book of World Records once listed it as the highest lake in the world (the claim is disputed, but the lake is genuinely one of the highest large-body freshwater lakes on Earth). The setting is stark: scree, ice, and a rim of peaks with no vegetation in sight.

The trail to Tilicho Base Camp traverses exposed, landslide-prone slopes that require careful footing and an early start. The exposure adds an element of adventure that the standard Annapurna Circuit lacks. Your guide assesses conditions each morning before departure.

Combining Tilicho Lake with Thorong La gives you two major high-altitude destinations in one trek: a lake at 4,919m and a pass at 5,416m within the same week. Few treks in Nepal deliver this much high-altitude variety in 15 days.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Tilicho Lake Via Annapurna Circuit trek is a 15-day route that combines the side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, with the Thorong La Pass crossing (5,416m). The route follows the Annapurna Circuit to Manang, detours northwest to Tilicho Base Camp and the lake, returns to the circuit, and continues over Thorong La to Muktinath.

The Tilicho side trip from Manang takes 2 days. The trail climbs through Khangsar (3,734m) and Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m) before a steep, exposed morning climb to the lake at 4,919m. The trail traverses landslide-prone slopes below Tilicho Peak and requires an early start. The lake sits in a barren glacial basin, deep blue and surrounded by scree and ice.

After returning from Tilicho to the circuit, the route continues from Manang to Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, High Camp (4,850m), and over Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath. This is the only trek that combines two destinations above 4,900m in a 15-day itinerary.

Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included. Licensed guide mandatory.

For the full Annapurna Circuit without the Tilicho detour, the Annapurna Circuit Trek covers the loop in 20 days. For just the Thorong La section, the Thorong La Pass Trek is 15 days. To add the restricted Nar Phu Valley instead of Tilicho, see the Nar Phu Valley Trek (20 days).

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
4,450m3,554m2,658m1,761m865mKathmanduDharapaniChameUpper PisangManangSiri KharkaTilicho Base CampSiri KharkaYak KharkaThorang PediMuktinathPokharaKathmandu4,450m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

15 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Jeep Drive to Dharapani

Dharapani

Jeep drive to Dharapani (1,970 m) by local jeep, approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,970m4h trekTeahouse625m
Day03

Trek to Chame

Chame

Trek to Chame (2,720 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,720m6h trekTeahouse750m
Day04

Trek to Upper Pisang

Upper Pisang

Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,300m5h trekTeahouse580m
Day05

Trek to Manang via Ghyaru

Manang

Trek to Manang (3,400 m) via Ghyaru, approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400m5h trekTeahouse100m
Day06

Rest Day in Manang

Manang

A necessary day in Manang to rest, acclimatize, and explore the village. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400mTeahouse
Day07

Trek to Siri Kharka

Siri Kharka

Trek to Siri Kharka (4,060 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,060m5h trekTeahouse660m
Day08

Trek to Tilicho Base Camp

Tilicho Base Camp

Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,150m5h trekTeahouse90m
Day09

Visit Tilicho Lake & Return to Siri Kharka

Siri Kharka

Trek to visit Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and return to Siri Kharka (4,060 m), approximately 9 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,060m9h trekTeahouse90m
Day10

Trek to Yak Kharka

Yak Kharka

Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,000m7h trekTeahouse60m
Day11

Trek to Thorong Phedi

Thorong Phedi

Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,450m5h trekTeahouse450m
Day12

Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

Muktinath

Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), approximately 10 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,800m10h trekTeahouse650m
Day13

Drive to Pokhara

Pokhara

Drive to Pokhara, approximately 7 hour. Overnight at hotel.

865mHotel2,935m
Day14

Drive Back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel480m
Day15

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per PersonTypical range. Exact cost depends on group size and customization.
USD 1,475 to 1,800
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

9

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (1 night), breakfast included.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all other necessary permits.

Surface transfer from Kathmandu as per the itinerary.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge and VAT.

Not Included

10

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Extra nights of accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$70per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$40per person / night · breakfast included

Dear Guest, We kindly offer the option of a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and back at an additional cost of US$100 per person . Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$70per person per night for a single room and US$40 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest large freshwater lakes on Earth. The deep blue water in a barren glacial basin at 4,919m is haunting.

Thrill

Two high-altitude destinations in one trek: Tilicho Lake at 4,919m and Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Maximum variety in 15 days.

Connection

The exposed trail to Tilicho adds adventure that the standard circuit route lacks. This is not a casual side trip.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You want to see Tilicho Lake AND cross Thorong La on a single trek. This is the most efficient itinerary that covers both.

You can walk 6 to 8 hours a day for 12 trekking days with consecutive days above 4,500m.

You are comfortable with exposed trails. The Tilicho approach crosses landslide-prone slopes requiring steady footing and early starts.

Prior altitude experience above 4,500m is strongly recommended. You sleep at 4,150m (Tilicho BC) and 4,850m (High Camp) in the same week.

You have 15 days available. This trek packs more high-altitude variety into 15 days than any other Annapurna route.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)

Daypack

Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

windproof pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
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