Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Adventure Mountain Explore Treks and Expedition is excited to have you here. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), one of our friendly representatives will be there to meet you and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

After check in formality and a quick rest, a short meeting will be held at your hotel to go over the details of your trek. During the session, you’ll meet your trekking guide, who will also help you check your gear to make sure everything is in order.

After the meeting, you’re free to relax or make the most of your time by exploring the local area. It’s a great chance to pick up any last-minute items and check out some nearby restaurants for your next meal.

You’ll spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Besisahar is about 176 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, and getting there takes roughly 7 hours by road. Because of the long journey, buses leave early in the morning. Your guide will meet you at your hotel before breakfast and accompany you to the bus station. You’ll carry a packed breakfast with you to enjoy on the way.

Once you leave Kathmandu, the bus heads west along the Prithvi Highway, which follows the scenic Trishuli River. The route winds through a beautiful landscape of terraced fields, hillside villages, lush green hills, waterfalls, and—on clear days—distant mountain views. It's a stunning drive, and you’ll likely find yourself reaching for your camera more than once.

The journey continues along the highway until Dumre, where the road turns north toward Besisahar. Along the way, the bus will stop for lunch and a few short breaks for tea or bathroom needs.

Once you arrive in Besisahar, you'll check into your hotel, have dinner, and settle in for the night. If you're feeling up to it, Besisahar is a pleasant town to explore on foot, offering a chance to observe local culture and daily life.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today marks the second day of the two-day road journey before the trek begins. After breakfast at your hotel in Besisahar, you’ll set off early for Chame, which lies about 66 kilometers to the northwest of Besisahar. The drive takes around 5 hours and will be in a shared jeep.

Be prepared for a bumpy adventure—the road is rough, uneven, and winds its way along the Marsyangdi River. As you leave the Lamjung District and enter Manang, the terrain gets steeper and the road more dramatic, with narrow stretches hugging cliff edges—often without guardrails. It’s all part of the experience!

The views, however, make it worthwhile. You’ll pass terraced farms, gushing waterfalls, forested hills, and, as you gain altitude, catch breathtaking glimpses of snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you’ll drive through a series of picturesque villages—Bhulbhule, Ngadi, Jagat, Chyamche, Dharapani, Bagarchhap, Timang, and Koto—before arriving in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. There will be a stop for lunch at one of these villages.

Once in Chame, you’ll check into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. If you’re not too tired, take some time in the afternoon to explore the town and soak in the local atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today marks the first day of your trek, as you leave the district headquarters of Chame and head deeper into the remote but stunningly beautiful Manang region. You’ll cover around 15 kilometers in 5 to 6 hours of walking, and the trail can be roughly broken into three distinct sections.

The first leg, from Chame to Bhratang, takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is a gentle, pleasant walk. You’ll pass green fields and enter a dense pine forest. At Bhratang, take a short break at one of Nepal’s largest apple orchards—you can sip fresh apple juice or try other apple-based treats at the nearby café.

The second section, from Bhratang to Dhikur Pokhari, is more adventurous. The trail climbs and dips, often hugging the cliffs or carved directly into them. While the path can be narrow and thrilling, it rewards you with breathtaking mountain views, the constant sound of the Marsyangdi River, and occasional waterfalls. After crossing the Swargadwari bridge, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend through pine forests toward Dhikur Pokhari.

From Dhikur Pokhari to Lower Pisang, the final section, the trail is easier and mostly downhill. Just after leaving Dhikur Pokhari, the path splits—one way leads to Upper Pisang, but you’ll follow the trail to Lower Pisang, where your accommodation is booked. This part of the trek runs alongside the Marsyangdi River, offering views of alpine lakes, wide grasslands, and snow-covered slopes. After 45 minutes to an hour of walking, you’ll arrive at Lower Pisang and check into your lodge.

Later in the afternoon, after a short rest, you’ll take your first acclimatization hike. You'll cross the river and climb about 100 meters to a traditional Tibetan village perched above Lower Pisang. This village is known for its flat-roofed stone houses built close together with narrow alleyways—typical of Tibetan architecture in Nepal. Winding through these tiny paths, you’ll eventually reach a monastery at the top of the village. From there, enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the valley below. After spending some peaceful time at the monastery, you’ll hike back down to your lodge for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today’s trek takes you to Ngawal, a beautiful village about 10 kilometers northwest of Lower Pisang. While the distance may not seem long, the altitude gain and steep terrain make this one of the most challenging days of the trek—but the spectacular views more than make up for it.

You’ll start by crossing the river and leaving behind the Upper Pisang trail, which forks off to the east. Continuing west, you’ll gradually ascend toward Ghyaru, with the towering face of Annapurna II keeping you company. Along the way, you’ll come across a stunning mani wall, lined with intricately carved prayer stones—a perfect spot to take a short rest and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

From here, the trail gets steeper and more demanding, climbing sharply on a series of switchbacks up to Ghyaru. The effort is well rewarded, though—once you reach Ghyaru, you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtaking mountain panoramas on the trek. The views of the Annapurna range from this vantage point are nothing short of magical.

The hike from Pisang to Ghyaru typically takes about two hours. After spending some time enjoying the scenery, you’ll hit the trail again toward Ngawal. The path continues to climb toward a small pass—the highest point of the day—offering yet another incredible viewpoint of Annapurna II, lush forests, and the sweeping valley below.

From the pass, the trail gently descends, leading you down to the village of Ngawal. This final stretch takes about two hours. Once you arrive, you’ll check into your lodge and have some time to relax.

In the evening, if you’re up for it, you can take a short stroll around Ngawal to explore the village and take in its peaceful atmosphere. Overnight in a lodge in Ngawal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Compared to the previous day, today’s trek is much easier and more relaxed. You’ll walk about 11 kilometers in roughly 5 hours, gradually making your way to Manang, one of the largest and most developed villages on the Annapurna Circuit.

As you head toward Manang, you’ll notice the landscape beginning to change—the air gets drier, the vegetation thins out, cliffs grow deeper, and the villages become smaller and more scattered. After breakfast in Ngawal, you’ll skip the road that descends to Humde and instead follow a quieter trekking trail that leads through a quarry and down into the valley.

The trail winds through patches of forest and takes you to the charming village of Braga, the last settlement before Manang. Along the way, you might stop to visit a stupa by the side of the trail. Braga itself is worth a short exploration and can even be an overnight stop if you're planning to hike to Ice Lake for acclimatization the next day.

If you're continuing on to Manang today, it's just a gentle 2-kilometer walk from Braga along a flat trail that runs beside the river. Once you arrive in Manang, you’ll check into your lodge and have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore.

Manang offers some of the best facilities on the trek—larger lodges, more spacious rooms, and a few creature comforts. There are also cafes where you can enjoy hot coffee, freshly baked cakes, and other treats. It’s a great place to unwind and recharge before heading higher into the mountains.Overnight in a lodge in Manang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Even if you're not feeling the effects of altitude yet, taking a rest day in Manang for acclimatization is essential. Over the next few days, you’ll gain nearly 2,000 meters in elevation, and without proper preparation, altitude sickness can set in unexpectedly—especially before crossing the Thorung La Pass.

To help your body adjust, your guide will lead you on one or more acclimatization hikes, depending on your preference and energy level. Some of the shorter hikes take you about 200 to 500 meters above Manang and include beautiful spots like the Gangapurna Lake Viewpoint, the monastery above Braga, and the 100 Lama Monastery.

If you’re feeling strong and want a more challenging option, you can choose a full-day hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal). This hike takes you up to around 4,600 meters, covering a distance of about 16 kilometers, and typically takes 10 to 12 hours round-trip. It's a demanding but rewarding trek that offers incredible views and is excellent for acclimatization.

After the hike, you'll return to your lodge in Manang for a well-earned rest and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today’s trek is one of the shortest on this journey, as you’ll be hiking just around 8 kilometers to Shree Kharka, located west of Manang. Most hikers complete this stretch in about 4 hours, so there’s no rush — you’ll start after breakfast in Manang.

Leaving behind the narrow cobblestone streets of the village, you'll head out past a small stream and arrive at a trail junction. From there, signs will point you toward Tilicho, guiding you onto the Tilicho Lake trail.

The path gently climbs along the valley, with the Khangsar River flowing alongside you — eventually feeding into the Marsyangdi River. As you gain a bit of elevation, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges rising above the dry hills of Manang, and if you glance back, you might catch a glimpse of Gangapurna Lake in the distance.

After about 1.5 to 2 hours of steady hiking, you’ll reach the village of Khangsar, where you can take a short break. From there, it’s another two hours of walking to reach Shree Kharka.

Once you arrive, you’ll check into a lodge, enjoy lunch, and spend the rest of the day resting and soaking in the stunning mountain scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay overnight in a lodge at Shri Kharka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

​​Today’s trek from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp covers a short distance — just about 6 kilometers — and typically takes around 4 hours for the average hiker. But don’t let the distance fool you; this part of the trail is quite demanding.

A major section of today’s route passes through a landslide zone, so you’ll need to be especially careful. The path can be narrow and uneven, with loose gravel and the occasional slide of small rocks or sand. It’s important to take your time, stay focused, and move carefully through this stretch.

Once you’re past the landslide area, the trail becomes more pleasant and the walk to base camp is much easier. You’ll also be rewarded with some truly spectacular views of the rugged landscape and surrounding peaks.

Upon reaching Tilicho Base Camp, you’ll check into your lodge, have lunch, and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Dinner and overnight stay at the base camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today’s adventure takes you to one of the highest lakes in the world – the Tilicho Lake.

The hike from Tilicho Base Camp to the lake takes around 4 to 5 hours, so you’ll begin early, setting off around 4:00 AM. After about three hours of a steady uphill walk, you'll reach the lake, where you're rewarded with stunning views of the crystal-clear water surrounded by towering peaks.

Take your time to soak in the scenery, snap some photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading back down to the base camp for a well-deserved breakfast.

After a short rest, you’ll retrace your steps along the trail to Shri Kharka. Today’s trek covers roughly 16 kilometers and will take around 8 hours in total.

You’ll spend the night at a lodge in Shri Kharka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today’s journey takes you from Sri Kharka to Letdar, as you rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit Trail.

You'll be covering about 11 kilometers over the course of 7 hours, so it’s a full day of trekking—but packed with beautiful scenery and rewarding views.

Leaving Sri Kharka, you’ll follow a well-marked trail through forests of pine, low bushes, and bursts of wildflowers. This relatively gentle path leads you to the quiet village of Old Khangsar. From there, the trail hugs the mountainside, gradually ascending to a scenic viewpoint marked with cairns and fluttering prayer flags—perfect for a short break and some photos.

Next, you’ll descend along steep switchbacks through a partially shaded forested trail, making your way down to a suspension bridge over the Thorung River. After crossing the river, the path climbs again, winding through a rocky landscape and eventually opening into a grassy, shrub-dotted meadow. A short, steep climb from here brings you back to the main Annapurna Circuit Trail.

From this point, the trail to Yak Kharka is relatively easy. After about an hour’s walk beyond Yak Kharka, you’ll arrive in Letdar—your destination for the night. The final stretch is a steady climb through a wide, open valley scattered with boulders, eventually leveling out as you cross a small suspension bridge into the village.

Once in Letdar, you'll settle into a lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today, you have two options for your overnight stay: Thorung Phedi, located about 5 kilometers north of Ledar, or High Camp, which lies another kilometer further up the trail. No matter which location you choose, you'll arrive around midday, giving you a free afternoon to rest and acclimatize. Both spots mark the highest overnight points of the trek and the final stops within the Manang district.

After breakfast in Ledar, you’ll set off along a scenic trail that runs beside the Kone River. The landscape is rugged and alpine, with sweeping views and great photo opportunities. After a short descent, you'll cross a bridge over the river, and then begin a steep uphill climb that leads to a small tea shop—a popular place to pause and catch your breath.

From there, the trail crosses a landslide-prone area, so be especially careful and follow your guide’s instructions closely. This section is a narrow, winding path that takes about 30 minutes to navigate. After crossing it, you’ll soon arrive at Thorung Phedi—a common stop for trekkers preparing to cross the Thorung La Pass the next day. The total hike from Ledar to Thorung Phedi usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.

If you prefer to shorten tomorrow’s challenging trek, you may choose to push on to High Camp, located just 1 kilometer further uphill. Though the distance is short, the trail is steep and zigzagging, with loose rocks underfoot, and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to climb.

Tonight, you’ll stay in a lodge either at Thorung Phedi or High Camp, depending on your plan. Keep in mind that at this high altitude, oxygen levels can drop to around 55%, so it's common to experience shortness of breath, a faster resting heart rate, or general fatigue.

Since you’ll be starting early tomorrow to cross the pass, you’ll have an early dinner and head to bed early to get as much rest as possible.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today is the longest and most challenging day of the entire trek—but also one of the most rewarding. You'll be crossing the Thorung La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters, and then descending all the way to Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

The total distance is around 15 kilometers, and the day’s journey takes about 9 to 10 hours in total.

The start time will depend on where you spent the night:

• If you stay at Thorung Phedi, you'll begin your trek around 4:00 AM.

• If you stay at High Camp, you can start a bit later, around 5:00 AM.

The early start is essential—you want to reach the pass before 10:00 AM, when strong, cold winds usually begin to sweep through the area.

The ascent to Thorung La from High Camp takes about 4 hours, covering roughly 4 kilometers. It’s a steady, steep climb on a narrow trail where you’ll usually walk in single file. Reaching the top is a big achievement. The pass is marked by colorful prayer flags, and from here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Take some time to rest, have tea or a light breakfast, and take photos to celebrate the moment.

After soaking it all in, you’ll begin your descent to Muktinath, which lies about 11 kilometers away. The downhill trail winds its way across a rugged mountainside and can be challenging in spots, especially if there's snow, mud, or loose gravel. The descent typically takes about 5 hours.

Once in Muktinath, you’ll check into your lodge and finally relax. A hot shower will feel especially rewarding after such a big day. If you still have energy, you can explore the town, visit the famous Muktinath Temple, or stop by the Buddhist stupa nearby. The area also has several cafes and bakeries, perfect for unwinding after the toughest day of the trek.Overnight in a lodge in Muktinath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner

Today marks the end of your trek as you make your way back to Pokhara.

If you're up for it, you can start your morning with a visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple—a peaceful and spiritual way to wrap up your time in the mountains. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning the drive back to Pokhara.

The journey takes around 7 hours by shared jeep, winding through the dramatic landscapes of Mustang and down into the lush valleys near Pokhara. Once you arrive, your guide will help you check into your hotel.

The rest of the day is yours to relax. In the afternoon or evening, you might enjoy a peaceful walk around Lakeside or take a boat out onto Phewa Lake. As the sun sets, don’t miss the serene lakeside aarati ceremony. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch 

After breakfast at your lodge, your guide will escort you to the tourist bus station where you'll catch a luxury tourist bus for your drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 7 hours along the scenic Prithvi Highway, though travel time may vary depending on road conditions and traffic.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, the bus will drop you off at the tourist bus station, where your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city.

In the evening, one of our company representatives will meet you for a farewell dinner, where you'll have a chance to share feedback about your trek. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the journey and enjoy one last meal together. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Optional Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu

If you prefer flying instead of driving, we can arrange a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (additional charges apply). If you choose to fly, your guide will transfer you from your hotel to Pokhara Airport at the appropriate time.

Upon arriving at Kathmandu Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in the city. Once checked in, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast  and Farewell Dinner

Today marks the final day of your adventure with Adventure Mountain Explore Treks and Expedition. Depending on your flight time, we’ll arrange a transfer from your hotel to the airport, bringing your trip to a close.

Meals: Breakfast