Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

Your journey begins at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After landing, you can complete the Visa on Arrival process at the airport kiosks if you have not applied online. A 15-day tourist visa costs 30 USD, and a 30-day visa costs 50 USD. Payment in cash USD is the fastest method. Once you exit the terminal, our team will welcome you and help you transfer by private vehicle to your hotel.

Later, you will attend a pre-trek meeting with your guide. We will review the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which is required to enter the protected region. You must submit 2 to 4 passport-sized photos and a copy of your travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation above 5,000 m since Tilicho Lake lies at about 4,919 m (16,138 ft) and Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft). Your guide will explain the Tilicho Lake detour and outline safety measures for high altitude travel. This careful preparation helps you start the trek with a clear understanding.

On day 2, you drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani in a private jeep. We follow the Trishuli corridor from Kathmandu until we reach Muglin. Muglin is a major road junction that connects central and western Nepal. After Muglin, the route follows the Marsyangdi River. The road section near Turture is under construction, and traffic movement can slow down due to ongoing upgrades and landslides during the monsoon season.

Soon we reach Besisahar, which is the administrative center of Lamjung District. From Besisahar, the road to Dharapani is fully unpaved and rough. This off-road covers nearly 65 km (40 mi) and takes 4 to 5 hours due to rocky sections. Dharapani is an important entry point to the Annapurna Circuit trail. You must keep your ACAP permit ready or give it to your guide because officials check permits at the Jagat and Dharapani checkpoints to regulate trekking activities in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Day 3 is the start of your trek from Dharapani to Chame. The trail starts off well at the beginning. After about 15 to 20 minutes, you reach Bagarchap and then continue towards Danaque. From Danaque, the route changes, and you climb uphill for about one hour. The ascent begins after crossing a bridge over the Marsyangdi River. The climb leads you to Timang, from where you can enjoy clear views of Annapurna II mountain. Timang has many hotels and tea houses which provide rest and meals for trekkers.

After Timang, the trail becomes mostly level and passes through an alpine forest until you reach Thanchok. This place is an important junction where one route leads to Nar Phu Valley and the other continues towards Chame. There is a permit checkpost at this junction, so you must show your trekking permits before proceeding. After completing the formalities, you walk for about 20 minutes to reach Chame. Upon arrival, you check in at your teahouse and later visit the natural hot spring to relax.

The Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek route is not very difficult today and is almost flat. You’ll follow the right side of the Marsyangdi River. The trail is a road, not a natural path. So, when vehicles pass, the road becomes dusty, and it can be disturbing. After about one hour, you reach Bhratang. It is known for its large apple orchards. Many people stop here to rest and enjoy apple juice, cider, or apple donuts.

From Bhratang, the way is easy. After about 20-25 minutes, the trail passes a road tunnel that goes through the hill. Below you can see the Marsyangdi River. Soon, the path reaches Dhukur Pokhari, where lunch is served. The valley opens up here, and you can see Chulu East 6,584 m (21,601 ft), Chulu West 6,419 m (21,059 ft), and other high peaks. After lunch, the journey continues towards Upper Pisang. You cross a large bridge over the Marsyangdi Khola, which is wide enough for vehicles.

There are two parts of Pisang, which are Lower Pisang and Upper Pisang. About ten years ago, Lower Pisang was more popular among visitors. Now fewer people stay there because of the road. From Upper Pisang, you can see Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Pisang Peak. There is a large monastery at the top of Upper Pisang where lamas live. They perform puja in the late afternoon. Around 4:00-5:00 PM in the evening, you can walk around, learn about their lifestyle and customs, and then return.

After breakfast, the walk follows the old village route from Upper Pisang to Ngawal. The way is easy and open. There are no forests, and only dhupi trees (Juniper trees) are seen on the trail. Mani walls and chortens appear on the path, which show the strong Buddhist culture of the region. After about 30 minutes, you will cross a bridge, and then the uphill walk begins.

The climb takes around 1.5 hours to reach Ghyaru village. During this uphill walk, Annapurna III comes into sight for the first time. Ghyaru is a beautiful Himalayan village. The culture and lifestyle of the Gurung people, also known as the Manange, are very unique. A tea break or even lunch can be taken here. There is a large chautara, which is managed and nicely decorated. A small gompa stands at the side, and resting chairs are placed there. It is a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the mountain views.

From Ghyaru, it takes about 40-45 minutes to reach a small tea shop called Bhatti. You can take a short break here if needed. The walk then continues to reach Ngawal. During this part of the trek, the Marsyangdi and Humde Valleys can be seen. In Humde, the government built an airport many years ago, but it is no longer in use.

Ngawal is one of the biggest villages on the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek. It is a Buddhist village, and people place prayer flags (lungda) on every house. When you reach the village, you can see a decorated hill nearby. Stone steps go up from Ngawal to the top of the hill, and it takes about 30 minutes to climb. At the top, you can visit a cave and take photos. From there, you can also see Manang village and Tilicho Lake. This short hike also helps your body adjust to the altitude.

It is a short trek from Ngawal to Manang Village. Manang is not very far from Ngawal. The trail goes downhill at the beginning. After 30-40 minutes of descent, the path rises again. The walk is easy and comfortable. There is a tea shop on the way where a short break can be taken.

The landscape slowly changes and starts to look dry and desert-like, similar to Mustang. From the tea shop, you walk to Jululu village, which is flat and open. From there, it takes about 25–30 minutes to reach Bhraga village. You follow the Marsyangdi River during this trek. Bhraga is a big village with old houses and an ancient monastery. You can have lunch here if you feel hungry, but Manang is a better option.

Then you continue walking toward Manang. During the day, the wind can blow quite strongly in this area. Before you enter Manang, you pass through a gate. After a short uphill walk, you reach a parking area for jeeps and bikes. Once you check in at the teahouse, you can end the day with a stroll around the market and the village.

Today you spend the rest day in Manang. In the morning, you hike up to the hillside above the village. There is a teahouse on the hill where you can take a short rest. From there, you enjoy wide and clear views. The Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Peak, and Gangapurna Himal stand tall in front of you. Below, you can see Manang, Tenki Manang Valley, and Gangapurna Lake.

After spending some time on the hill, you walk down toward Gangapurna Lake. You spend time walking around the lake and taking photos. Near the lake, you find another route back to Manang. You go up by one path and return by another, making a small circle. The walk feels like a Kora, which matches the spirit of Kora Adventure.

On the way back, you cross a bridge and reach Manang in about 10 minutes. The village looks beautiful as you return. The scenery and narrow paths feel similar to Bhaktapur Village near Kathmandu. You end the day in Manang with good rest and better acclimatization.

After about five minutes of walking, the trail splits into two routes. One path leads to Thorong La Pass, and the other goes to Tilicho. You follow the Tilicho route from Tenki Manang. We cross a bridge and climb uphill to reach Khangsar Village. These days, a road goes directly to Khangsar, and some travelers come by bike or jeep and park there.

After 30–40 minutes, you reach Sirikharka. Before Siri Kharka, you pass another junction that leads to Thorong La. You will use that route after visiting Tilicho Lake. Below that junction, you can see a beautiful gumba. You can stop for lunch at Siri Kharka and then continue walking.

It takes about 30 minutes to reach Tilicho Base Camp from Siri Kharka. This section is a little risky because the trail crosses a downhill area that often has landslides. Wild animals like musk deer, Himalayan thar, and Himalayan goats live above this trail. Sometimes they move along the slopes, and small stones fall onto the path. We may also see these animals along the way.

You start the day early in the morning. The staff serves breakfast around 4:00–5:00 AM, and you pack a small backpack with water and personal items. Then you begin the hike to Tilicho Lake. The trail is not very difficult, but it goes uphill. It takes about 2–3 hours to reach the lake. There is a tea shop near the lake where you can take a short rest. Tilicho Peak and Glacier Dome Peak stand close by. You can take photos at Tilicho Lake before heading back.

After you return to Tilicho Base Camp trek, you eat lunch. Then you continue your journey toward Siri Kharka. The trail feels easier on the way back. You end the day at Siri Kharka after a long walk.

Day 10 begins at Siri Kharka. Below the village, a junction leads toward Thorong La, and you take this route instead of going back to Khangsar. The trail passes a yak pasture with very old, collapsed houses. People no longer live there, and a new agricultural farm is about to open. From this area, the path goes downhill.

Soon, you will reach a small river that flows from Thorong Phedi. After crossing the river, you will find a hotel nearby where you can have lunch if you are hungry. The trail then climbs uphill for 15–25 minutes to join the main path from Manang that leads to Thorong. After a short walk on this trail, you arrive at Yak Kharka.

From Yak Kharka, you walk uphill for about 45 minutes to reach Ledar. Just before arriving, you will cross a suspension bridge. Ledar has four to five guesthouses, which are ideal for an overnight stay.

The journey starts with a gentle uphill walk. A new road in the area shortens some walking time. After a few hours, you reach a tea shop on the trail where you can take a short rest. From there, the trail follows a ridge-like path. You cross a long bridge and then climb for about 10 minutes to reach Thorong Phedi, where you have lunch.

After lunch, you begin a steep climb toward Thorong La High Camp. It takes about 1–2 hours to reach the high camp. The camp has only one large hotel that can accommodate 300–400 guests. Near the lodge, a small viewpoint is accessible with a short walk, where you can enjoy the mountain views before returning to rest.

The day starts very early in the morning. Breakfast is served around 4:00–4:30 AM, and the trek begins at about 5:00 AM. It takes around 3 hours to reach Thorong La Pass. The path is easy when there is no snow. From the top, you can see Thorong Peak and Mustang Valley. Thorong La Pass marks the border between Manang and Mustang.

The descent from the pass must be done with care because the gravel can be slippery. One incident happened when a trekker slipped behind our guide and broke a leg, which created a chaotic situation.  So, walk slowly and carefully. After 2–3 hours, you reach Phedi village above Muktinath, where you stop for lunch. The trail then follows an easy road, and you cross a bridge before arriving at Muktinath.

Muktinath is a sacred place. You spend time exploring the area. A nunnery sits above the village, where you can attend prayers if they are taking place. You can also visit stupas devoted to Guru Rinpoche and see 108 water spouts on one side. After exploring, you return to the hotel to rest and end the day.

You’ll start early from Muktinath to avoid the strong afternoon winds. The trail heads south and southwest towards a ridge instead of going to Jharkot. It is a climb that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Lupra Pass (3,700 m). From the top, you can see the beautiful Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains.

The trail then drops steeply into a canyon and reaches Lupra Village. Lupra is a well-preserved village with a unique culture. Unlike other places on the circuit, which follow Buddhism, Lupra practices Bon, which is an ancient shamanistic religion. The Yungdrung Kundak Gompa is an important monastery here.

From Lupra, the walk follows the Panda Khola riverbed until it joins the Kali Gandaki River. On the way, a huge rock cliff can be seen, which is suitable for rock climbing. The trail continues towards Jomsom, where the day ends. We can organize a farewell dinner here, give tips to the porters and guide, and enjoy local food with fellow trekkers and others.

Day 14 is a drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. The road passes through Marpha, which is a beautiful village with white houses and large apple orchards. It is the last chance to buy local apple brandy or dried apples. The drive then continues to Ghasa, where the dry landscape of Mustang slowly changes into green forests of the lower Annapurna region.

The road then reaches Beni, where the rough mountain track meets a paved highway. From Beni, the ride becomes smoother for the final 3 hours. The journey ends in Pokhara at Lakeside. After many days in the mountains, the view of Phewa Lake and the smell of fresh coffee feel refreshing.

Note: An optional flight from Jomsom to Pokhara can also be arranged at extra cost.

Day 16 starts with a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway. Much of the route follows the Trishuli River, which is famous for white-water rafting. The road passes through river valleys and small villages close to the river. At the Mugling junction, the roads from Pokhara and Chitwan meet. The area is busy with local eateries and fruit stalls on the highway.

As the journey continues east, glimpses of Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal range appear. The final part of the drive climbs up the Thankot Pass before descending into the Kathmandu Valley. The day ends with arrival in Kathmandu after a long ride through mountains and rivers.

Note: An optional flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu is available at an extra cost.

This day can be free or serve as your departure day, depending on your flight schedule. If you have extra time, you can start the morning with a spiritual visit. Boudhanath Stupa opens early, where hundreds of devotees perform kora (circumambulation). Alternatively, you can visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon, you can explore more cultural spots in Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square is ideal for enjoying the arts with fewer crowds. The Garden of Dreams offers a peaceful place to read, write, or simply relax away from the city noise.

But if you are departing today, focus on last-minute tasks, including souvenir shopping near your hotel. Plan airport transfers at least 3 hours before your flight, as Kathmandu traffic can be unpredictable.