Annapurna Circuit Trek from Kathmandu with Tilicho Lake - 13 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Kathmandu to Tal 5,577 feet
1 stop
1
Begin your journey early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Tal. The journey begins with a smooth ride on the Prithvi Highway, flanked by rice terraces, river gorges, and traditional Nepali villages. As the vehicle snakes alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, you’ll witness a dramatic change in landscape, from subtropical lowlands to rugged highlands. After reaching Besisahar, the paved road ends and the real Himalayan adventure begins. The final leg of the drive climbs steep switchbacks and crosses landslide-prone zones on a dusty and bumpy track through remote mountain terrain. Expect slow progress and stunning views as you pass through villages like Syange and Chamje before finally reaching Tal.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Trek from Tal to Danakyu - 7,545 feet
1 stop
2
Your first trekking day begins with a scenic and invigorating walk along the Marsyangdi River. Leaving Tal, the trail gradually climbs through lush river valleys and dense forests while crisscrossing the river via suspension bridges. The roar of waterfalls and rushing rivers sets the rhythm for your walk, offering natural refreshment stops throughout the day. Along the way, you’ll pass the photogenic 200-meter Chyamche Waterfall, where many trekkers take a break to marvel at its thunderous beauty. The trail continues to rise and fall as you pass rocky ridges and descend to cross steel bridges suspended over deep gorges. Just before reaching Dharapani, you’ll walk through a stone archway welcoming you into the Manang region. Dharapani is a small but well-developed village. The final stretch to Danakyu begins with a noticeable incline, gaining elevation through forested paths and stone steps.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Trek from Danakyu to Chame - 8,891 feet
1 stop
3
Today’s trek offers an exciting transition into the alpine zone. From Danakyu, the trail quickly rises through dense pine and fir forests. The highlight of the morning is the steep ascent to Timang Village, a traditional settlement known for its incredible panoramic views of the Manaslu and Lamjung Himal ranges. Although the climb is demanding, the rewards are ample with clear skies and soaring peaks.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Chame to Upper Pisang - 10,826 feet
1 stop
4
Start the day with beautiful forest lands before hitting more steep stone stairs. With Annapurna II and IV and the Lamjung Himal on view today, you can use the image of the gorgeous mountains to spur you on over the challenging parts of the trail.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Upper Pisang to Manang - 11,614 feet
1 stop
5
This is a tough day with a hard climb to Ghyaru village from Pisang. But from Ghyaru, the views are simply stunning, and it’s a great place to stop, drink plenty of water, and take in the surrounding Annapurna mountain range.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Acclimatization Day in Manang
1 stop
6
Manang is a large and interesting market town where we can get real coffee! However, the best way to acclimate to cross the high pass is to be active and not sit around in a coffee shop.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Manang to Tilicho Base Camp - 13,615 feet
1 stop
7
Today marks your departure from the main Annapurna Circuit as you venture on the side trail to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The trail is initially gradual, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and dry, arid terrain that resembles a high-altitude desert.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Tilicho Base Camp to Shree Kharka - 16,141 feet
1 stop
8
Begin the day before dawn for a challenging yet rewarding hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest and most stunning lakes in the world. The trail climbs steeply right out of base camp, traversing rocky switchbacks and high alpine terrain with little vegetation. Due to the altitude, the air is thin and cold, and snow patches are often visible.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka - 13,484 feet
1 stop
9
Today you’ll leave the side trail to Tilicho Lake and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit route. The trail begins with a brief descent followed by a steady uphill walk across alpine ridges and open pastures. The route offers a refreshing change in scenery, trading dramatic cliffs for wide, open hills dotted with grazing yaks and dwarf juniper.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi - 15,091 feet
1 stop
10
Today’s trek brings you closer to the mighty Thorong La Pass. From Yak Kharka, the trail climbs gradually through high-altitude meadows, crossing suspension bridges and navigating occasional landslide-prone sections. The thinning air and increasing elevation make it important to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 11
Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass - 17,769 feet
2 stops
11
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as you cross the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters / 17,769 feet)—one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The day starts early, often in the pre-dawn hours, to take advantage of calm morning weather and minimize exposure to strong winds at the pass.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
12
After celebrating this incredible achievement, you’ll begin the long descent to Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site and your resting place for the night. The downhill trail is steep at times and may feel hard on the knees, but the changing scenery from snowy highlands to arid landscapes keeps the walk engaging.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Muktinath to Pokhara - Bus Drive - 2,696 feet
1 stop
13
The final day of your Annapurna Circuit journey involves a long but scenic drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. As you leave the high desert landscape of Mustang, the road gradually descends through the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest gorge in the world, flanked by the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Pokhara (Drive) to Kathmandu
1 stop
14
You will drive early at 7:30 from Pokhara to Kathmandu, beginning your journey early in the morning to make the most of the day. Leaving the peaceful ambiance of Pokhara behind, the road gradually ascends into the rolling hills of central Nepal. The journey traces the beautiful Prithvi Highway, winding past lush green landscapes, cascading rivers, terraced farms, and charming rural towns.
7 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• This is trekking activities, we need to walk in the mountain ups and down.
• We need your Digital passport copy and passport size photo prior to the trek as we need to issue trekking permit.

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