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17 days
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Annapurna
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Challenging
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5,416 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Crossing Thorong La (5,416 m), the high point of the Annapurna Circuit
- Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest lakes of its size in the world
- From the green Marsyangdi valley to the dry landscapes of Manang and Mustang
- Acclimatization day in Manang
- The pilgrimage site of Muktinath
- Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara at the end of the trek
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake circles the Annapurna massif, from the green Marsyangdi valley to the dry, Tibetan-style landscapes of Manang and Mustang. You drive to Dharapani and walk through Chame, Pisang, Ngawal and Manang, with an acclimatization day before the side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest lakes of its size in the world.
From Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi you cross Thorong La (5,416 m), the high point of the trek, and descend to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. The trek ends with a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
If you prefer to skip Tilicho Lake, our 15-day Annapurna Circuit Trek follows the classic route over the Thorong La.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. Autumn usually gives the clearest skies, while spring is a little warmer and the rhododendrons are in bloom lower down.
In winter (December to February) the high passes can be closed by snow, and the monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud. We do not recommend this trek outside the main seasons.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a challenging trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days and three demanding days: the exposed landslide trail to Tilicho Base Camp, the seven-to-eight-hour walk from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka, and the crossing of Thorong La (5,416 m), which takes eight to ten hours.
No technical skills are needed, but you should be fit and in good health. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Manang, and regular training with long walks before the trip is recommended.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long jeep journey of 9–11 hours takes you via Besisahar and up the Marsyangdi valley on a rough mountain road. You arrive in Dharapani, the starting point of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Dharapani (1,860 m).
The trail climbs through pine forest along the Marsyangdi, with the first views of Annapurna II. You arrive in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, a good place to rest and look at the peaks above the town. Overnight in a teahouse in Chame (2,670 m).
The valley opens up as you pass the huge curved rock face of Paungda Danda. The trail continues up the Marsyangdi valley to the village of Pisang, with views of Annapurna II across the valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Pisang (3,200 m).
Taking the high trail, you climb steeply to the village of Ghyaru and enjoy some of the best mountain views on the circuit. The trail then contours along the hillside to the village of Ngawal, and the shorter day helps with acclimatization. Overnight in a teahouse in Ngawal (3,660 m).
The trail descends gently via Bhraka into the Manang valley, a short walk of three to five hours. You reach Manang in good time to rest and settle in before the acclimatization day. Overnight in a teahouse in Manang (3,540 m).
An important day for acclimatization before going higher. You can hike to Gangapurna Lake or climb further to Ice Lake, returning to Manang to sleep. Take time in the afternoon to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Overnight in a teahouse in Manang (3,540 m).
Leaving the main circuit, you head west via the traditional village of Khangsar towards Tilicho Lake. The trail climbs gradually to the small settlement of Shree Kharka. Overnight in a teahouse in Shree Kharka (4,060 m).
A short but exposed section follows a landslide trail below steep cliffs, where you should take care and follow your guide. You reach the lodges at Tilicho Base Camp in good time to rest. Overnight in a lodge at Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m).
An early start for the steep climb to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest lakes of its size in the world, set below Tilicho Peak. After time at the shore, you return down to Tilicho Base Camp, a round trip of six to seven hours. Overnight in a lodge at Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m).
Retracing the trail past Shree Kharka, you cross the hillside via Old Khangsar to rejoin the Annapurna Circuit, with views of Gangapurna and the Annapurna range. It is a long day of seven to eight hours to the small settlement of Yak Kharka. Overnight in a teahouse in Yak Kharka (4,050 m).
A short climb takes you to Thorong Phedi at the foot of the pass. The afternoon is for rest, drinking plenty of fluids and an early night before the crossing. Overnight in a teahouse in Thorong Phedi (4,525 m).
A pre-dawn start for the crossing of Thorong La (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek, marked by prayer flags and wide Himalayan views. A long, steep descent then leads to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Expect 8–10 hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Muktinath (3,800 m).
In the morning you visit the Muktinath temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. A drive then takes you down to Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki valley. Overnight in a lodge in Jomsom (2,720 m).
A short morning flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The rest of the day is free to relax by the lake. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest, pick up souvenirs or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
