The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a 17-day trek that adds one of the world's highest lakes to Nepal's most famous long-distance route. Walk up the Marsyangdi valley to Manang, detour to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), a vast turquoise lake beneath the ice walls of Tilicho Peak, then cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to the pilgrimage temple of Muktinath and descend the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom.
The Tilicho side trip gives you extra acclimatisation for the Thorong La and some of the wildest scenery on the circuit. The trek is graded challenging and is best from March–May and September–November. Transport, the ACAP permit, guide, porters, hotels, lodges and meals on the trek are included, with a flight or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Quick answer: the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake takes about 17 days from Kathmandu, reaches 5,416 m at the Thorong La Pass and 4,919 m at Tilicho Lake, and costs from US$1,390 per person with a guide. It is best in spring and autumn and is challenging but non-technical.
Tilicho Lake is often described as the highest lake in the world for its size, lying at about 4,919 m below the north face of the Annapurna massif. The trail from Manang crosses a steep, landslide-scarred slope above the Khangsar Khola to Tilicho Base Camp, and from there a hard climb leads to the lake shore. Afterwards you rejoin the circuit at Yak Kharka and cross the Thorong La.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 17 days from Kathmandu |
| Maximum altitude | Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m |
| Tilicho Lake | About 4,919 m |
| Grade | Challenging |
| Start and finish | Drive to Chame; flight or drive Jomsom – Pokhara |
| Permit | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
| Best time | March–May and September–November |
| Cost | From US$1,390 per person |
The trek is challenging. The Tilicho trail crosses an exposed landslide area that requires care, and the Thorong La day is long (8–10 hours) with a steep descent. Good fitness and previous hiking experience are recommended; no technical skills are needed.
Yes. It adds three days, but you acclimatise better for the pass and see one of the highest lakes in the world. In winter, the trail and lake can be snowbound.
Roads now reach Manang, so we drive to Chame and use trails away from the road wherever possible, such as the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal, the most scenic section of the circuit.
You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for several days in a row on hilly, uneven trails. Start training two to three months before the trek with long hill walks, stair climbing and cardiovascular exercise, and break in your boots before you travel.
The highest point is 5,416 m on the Thorong La and 4,919 m at Tilicho Lake. Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you.
The upper Manang valley and Tilicho area are dry but very cold at night. Snow can close the Tilicho trail and the Thorong La from December to March.
Jomsom flights leave early because afternoon winds are strong. Baggage limit is about 15 kg; if flights are cancelled, we drive to Pokhara.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is included.
Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing.
Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles.
You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,500 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive.
You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
Tilicho Lake lies at about 4,919 m (16,138 ft), making it one of the highest lakes of its size in the world.
It is often called the highest lake in the world for its size, although smaller lakes exist at higher altitudes.
About 17 days from Kathmandu.
Challenging: exposed landslide trails, altitude near 5,000 m and a long Thorong La day.
From US$1,390 per person, including transport, the Jomsom flight, ACAP permit, guide, porters and meals on the trek.
March–May and September–November. The lake is frozen in winter.
A high route via the Mesokanto Pass exists, but it requires camping and is only for experienced trekkers.
The landslide section needs care and should be avoided in bad weather; with a guide and in season it is safe.
Yes, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), included.
Nepal requires foreign trekkers to walk with a licensed guide in most trekking areas, and it is included.
Yes, to Manang and Muktinath, but trails such as the upper route and Tilicho avoid the road.
Nights at Tilicho Base Camp drop to −10°C to −15°C in autumn.
