Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake – 12 Days
The Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is a 12-day adventure through beautiful mountain villages, green valleys, and high Himalayan landscapes. The trek takes you to the stunning Tilicho Lake and across the famous Thorong La Pass before reaching the sacred town of Muktinath. It is a great choice for trekkers looking for a memorable Annapurna experience at a reasonable cost.
Trip Key Facts
12 Days
5416 m / 17769 ft
Challenging
2-14+(Costmizable)
Spring and Autumn
Hotel, Teahouse and Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kathmandu, Nepal / Kathmandu, Nepal
Trip Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is a beautiful and adventurous journey through the Annapurna region of Nepal. This 12-day trek combines the classic Annapurna Circuit with a visit to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The route takes you through green hills, mountain villages, pine forests, dry valleys, rocky landscapes, and high Himalayan terrain.
The journey begins with a road trip from Kathmandu to Besishahar and then continues by shared jeep toward Chame. From Chame, you start walking through the Marsyangdi River Valley toward Upper Pisang and Manang. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes from green forests and farmland to dry mountain slopes and open Himalayan valleys. The views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and other surrounding mountains make this section especially scenic.
After spending an acclimatization day in Manang, the trail turns toward the Tilicho Valley. You pass through Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp before making the challenging hike to Tilicho Lake at approximately 4,919 meters. The lake sits in a remote mountain setting surrounded by rocky slopes and snow-covered peaks. After visiting the lake, you return to the main Annapurna Circuit route and continue toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
The most challenging part of the trek comes with the crossing of Thorong La Pass at approximately 5,416 meters. You start early in the morning and gradually climb toward the pass before descending to Muktinath on the Mustang side. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists and provides a cultural highlight after the high mountain section.
The trek ends with a scenic road journey from Muktinath to Pokhara and a tourist bus journey from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. With Universe Himalayan Treks, this itinerary combines transportation, trekking support, permits, accommodation, and experienced local guidance to make the Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake a memorable Himalayan experience.
Key Trip Highlights
Explore the famous Annapurna Circuit through the Marsyangdi Valley.
Visit spectacular Tilicho Lake at approximately 4,919 meters.
Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass at approximately 5,416 meters.
Enjoy views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, and other Himalayan mountains.
Visit traditional mountain villages such as Chame, Upper Pisang, Nawal, Manang, Shree Kharka, Yak Kharka, and Muktinath.
Spend an acclimatization day in Manang and hike to Gangapurna Lake.
Trip Briefing
Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is suitable for trekkers who want to experience the major highlights of the Annapurna region within a shorter 12-day itinerary. The route combines natural scenery, traditional villages, Buddhist culture, high mountain landscapes, Tilicho Lake, and the famous Thorong La Pass.
The trail passes through different geographical areas during the journey. The lower section around the Marsyangdi Valley has green forests, waterfalls, farmland, and rivers. As you reach Pisang and Manang, the environment becomes drier and the mountains become more dominant. Beyond Manang, the trail takes you into a high-altitude landscape where vegetation becomes sparse and the terrain is mainly rocky and barren.
The Tilicho Lake section adds another adventure to the classic Annapurna Circuit. The trail toward Tilicho Base Camp is quieter and more rugged, while the hike to the lake requires good stamina because of the altitude. After returning to the main route, you continue toward Thorong La Pass, where the highest point of the trek is reached.
Throughout the journey, you can experience traditional mountain villages, prayer flags, monasteries, mani walls, stone houses, local farms, and the lifestyle of communities living in the high Himalayas. Universe Himalayan Treks provides trekking support and route guidance so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and cultural experience.
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Total 12 Days Itinerary · Click any day to view details & day highlights
Your Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu. You travel by bus toward Besishahar, following the highway through the hills of central Nepal. The journey takes you past rivers, green hills, terraced farmland, small towns, local markets, and traditional villages. As the road moves farther from Kathmandu, the busy city environment slowly changes into a quieter rural landscape.
After reaching Besishahar, you change to a shared jeep for the drive toward Chame. The road follows the Marsyangdi River through narrow valleys and increasingly mountainous terrain. You pass waterfalls, forests, suspension bridges, cultivated hillsides, and small settlements along the way. Some sections of the road can be rough and winding, but the changing scenery makes the journey interesting.
As you approach Chame, the air becomes cooler and the mountain scenery becomes more impressive. Chame is the administrative center of Manang District and an important stop on the Annapurna Circuit. After reaching the village, you check into the teahouse, have dinner, and rest for the first trekking day. Your guide from Universe Himalayan Treks will also provide information about the walking route and the next day's activities.
Cost Includes & Excludes
Clear, transparent pricing breakdown with no hidden surprises.
What's Included in the Price
- ✓Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Besishahar.
- ✓Shared jeep transportation from Besishahar to Chame.
- ✓Transportation from Muktinath to Pokhara.
- ✓Tourist bus transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- ✓Teahouse accommodation during the trekking period.
- ✓Hotel accommodation in Pokhara as mentioned in the itinerary.
- ✓Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking days as mentioned.
- ✓Experienced English-speaking trekking guide.
- ✓Porter service according to the confirmed group arrangement.
- ✓Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- ✓TIMS card or applicable trekking registration.
- ✓Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, and necessary expenses.
- ✓Basic first-aid support.
- ✓Pre-trek briefing and route assistance.
- ✓Government taxes and company service charges where applicable.
- ✓Trekking support from Universe Himalayan Treks.
What's Excluded in the Price
- ✕International airfare.
- ✕Nepal visa fee.
- ✕Travel and trekking insurance.
- ✕Emergency rescue and helicopter evacuation.
- ✕Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu unless mentioned.
- ✕Personal expenses in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- ✕Lunch and dinner in Pokhara unless mentioned.
- ✕Personal snacks, drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and laundry charges during the trek.
- ✕Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- ✕Extra accommodation caused by early arrival, late departure, illness, weather, or transportation delays.
- ✕Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
- ✕Any expenses not mentioned in the cost-includes section.
Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake – 12 Days
Here is a curated list of gear and clothing you might want to pack for your trek. Please take this as a comprehensive starting point. You will need layers of warmer clothing during cold evenings and high-altitude passes.
Important Documents
Optional Items
Electronics
General Gear and Equipment
Head and Upper Body
Clothing
Gloves
Footwear
First Aid and Personal Medicines
Toiletries and Other Essentials
Optional Items
Rental Gear in Kathmandu
We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for your porter during the trek. You can also rent high-grade down jackets and four-season sleeping bags at affordable rental fees in Kathmandu before departure.
Traveler Reviews & Experiences
Verified ratings and feedback from adventurers who completed this trek.
““We felt the true magic of the Himalayas without ever feeling like tourists. Every step was perfectly organized, the mountain guides were exceptionally attentive, and crossing Thorong La was a life milestone!””
James & Eliza Thornton
United Kingdom · Verified Trekkers
““The kind of journey that stays with you forever. Exceptional safety protocols, top-tier teahouse selection, and heartfelt Sherpa hospitality from start to finish.””
Sofia Rodriguez
Spain · Alpine Adventurer
““An unforgettable Everest experience from start to finish. Acclimatization was paced flawlessly and reaching Base Camp and Kala Patthar at sunrise exceeded every expectation.””
Lukas Weber
Germany · High Altitude Trekker
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