Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake adds one of the world's most spectacular side trips to Nepal's greatest long-distance trek — a 2-day detour from Manang to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest lakes on earth and one of the most visually stunning places in the Himalaya.
The standard Annapurna Circuit is already the benchmark of Himalayan trekking — 14 days crossing five climate zones, culminating at Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and descending to the Tibetan-influenced plateau of Mustang. Adding the Tilicho Lake extension extends this to 16 days but rewards the extra effort with a landscape that few trekkers on the main route ever see.
The approach to Tilicho from Manang is a full-day walk across a high moraine into a completely different world — the glacier-fed lake at 4,919m is surrounded on three sides by ice and rock. The colour of the water depends on season and weather: deep turquoise in clear weather, silver-grey under cloud. In March and April, the lake may still be partially frozen. In October, it shimmers under an impossibly blue sky with Tilicho Peak (7,134m) reflected in the surface.
This is the Annapurna Circuit for those who want it all.
Upcoming departures.
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Trek highlights.
Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — one of the world's highest lakes, set beneath Tilicho Peak (7,134m)
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — the legendary high crossing of the Annapurna Circuit
Five climate zones from subtropical to high-altitude Tibetan plateau
Manang Valley — the best-developed acclimatisation village in Nepal
Muktinath — one of the holiest sites in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism
Marpha apple brandy — the Mustang valley specialty
The Kali Gandaki gorge — the world's deepest river gorge
Poon Hill sunrise as a final section option (adding 2 days)
Trek in pictures.
Interactive circuit map.
The full 16 Days-day circuit on a topographic map. Click any marker for details. Switch between Topo, Satellite, and Standard views using the layer control.
16 Days days. Every detail planned.
Transparent, all-in pricing.
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Trek altitude at a glance.
How hard is this trek?
Best time for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake.
Weather on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake.
Everything you need to know.
Open any card for in-depth notes on accommodation, food, altitude, permits, money and the small print that matters on the trail.
What to pack.
Common questions.
What makes Tilicho Lake worth the extra 2 days?+
Tilicho Lake (4,919m) is one of the highest lakes in the world and one of the most dramatically situated — a glacial lake at nearly 5,000m surrounded on three sides by ice-covered peaks, with Tilicho Peak (7,134m) reflected in the water on clear days. The 2-day detour from the main circuit is the most frequently cited highlight by trekkers who have done the full Annapurna Circuit — most say it surpasses even the Thorong La crossing in visual impact. The extra 2 days also improve your acclimatisation before the pass.
How do the extra 2 days at Manang affect the Thorong La crossing?+
They help significantly. The standard circuit allows 2 nights at Manang for acclimatisation. Adding the Tilicho Lake side trip means 4 nights in the Manang area (2 at Manang proper, 1 at Tilicho Base Camp, 1 return to Manang) — a total altitude exposure of 3,500–4,919m over 4 days before the pass attempt. This is substantially better acclimatisation than the standard route, and our guides regularly report higher oxygen saturation levels at High Camp among clients who have done the Tilicho extension.
Is the Tilicho Lake trail dangerous?+
The trail from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp crosses high-altitude moraine that can be unstable. There is a notorious 'landslide section' on the approach (an exposed traverse across a scree slope) that requires careful footing — not technical, but the consequences of a slip are serious. Our guides assess this section carefully and will not cross it in bad weather, fresh snow, or ice. The section itself is 200m long and takes 20–30 minutes. Beyond this, the terrain is demanding but not dangerous. Most trekkers find it manageable with poles and careful steps.
How does this compare in price to the standard Annapurna Circuit?+
The Tilicho extension adds 2 days to the itinerary — approximately USD 150–200 per person in additional guide days, accommodation, and meals. Our pricing reflects this accurately. The total cost is approximately 15–20% more than the standard Annapurna Circuit. Many trekkers who do the full circuit say the Tilicho extension was the best money they spent on their trek.
Built different. On purpose.
Named guide before you book
Name, photo, licence number and WhatsApp. The same guide meets you at the airport and finishes the trek with you.
100% private, zero strangers
Your group, your pace, your schedule. We have never placed strangers together on a private trek. Not once.
Transparent all-in pricing
Permits, guide, porter, accommodation and all meals included. What you see is what you pay — no upsells on the trail.
60-day free cancellation
No deposit to hold your date. Full refund up to 60 days before departure, no questions asked.
