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.
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Trek highlights.
Trek in pictures.
Interactive circuit map.
The full 16-day circuit on a topographic map. Click any marker for details. Switch between Topo, Satellite, and Standard views using the layer control.
16 Days. Every detail planned.
Hotel check-in, gear check, trek briefing.
7-hour jeep transfer via Besisahar. Chame is the circuit's administrative centre and a good first night stop.
Enter the Manang valley proper. The landscape opens dramatically as you pass through pine forest and apple orchards. First views of the Annapurna II massif.
Choose upper or lower trail. Both rewarding. Upper trail passes Ghyaru and Ngawal with exceptional Annapurna III views. Arrive Manang, the circuit's acclimatisation base with bakeries, bars, and a HRA clinic.
Rest day with acclimatisation hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) or Gangapurna Glacier viewpoint (4,000m). Essential day. Do not skip.
Side trip begins. Leave the main circuit and follow the valley west to Tilicho Base Camp. The trail crosses high moraine with views of Tilicho Peak above. Basic teahouse at base camp.
Early morning climb to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), 3 hours from base camp across glacier moraine. The lake is extraordinary: turquoise-to-silver water beneath Tilicho Peak. Descend back to Manang for the night.
Resume the main circuit. Short day to maintain altitude gain protocol. Yak Kharka is a small settlement at 4,050m, final stop before the high section.
Arrive High Camp by midday. Afternoon rest, the most important preparation for tomorrow's pass crossing.
Pre-dawn (04:00) departure. 5-hour climb to Thorong La (5,416m) followed by a dramatic 1,600m descent to Muktinath. The most physically demanding day of the trek.
Descend through Kagbeni, gateway to Upper Mustang, and along the Kali Gandaki gorge. Jomsom has an ATM, airport, and warm rooms after the high section.
Walk through the apple orchards of Marpha (try the cider) and descend the Kali Gandaki to Tatopani, hot springs village at 1,190m.
Climb back into the rhododendron zone to Ghorepani, the viewpoint village above the Annapurna foothills.
Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the final Himalayan sunrise of the trip. Descend all day to Nayapul.
Jeep to Pokhara. 1.5 hours. Celebration dinner at lakeside restaurant.
25-minute flight or 7-hour tourist bus. International departures from Kathmandu.
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.
Your safety, planned in detail.
Altitude is the main risk on this trek. Here is exactly what we carry, who we call, and where the nearest help is at every stage of the route.
Common health risks
- •Altitude sickness on Tilicho Base Camp, Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and Thorong La (5,416m)
- •Rockfall and landslide risk on the narrow trail to Tilicho Base Camp, which becomes dangerous in snow
- •Heavy snow and closures at Thorong La, even in autumn
- •Very cold, windy pass-day conditions
Travel insurance — required
- ✓Must cover trekking to at least 6000 metres
- ✓Must include helicopter evacuation and emergency medical care
Emergency protocols
Our guides carry a pulse oximeter and first-aid kit and check oxygen levels daily at altitude. Anyone with signs of HACE or HAPE goes down at once. Helicopter evacuation is possible in clear weather, but storms can stop flights, so a guide may have to help you down on foot.
What to pack.
Plan Your Trek
Planning guides for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake
Written by our guides, these cover the permits, altitude, timing, and kit you need before you go.
Common questions.
GeneralWhat 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.
GeneralHow 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.
GeneralIs 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.
GeneralHow 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.
Deposits from 10%
The earlier you book, the lower your deposit. The balance is due 15 days before departure, and our booking terms list every refund tier.
