Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake - 16 Days

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a breathtaking journey through diverse Himalayan landscapes, traditional villages, and high-altitude terrain. This extended route includes a detour to the stunning Tilicho Lake (4,919m) before rejoining the main circuit at Yak Kharka and crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Throughout the trek, you’ll witness panoramic views of iconic peaks like Annapurna II–IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Dhaulagiri I.

At Quick Glance

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is an extraordinary Himalayan journey that blends the classic round-Annapurna trail with a remote detour to one of the world’s highest alpine lakes — Tilicho Lake (4,919m/16,138ft). This trek offers the best of both worlds: the rich cultural diversity of the Annapurna region and the serene wilderness of Tilicho, all framed by towering snow peaks, glacial rivers, and ancient mountain settlements.

Our adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu into the lush lowlands of central Nepal, reaching Syange, where the real trekking experience begins. From here, the trail steadily ascends through diverse villages like Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft), Chame (2,710m/8,891ft), and Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft) — each offering its own unique cultural charm and views of the Himalayan range. With every step forward, the landscape transforms from dense forests to alpine terrain and then into a dry, windswept highland influenced by Tibetan culture.

At Manang (3,500m/11,482ft), we take an important acclimatization break, allowing our bodies to adjust to the higher elevations. The traditional flat-roofed stone houses, prayer walls, and yak pastures set against the stunning backdrop of Annapurna III (7,555m/24,786ft), Gangapurna (7,455m/24,457ft), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m/23,406ft) offer a picture-perfect glimpse into life at high altitude.

From Manang, the trail diverges westward, leaving the main Annapurna route for the Tilicho Lake trail. Passing through Khangsar village and moving across rugged terrain and steep cliffside paths, we reach Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m/13,615ft) — a desolate yet scenic stop before the final push to the lake. The early morning hike to Tilicho Lake is a demanding but deeply rewarding climb. With glacial meltwater shimmering beneath the icy faces of Tilicho Peak and Khangsar Kang, the lake exudes a rare stillness that makes the effort worth every step.

After soaking in the magical atmosphere at Tilicho Lake, we descend via Shree Kharka (4,050m/13,284ft) and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft). This merging of trails brings together the less-traveled Tilicho route with the more established circuit, creating a seamless and fulfilling trekking loop.

From Yak Kharka, the trail continues to Thorong Phedi (4,420m/14,501ft) and eventually up to the formidable Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) — the highest point of the trek. Reaching the pass is a moment of triumph, offering unobstructed views of the Annapurna range, Chulu East (6,584m/21,601ft), Yakwakang (6,482m/21,263ft), and even distant glimpses of Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft) and Nilgiri (7,061m/23,166ft).

On the descent, the trail drops steeply into the arid Mustang region, arriving at Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft)—a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. After a temple visit, we drive to Jomsom (2,700m/8,858ft) and fly to Pokhara (850m/2,788ft), Nepal’s lake city of beauty and relaxation. The annapurna circuit and Tilicho lake trek ends with a scenic flight or drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft).

Why Choose Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Instead of Just the Annapurna Circuit?

Opting for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake adds only 2 extra days to the classic circuit, yet it significantly enriches the overall experience. Instead of returning later just for Tilicho as a separate trek, this combined route allows you to explore the world’s highest glacial lake (Tilicho Lake at 4,919m/16,138ft) during the same journey — saving both time and money in the long run.

Here’s why it’s absolutely worth it:

• Tilicho Lake Is a Natural Wonder: Tucked away in a remote alpine basin beneath Tilicho Peak (7,134m) and surrounded by dramatic ice cliffs, Tilicho Lake offers otherworldly scenery that feels untouched and sacred. The brilliant blue water, often frozen depending on the season, mirrors the surrounding snow-capped giants.
• Peaceful and Less Crowded : Unlike the main circuit trail, the detour to Tilicho Lake via Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp is quieter and more secluded. The peaceful silence of this high-altitude lake — far removed from the busy trails — adds a meditative quality to your trek.
• Perfect Altitude Preparation for Thorong La: Visiting Tilicho Lake before heading to Yak Kharka and Thorong La Pass (5,416m) provides excellent high-altitude acclimatization. It gently prepares your body for the challenging pass and minimizes the risk of altitude sickness.
• Unparalleled Mountain Views: The Tilicho section offers incredible close-up views of Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Khangsar Kang, and of course, Tilicho Peak. Early morning hikes to the lake often provide golden sunrise reflections on the frozen or glassy surface.
• Two Adventures in One: With just two additional days, you get both the legendary Annapurna Circuit and the mystical Tilicho Lake Trek. It's the smartest way to complete two top-rated Himalayan adventures in one go — maximizing adventure without significantly increasing cost or effort.