Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake: Full Itinerary & Guide

Summary

Explore the Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking Route

If you want real mountain adventure—with blue lakes like Tilicho, ancient monasteries, friendly locals offering apples or tea along the way—this Annapurna Circuit trek delivers every single day. You’ll cross high passes, sleep in cozy teahouses, eat simple meals that taste amazing after hours on foot… It’s tough sometimes but absolutely unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off early in Kathmandu, and I’ll admit, the bus ride to Bhulbhule was a bit of a blur—lots of honking, chai stops, and the Marshyangdi River snaking alongside us most of the way. By midday, we’d swapped city noise for the quiet hum of Nagdi village. The uphill walk from Bhulbhule wasn’t too tough, but you could already feel that mountain air getting crisp. Our teahouse that night was simple but cozy; I remember the faint smell of wood smoke drifting in as we settled in for dal bhat and tea.

Leaving Nagdi behind, we hit the classic Annapurna trail toward Chamje. The path wound through thick rhododendron groves—if you’re here in spring, those flowers are everywhere—and tiny villages where kids waved at us from doorways. Some sections were muddy and slick from last night’s rain, so trekking poles came in handy. Chamje itself is just a cluster of lodges along the river; you hear it rushing all night long.

Breakfasts on this trek are always hearty—think eggs or porridge—before setting out for Dharapani. We crossed a suspension bridge that bounced underfoot (not for the faint-hearted), then climbed steadily past barley fields and pine forests. Tal village felt like a little oasis with its flat valley floor and prayer wheels spinning lazily in the breeze. By late afternoon, after passing through Karte and Nache, we reached Dharapani just as clouds started rolling in over the peaks.

The next day’s walk to Chame took us through Baggarchap’s apple orchards—our guide insisted we try one straight from the tree (tart but refreshing). The trail zigzagged through thick woods before opening up to views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II/IV. Chame is bigger than most villages along this stretch; there’s even a tiny shop selling Snickers bars if you need a sugar boost.

Pisang was our next stop after winding past mani stones and into pine forests that smelled sharp and clean after last night’s rain. The Paunga Danda rock face loomed above us—a reminder of how wild this landscape can be. Pisang itself sits right at the edge of open meadows; prayer flags flutter everywhere here.

The climb to Manang started gentle but soon got rocky as we passed painted mandalas on stone walls and more fields edged by low stone fences. Stopping at Braga monastery was a highlight—the caretaker let us peek inside at old thangkas lit by butter lamps. Manang feels almost alpine: thin air, wide skies, yaks grazing nearby.

We took an acclimatization day in Manang (you’ll need it above 3,000m). Most folks use this time to hike up to Gangapurna Lake or check out Khangsur village—I wandered down to a bakery for apple pie (yes, really) and watched clouds drift over Gangapurna Icefall while sipping sweet milk tea.

The push to Tilicho Base Camp started early; crossing Jharsing Khola on another swaying bridge woke everyone up fast. Khangsar village is scattered with small monasteries draped in prayer flags—locals were drying buckwheat outside their homes when we passed by. The final climb was slow going but worth it for those first glimpses of Tilicho Peak looming overhead.

Tilicho Lake day is something else—it’s cold up there (my water bottle actually froze), but seeing those icy blue waters surrounded by silent peaks makes every step worth it. Sometimes you catch your own breath fogging up your camera lens as you snap photos. After soaking it all in (and warming my hands on some instant noodles), we headed back down to Siri Kharka for well-earned rest.

The route toward Lather passes through scrubby juniper bushes where Himalayan blue sheep sometimes graze—you might spot them if you’re quiet enough. Yak Kharka is just a handful of stone huts perched above the river; locals here are used to trekkers stopping for tea or biscuits before moving on.

Thorong High Camp sits at nearly 4,800m—don’t be surprised if sleep comes hard here (thin air does that). We left before sunrise for Thorong La Pass; it’s steep and rocky with wind whipping around your ears, but reaching 5,416m feels like standing on top of everything. There’s a pile of prayer flags at the pass—everyone takes photos here before starting that long descent toward Muktinath.

Muktinath temple is busy with pilgrims lighting butter lamps and queuing for blessings under chilly sprays from 108 water spouts—it’s noisy but somehow peaceful too. Afterward, our legs felt wobbly heading down toward Jomsom; dust kicked up by passing jeeps stuck to everything (bring a buff or scarf).

The final drive back to Pokhara winds past Tatopani hot springs and green hillsides dotted with goats—you’ll probably doze off somewhere along those bumpy roads. Back in Pokhara, nothing beats sitting lakeside with new friends swapping stories over cold Everest beers or hot momos as dusk settles over Phewa Lake.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Bhulbhule and Trek to Nagdi

• Drive Kathmandu to Bhulbhule
• Hike to Nagdi

Day 2 — Trek from Nagdi to Chamje

• Trek to Chamje

Day 3 — Trek to Dharapani

• Trek to Dharapani

Day 4 — Trek to Chame

• Trek to Chame

Day 5 — Trek to Pisang

• Trek to Pisang

Day 6 — Trek to Manang

• Trek to Manang via Ngawal and Braga

Day 7 — Acclimatization Day in Manang

• Explore Manang and nearby sights

Day 8 — Trek to Tilicho Base Camp

• Trek to Tilicho Base Camp

Day 9 — Visit Tilicho Lake and Return

• Visit Tilicho Lake and trek back to Siri Kharka

Day 10 — Trek to Lather

• Trek to Lather

Day 11 — Trek to Thorong High Camp

• Trek to Thorong High Camp

Day 12 — Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La

• Cross Thorong La Pass and descend to Muktinath

Day 13 — Trek to Jomsom

• Trek to Jomsom

Day 14 — Drive to Pokhara

• Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

Day 15 — Drive back to Kathmandu

• Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

Top questions

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake?

This trek is considered challenging due to high altitude sections like Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and long daily walks (up to 7 hours). Good fitness helps!

What kind of accommodation should I expect?

You’ll stay mostly in local teahouses or lodges—basic rooms with shared bathrooms are standard along most stops on this route.

Is acclimatization included?

Yes! There’s an acclimatization day built into Manang so your body can adjust safely before heading higher toward Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong La Pass.

Are meals provided during trekking days?

Your package covers breakfast at hotels in Pokhara; during trekking days you’ll buy meals at teahouses along the route (plenty of options available).

What’s included

Your trip includes private transport between cities, hotel stays in Pokhara with breakfast (twin sharing), all teahouse accommodation during trekking days, an English-speaking guide who knows these trails inside out (with their insurance covered), plus all necessary trekking permits like ACAP and TIMS cards so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or logistics on arrival.