Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake & Local Guide

Summary

Annapurna Circuit Day-by-Day: Teahouses, Temples & Tilicho

You’ll walk ancient trails from lush villages to high alpine passes on this Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake. Expect early-morning starts, steaming plates of dal bhat in smoky teahouses, and honest laughter with your local guide. Cross Thorong La Pass before sunrise and soak tired legs in Tatopani’s hot springs — these are memories you’ll carry long after you leave Nepal.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the old man in Syange handing me a cup of salty butter tea — he grinned when I made a face (it’s an acquired taste, honestly). Our guide, Suman, just laughed and said, “You’ll get used to it.” The first days on the Annapurna Circuit trek felt like wandering through someone else’s backyard: Brahmin women in bright saris waving from their porches, kids chasing chickens across muddy paths. We’d stop for dal bhat lunches in tiny teahouses where the air smelled like woodsmoke and cardamom. Sometimes you’d hear bells from a distant temple or just the river below — that sound sticks with you.

Climbing up past Manang was when things got real. The air thinned out; my breath sounded loud inside my scarf. Suman pointed out yaks grazing near Yak Kharka (I tried to pet one — bad idea). Nights were cold but the stars were ridiculous — so many I kept waking up to check if they were still there. One morning we hiked up to Tilicho Lake before sunrise. It was so quiet you could hear your boots crunching on frost. The water looked almost fake, this weird blue-green under all that white rock. I didn’t expect to feel so small and so awake at the same time.

Crossing Thorong La Pass was tough — we left before 5am because Suman said the wind gets wild after ten (“Trust me,” he kept saying). My hands went numb even inside gloves. At the top everyone hugged each other without really saying anything; it was too cold for words anyway. Coming down into Muktinath felt like landing on another planet: prayer flags everywhere, pilgrims lighting incense at sunrise, and this smell of juniper smoke in the air. I still think about that view back toward the pass — it’s hard to explain what it does to your head.

The last days felt softer somehow: apple orchards in Marpha (the cider is strong), hot springs at Tatopani where trekkers soak together and compare blisters, old women selling dried apricots by the roadside. In Ghandruk we met a Gurung family who invited us for tea; their little boy tried teaching me a folk song but I definitely butchered it. By then my legs were tired but my brain was wide open — you know? The Annapurna Circuit trek isn’t just about mountains; it’s all these small moments strung together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Kathmandu Stay

• Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and hotel transfer

Day 2 — Drive to Syange via Besishahar

• Drive from Kathmandu to Syange with lunch stop

Day 3 — Trek Syange to Dharapani

• Trek from Syange to Dharapani

Day 4 — Trek Dharapani to Chame

• Trek from Dharapani to Chame

Day 5 — Trek Chame to Pisang

• Trek from Chame to Pisang

Day 6 — Trek Pisang to Manang

• Trek from Pisang to Manang

Day 7 — Manang Acclimatization Day

• Acclimatization hike to Gangapurna lake or Melarepa cave

Day 8 — Trek Manang to Yak Kharka

• Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (optional Ledar hike)

Day 9 — Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

• Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Day 10 — Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

• Cross Thorong La Pass and trek to Muktinath

Day 11 — Trek Muktinath to Marpha

• Visit Muktinath temple and trek to Marpha

Day 12 — Trek Marpha to Kalopani

• Trek from Marpha to Kalopani with village visits

Day 13 — Trek Kalopani to Tatopani

• Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani and hot spring dip

Day 14 — Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani

• Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani

Day 15 — Hike Poonhill and descend to Tadapani

• Hike to Poonhill viewpoint and trek to Tadapani

Day 16 — Trek Tadapani to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara

• Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara

Day 17 — Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

• Bus ride from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 18 — Airport Transfer and Departure

• Transfer to Kathmandu airport for departure

Top questions

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake?

It’s considered challenging due to altitude and long days; good fitness is needed and acclimatization days are included.

Are meals included during the trek?

Most teahouse stays include breakfast; lunch and dinner are available for purchase along the route.

Is there airport pickup included?

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu are included as part of your booking.

Do I need a guide for this trek?

A licensed local guide is provided and highly recommended for safety and navigation.

What should I pack for crossing Thorong La Pass?

Warm layers, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, sunscreen, sunglasses—temperatures drop below freezing at high altitude.

What’s included

Your trip includes airport transfers in Kathmandu, all trekking permits (ACAP/TIMS), porter service (one porter per two trekkers), an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake extension, teahouse accommodation along the route plus comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast each morning before heading out again.