Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Our trip now follows the 4 WD road and mule trail and catch an old trekking trail sometime.  The trek from Jagat to Bagarchhap winds through the Marsyangdi Valley, offering stunning views. Trails ascend through forests, passing waterfalls and traditional villages. The journey reveals the Annapurna region's diverse beauty. Immerse yourself in the embrace of oak and alpine, as 12km of fresh air fills your lungs

After a good morning breakfast at Bagarchhap, we resume our trek to Chame today.  We trek through diverse landscapes, from lush forests, and follow the roaring Marshyandi River, and the Annapurna Circuit unveils its beauty. Winding paths, suspension bridges, and soaring peaks define this Himalayan journey.

We leave Chame today to make our journey to Upper Pisang. Normally people stay overnight in Pisang but we trek to upper Pisang if we can to experience an amazing view of Annapurnas and the great culture and village life in the Himalayas. Today, you will trek a 14 km journey from Chame to Pisang. The route commences at Telukhu Village, where the breathtaking vistas of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II greet you, inviting you to immerse yourself in their majestic beauty. The trek remains engaging throughout, offering thrilling exploration of the steep valley, the Marshyangdi River, and suspension bridges. Traversing the narrow river valley amidst dense pine forests promises an unforgettable experience.

Today’s trek takes you from Pisang to Manang, ascending through the scenic villages of Ghyaru, Ngawal, Munchi, and Braga. As you climb to 3,370m, you’ll experience a thrilling mix of adventure and awe, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and ever-changing alpine conditions. Upon completing the 15.5 km journey, settle into a cozy guesthouse for a well-deserved rest. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic Braga Monastery, the largest in the Manang district.

This day is separated as an extra day. This essential rest day allows your body to adjust to the altitude. Spend the day relaxing at your guesthouse or take leisurely walks around the village. Explore local monasteries or visit the serene Gangapurna Lake. For a more active option, embark on a day hike to Milarepa Cave—a 5-6 km (one-way) journey with a round-trip duration of 5-6 hours. 
This balanced itinerary ensures a safe and enriching trekking experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

After a good rest day at Manang (3,540m), the trail ascends steadily, passing through Khangsar Village before reaching Shree Kharka. From there, the path becomes steeper, leading to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140m), where trekkers acclimatize before continuing to Tilicho Lake (4,919m). Proper preparation, physical fitness, and altitude awareness are essential for this demanding but unforgettable adventure. Overnight at Tilicho Lake Base Camp. 

Today, it is a day excursion to hike to Tilicho Lake, once the highest Lake in Nepal at the altitude of 4900 meters above sea level. Enjoy a scenic day trip to Tilicho Lake from Base Camp, trekking through breathtaking landscapes. Witness the stunning turquoise waters of one of the world’s highest lakes, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks.

After exploring Tilicho Lake, we trek to Yak Kharka. This scenic route descends slightly through rugged trails, offering stunning mountain views. The 4–5 hour hike passes grazing pastures, with a gradual ascent toward Yak Kharka, a serene stopover for overnight stay. The walk from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka is approximately 12 kilometers and takes 6 hours approximately. 

From Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi is some 7 Km and the flat trail in the beginning ascends gradually to reach Thorong Phedi. Some people still continue to the high camp from Phedi that help easy cross over Thorong La Pass next day. This part is a steep ascent, it takes another 3 to 4 hours hike to High Camp. Today is undoubtedly challenging as we ascend to 4,450 meters at Thorong Phedi in just four hours, ensuring optimal preparation for the following day. Despite the difficulty, you may be fortunate enough to spot rare wildlife such as blue sheep, snow leopards, or even bearded vultures. Along the way, you might hear mythical tales of legendary creatures like griffons—half-lion, half-bird—believed to roam these majestic landscapes

It is the toughest and longest day today as we cross over the thrilling Thorong La Pass which is 5416 meters (17650 ft). We start early morning at dawn. We climb vigorously along the steep trail that precedes the upcoming rather snowy path. Once we get to Thorang La Pass, a panoramic view of attractive snowy mountains outspreading towards Tibet in the north welcomes you to soak in the divinity of the place and feel a sense of accomplishment, what an auspicious moment to savor the well-deserved reward after a hard-working day. After sharing the happy moment and taking photos we head down to Muktinath; one of the great pilgrimage sites holding religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. 

After trekking 16 km from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath today, you deserve a restful night at a cozy guesthouse.

The drive from Muktinath to Tatopani covers 110 km of scenic Himalayan landscapes. The route passes through Kagbeni, Marpha, and Ghasa, offering stunning views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The journey takes 5–6 hours, with bumpy roads and steep descents. Tatopani’s hot springs provide a relaxing natural hot spa that heals aching muscles from the big adventurous trekking. Overnight in Tatopani. Now, you enjoy the warm weather at a low altitude.   

As the adventure gets closer to its end, you may find it tiring so we stop at Chitre overnight, Trekking your way through Ghara and Shikhar villages with typical village sights of children running to school and farmers plowing in the fields and ascending your way. rest and relax in a cozy guest house. 

It is a short day to the famous Ghorepani, which is full of trekkers bustling with activities of the Annapurna Circuit trek, and you can savor the beauty of the Annapurna Himalayas: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other peaks from here. An evening hike to Poon Hill is worth to catch a stunning sunset over Annapurna. 

A morning hike to Poon Hill is advised from a striking view of f Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail and others.

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Trek down to the ending point. It is our last day of the trek today, .after a nice leisurely breakfast, you take the hiking journey from Ghorepani to Ulleri, concluding your Annapurna Circuit trekking adventure on foot. Then you take a short drive to the lake city of Pokhara. The trip ends, farewell friend! 

Our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking ends today. We wake up in Pokhara, and after breakfast, take a drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. It's 200 km long and initially follows the Marsyangdi River and Trishuli River. Alternatively, you may like to choose a flight to Kathmandu (additional cost of USD 95 per adult) from Pokhara. Now our trek concludes at Kathmandu.