Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake — 17 Days

Depart Kathmandu by private vehicle along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli then Marsyangdi river valleys west and north to Besisahar, the traditional circuit starting point. Arrive late afternoon. The 7–8 hour drive is scenic through midhill Nepal.

Begin trekking north along the Marsyangdi, crossing suspension bridges through rice paddies and passing through Khudi and Bhulbhule. Climb through terraced farmland to reach the Brahmin ridge village of Bahundanda with its first valley panoramas.

Trek north through Syange, descending to the Marsyangdi gorge and crossing into increasingly dramatic terrain. Jagat marks entry to the restricted Manang district. Continue through the narrow gorge to the riverside settlement of Chamje.

Trek through Tal (the flat lakeside settlement) and Karte, entering the broader Manang valley at Dharapani. Continue upvalley through Bagarchhap and Danaque — where traditional Tibetan-style flat-roofed architecture signals the transition to the high Himalayan cultural zone. Reach Chame, the district HQ, with its hot springs.

Trek past the dramatic 1,500 m curved rock face above Chame through dense pine forest. Reach Lower Pisang with the stunning Pisang Peak (6,091 m) pyramid ahead. Optional climb to Upper Pisang village for sweeping Manang valley views.

Wide open valley walking under the shadow of Annapurna II, III, and Gangapurna. Pass through Humde airstrip, Bhraka, and the ancient walled village of Ngawal before arriving in Manang — the cultural heart of the circuit with its monastery, rescue clinic, and bakeries.

Full rest day for acclimatisation. Hike to Gangapurna Lake viewpoint or Ice Lake (4,600 m) for acclimatisation. Attend the free altitude lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in the afternoon. Essential preparation for both the Tilicho Lake excursion and Thorong La crossing.

Trek west from Manang through Shree Kharka and across a steep and exposed traverse above the Marsyangdi gorge to reach Tilicho Base Camp. The trail is narrow in places with significant exposure — poles and careful footing essential. Base Camp tea houses are basic but well-positioned for the lake visit.

Early start for the steep 2.5-hour climb to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) — one of the highest lakes in the world, set in a vast glacial bowl surrounded by the Tilicho Massif and the Great Barrier. Return to base camp, then trek back to Manang via the same traverse. A demanding but extraordinarily rewarding day.

Trek through Tenki, Gunsang, and Yak Kharka (4,018 m) to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) and the final steep climb to Thorong High Camp. The altitude increases significantly; move slowly and drink water frequently.

Depart 3–4 am for the pre-dawn crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m — the highest point of the trek. Prayer flags and cairns mark the summit. Panoramic Himalayan views. Steep 4–5 hour descent through scree and yak pasture to the holy temple town of Muktinath, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Visit the sacred Muktinath temple complex in the morning — 108 water spouts and the eternal flame are spiritually significant for both faiths. Descend the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge (the world deepest by some measures) to Kagbeni, a medieval walled village at the entrance to Upper Mustang. The landscape is strikingly arid and Tibetan in character.

Trek downstream along the Kali Gandaki river through powerful morning headwinds. Jomsom is the administrative centre of Mustang district with an airport, good lodges, and the landmark Thakali architecture that characterises this valley.

Long descent south through the Kali Gandaki gorge, passing through Marpha (famous for apple orchards and brandy), Tukuche, Larjung, Kokhethanti, and Ghasa. The landscape transforms dramatically from arid Tibetan plateau to subtropical river valley. Tatopani (hot water) is named for its geothermal hot springs — a perfect end to the long descent.

Climb steeply from the Kali Gandaki back into rhododendron and oak forest, ascending from subtropical heat to cool highland air. Pass through Shikha and Phalate before reaching Ghorepani on the classic Poon Hill ridge, completing the full loop from the western to the southern Annapurna flanks.

Pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for the defining panorama of the entire circuit — Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre all in a single horizon. Return for breakfast then descend through Ulleri and Birethanti to Nayapul. Drive 1.5 hours to Pokhara.

Free morning at leisure in Pokhara — explore the lakeside, visit the International Mountain Museum or enjoy a final Himalayan view from Sarangkot. Transfer to Pokhara airport or tourist bus station for onward travel to Kathmandu.