All treksAnnapurna region

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

A complete Annapurna journey through changing valleys, Tilicho Lake, and the Thorong La crossing.

Duration

16 days

Difficulty

Challenging

Max altitude

5,416 m at Thorong La

Best months

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Route overview

This is the bigger version of the Annapurna Circuit. It adds the side journey to Tilicho Lake before crossing Thorong La, giving trekkers a strong mix of cultural villages, dry trans-Himalayan landscapes, and high-altitude drama.

Trail sequence

Besisahar

Chame

Pisang

Manang

Tilicho Base Camp

Tilicho Lake

Yak Kharka

Thorong La

Muktinath

Jomsom

Highlights

Tilicho Lake side trip from Manang

Thorong La pass crossing

Deep valley transitions from green foothills to arid highlands

Muktinath and Jomsom finish on the Kali Gandaki side

Preparation

Build up to 4-6 hour hikes with a loaded daypack

Practice steady uphill pacing and stair climbs

Carry tested layers, rain protection, and broken-in boots

Plan an acclimatization buffer around high-altitude days

Train for consecutive long days before the Thorong La crossing

Day-wise itinerary

Drive to Besisahar and trek approach

760 m

Meet the crew and enter the Marsyangdi valley.

Move toward Chame

2,670 m

Use jeep-supported access where needed and begin higher walking.

Chame to Upper Pisang

3,300 m

Walk through pine forest with Annapurna II views opening ahead.

Upper Pisang to Manang

3,540 m

Choose the higher scenic trail and enter the Manang valley.

Acclimatization in Manang

3,800 m

Hike above the village and prepare for the Tilicho extension.

Manang to Tilicho Base Camp

4,150 m

Traverse landslide zones carefully with the guide team.

Tilicho Lake visit and return

4,919 m

Start early for the lake and descend to sleep lower.

Tilicho side trail to Yak Kharka

4,050 m

Reconnect with the circuit and keep the day conservative.

Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp

4,880 m

Position for the pass with an early dinner and gear check.

Cross Thorong La to Muktinath

5,416 m

Cross before winds rise and descend to the sacred Muktinath area.

Muktinath to Jomsom

2,720 m

Walk or drive depending on conditions and finish the circuit side.

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