Conquer Nepal's most diverse trek! This 17 day epic combines the classic Annapurna Circuit with a dramatic detour to Tilicho Lake one of the world's highest lakes at 4,919m. Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m), explore Tibetan-influenced Manang villages, sacred Muktinath, and Mustang's desert landscapes. From subtropical forests to high-alpine terrain, then unwind exploring Kathmandu's UNESCO heritage sites before departure.
4 star accomodation, Standard Lodge at trekking areas
Start / end
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Overview
Trek through Nepal's most spectacularly diverse landscape on this legendary journey around the Annapurna massif. The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake combines the classic circuit's dramatic transition from subtropical forests to high-alpine desert with a demanding side excursion to Tilicho Lake one of the highest lakes in the world at 4,919m. Cross the formidable Thorong La Pass (5,416m), wander through ancient Tibetan-influenced villages in Manang and Mustang, and witness landscapes ranging from lush rice terraces to stark, wind-scoured plateaus reminiscent of the Tibetan plateau itself.
Highlights
Trek to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at 4,919m
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes on Earth
Experience Nepal's most diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to high-alpine desert
Explore Tibetan-influenced villages in Manang and the Mustang region
Visit sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists
Walk through Kagbeni's ancient walled village and the Kali Gandaki gorge
Take a scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara over the Annapurna range
Explore Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath, Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath & Boudhanath
Stay in authentic teahouse lodges throughout the high-Himalayan trekking route
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400mDriving3 star accomodation
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where your Evera representative welcomes you and transfers you to your Kathmandu hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the afternoon exploring Thamel's vibrant streets or resting ahead of your trek.
In the evening, join your trip briefing over a welcome dinner of authentic Nepali cuisine, where your guide reviews packing essentials, altitude acclimatization strategy, and the weeks of high-Himalayan trekking ahead.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Chame
2,670m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
Depart Kathmandu on a long, scenic drive along the Marsyangdi River valley, passing through Besisahar and into the Manang district. Watch the landscape shift from terraced lowland farms to steep, forested gorges as the road climbs toward Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
Day 3
Trek from Chame to Pisang
3,310m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
Begin trekking through pine and fir forests alongside the Marsyangdi River, passing apple orchards and traditional villages. As you approach Pisang, the landscape transforms dramatically into the dry, high-altitude terrain characteristic of the Annapurna rain shadow, with your first views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
Day 4
Trek from Pisang to Manang
3,540m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
Trek through the upper (higher, more scenic) route via Ghyaru and Ngawal, passing centuries-old monasteries and stone-walled villages with sweeping views of the Annapurna range. Descend into Manang, a major acclimatization hub known for its distinct Tibetan-influenced culture and dramatic backdrop of Gangapurna Glacier.
Day 5
Acclimatization Day in Manang
3,540mRest dayTeahouseB / L / D
Rest and acclimatize in Manang with an optional day hike to Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake viewpoint, both offering spectacular panoramas while aiding your body's adjustment to altitude. Attend an informative altitude sickness briefing at the local health post, a standard safety practice for treks crossing Thorong La.
Day 6
Trek to Shree Kharka (Khangsar)
4,080m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
Branch off the main circuit route toward Tilicho Lake, trekking through the village of Khangsar and into increasingly remote, high-desert terrain. The trail narrows as you approach the dramatic landslide zone below Tilicho, with views of Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna dominating the skyline.
Day 7
Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
4,150m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
Navigate the exposed, narrow trail across the famous landslide area one of the most thrilling and dramatic sections of the entire circuit before arriving at Tilicho Base Camp, set dramatically beneath towering rock walls and glaciers.
Day 8
Day Hike to Tilicho Lake
4,919m5 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
Set out before dawn for the steep climb to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), a vast turquoise glacial lake framed by towering peaks including Tilicho Peak and Nilgiri. Standing at the shore of one of the highest lakes on Earth is widely considered the emotional and visual highlight of this entire trek. Return to Tilicho Base Camp or continue onward toward Yak Kharka, depending on your acclimatization progress.
Day 9
Trek to Yak Kharka
4,050m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
Descend from the Tilicho region back toward the main Annapurna Circuit trail, trekking through high pastureland grazed by yaks and blue sheep, with the Chulu peaks rising to the east and Thorong La drawing closer on the horizon.
Day 10
Trek to Thorong Phedi/High Camp
4,925m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
A relatively short trekking day allows for extra rest and acclimatization ahead of the pass crossing. Reach Thorong Phedi or push on to High Camp, positioning yourself for the earliest possible start on the demanding day ahead.
Day 11
Cross Thorong La Pass & descend to Muktinath
5,416m6 hrs walkingTeahouseB / L / D
The defining day of the trek. Depart in pre-dawn darkness for the long, demanding climb to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the journey and one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Prayer flags mark the summit, framed by an extraordinary 360-degree Himalayan panorama. Descend into the Mustang region to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, home to the famous 108 water spouts and eternal flame temple.
Day 12
Drive to Jomsom
2,700m6 hrs drivingTeahouseB / L / D
Drive through Kagbeni, a walled medieval village marking the gateway to Upper Mustang, with striking red-rock cliffs and Tibetan-style architecture reminiscent of the Tibetan plateau. Continue to Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang region, along the windswept Kali Gandaki valley the world's deepest gorge.
Day 13
Fly to Pokhara
927m15 hrs walking3 star accomodationB
Board a short, scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Spend the afternoon relaxing beside Phewa Lake, a welcome contrast after days at extreme altitude.x
Day 14
Fly to Kathmandu
1,400m8 hrs walking3 star accomodationB / D
After breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu by scenic overland . Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, resting and reflecting on your Himalayan journey. Explore Kathmandu Valley's living heritage, beginning with Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), its golden spire and painted all-seeing eyes watching over the valley since ancient times. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Newari architecture and Nepal's former royal capital. Celebrate the completion of your journey with a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 15
Departure from Kathmandu
FlightB
After breakfast, your Evera representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Depart Nepal with memories of Tilicho Lake's turquoise waters, the triumph of crossing Thorong La, and the timeless heritage of Kathmandu Valley.
Includes
✓Airport pickup and drop-off.
✓All ground transfers and domestic flight (Jomsom–Pokhara- Kathmandu).
✓All meals during the trekking portion; daily breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara
✓English-speaking licensed trekking guide and porter service
✓All necessary trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS)
✓Kathmandu Valley UNESCO heritage sightseeing tour with licensed guide
✕Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara (except welcome and farewell dinners)
✕Personal trekking gear
✕Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, tips)
✕Optional activities not listed above
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek?
This is a challenging trek requiring good cardiovascular fitness and ideally prior high-altitude trekking experience. Daily walking ranges from 5–7 hours, with the Thorong La crossing day involving 8–10 hours at extreme altitude.
What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?
Thorong La Pass at 5,416m is the highest point of the journey, while the Tilicho Lake side trip reaches 4,919m — both requiring proper acclimatization and awareness of altitude sickness symptoms.
Is prior trekking experience necessary?
While not mandatory, prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended given the extreme altitude, long trekking days, and demanding pass crossing involved in this route.
What makes Tilicho Lake worth the detour from the main circuit?
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, offering a dramatic, less-crowded high-alpine glacial experience that most standard Annapurna Circuit itineraries skip entirely.
How many acclimatization days are built into the itinerary?
A dedicated acclimatization day is scheduled in Manang, with additional built-in rest days factored into the pacing toward Tilicho Base Camp and before the Thorong La crossing to reduce altitude sickness risk.
What permits are required?
Two permits are required: the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, both arranged for you and included in the trip cost.
What should I pack for extreme high-altitude trekking?
Essential items include a four-season sleeping bag, down jacket, layered thermal clothing, sturdy broken-in trekking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, and altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor before travel).
What happens if the Jomsom–Pokhara flight is delayed or cancelled?
Flight delays are common in this region due to weather. Our itinerary includes a buffer day in Kathmandu specifically to absorb potential delays without disrupting your onward international travel.
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Strenuous