Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

The Annapurna Circuit runs around a large Himalayan massif and links the Marsyangdi valley with the Kali Gandaki valley. The modern programme begins with a transfer to Dharapani, because the lower section of the traditional route now follows a road. The walking part climbs gradually through Chame and Pisang to Manang, then branches off to Tilicho Lake and rejoins the main line towards the Thorong La pass.

The chief quality of the circuit is how quickly its natural and cultural zones change. Forested valleys and rivers give way to a dry high plateau, and the settlements of different districts show the influence of both Tibetan and Nepali tradition.

Tilicho Lake at 4,920 m is a separate out-and-back objective. The climb from base camp takes roughly three to four hours, and after the visit the group descends to Khangsar. The rocky slopes require the group to move compactly and to follow the guide’s instructions because of the risk of falling stones. Whether the outing goes ahead is decided by the weather and the state of the trail.

The Thorong La pass at 5,416 m is the high point and the longest day. The group leaves Thorong Phedi before dawn, climbs to the pass and then descends a long way to Muktinath. Acclimatisation in Manang, the night at Tilicho and the successive stages above 4,000 m prepare the body but do not rule out an altitude reaction. It is worth reading the guidance on preventing altitude sickness before the trip.

The route suits people of average to good physical condition who can walk for five to seven hours on several consecutive days. A horse and driver can sometimes be hired on individual sections, but the availability and the safety of that service are confirmed locally. It is not a way to skip acclimatisation and it does not guarantee that the pass will be crossed.

The price includes the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which spares the group a long road journey back. If you want a shorter route without a pass above 5,000 m, consider the Annapurna Base Camp trek. A Mountain Guide team leader accompanies groups of four participants or more; in a small group a Nepali guide works under the confirmed tariff.

Before a circuit route with a high pass it is useful to study the practical advice for a first trip to Nepal. It helps you understand lodge conditions and mountain logistics in advance, while individual preparation requirements are set by the guide.

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu.

Participants fly into Kathmandu independently. A team representative meets the group and arranges the transfer to a hotel in the Thamel district. After check-in there is an introduction to the guide, an equipment check and a briefing on the high-altitude stages. Dinner and rest in the evening. Night at the hotel.

Day 2. Road transfer from Kathmandu to Dharapani, 1,995 m.

The group travels by road to the start of the walking section. The modern road allows the group to drive beyond the traditional Besisahar and avoid spending a walking day on a low road section that gives no meaningful acclimatisation. On arrival participants settle in and prepare their day packs. Night at a lodge.

Day 3. Trek from Dharapani to Chame, 2,710 m.

In five to six hours the group passes through deciduous and coniferous forest, mountain villages and the river valley. The gradual gain in altitude helps everyone find a working rhythm without a sharp climb. In Chame participants rest and monitor how they feel before going above 3,000 m. Night at a lodge.

Day 4. Trek from Chame to Pisang, 3,300 m.

A stage of five to six hours crosses the river and passes through the Bhratang area, after which the trail climbs to Pisang. The terrain and the vegetation change gradually and views of Annapurna II and the neighbouring peaks appear. The day forms the next acclimatisation step. Night at a lodge.

Day 5. Trek from Pisang to Manang, 3,500 m.

In six to seven hours the group walks among high-altitude fields, forests and traditional settlements. Views of the Annapurna massif and Gangapurna accompany much of the route. On arrival in Manang participants stay for two nights, which allows preparation for going above 4,000 m. Night at a lodge.

Day 6. Acclimatisation in Manang.

The group stays at the same altitude and makes an acclimatisation walk chosen by the guide according to the weather and the condition of participants. Walks in the direction of Gangapurna Lake and visits to local monasteries are possible. The main task is adaptation, recovery and a readiness check before the route to Tilicho. Night at a lodge.

Day 7. Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp, about 4,200 m.

The route runs through Khangsar and Shree Kharka, then climbs to base camp. Manang to Khangsar takes about two hours, and Shree Kharka to the camp a further two to three hours. On the remote upper section living conditions are simpler and the cold and wind are more noticeable. A night at 4,200 m creates the altitude step before the early start for the lake. Night at a lodge.

Day 8. Tilicho Lake, 4,920 m, and descent to Khangsar.

The early climb to the lake takes roughly three to four hours across rocky slopes. On some sections there is a risk of falling stones, so the group moves on the guide’s instructions and does not linger in exposed places. After the stop at the lake participants descend to Khangsar, losing substantial altitude for recovery. Night at a lodge.

Day 9. Trek from Khangsar to Yak Kharka, 4,150 m.

In four to six hours the group returns to the main line of the circuit and gains about 400 m. Vegetation thins and high pastures appear. The stage returns participants to a steady gain in altitude before Thorong Phedi. Night at a lodge.

Day 10. Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, 4,600 m.

The stage takes about three to four hours and leads into high-altitude desert with rocky slopes. The group sleeps at Thorong Phedi rather than at high camp, which keeps living conditions more acceptable. After arrival participants rest and prepare warm clothing, head torches and water for the early start. Night at a lodge.

Day 11. Thorong La pass, 5,416 m, and descent to Muktinath, 3,800 m.

The start is before dawn. The group climbs steep and possibly snow-covered sections to the pass, then makes a long descent to Muktinath. This is the hardest day of the route: after the high point you must keep strength and attention for the descent. The guide may change the start time or turn a participant back on grounds of weather or condition. Night at a hotel.

Day 12. Road transfer from Muktinath to Pokhara.

Before departure, and if time allows, the group visits the sacred complex at Muktinath. Participants then travel by jeep along the mountain road through the Kali Gandaki valley to Pokhara. The transfer closes the active part and gives time to recover after the pass. Night at a hotel.

Day 13. Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

The group takes the included domestic flight and checks into a hotel in Kathmandu on arrival. How much free time there is depends on the schedule and any delay to the flight. An independent trip to Bhaktapur is possible only with a sufficient margin. Night at a hotel.

Day 14. End of the programme.

After breakfast there is a transfer to the international airport at the agreed time. Participants check in independently. The international ticket should be chosen with possible changes to the Pokhara – Kathmandu domestic flight in mind.

• A Mountain Guide team leader with groups of four participants or more
• A Nepali guide
• Meeting and seeing off at Kathmandu airport
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Kathmandu – two nights
• Accommodation in lodges and hotels according to the confirmed programme
• Group equipment – first aid kit and satellite navigator
• A duffel bag for personal belongings – provided on site
• The permits, authorisations and entry fees required for the confirmed route
• The transfer to the start of the trek at Dharapani
• The transfer Muktinath – Pokhara
• The domestic flight Pokhara – Kathmandu

• International flights to Kathmandu and back
• Entry visa where required for your nationality, payable separately at the current authority tariff
• Medical insurance covering trekking to at least 5,416 m, search and rescue and helicopter evacuation
• Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
• Meals during the trek – approximately $30–50 a day in the lodges
• A personal porter for participant baggage – $30 a day including transport. In a trekking group one porter may carry the belongings of two participants
• Horse and driver services
• Single occupancy
• Early check-in, late check-out and additional nights
• Tips for the local team
• Costs arising if you leave the programme early
• Additional costs caused by delays, weather or a forced change to the programme

Documents:

• Valid passport.
• Air tickets.
• Travel insurance.

Personal equipment:

• 30-50L backpack.
• Sleeping bag (comfort 0C).
• Ski/trekking poles.

Clothing and shoes:

• Wind- and waterproof layer – trousers and jacket. For example Gore-Tex.
• Fleece trousers and jacket.
• Thermal underwear layer – top and bottom.
• Dawn jacket.
• Thick gloves.
• Thin gloves.
• Neckerchief.
• Warm hat.
• Underwear, socks, etc.
• A few warm socks.
• Balaclava.
• Alligators.
• Trekking shoes.
• Trekking boots WELL impregnated in advance with a special waterproofing agent.

Travel Accessories:

• Headlamp.
• Power bank.
• Shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush.
• Raincoat.
• Rain cover for backpack.
• Protective sunglasses.
• Ski goggles.
• Vitamin tablets.
• Thermos (1 litre, preferably without a lid).
• Sun block SPF 50.
• Lip balm SPF 10-15.
• Personal medical kit.
• Extra pair of contact lenses or glasses.
• Knee support.
• Bath towel.
• Toilet paper (sold in loggias along the way).