Take an amazing 16-day trip to the Himalayas that includes the iconic Annapurna Circuit and an adventurous hike to Tilicho Lake (4,949m/16,236ft), one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. This long journey starts and ends in Kathmandu. It takes you through a wide range of scenery, from lush subtropical valleys and old-growth forests to high-altitude deserts and glacier basins. The journey reaches its highest point at Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 ft), where you can see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other nearby peaks in all their glory. The side trek to Tilicho Lake is a magnificent golden jewel set against the rugged beauty of the mountains.
Major Highlight
Thorong La Pass (5,416m/ 17,769ft): Climb one of the highest hiking passes in the world.
Tilicho Lake (4,949 m/16,236 ft): See the beautiful turquoise waters of this high-altitude glacier lake.
Cultural Immersion: Visit Hindu villages and communities that are impacted by Tibetan culture.
Natural Wonders: The hot springs at Tatopani and Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest canyon
Wildlife Encounters: Look for blue sheep and other animals that live at high altitudes.
Sacred Sites: Go to Muktinath Temple, which is important to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Mountain Views: The Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and many other peaks.
Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek—16 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is one of the best ways to explore the Himalayas in Nepal. It combines the classic circuit route with a thrilling climb to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), which is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. This long trip takes trekkers from Kathmandu through landscapes that change considerably. At Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu are very stunning. The journey is a great mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion. It takes you through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Annapurna Conservation Area, where you may meet people from different ethnic groups and see old holy sites.
The journey starts with a beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, which puts you right in the middle of the unique cultural tapestry of the Marsyangdi Valley. The route goes up progressively via settlements like Dharapani and Chame, where the terrain changes from subtropical trees to alpine areas. Every day gives a different view of the towering peaks, and the cultural environment changes from Hindu to Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This is seen in the many walls, chortens, and monasteries that line the road. A very important acclimatization day in Manang
lets hikers explore the old Barge Monastery and get ready for the higher altitudes ahead.
The longest but most rewarding part of the trek starts with the side trek to Tilicho Lake. To get there, you have to carefully navigate high mountains and glacial valleys to reach this beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by ice-covered peaks. The path goes past Yak Kharka and then back to the main track, where it leads to Thorong High Camp. This is where the early morning climb of Thorong La Pass begins. The trek's hardest physical difficulty is traversing this high mountain pass. After that, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayas before the steep drop
to Muktinath, a sacred location that both Hindus and Buddhists visit on pilgrimage.
The last part of the trip is down via the Kali Gandaki valley, which is the deepest valley in the world. It goes past traditional communities to the hot springs at Tatopani, which are good for your health. The path then climbs to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, where you may see one of the stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. Nepal's most famous sunrises across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. The trip ends with a beautiful drive to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu, completing a loop that shows off the best of Nepal's natural beauty, cultural variety, and mountain obstacles. Trekkers will remember this amazing Himalayan experience for the rest of their lives.
Reminder
For a smooth and stress-free start, we recommend arriving in Kathmandu by 4 PM the day before we leave. This gives you enough time for a final gear check, a trip briefing with your guide, and to ensure you have everything you need before heading out on the trek.
Online briefing
This online meeting serves as our first coffee before the trip! This online meeting is our chance to show you everything that will happen on the trip. We'll discuss what to bring and what each day will be like and answer any questions. After you book, we'll send you an email with a couple of times when we can talk. We'll set up the meeting after the booking process is completed. Also, our trek itinerary does not include your hotel stay in Kathmandu. So while in the online meeting, please let us know your preferences, budget, and standard of the hotel you would like to stay in in Kathmandu. We will arrange it for you accordingly.
Note to Hikers
Experience the Himalayas on your terms. We create personal, intimate treks for groups of two or more. Whether you select our Budget, Standard, or Luxury package, your adventure will be exclusively for you and your companions, ensuring a comfortable and personal journey from start to finish.