Siri Kharka: Where the Tilicho Lake Detour Leaves the Circuit

Last updated 9 October 2026.

Siri Kharka is the high grazing shelf where the Tilicho Lake detour leaves the main Annapurna Circuit trail. It sits at 4,060 m, a day north-west of Manang, and on our Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, 16 days you sleep here twice: on day 7 going up and on day 9 coming back from the lake.

Short answer: Siri Kharka is at 4,060 m (13,320 ft). Manang to Siri Kharka takes 5 to 6 hours and covers about 12 km, with a climb of about 520 m. From here it is a further 5 to 6 hours and about 8 km to Tilicho Base Camp. On day 10 the trail rejoins the main circuit and goes to Ledar in 5 to 6 hours.

Siri Kharka at a glance

Where does Siri Kharka sit on our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho trek?

Here is the sequence. Day 6 is the rest day in Manang at 3,540 m. Day 7 is Siri Kharka. Day 8 is Tilicho Base Camp at 4,150 m. Day 9 is the lake at 4,919 m and the return to Siri Kharka. Day 10 is Ledar, and day 11 is Thorong High Camp. The 12-day Annapurna Circuit does not use Siri Kharka. For the lake itself, read my Tilicho Lake guide.

What is the walk from Manang to Siri Kharka like?

You leave Manang and branch off the main circuit trail, heading north-west toward the Tilicho valley. The path climbs through dry, wind-scoured country that feels almost Tibetan. Yak herds graze on sparse grass, and the Great Barrier wall of the Annapurna range rises to the south like a fortress. The trail is quieter than the main circuit, because most trekkers skip the Tilicho detour. It is a steady day of 5 to 6 hours and about 12 km.

What is Siri Kharka like to stay in?

Siri Kharka sits on an exposed shelf with views toward the Tilicho valley. The teahouse is basic but functional, and the cold at this altitude is real. That is all there is to say in honesty. You come for what is on either side of it. Budget means shared rooms, no meals included and no porter. Standard means private rooms, all trek meals and one porter for every two trekkers. Luxury means a private deluxe room, all meals plus fruit and nuts, and a dedicated porter for each trekker. Sleeping bags and down jackets, included with all tiers, are essential.

How does Siri Kharka help with acclimatisation?

This is the clever part of the route. You sleep at 4,060 m on day 7, only about 520 m above Manang, then at 4,150 m on day 8. The big day, up to the lake at 4,919 m, is a day trip, so you sleep back at Siri Kharka that night, nearly 860 m lower. Climb high and sleep lower is the pattern that gives your body time to adjust. When you rejoin the circuit and sleep at Ledar and then at High Camp, about 4,900 m, you have an advantage over trekkers who did not make the detour. Drink water, eat well and tell your guide how you feel. Buy travel insurance at home that covers up to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation.

What comes before and after Siri Kharka?

On day 10 the trail joins the main circuit at Yak Kharka and then goes to Ledar.

When is the best time to be in Siri Kharka?

October to November is the clearest and most reliable time, and March to April is the second season. December to February is very cold. Tilicho Lake is often partly frozen even in autumn. The detour is strenuous but needs no technical climbing. See my Annapurna Circuit best time guide for the detail, and October 2026 pass timing if your dates are close.

Questions people ask

How high is Siri Kharka? Our itinerary gives 4,060 m, which is 13,320 ft.

How far is Siri Kharka from Manang? About 12 km, a walk of 5 to 6 hours, with a climb of about 520 m.

Is Siri Kharka on the main Annapurna Circuit trail? No. It is on the Tilicho branch, which leaves the main trail after Manang. The main route goes through Yak Kharka and Ledar instead.

How many nights do you spend at Siri Kharka? Two on our 16-day trek: day 7 on the way up, and day 9 on the way back from Tilicho Lake.

Is Siri Kharka the same as Yak Kharka? No. They are different places. Siri Kharka is on the Tilicho branch. Yak Kharka is on the main trail, which we rejoin on day 10.

Do I need extra permits for the Tilicho branch? No. It is covered by the Annapurna Conservation Area permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners) and the TIMS card (NPR 2,000). We arrange both.

Is the detour worth the extra days? If you have the time, yes: it adds the lake and gives you better acclimatisation for the pass. If you are short of time, the 12-day circuit is the one to choose.

Group size is 2 to 20, and you can also trek solo. The deposit is 10 per cent and it is non-refundable, with no refund if you cancel. You can reschedule free of charge with at least 72 hours notice to any date within one year. The balance is paid on arrival in Kathmandu in USD or EUR, cash or by card. Card carries 3.5 per cent and cash in Kathmandu carries none. We do not take Nepali rupees from foreign clients.

How do you plan this with us?

Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your dates, how many of you there are and your dates and how much time you have. I will tell you which tier and which route I would choose, and send you the exact quote.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.