Overview
Tilicho lake With Thorang-LA Pass(19 Days)
Trip Overview
The Tilicho Lake with Thorong-La Pass Trek is a stunning variation of the classic Annapurna Circuit that takes you deep into the Manang region before ascending to the shimmering turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake — the highest glacial lake in the world. This trek blends breathtaking alpine scenery with culturally rich Himalayan villages and culminates in the thrilling ascent of Thorong-La Pass (5,416m).
The trek begins in the lush lower valley of Chamje and follows the Marsyangdi River through pine forests, waterfalls, and terraced fields to Manang, a beautiful mountain village at 3,540m. From there, you head off the main trail towards Tilicho Base Camp and the serene Tilicho Lake. After returning to Yak Kharka, you reconnect with the main route and ascend to Thorong Phedi in preparation for crossing Thorong-La Pass — one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
The descent takes you to Muktinath, a sacred spiritual center for pilgrims, and then to the windswept valley of Kagbeni and Jomsom. After a scenic mountain flight to Pokhara, the trek concludes in the lakeside city before returning to Kathmandu.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — one of the highest lakes in the world
- Cross the challenging Thorong-La Pass (5,416m), a legendary Himalayan high pass
- Spectacular views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak
- Cultural encounters with Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists
- Stunning variation in landscapes: lush forests, arid valleys, icy peaks, and glacial lakes
- Optional visit to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake for acclimatization
- Explore the medieval villages of Manang, Kagbeni, and Jomsom
- Comfortable stays at traditional teahouses and mountain lodges
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team from Summit Travels will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. In the evening, there will be a trip briefing by your trek leader, followed by a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
After an early breakfast, begin your journey westward along the scenic Prithvi Highway. Passing through lush hills, small towns, and riverside villages, the drive takes you to Besisahar, the gateway of the Annapurna region. From Besisahar, continue on a rough road to Chamje, the starting point of the trek.
Overnight: Teahouse in Chamje
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your trek along the Marsyangdi River, ascending through forests and crossing several suspension bridges. Pass by waterfalls and stone steps to reach the traditional village of Tal, then continue through terraced fields and pine woods until you arrive at Dharapani, a bustling village that marks the entrance to the Manang district.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, the trail climbs gradually through beautiful forests of fir and oak. You’ll pass through the villages of Bagarchhap, Danaque, and Timang, enjoying great views of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. The trek then winds along the riverbank until you reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail passes through a deep gorge and ascends gradually through pine forests, revealing panoramic views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and the Paungda Danda rock face. As you reach Upper Pisang, you are rewarded with dramatic Himalayan scenery and the Tibetan-style village layout.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take the upper scenic route through Ghyaru and Ngawal, which offers spectacular views and cultural insights. Visit ancient monasteries and enjoy aerial views of the valley below. Arrive in Manang, a popular acclimatization stop nestled among mountains.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring the area to help your body adjust to the altitude. You can take optional side hikes to Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), or visit the local monastery and cultural museum. This rest day is crucial for successful acclimatization.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the main Annapurna trail, head towards Tilicho Valley, with stunning views of Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna. The path passes through alpine terrain with few trees and crosses landslide-prone zones cautiously before reaching Siri Kharka.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trail is narrow and carved into steep cliffs, requiring careful footing. After passing landslide areas and rocky outcrops, you’ll arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, where you’ll rest in preparation for the next day’s visit to the lake.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start early to hike to Tilicho Lake, a sacred and breathtaking alpine lake considered the highest in the world. Enjoy the surreal beauty of the turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After spending time at the lake, descend back to Siri Kharka.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Yak Kharka, passing through meadows, alpine shrubs, and yaks grazing in the wild. It’s a peaceful day of trekking with fewer ascents.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short trek leads you to Thorong Phedi, the last settlement before crossing Thorong-La Pass. Rest well and prepare for tomorrow’s challenging ascent.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start early (around 4 AM) to climb up to Thorong-La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The effort is rewarded with a sense of achievement and panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Tukuche. Descend steeply to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend to the windswept village of Kagbeni, located at the gateway to Upper Mustang. Explore the medieval alleys and ancient monastery with views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek is short and scenic along the Kali Gandaki riverbed. Reach Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district. You can relax, enjoy apple pie, and explore the local markets.
Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take an early morning scenic flight through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Pokhara. Spend the rest of the day relaxing around Phewa Lake, enjoying cafes, or optional sightseeing.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Return to Kathmandu via tourist bus or short domestic flight. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
A spare day in case of weather-related delays. You can visit Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, or go shopping for souvenirs in Thamel.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Our representative will assist with your departure and bid you a warm farewell.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
Cost Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (3-star category, twin-sharing with breakfast)
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara (3-star, twin-sharing with breakfast)
- Kathmandu to Chamje transfer by private/public vehicle
- Jomsom to Pokhara flight
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee) during trek
- Teahouse/lodge accommodations during the trek
- Experienced licensed trekking guide and porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- All wages, insurance, meals, and accommodation for staff
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- First aid medical kit and water purification tablets
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (returnable)
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All government taxes and service charges
Cost Excluded
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel insurance (must include high altitude coverage and helicopter evacuation)
- Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, drinks, internet, charging devices, etc.)
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Any additional cost due to flight cancellation, landslide, strike, political disturbance, etc.
- Extra services not mentioned in the "Cost Includes" section
FAQs
This trek is considered moderate to challenging. It includes high-altitude trekking above 5,000 meters, long hiking days, and technical sections near Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong-La Pass. Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are highly recommended.
The best seasons are:
- Spring (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, stable weather.
- Autumn (September to November): Excellent visibility, mild temperatures, and fewer landslides.
Avoid monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February) due to landslides and snow blockages.
Tilicho Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters, making it one of the highest lakes in the world.
Thorong-La Pass is the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters (17,769 ft).
Proper acclimatization is essential.
While solo trekking was previously allowed, a licensed guide is now mandatory for safety reasons, especially on the Tilicho stretch. Hiring a porter is optional but highly recommended to reduce physical strain.
You’ll need the following permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Summit Travels will arrange all permits on your behalf.
You will stay in locally run teahouses (basic lodges) throughout the trek. Rooms are typically twin-sharing with shared toilets. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels.
During the trek, three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided at the teahouses. Meals are typically Nepali, Tibetan, or basic Western dishes like dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, pasta, and soup. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, breakfast is included.
Yes, due to high elevations (especially above 3,000m), Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk. The itinerary includes acclimatization days and gradual ascents to minimize this risk. Your guide is trained to handle altitude-related symptoms.
Boiled or filtered water is available at most teahouses. We recommend carrying water purification tablets or a LifeStraw. Bottled water is available but discouraged due to environmental concerns.
