Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Complete trans-Himalayan crossover crossing the world-famous Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is one of the world's great high-altitude mountain journeys. Beginning in the lush pine and rhododendron forests of the Marsyangdi Valley, the route climbs through traditional Gurung, Manangi and Tibetan-influenced stone villages into the arid trans-Himalayan plateau of Manang. A dedicated side excursion ascends to the legendary turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake (4,919m) beneath the Great Barrier before the expedition tackles the ultimate 5,416m crossing of Thorong La pass, descending into the sacred multi-faith oasis of Muktinath and Lower Mustang.
The Journey & Landscape
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is one of the world's great high-altitude mountain journeys. Beginning in the lush pine and rhododendron forests of the Marsyangdi Valley, the route climbs through traditional Gurung, Manangi and Tibetan-influenced stone villages into the arid trans-Himalayan plateau of Manang. A dedicated side excursion ascends to the legendary turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake (4,919m) beneath the Great Barrier before the expedition tackles the ultimate 5,416m crossing of Thorong La pass, descending into the sacred multi-faith oasis of Muktinath and Lower Mustang.
Follow the Marsyangdi Valley into high Manang, climb toward the glacial turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake (4,919m), and cross the 5,416m Thorong La pass into the stark pilgrimage desert of Mustang.
All expedition members must practice strict Leave No Trace principles, respect local Himalayan spiritual customs, and protect pristine alpine water sources.
Expedition Highlights
Complete trans-Himalayan crossov...
Complete trans-Himalayan crossover crossing the world-famous Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft
Excursion to the legendary high-...
Excursion to the legendary high-altitude glacial basin of Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m / 16,138 ft
Spectacular 360° panoramas of An...
Spectacular 360° panoramas of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri
Explore the ancient Tibetan Budd...
Explore the ancient Tibetan Buddhist settlements of Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal and Manang
Dedicated acclimatisation day in...
Dedicated acclimatisation day in Manang (3,540m) with guide-selected viewpoint hikes
Descend into the sacred pilgrima...
Descend into the sacred pilgrimage sanctum of Muktinath Temple and wind-carved Kali Gandaki valley
Operated with licensed Nepal mou...
Operated with licensed Nepal mountain guides, strict 1:4 safety ratio, and twice-daily pulse oximetry
Route Map & Altitude Visualizer
Airport Transfer · Trek day
190–220 km drive · Trek day
16–19 km · Trek day
14–16 km · Trek day
18–22 km · Trek day
4–8 km hike + rest · Trek day
9–11 km · Trek day
7–9 km · Trek day
16–22 km · Trek day
11–13 km · Trek day
7–9 km · Trek day
15–20 km · Trek day
18–22 km · Trek day
Flight or Overland Transfer · Trek day
Airport Transfer · Trek day
Day-by-Day Trek Itinerary
15 Days / 14 Nights, arrival to departure in Kathmandu • Total Distance: Approximately 150–165 km, route-dependent • Max Elevation: Thorong La: ~5,416 m / 17,769 ft | Tilicho Lake: ~4,919 m / 16,138 ft
Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet the Peak Core India expedition team, verify physical passports for ACAP and TIMS permits, conduct final gear review, check cold-weather sleeping bags and down jackets, and complete the comprehensive route briefing.
Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar
Dharapani to Chame
Chame to Pisang
Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru & Ngawal
Acclimatisation in Manang
Manang to Siri Kharka
Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp
Tilicho Lake Excursion (4,919m) & Return to Siri Kharka
Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka / Ledar
Yak Kharka / Ledar to Thorong Phedi
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath
Muktinath to Jomsom via Lubra
Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu
Departure from Kathmandu
Safety & Contingency Protocols
Acclimatization & SpO2 Logs
Structured elevation ascent profiles with twice-daily resting pulse and blood oxygen saturation logs monitored by lead guides above 2,500m up to Thorong La: ~5,416 m / 17,769 ft | Tilicho Lake: ~4,919 m / 16,138 ft.
High-Altitude Medical Equipment
Every expedition carries certified portable medical oxygen cylinders, automated external diagnostics, trauma first-aid kits, and high-altitude emergency medication.
Emergency Evacuation Network
Direct satellite communication protocols with regional emergency heli-rescue operations and base operations for condition-led rapid evacuation contingency.
Mountain Ethics & Trail Conduct
Leave No Trace Standards
All non-biodegradable waste is packed out of the wilderness. Trekkers use bio-friendly toiletries and avoid single-use plastics along trails and campsites.
Sacred Alpine Water Ethics
Glacial tarns, rivers, and alpine lakes across the Kathmandu / Dharapani / Chame / Pisang / Manang / Siri Kharka / Tilicho Base Camp / Tilicho Lake / Yak Kharka / Thorong Phedi / Thorong La / Muktinath / Jomsom circuit are culturally revered. Entering or polluting water bodies is strictly forbidden.
Local Community Dignity
Always ask permission before photographing local residents or spiritual ceremonies. Support mountain communities with fair wages and mutual cultural respect.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Need to Know Details
Join the Next Departure
Bookings for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake are capped to ensure small team sizes, personalized safety, and zero environmental overcrowding.