Authentic Tilicho Lake Trek and Annapurna Circuit – Off the Beaten Path

Annapurna Circuit Trek Where Every Step Tells a Story

Duration

15 days

Trip start

Kathmandu

Trip end

Pokhara

Altitude

5416

Group size

2-10

Difficulty

medium

Best season

Autumn, Spring

Price from

€980.00

The Tilicho Lake Trek and the Annapurna Circuit are among the most spectacular adventures in the Himalayas. Each day takes you through authentic mountain villages, breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, rushing rivers, sacred sites, and the magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, with Dhaulagiri rising to 8,167 metres.

From an altitude of around 3,000 metres, you begin to meet the people of the Himalayas. Their warm hospitality, rich traditions, and unique way of life make this journey a truly meaningful cultural experience.

One of the highlights of the trek is spending a night in a secluded monastery, where Buddhist nuns warmly welcome us and prepare a traditional meal that we share together. To reach the monastery, we cross a beautiful mountain village and an impressive suspension bridge, making this an authentic and unforgettable experience.

The journey also takes us through part of the Mustang region and to the famous Muktinath Temple (3,800 m), one of Nepal's most important pilgrimage sites. Most of the time, we follow quiet, less-travelled trails, far from the crowds, allowing us to fully enjoy the peace, the pristine nature, and the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.

More than just a trek, this is a genuine immersion into Nepalese culture and an extraordinary adventure that will remain in your memory forever.

Highlights

  1. Visit the spectacular Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) – One of the world's highest alpine lakes, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
  2. Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – Experience one of Nepal's highest and most iconic trekking passes with unforgettable panoramic views.
  3. Stay overnight in a peaceful Buddhist monastery – Share a traditional meal prepared by Buddhist nuns and enjoy a rare cultural experience away from the tourist crowds.
  4. Explore hidden Himalayan villages and local culture – Walk along quiet trails, meet the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities, and discover their traditions and warm hospitality.
  5. Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple and the Mustang region – Discover one of Nepal's most important pilgrimage sites while exploring the unique landscapes and culture of Lower Mustang.

detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Hotel

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax or begin exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Nepal's capital. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu and Trek Preparation (1,350 m)

Hotel Breakfast,

Today, we visit some of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa,  and Pashupatinath Temple. In the evening, we check your trekking equipment and hold a detailed briefing before the adventure begins. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Tal (1,700 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

A scenic drive by private vehicle or jeep takes us through lush valleys, terraced rice fields, and Himalayan rivers to Besisahar before continuing to the beautiful village of Tal, the starting point of our trek.

Driving: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 4: Tamrang Monastery (2,230 m)

Monastry Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 12 km | Walking: 5–6 hours | Elevation: +650 m / -120 m

Leaving the main Annapurna Circuit behind, we follow a peaceful trail to a hidden mountain village. After crossing a spectacular suspension bridge, we arrive at the secluded Tamrang Monastery. Welcomed by Buddhist nuns, we share a delicious traditional meal prepared with care.

Spending the night in this peaceful monastery is a rare cultural experience that few trekkers have the chance to enjoy.

Accommodation: Monastery

 

Day 5: Tamrang Monastery – Chame (2,670 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 15 km | Walking: 6–7 hours | Elevation: +650 m / -200 m

Today's trail winds through pine forests, charming villages, and beautiful mountain scenery. As we gain altitude, magnificent views of the Annapurna peaks become increasingly impressive before reaching Chame.

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 6: Chame – Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 13 km | Walking: 5–6 hours | Elevation: +700 m / -70 m

Enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and surrounding snow-capped peaks as we follow a peaceful trail to the traditional village of Upper Pisang.

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 7: Upper Pisang – Ngawal (3,660 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 11 km | Walking: 4 hours + 2 hours acclimatisation hike | Elevation: +750 m / -400 m We take the scenic high route overlooking the entire Manang Valley. After reaching Ngawal, we complete an acclimatisation hike to a cave and panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking Himalayan views. Accommodation: Lodge

Day 8: Ngawal – Manang – Khangsar (3,730 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 11 km | Walking: 4–5 hours | Elevation: +350 m / -250 m

Passing through Manang, we continue to the peaceful village of Khangsar, away from the busiest trekking routes. This shorter day allows your body to adapt comfortably to the increasing altitude.

Accommodation: Lodge

 

Day 9: Khangsar – Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 10 km | Walking: 5–6 hours | Elevation: +500 m / -80 m

Today's trail crosses dramatic alpine landscapes as we make our way to Tilicho Base Camp. Surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly wild and spectacular.

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 10: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) – Shree Kharka (4,080 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 16 km | Walking: 7–8 hours | Elevation: +800 m / -870 m An early morning departure brings us to the breathtaking Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest alpine lakes. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, this unforgettable destination is one of the highlights of the trek. After enjoying the incredible scenery, we descend to Shree Kharka. Accommodation: Lodge

Day 11: Shree Kharka – Ledar (4,200 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 8 km | Walking: 4–5 hours | Elevation: +300 m / -180 m

Following quiet mountain trails, we continue to Ledar while enjoying magnificent views of the Annapurna range in a peaceful alpine environment.

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 12: Ledar – High Camp (4,850 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 7 km | Walking: 3–4 hours | Elevation: +650 m / -20 m

A gradual climb brings us to High Camp, our final stop before crossing the famous Thorong La Pass. The afternoon is reserved for rest and preparation for tomorrow's challenging but rewarding ascent.

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 13: High Camp – Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – Muktinath (3,760 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 16 km | Walking: 8–9 hours | Elevation: +550 m / -1,650 m

Before sunrise, we begin the climb to the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek. Stunning panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Mustang region reward your efforts. We then descend to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Day 14: Muktinath – Lubra (2,790 m)

Lodge Breakfast,lunch, Dinner

Distance: 12 km | Walking: 5–6 hours | Elevation: +250 m / -960 m

After visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple, we leave the classic trekking route and walk to the peaceful village of Lubra. Here we explore an ancient Bön monastery, hidden caves, and a traditional Himalayan lifestyle that has changed little over the centuries. We spend the night with a local family, sharing a homemade meal and enjoying an authentic cultural experience.

Accommodation: Local Homestay

Day 15: Lubra – Jomsom – Pokhara (820 m)

hotel Breakfast,lunch

After breakfast, we drive from Lubra to Jomsom before continuing by road to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.

Depending on your travel plans, enjoy some free time relaxing after your Himalayan adventure. You may choose a yoga session, spa or massage, stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the International Mountain Museum, or browse local shops for souvenirs.

If you wish, you can continue your journey to Chitwan National Park or return to Kathmandu. We will be happy to help you organise the rest of your stay in Nepal according to your interests, schedule, and travel style.

Routemap

Inclusion

  • Airport welcome upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and all scheduled airport and ground transfers.
  • 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu (shared twin or double room) with breakfast.
  • 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Accommodation throughout the trek in carefully selected mountain lodges, including one unforgettable night in a Buddhist monastery and one night with a local family (homestay), as described in the itinerary.
  • Meals
  • Full-board during the trek, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, served in local lodges.
  • One complimentary tea or coffee with breakfast each trekking day.
  • Transportation
  • Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar.
  • Private jeep from Besisahar to Tal.
  • Private taxi from Lubra to Jomsom.
  • Local bus from Muktinath to Pokhara.
  • Trekking Services
  • An experienced English- or French-speaking licensed Nepalese trekking guide throughout the journey.
  • One porter for every two trekkers, carrying up to 10 kg per person (20 kg maximum per porter).
  • All guide and porter expenses, including salary, accommodation, meals, insurance and equipment.
  • Permits
  • All required trekking permits and conservation area fees, including:
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Exclusion

  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Drinks other than one tea or coffee served with breakfast during the trek.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages and any other personal refreshments.
  • Travel Expenses
  • Nepal entry visa.
  • Entrance fees to cultural and heritage sites visited in Kathmandu.
  • Personal transportation within Kathmandu outside the itinerary.
  • Insurance
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Personal Expenses
  • Snacks and personal purchases.
  • Any other expenses of a personal nature.
  • Tips
  • Gratuities for your guide and porter, which are entirely at your discretion but are greatly appreciated.
  • Exclusions
  • Any services, activities or expenses not specifically listed under "What's Included."
Authentic Tilicho Lake Trek and Annapurna Circuit – Off the Beaten Path
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Upcoming Departures

Book your spot on a scheduled group departure

Sep 24 → Oct 07 2026
Seats available 2
Status Available
Price per person €980
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traveler reviews

5.0

Based on 1 reviews

FP

Fabiola Poulain

Amazing trek in the Annapurnas in April 2025 with Man Kumar, who was a fantastic French-speaking guide. He knows the region extremely well and taught us a great deal about the local cultures, among other things. He was very attentive and adapted the itinerary to our needs. We highly recommend him!