Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek
Trek to a 4,919m glacial lake and cross one of the world's highest trekking passes on a single 17-day route.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek — What to Expect
Tilicho Lake at 4,919m and Thorong La Pass at 5,416m on one route
Reaching 4,919m at Tilicho three days before the pass gives your body a real advantage
Government-licensed guides who know the landslide section and the pass conditions firsthand
20-minute scenic flight between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri instead of two days on the road
This 17-day route combines two Annapurna objectives into one trip. You follow the classic circuit from Chame through Manang, divert west to Tilicho Lake at 4,919m, then cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416m before flying out of Jomsom. Most days are 5 to 6 hours on moderate terrain with two very demanding days at altitude.
Day 10 is the lake push: pre-dawn start, 800m climb through rocky terrain and the notorious landslide traverse, then the turquoise water of Tilicho Lake appearing below the ridge. Day 13 is the pass: 4:00am departure, 5 hours to 5,416m, then 1,700m descent into Mustang. Having already reached 4,919m three days earlier, your body is well prepared. Prior trekking experience at altitude is strongly recommended.
Your MountainKick guide knows the landslide section, the pass conditions, and every teahouse from Chame to Jomsom. No outsourcing, no subcontracting. The guide makes the call each morning.
Trail highlights:
- Tilicho Lake at 4,919m: one of the highest alpine lakes in the world, 4km long, encircled by Tilicho Peak (7,134m)
- The landslide traverse between Shree Kharka and Base Camp: the most technically demanding and memorable section on the route
- Thorong La at 5,416m: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Mustang plateau in every direction
- Braga Monastery: 900 years old, bronze statues and ancient thangkas still intact
- Muktinath Temple: 108 water spouts and an eternal natural gas flame at 3,710m
- Kagbeni: medieval mud-brick village on the edge of restricted Upper Mustang
For a full comparison of Annapurna routes read our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at arrivals and transfers you to the hotel in Thamel. That evening we hold a pre-trip briefing covering the full route, the Tilicho approach, acclimatisation strategy, and what to expect on the two big altitude days. Bring your passport for permit paperwork. Thamel’s gear shops are open late if you need anything last-minute.
Drive to Besisahar
The tourist bus departs Gongabu Bus Park at around 7am, following the Prithvi Highway northwest along the Trishuli River. The 175km drive takes 7 to 8 hours with stops at Naubise and Muglin. The road narrows from Dumre and gets rougher as you approach Besisahar. First views of the Annapurna range appear as you near town.
Drive to Chame
A private jeep takes over from the bus. The 66km road from Besisahar to Chame is entirely off-road, following the Marsyangdi River through deep gorges, past waterfalls and cliff-edge villages including Jagat, Tal, and Dharapani. Expect 4 to 5 hours of bumpy riding. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang and a good place to stock up on snacks and supplies. There is a natural hot spring in town.
Trek to Upper Pisang
The first full day on foot follows the Marsyangdi River through dense pine forest before opening into a wider alpine valley. The trail passes Bhratang, a small village with apple orchards, and the curved rock face of Paungda Danda rising over 1,500m from the river. From Lower Pisang a short steep climb leads to Upper Pisang, with the first direct views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru
Take the high route without hesitation. A steep switchback climb from Upper Pisang reaches Ghyaru at 3,730m, perched on a cliff edge with Annapurna II, III, and IV filling the horizon. The landscape shifts noticeably here — drier, more open, juniper scrub replacing pine forest. You are entering the rain shadow behind the Himalayan barrier. Ngawal is a quieter, more traditional stop than Manang.
Trek to Manang via Braga
A shorter day with a gentle descent from Ngawal through wind-sculpted rocks and stunted pines. Stop at Braga before Manang to visit its 900-year-old monastery, one of the oldest in the Manang district, housing ancient thangkas and bronze statues. Manang has good teahouses, bakeries, a cinema, and the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic. Afternoon is free to rest and explore.
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Do not rest completely. Active acclimatisation is far more effective than staying in bed. Hike to Gangapurna Lake at 3,900m for a short morning option, or push to Ice Lake at 4,600m for serious preparation before the Tilicho approach. Both return to Manang for the night. In the afternoon attend the free altitude sickness lecture at the HRA clinic — it covers AMS symptoms, the landslide section, and Thorong La conditions.
Trek to Shree Kharka
Leave the main circuit trail at Manang’s western gate, cross the river and follow the Jarsang Khola valley through sparse juniper and conifer forest. Khangsar is the last inhabited village before the Tilicho approach, a Tibetan settlement with flat-roofed stone houses and a monastery. From here the landscape opens into high alpine terrain. Shree Kharka sits in full view of Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III.
Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
A shorter day in distance but not in intensity. After Shree Kharka the trail reaches the landslide zone — roughly 1km of narrow, loose scree with significant drop-off on one side and active rockfall from above. Cross early, move steadily, keep poles in hand. Beyond it the landscape is completely barren and lunar, unlike anything on the route so far. Base Camp sits directly below Tilicho Peak. Set an alarm.
Tilicho Lake and Return to Shree Kharka
Alarm at 4:30am. The 800m climb from Base Camp takes 3 to 4 hours on steep, rocky terrain. Cross the landslide section again before first light while the ground is firm. As you crest the final ridge, Tilicho Lake appears below — 4km of turquoise water encircled by Tilicho Peak, permanent snow and total silence. No settlements. No noise. Spend time at the shore then descend to Base Camp for lunch and continue to Shree Kharka before afternoon winds build.
Trek to Yak Kharka
Descend from Shree Kharka back through Khangsar, pass the ruins of old upper Khangsar and a thousand-year-old monastery, then cross the Thorong Khola on a wooden bridge to rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit. The trail climbs gradually through open yak pasture. After two demanding days at altitude this is a welcome recovery day. Blue sheep are commonly spotted on the rocky slopes above the trail.
Trek to Thorong Phedi / High Camp
A deliberately short day. The trail climbs through completely open, barren terrain with the pass looming above. Most trekkers push the extra 400m to High Camp at 4,850m to reduce tomorrow’s elevation gain. Facilities are basic and cold at both stops. Eat a full meal, drink at least 3 litres of water, and sleep by 8pm. Your guide will confirm the departure time based on conditions.
Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Depart at 4am with headlamp, full cold-weather layers, and at least 2 litres of water. The 5 to 6 hour climb to Thorong La at 5,416m is relentless but steady. Prayer flags and a small teahouse mark the summit. Having reached 4,919m at Tilicho Lake three days earlier your body is genuinely prepared for this. The descent is 1,700m into the arid Mustang plateau. Muktinath temple with its 108 water spouts and eternal natural gas flame marks the end of the crossing.
Trek to Jomsom
Start early. The Kali Gandaki valley funnels a powerful afternoon wind that makes the final stretch to Jomsom miserable if you leave late. The trail passes through Jharkot, a fortress village on the ridge, then drops to Kagbeni, the medieval mud-brick gateway to restricted Upper Mustang with a red monastery dating to the 13th century. From Kagbeni the route follows the Kali Gandaki river south to Jomsom.
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
The 20-minute flight passes between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri at close range before landing in Pokhara by mid-morning. Flights depart early and are weather-dependent — occasional cancellations happen, with an 8-hour jeep ride as the alternative. Check into your lakeside hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Phewa Lake is a 10-minute walk. The afternoon is yours after 13 days on the trail.
Drive to Kathmandu, Farewell Dinner
The tourist bus follows the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu, 200km in 7 to 8 hours with stops at Muglin and Naubise. Arrive by early evening. That night your guide takes you to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner of dal bhat, momos, and traditional Nepali dishes. A good moment to let 15 days of mountains sink in.
Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to the airport timed to your flight. Luggage stored with us during the trek can be collected before you head out. If you have time before departure, Boudhanath is 20 minutes by taxi and worth a final morning visit.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport transfers in Kathmandu Private vehicle, arrival and departure
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3-star hotel in Kathmandu 2 nights, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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3-star hotel in Pokhara 1 night, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation on trek 13 nights, twin-sharing throughout
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Tourist bus Kathmandu to Besisahar Departs Gongabu Bus Park
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Jeep Besisahar to Chame Off-road 4WD, 4 to 5 hours
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Jomsom to Pokhara flight 20-min scenic flight
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Tourist bus Pokhara to Kathmandu Return journey Day 16
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Government-licensed trekking guide NTB-certified, English speaking, full trek
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Porter service 1 porter per 2 trekkers, 20kg load limit
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All staff costs Salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Required entry permit for the Annapurna region
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TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by guide throughout the trek
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal with your guide
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Duffel bag Yours to keep as a souvenir
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa fee 15 days $30 / 30 days $50 / 90 days $125, available on arrival
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Travel insurance Mandatory. Must cover helicopter evacuation to at least 5,500m
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All meals on trek Budget $30 to $40 per day. Teahouses serve breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Except the farewell dinner
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Personal trekking gear Sleeping bag, trekking poles. Rentable in Kathmandu or Pokhara
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Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging Small charge at teahouses, typically $2 to $5 each
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Guide and porter tips Customary. Roughly 10-15% of the trip price
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Jomsom flight cancellation Jeep alternative
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Personal expenses Snacks, bottled water, laundry, souvenirs
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details — At No Extra Cost
Where You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
Three distinct tiers on this trek. Kathmandu and Pokhara are 3-star hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast included. From Chame to Manang, teahouses are well-established with twin rooms, shared bathrooms, and solar hot water. Manang itself has some of the best facilities on the entire Annapurna Circuit, including bakeries and warm dining halls with wood stoves. Above Manang, at Shree Kharka, Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, and High Camp, facilities are minimal. Rooms are unheated with thin walls, shared squat toilets, and no reliable electricity. Bring a sleeping bag rated to -10°C. Single rooms are available on request in lower villages but not guaranteed above Manang.
- Kathmandu and Pokhara: 3-star hotel, private bathroom, breakfast included
- Chame to Manang: teahouses, shared bathroom, solar hot shower at extra cost
- Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp: very basic, unheated rooms, squat toilets, no electricity
- High Camp and Thorong Phedi: minimal facilities, cold nights, bring all your layers to bed
- Jomsom and Muktinath: better teahouses on descent, some with attached bathrooms
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C is non-negotiable on this route
Teahouse menus follow the same pattern from Chame to Jomsom: dal bhat, garlic soup, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, momos, eggs, pancakes, and ginger tea. Dal bhat is always the safest and most nutritious option, cooked fresh with unlimited refills, available everywhere. Do not eat meat above Manang. The conservation area prohibits butchering and most teahouses above that point have no refrigeration. Vegetarian food is available at every stop. In Jomsom and Muktinath expect Thakali cuisine, buckwheat pancakes, mutton dishes, and apple products from the Mustang orchards. Prices increase significantly with altitude. Tilicho Base Camp and High Camp charge the most as everything is porter-carried. Wi-Fi and mobile signal become unreliable above Manang. Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals and drinks on trail.
| Meals on trail | $30 to $40 / day |
| Meals at Tilicho Base Camp and High Camp | $40 to $50 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi (Chame to Manang only) | $2 to $3 |
| Battery charging per device | $2 to $3 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $3 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“Tilicho Lake was incredible”
Kumar was a brilliant guide throughout. The walk to Tilicho Lake was one of the most beautiful parts of the whole trip, and the scenery kept changing as we climbed. Thorong La was a tough day, but Kumar kept us at a good pace and made sure everyone was doing…
“Challenging but absolutely worth it”
We travelled as a small group and had a great experience with Gopal -- calm, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the route. Tilicho Lake was a real highlight, but crossing Thorong La is when the sense of achievement really hit. MountainKick organized everything smoothly and we felt well looked after…
“An amazing mountain adventure”
Jeevan made the long days feel much easier. We really enjoyed the variety of the trek -- from the lower villages and green valleys to the high mountain landscape around Tilicho and Thorong La. The early morning walk toward the pass was hard work, but reaching the top was unforgettable.
“Two incredible highlights in one trek”
Hari was fantastic with our group of friends -- he knew the trail well and was constantly checking that everyone was comfortable. Tilicho Lake was spectacular, and the views from Thorong La were just as impressive. It was a demanding trek, but the route gave us something new almost every…
“A memorable trek in the Annapurna region”
Ramesh looked after us really well from the start -- friendly and easygoing, but he took the higher sections seriously and made sure we were properly prepared. The combination of Tilicho Lake and Thorong La made this a genuinely rewarding trip. We came back tired, but very happy we chose…
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek?
This trek is rated Hard (Level 4 on our scale). You sleep at 4,850m the night before Thorong La and cross at 5,416m the following morning. The Tilicho Lake approach involves a narrow, exposed landslide traverse and an 800m pre-dawn climb to 4,919m. Daily walking averages 5 to 8 hours, with two days exceeding 8 hours. No technical climbing skills are required but prior trekking experience at altitude is strongly recommended. If you have never trekked above 3,500m before, we recommend doing the Annapurna Base Camp or Gokyo Valley trek first. See our full trek difficulty guide for context.
Do I need prior trekking experience for this trek?
Yes. This is not a beginner trek. You need to be comfortable hiking 6 to 8 hours per day on rocky, uneven terrain, have some prior experience at altitude above 3,000m, and be fit enough to push through fatigue on the two hardest days. Fit beginners with good preparation have completed this route, but we recommend at least one previous multi-day trek in your history. If you have completed the Poon Hill or Mardi Himal treks and handled them well, you are physically in the right territory.
How should I prepare physically for this trek?
Start training at least 8 to 10 weeks before departure. Focus on cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and loaded hiking. Run or cycle 4 to 5 times a week. Do long hikes of 4 to 6 hours on consecutive days carrying a 5 to 6kg pack. Stair climbing and incline treadmill work are useful if you have no local hills. The key preparation area is sustained uphill effort — the Thorong La climb gains 570m over 5 to 6 hours at altitude. Your body should be used to sustained effort before you arrive.
What is the best time to do this trek?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two reliable windows. Autumn has the clearest skies and best mountain visibility after the monsoon. Spring is slightly warmer with rhododendrons in bloom on the lower sections. October and November are the most popular months. Avoid winter (December to February) when Thorong La and the Tilicho approach can be buried in snow and most teahouses above Manang close. Avoid monsoon (June to August) when the landslide section becomes genuinely dangerous and trail conditions deteriorate significantly.
What is the risk of altitude sickness on this trek?
Altitude sickness is a real risk on this route. You sleep at 4,850m at High Camp, reach 4,919m at Tilicho Lake, and cross 5,416m at Thorong La. The itinerary is designed to manage this gradually with an acclimatisation day in Manang and the Tilicho approach acting as a natural altitude primer before the pass. Our guides carry oximeters and monitor oxygen saturation daily from Manang onward. If your readings drop significantly, we descend. No schedule is worth risking HACE or HAPE. Speak to your doctor about Diamox before you travel. Read our full altitude sickness guide for a detailed breakdown of symptoms and prevention.
What is the landslide section and how dangerous is it?
The landslide zone sits between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp and is approximately 1km long. The trail is narrow, cut into loose scree on a steep slope, with active rockfall from above. You cross it on both Day 9 and Day 10. It is not technical but it demands full attention, no headphones, and good footwear. We cross early in the morning when the ground is frozen and rockfall is minimal. Afternoon crossings when the sun warms the slope are significantly more dangerous. Your guide manages the timing. Do not rush this section.
What permits do I need and are they included?
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at $30 USD and the TIMS card at $20 USD. Both are included in your MountainKick package price. We handle all paperwork before you leave Kathmandu. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos to the pre-trip briefing. Permits are checked at multiple checkpoints including Besisahar, Chame, Manang, and Jomsom. Carry your originals at all times. For full 2026 permit details read our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Is a licensed guide mandatory on this route?
Yes. Since April 2023 Nepal requires all foreign trekkers on designated routes including the Annapurna region to trek with a licensed guide. Beyond the legal requirement, this route genuinely needs one. The landslide section, the pre-dawn Thorong La crossing, the Tilicho Base Camp approach in poor weather, and the teahouse network above Manang all require local knowledge that no map or guidebook replaces. Your MountainKick guide has crossed Thorong La and reached Tilicho Lake many times. That experience is the most practical safety measure on this trek.
What is the Jomsom to Pokhara flight like and what if it gets cancelled?
The Tara Air or Summit Air flight takes 20 minutes and passes directly between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri at close range. Flights depart early morning before the Kali Gandaki valley winds build. Weather cancellations happen, particularly in spring and autumn when afternoon clouds roll in. If your flight is cancelled the alternative is a private jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara, which takes 7 to 9 hours on a rough road. We always build buffer days into the itinerary for this reason. Travel insurance is essential.
What should I budget beyond the package price?
Budget for: international flights, Nepal visa (15-day $30 / 30-day $50 / 90-day $125), travel insurance, all meals on trek ($30 to $40 per day, higher at Base Camp and High Camp), hot showers and Wi-Fi ($3 to $5 each), guide tips ($8 to $12 per day) and porter tips ($5 to $8 per day), and any personal gear you need to buy or rent in Kathmandu. Most trekkers spend an additional $500 to $650 on top of the $973 package price.
What travel insurance do I need?
Your policy must cover emergency helicopter evacuation to at least 5,500m. This route reaches 5,416m at Thorong La. A helicopter evacuation from the pass area without insurance can cost $4,000 to $6,000. Make sure your policy also covers trip cancellation, medical treatment, and altitude-related illness. Carry a printed copy of your policy and your emergency contact number throughout the trek. Do not assume your standard travel policy covers high-altitude trekking — check the fine print. Read our travel insurance guide for what to look for.
How does this trek compare to the standard Annapurna Circuit?
The standard Annapurna Circuit skips Tilicho Lake and follows the main trail from Manang directly to Thorong Phedi. This trek adds the Tilicho Lake detour, which means three extra days, a separate landslide traverse, sleeping at Tilicho Base Camp, and an 800m pre-dawn push to 4,919m before rejoining the circuit. The payoff is reaching one of the highest alpine lakes in the world and arriving at Thorong La better acclimatised than trekkers who came straight up from Manang. It is a harder route but a significantly richer one. Our Annapurna region comparison guide breaks down all route options in detail.
Departure Dates & Pricing
| Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Status | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEPTEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 11 Sep 2026 17 days | 27 Sep 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 18 Sep 2026 17 days | 4 Oct 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 25 Sep 2026 17 days | 11 Oct 2026 | available | $973 | |
| OCTOBER 2026 | ||||
| 2 Oct 2026 17 days | 18 Oct 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 9 Oct 2026 17 days | 25 Oct 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 16 Oct 2026 17 days | 1 Nov 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 23 Oct 2026 17 days | 8 Nov 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 30 Oct 2026 17 days | 15 Nov 2026 | available | $973 | |
| NOVEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 6 Nov 2026 17 days | 22 Nov 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 13 Nov 2026 17 days | 29 Nov 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 20 Nov 2026 17 days | 6 Dec 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 27 Nov 2026 17 days | 13 Dec 2026 | available | $973 | |
| DECEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Dec 2026 17 days | 20 Dec 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 11 Dec 2026 17 days | 27 Dec 2026 | available | $973 | |
| 18 Dec 2026 17 days | 3 Jan 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 25 Dec 2026 17 days | 10 Jan 2027 | available | $973 | |
| MARCH 2027 | ||||
| 2 Mar 2027 17 days | 18 Mar 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 9 Mar 2027 17 days | 25 Mar 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 16 Mar 2027 17 days | 1 Apr 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 23 Mar 2027 17 days | 8 Apr 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 30 Mar 2027 17 days | 15 Apr 2027 | available | $973 | |
| APRIL 2027 | ||||
| 6 Apr 2027 17 days | 22 Apr 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 13 Apr 2027 17 days | 29 Apr 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 20 Apr 2027 17 days | 6 May 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 27 Apr 2027 17 days | 13 May 2027 | available | $973 | |
| MAY 2027 | ||||
| 4 May 2027 17 days | 20 May 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 11 May 2027 17 days | 27 May 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 18 May 2027 17 days | 3 Jun 2027 | available | $973 | |
| 25 May 2027 17 days | 10 Jun 2027 | available | $973 | |
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20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
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80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
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Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1376 |
| 2-3 | $973 |
| 4-7 | $860 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message us directly on WhatsApp — we'll confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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Packing List
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof hiking boots, high-ankle | 1 pair | Must be well broken in. New boots cause blisters on day 2. |
| Hiking socks, merino wool | 4 | Avoid cotton. Merino regulates temperature and resists odour. |
| Camp sandals or flip flops | 1 pair | For teahouses after long days. Your feet will thank you. |
| Waterproof gaiters, light | 1 pair | For the loose scree and landslide section between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal tops, synthetic or merino | 2 | Wear one, keep one dry. Never cotton. |
| Thermal bottoms | 1 | Sleep in one set, trek in the other. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 | Main mid-layer for daytime trekking. |
| Down jacket, 700 fill or higher | 1 | Essential above Manang. Worn every evening from Shree Kharka onward. Rentable in Kathmandu or Pokhara. |
| Waterproof jacket, Gore-Tex or similar | 1 | Must have a hood. Used daily above Chame. |
| Waterproof pants | 1 | Doubles as wind protection above Manang. |
| Trekking pants, quick-dry | 2 pairs | Quick-dry only. No jeans, ever. |
| Underwear, moisture-wicking | 5 pairs | Quick-dry synthetic or merino. 17 days on trail. |
| Sun hat, wide-brimmed | 1 | UV is intense on open ridges above Pisang and on the Thorong La approach. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warm beanie | 1 | For early morning starts and cold evenings. |
| Liner gloves, touchscreen compatible | 1 pair | For phone use on trail without removing gloves. |
| Insulated gloves, windproof | 1 pair | Liner gloves alone are not enough above Manang or on the Thorong La crossing. |
| Neck gaiter or buff | 1 | Protects against wind, dust, cold and the Khumbu Cough. |
| Sunglasses, UV protection | 1 | Standard UV lenses sufficient. No glacier terrain on this route. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daypack, 25 to 35L | 1 | Rain cover essential. This stays with you all day. |
| Sleeping bag, comfort rating of minus 10 to minus 15 degrees | 1 | Comfort rating, not limit rating. High Camp at 4,850m is the coldest night. Rentable in Kathmandu or Pokhara. |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Adds warmth and keeps rental bags cleaner. |
| Trekking poles, collapsible | 1 pair | Critical for the landslide section and the 1,700m descent from Thorong La to Muktinath. |
| Headlamp and extra batteries | 1 | Essential for the 4am Thorong La departure. Cold drains batteries fast. |
| Reusable water bottle, 1L | 1 | Plastic bottles are banned in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Boiled water available at all teahouses. |
| Water purification tablets or UV purifier | 1 | Saves money and reduces plastic waste on trail. |
| Power bank, 10,000 to 20,000mAh | 1 | No reliable electricity above Manang. Keep in sleeping bag overnight to prevent cold drain. |
| Universal plug adapter | 1 | Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets at 230V. Charging is limited above Manang so bring one that fits your devices before you fly. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | Your guide carries a kit and oximeter. Personal kit should include blister treatment and second skin. Day 10 Tilicho push is the highest blister risk day. |
| High protein snacks | As needed | Trail mix, protein bars. Teahouse food is mostly carb-heavy. |
| Sunscreen SPF 50 | 1 | Reapply every 2 hours above Manang. UV intensity is extreme on open terrain. |
| Lip balm with SPF | 1 | Lips crack fast at altitude without protection. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-dry towel, microfiber | 1 | Teahouses do not provide towels. |
| Hand sanitizer | 1 small | Water can freeze overnight above Shree Kharka and at High Camp. |
| Biodegradable wet wipes | 1 packs | Showers above Namche are rare and cold. |
| Toilet Paper | 2 rolls | Teahouses can run out. Carry your own. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, valid 6 months minimum | 1 | Keep a photocopy separate from the original. |
| Travel insurance document | 1 | Must cover helicopter evacuation to 5,500m. Print a hard copy. |
| Cash, Nepali rupees | As needed | Budget $30 to $40 per day for standard stops, $40 to $50 at Tilicho Base Camp and High Camp. |
| Trek permit copies | 1 set | We handle the permits. Carry copies at Besisahar, Chame, Manang and Jomsom checkpoints. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Insulated waterproof gloves | Liner gloves not enough for the pre-dawn Thorong La crossing in winter. |
| Balaclava | Full face protection for sub-zero wind chills |
| Insulated Pants (fleece-lined) | Windproof layer for High Camp and the pass crossing. |
| Extra Thermal Top | A third base layer for the coldest nights above Manang. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Rain Cover for Backpack | Your daypack will get soaked without one |
| Waterproof Gaiters (heavy) | Upgrade for mud and water on trail above Chame. |
| Dry Bags (2-3) | For electronics, documents, and dry clothes |
| Extra Quick-dry Layers | Nothing dries overnight during monsoon |
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek. Trekking poles are best purchased in Thamel or Pokhara. We connect you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing. A duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.
What Not to Bring
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
Tales from the Himalayas
Fresh stories and expert insights from our mountain adventures
WiFi and Internet on Nepal Trekking Trails: What to Expect (2026)
Realistic look at WiFi, Everest Link, and mobile data on Nepal's trails, including Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu, with costs and where signal drops.
Everest Region, Essentials, Travel
Is Everest Base Camp Trek Hard? A Straight Answer From 20+ Years of Guiding
Everest Base Camp is rated Hard, but not for the reason most people assume. A guide with 20+ years on this route breaks down what actually causes trouble on the trail, and it's rarely fitness.
Is It Safe to Travel to Nepal After the Flood? September 2026 Travel & Trekking Update
Rasuwa and Manaslu floods explained: what's actually affected in Nepal, and why Everest, Annapurna, and most trekking regions remain open.