Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsWalk the Annapurna Circuit with a side trip to Tilicho Lake, then cross Thorong La Pass, with our own licensed guides
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek: What to Expect
A deep blue glacial lake under the ice walls of Tilicho Peak, a side trip most circuit trekkers skip
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit at 5,416m, crossed at dawn with your guide setting the pace.
An acclimatisation day in Manang and a short Base Camp day before the lake, so you go high slowly
We walk down through the old Mustang villages, then drive the Kali Gandaki gorge to the hot springs at Tatopani.
This trek follows the classic Annapurna Circuit, turns west from Manang to Tilicho Lake, then rejoins the main trail to cross Thorong La. It takes 18 days from Kathmandu, with 10 walking days, an acclimatisation day in Manang, and a night at the Tatopani hot springs on the way out. ACAP and TIMS permits are included. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one.
Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919m, below the glaciers of Tilicho Peak. It’s sacred in Hindu tradition and one of the highest lakes of its size anywhere. Most circuit trekkers skip it because it adds three days and a tough climb. That’s exactly why it feels so quiet when you get there.
The route is hard. You sleep above 4,000m for five nights and cross a 5,416m pass. But the itinerary is built to get you there safely, with a rest day in Manang, a short day at Tilicho Base Camp before the lake and a night at Thorong Phedi before the pass. If you have done a trek above 3,000m before and train for a couple of months, this is very achievable.
Want the circuit without the lake? See our Annapurna Circuit Trek. For an even quieter detour, the Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit adds two remote villages and a second high pass.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
A MountainKick team member meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel in Thamel. Rest after your flight. In the evening we hold a short briefing to go over the route, check your gear and collect what we need for your permits. If anything is missing, Thamel’s gear shops are a few minutes’ walk away.
Drive to Besisahar
An early start for the drive west along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers past terraced hills and small roadside towns. It’s a long day on the road, with stops for tea and lunch. Besisahar is the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and where we spend the night.
Shared jeep to Timang
We take a shared jeep up the Marsyangdi valley. The road is rough and slow, with deep gorges, waterfalls and the first snow peaks coming into view. Road conditions on this route change often, so if the jeep can’t reach Timang, we stop lower down and walk the rest. Timang sits on a ledge above the valley, with views back toward Manaslu. It’s a quiet first night in the mountains.
Trek to Dhikur Pokhari
Your first full walking day, and a long one. The trail drops toward Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, then follows the river through pine forest and apple orchards near Bhratang. Past Bhratang the valley bends below Paungda Danda, a huge curved rock face. Dhikur Pokhari sits where the valley opens out, with Annapurna II towering above.
Trek to Ngawal via Upper Pisang and Ghyaru
One of the best days of the circuit. First a climb to Upper Pisang, an old stone village above the river. Then a steep zigzag up to Ghyaru, with wide views of Annapurna II, III and IV. From there the trail traverses the hillside to Ngawal. You walk higher than you sleep today, which is good for acclimatisation, and the landscape turns drier as you move into the rain shadow.
Trek to Manang via Braga
An easy morning down to the valley floor and on to Braga, where an old monastery sits above the village. Then a short walk to Manang, the biggest village on this side of the pass. Manang has bakeries, gear shops and a Himalayan Rescue Association aid post. In the main seasons they usually run free afternoon talks on altitude sickness, and we recommend going.
Acclimatisation day in Manang
A rest day, but not a lazy one. The best way to acclimatise is to climb higher and come back down to sleep. Depending on how the group feels, your guide will take you up to the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint for a shorter walk, or the longer climb toward Ice Lake for bigger views. The afternoon is free to rest, explore the village and get ready for the Tilicho side trip.
Trek to Shree Kharka via Khangsar
Today you leave the main Annapurna Circuit and head west toward Tilicho. The trail crosses the river below Manang and climbs gently to Khangsar, the last proper village on this side, with its old stone houses and narrow lanes. From here it’s a steady climb to Shree Kharka, a small group of teahouses on a high pasture. Tilicho Peak starts to fill the view ahead. Teahouses from here are basic, so this is where your warm layers come out.
Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
A short day on purpose. It gives your body time to adjust before the lake. The main challenge is the landslide section, about 1km of loose scree on a steep slope. We cross it in the morning when it’s most stable. Your guide sets the pace, and we avoid stopping in the most exposed parts. You’ll reach Base Camp by late morning. In the afternoon, rest and take a short walk above camp to help with acclimatisation. Early dinner and early bed.
Tilicho Lake and back to Shree Kharka
The big day. We start before dawn, around 4 to 5am, with headlamps. The trail climbs a long series of steep switchbacks, then eases off for the last stretch to the lake. Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919m below the ice walls of Tilicho Peak, and on a clear morning the water is a deep blue. After time at the lake, we walk back down to Base Camp for lunch, cross the landslide section again and continue to Shree Kharka for the night. It’s a long day, but you sleep lower than you started.
Trek to Yak Kharka via Old Khangsar
Today you rejoin the main Thorong La trail. The path drops back toward Khangsar, passes Old Khangsar and then climbs across the hillside to Yak Kharka. It’s a long day on foot, but the sleeping altitude stays almost the same as last night, so it’s easy on the body. Yak Kharka sits in open pasture, and you may see blue sheep on the slopes.
Trek to Thorong Phedi
A short day before the pass. The trail climbs gently through Ledar and along the valley, then crosses a section of loose slope before Thorong Phedi. Arrive by lunch, eat well, drink plenty of water and get to bed early. For strong, well-acclimatised groups, we can continue another hour to High Camp (4,850m / 15,912ft) to shorten tomorrow. Your guide will decide based on how everyone is feeling.
Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
We start around 4am to reach the pass before the wind picks up, usually by late morning. The climb is slow and steady, with your guide setting a pace everyone can hold. At the top, prayer flags and views across to the Mustang side. Then a long, steep descent to Muktinath, which is hard on the knees, so trekking poles help a lot. Muktinath is home to a temple that’s sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni
In the morning, visit the Muktinath temple with its 108 water spouts, where pilgrims bathe in the icy water. Then we walk down through Jharkot, with its old fort and monastery, to Kagbeni, a medieval village of mud houses and narrow alleys at the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni the trail follows the wide Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom. The wind here picks up strongly from late morning, so we start early.
Drive to Tatopani
We leave the high mountains behind and drive down the Kali Gandaki gorge, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The road passes Marpha, known for its apple orchards and whitewashed lanes, and the old trading village of Tukuche. Below Ghasa the valley turns green again. Tatopani means “hot water” in Nepali, and the natural hot springs by the river are the perfect way to soak tired legs after the pass. Road conditions on this route can change, especially after heavy rain, so your guide may adjust timings on the day. Short on time? You can fly from Jomsom to Pokhara instead, at extra cost, and finish a day earlier.
Drive to Pokhara
One more morning soak if you like, then we continue down the valley to Beni and on to Pokhara. The afternoon is free to relax by Phewa Lake, have a proper coffee and enjoy being back in town.
Drive to Kathmandu
A day on the road back to Kathmandu along the river valleys. After more than two weeks in the mountains, a hot shower and a proper bed feel very good. In the evening we get together for a farewell dinner to celebrate the trek.
Final departure
After breakfast, we take you to the airport for your flight home. If your flight leaves later in the day, you can leave your bags at the hotel and spend a last few hours in Kathmandu. We hope to see you back in the mountains.
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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13 nights teahouse accommodation 13 nights in teahouses and lodges on the trek, plus 1 night in a guesthouse in Besisahar
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Tourist bus Kathmandu to Besisahar Departs Gongabu Bus Park
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Shared jeep Besisahar to Timang Day 3, 5 to 7 hours
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Jeep from Jomsom to Tatopani and from Tatopani to Pokhara Days 15 and 16
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Tourist bus Pokhara to Kathmandu Return journey Day 17
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Our own licensed guide English-speaking, with your group for the whole trek
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Porter service One porter for every two trekkers. Keep your duffel to about 10 to 15kg
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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 Must cover trekking to 5,416m and helicopter evacuation
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Jomsom to Pokhara flight if you choose to fly instead of drive
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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, down jacket. 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.
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Extra nights if flights or roads are delayed Hotel nights and meals from weather or road delays are paid by you
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Personal expenses Snacks, bottled water, laundry, souvenirs
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in 3-star hotels with private bathrooms. On the first night out, in Besisahar, it’s a simple guesthouse.
From Timang to Manang, teahouses are comfortable for the mountains. You get a twin room with a bed and blankets, and bathrooms are usually shared. Hot showers are often solar and cost a little extra.
On the Tilicho side and near the pass, at Shree Kharka, Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, teahouses are very basic. Rooms are unheated, toilets are often squat style and electricity isn’t reliable. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, ideally -15°C. The dining room stove is where everyone gathers in the evening.
After the pass, things get easier again. Muktinath and Jomsom have better lodges, some with attached bathrooms. In Tatopani you stay in a riverside lodge a short walk from the hot springs.
Breakfast is included in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the trek, you order from the teahouse menu and pay as you go, so you only pay for what you eat.
Dal bhat is the best choice almost everywhere. It’s filling, freshly cooked and refills are free. Vegetarian food is easy to find on the whole route. We suggest skipping meat between Manang and Muktinath, because it’s carried up for days without a fridge. Lower down, in Jomsom, Marpha and Tatopani, food is fresher and the choice is bigger. Try the apple pie in Marpha.
Budget about USD 30 to 40 a day for meals on the trail, and USD 40 to 50 a day at Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong Phedi, where everything is carried up by porters or mules.
| Meals on trail | $30 to $40 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi (most villages, patchy or none on the Tilicho side) | $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 the…
“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 day.
“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 this…
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek?
Hard. You sleep above 4,000m for five nights, including Thorong Phedi at 4,450m, and cross Thorong La at 5,416m. Most walking days are 4 to 7 hours. The two longest are the Tilicho Lake day and the pass day, at around 8 to 9 hours each. There’s no technical climbing, but you need good fitness and a steady pace at altitude.
Do I need prior trekking experience for this trek?
It helps a lot. We recommend at least one trek above 3,000m before this one, so you know how your body handles altitude. Fit, determined first-timers have done it, but they trained well and listened to their guide. If this would be your first Himalayan trek, Annapurna Base Camp or Gokyo is an easier place to start.
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 almost 1,000m from Thorong Phedi, all above 4,400m. Your body should be used to sustained effort before you arrive.
Do your group dates run if I’m the only one booked?
Yes. Every group date runs, even with one booking. Groups are small, 8 trekkers at most. The group price is $973 per person. If 4 or more of you book together, you each pay $860.
Can I do this trek solo?
Yes. You can book a private trip at the solo price of $1,376, or join one of our group dates at $973. Every group date runs, even if you’re the only one booked. Female guides are available on request.
Are meals included on the trek?
Meals on the trek are not included. Teahouse menus have fixed prices, so you pay the same as anyone else. Budget about $30 to $40 a day for three meals and hot drinks. Breakfast is included at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and so is the farewell dinner.
What is the best time to do this trek?
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Skies are usually clearest in October and November. Avoid December to February, when snow can close Thorong La and the Tilicho trail, and June to August, when monsoon rain raises the landslide risk on the way to Tilicho Base Camp.
What is the risk of altitude sickness on this trek?
Altitude sickness is a real risk on this route. You sleep at 4,450m at Thorong Phedi, 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?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included, and we arrange them before you leave Kathmandu. ACAP is NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. TIMS is NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Permits are checked at Besisahar, Chame, Manang and Jomsom.
Is a licensed guide mandatory on this route?
Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one. On this route your guide also times the landslide crossing, leads the pre-dawn start on the pass, and knows which teahouses are open above Manang.
Can we sleep at High Camp instead of Thorong Phedi?
Sometimes. If the whole group is strong and well acclimatised, your guide may suggest walking another hour to High Camp (4,850m) on Day 12. It shortens the pass day, but it’s a big jump in sleeping altitude. Your guide makes this call on the day, based on how everyone is feeling.
What happens if the road is blocked?
Roads in the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys can be blocked by landslides, especially after heavy rain. If the jeep can’t reach Timang on Day 3, we stop lower down and walk the rest. On the way out, your guide adjusts timings around road conditions. Extra costs from road blocks or weather aren’t included, which is why good travel insurance matters.
How do I get back from Jomsom?
You take a jeep down the Kali Gandaki gorge to Tatopani for a night by the hot springs, then drive on to Pokhara the next day. You can fly from Jomsom to Pokhara instead, at extra cost. But wind and weather often delay or cancel flights. If your flight is cancelled, we rebook it at no charge, or the airline refund, after its fee, pays for a jeep to Pokhara. There’s no other refund. If you fly, keep your duffel to 10kg and your daypack to 5kg.
How much should I tip?
A common baseline is NPR 1,200 to 1,500 a day for your guide (about USD 9 to 11) and around NPR 1,000 a day for each porter (about USD 7). These are totals per crew member, shared across your group, not amounts each person pays. Tipping is never required, but it’s a big part of how guides and porters earn a living.
What travel insurance do I need?
Your insurance must cover trekking to 5,416m and helicopter evacuation, as well as trip cancellation, medical treatment and altitude illness. A helicopter rescue from near the pass usually costs $4,000 to $6,000. If you need one, we arrange it with your guide and your insurer. Your insurer, or you, pays the helicopter company directly. Carry a printed copy of your policy and the insurer’s emergency number. Our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking explains what to look for.
How does this trek compare to the standard Annapurna Circuit?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek goes straight from Manang to Thorong Phedi and skips Tilicho Lake. This trek adds 3 days for Tilicho: a landslide crossing, a night at Tilicho Base Camp, and a 770m pre-dawn climb to the lake at 4,919m. It’s harder, but you reach Thorong La better acclimatised.
Departure Dates & Pricing
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ Do not bring new boots. Break them in on at least 3 to 4 long walks before you fly.
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ The layering system is everything on this trek. Temperature swings 20 degrees between midday and evening above 4,000m.
Head, Hands and Neck
ⓘ The pre-dawn Thorong La crossing at 5,416m is the coldest moment on this trek. Pack everything in this section in your daypack the night before the pass.
Gear and Equipment
ⓘ Your porter carries the duffel. Your daypack is for daily essentials only. Keep it under 5kg.
Health and Hydration
ⓘ Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. You sleep at 4,450m at Thorong Phedi and reach 5,416m at Thorong La. Discuss it seriously before departure. It is available in Kathmandu but better prescribed beforehand.
Toiletries
ⓘ Laundry services are limited on the trek. Hand-wash quick-dry clothes during your rest day in Manang.
Documents and Money
ⓘ ATMs above Besisahar are few and often don’t work. Carry enough cash from Kathmandu or Pokhara for the whole trek, in small notes. Teahouses above Manang charge more, so budget extra for the Base Camp and Thorong Phedi nights.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for this trek. The landslide section between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp becomes genuinely dangerous in heavy rain, and most teahouses above Manang close during the wet season.
Leave at home
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Jeans Heavy, zero insulation when wet, takes days to dry
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Cotton clothing Absorbs sweat, stays wet, causes chills at altitude
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Full-size towel Heavy and bulky. Microfiber only.
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Laptop No need and you will regret the weight
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Excessive toiletries Wet wipes are your friend above 4,000m
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Valuables / jewellery Unnecessary risk. Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek. Trekking poles are free from us, just ask. We connect you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing. A duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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