Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu (4,600ft)

  Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have a trek briefing session where you’ll meet your guide who will provide detailed information about the journey ahead. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, or simply rest and prepare for your upcoming trek.

  Points of Interest:

  • Thamel district (shopping and restaurants)
  • Durbar Square (if time permits)
  • Local markets and temples

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meal: None
• day 02
  Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (2,070ft)

  After an early breakfast, we’ll depart Kathmandu by tourist bus for Besisahar, the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The journey takes approximately 6 hours along the Prithvi Highway, offering spectacular views of terraced farmlands, lush hills, and river valleys. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli River until Muglin, then continues alongside the Marsyangdi River, passing through several Gurung villages. The bus will make stops for meals and refreshments along the way.

  Drive Distance: 180km | Drive Duration: 6 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • Scenic views of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers
  • Terraced hillsides and distant mountain peaks
  • Rural Nepali villages

  • Accommodation: Hotel
• day 03
  Drive from Besisahar to Chame (8,500ft)

  Today we’ll take a jeep ride from Besisahar to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. This exciting off-road journey follows the Marsyangdi River through rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. The road conditions can be challenging, but the breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), lush forests, and charming villages make it worthwhile. We’ll pass through several settlements including Khudi, Bhulbhule, and Tal before reaching Chame by late afternoon.

  Drive Distance: 65km | Drive Duration: 5 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • First views of the Annapurna range
  • Impressive waterfalls and the deep Marsyangdi River gorge
  • Traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture in Chame
  • Small hot spring where you can relax your muscles after the bumpy ride

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 04
  Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (10,597ft)

  Our first full day of trekking begins with a climb through alpine forests of pine and oak. The trail follows the northern bank of the Marsyangdi River, passing through apple orchards and a beautiful valley surrounded by high peaks. After crossing a suspension bridge, we’ll hike through a spectacular rock face called Paunga Danda, considered sacred by the local people. The trail then opens to reveal stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Pisang Peak (6,091m) before we reach Lower Pisang. From here, we’ll take the more challenging but scenic route to Upper Pisang, offering magnificent mountain vistas.

  Trek Distance: 15km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Dramatic views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and the Manaslu range
  • Pine and rhododendron forests
  • Paunga Danda sacred rock face
  • Upper Pisang’s traditional stone houses and ancient Tibetan-style monastery

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 05
  Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal (10,200ft)

  • Today we’ll take the high route from Upper Pisang to Ngawal, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. The trail climbs steeply to Ghyaru (3,670m), a beautiful stone-built village with panoramic mountain views. After exploring the ancient monastery here, we continue along a high traversing path to Ngawal. This alternative high route provides better acclimatization and more impressive mountain scenery than the lower route through Humde and Braga.

    Trek Distance: 10km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

    Points of Interest:

  • Ancient monastery in Ghyaru
  • Panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV
  • Traditional stone houses with flat roofs
  • Prayer wheels and mani walls

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 06
  Trek from Ngawal to Manang (11,614ft)

  From Ngawal, we descend to join the main trail and continue to Manang, the largest settlement in the upper Manang Valley. The path offers spectacular views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Before reaching Manang, we’ll visit Braga village to explore its 900-year-old Tibetan-style monastery housing ancient Buddhist artifacts, thangkas, and statues. Manang is a fascinating village with traditional stone houses reflecting Tibetan architectural influence.

  Trek Distance: 9km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Braga Monastery with ancient Buddhist artifacts
  • The Manang Valley with its unique semi-arid landscape
  • Traditional stone houses of Manang
  • Views of Gangapurna Glacier and Lake

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 07
  Acclimatization Day in Manang (11,614ft)

  Today is dedicated to proper acclimatization, crucial for safely crossing the high Thorong La pass in the coming days. Rather than complete rest, we’ll take an acclimatization hike to either Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake (Kicho Tal). The turquoise Gangapurna Lake is fed by the Gangapurna Glacier and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. The more challenging Ice Lake trek reaches 4,600m and provides spectacular mountain views. In the afternoon, you can attend the free altitude sickness prevention lecture offered by the Himalayan Rescue Association or explore Manang’s many bakeries, coffee shops, and souvenir stores.

  Optional Hike Distance: 5-10km round trip | Hike Duration: 3-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Gangapurna Lake’s turquoise waters
  • Views of Gangapurna (7,455m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Chulu East (6,584m)
  • 500-year-old Manang Monastery
  • Himalayan Rescue Association center

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 08
  Trek from Manang to Shree Kharka (12,136ft)

  After proper acclimatization in Manang, we begin our journey toward Tilicho Lake. The trail climbs gradually out of the Manang Valley, following the Jarsang Khola (river) through sparse juniper vegetation. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly barren with amazing views of the surrounding peaks. We’ll pass through the small settlement of Khangsar before reaching Shree Kharka, a small settlement with basic facilities but spectacular mountain views.

  Trek Distance: 9km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
  • The transition to high alpine terrain
  • Traditional herding shelters (kharka means “pasture” in Nepali)
  • Dramatic mountain landscapes

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 09
  Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (14,700ft)

  Today’s trek is one of the most challenging of the journey, not just because of the altitude gain but due to the terrain. After leaving Shree Kharka, we’ll soon reach the infamous “landslide area” – a steep traverse across loose scree slopes where the trail is narrow and exposed in places. Trekking poles are essential here. The landscape is stark and lunar-like, with minimal vegetation. Upon reaching Tilicho Base Camp, you’ll be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and spectacular mountain views.

  Trek Distance: 7km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty Level: Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Dramatic crossing of the landslide area with its multi-colored rock formations
  • Panoramic views of the Annapurna and Tilicho peaks
  • Stark, high-altitude landscape unlike anything else on the trek
  • Possible sightings of Himalayan wildlife including blue sheep

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 10
  Trek to Tilicho Lake (16,138ft) & back to Shree Kharka (12,136ft)

  This is the highlight day of the trek, requiring an early pre-dawn start. The trail from Base Camp to Tilicho Lake climbs steeply through rocky terrain. The final approach reveals the breathtaking Tilicho Lake – one of the highest lakes in the world at 16,138ft. The turquoise waters against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks create an unforgettable panorama. After spending time at the lake, you’ll return to Base Camp for lunch before continuing down to Shree Kharka, rejoining the main Annapurna Circuit route.

  Trek Distance: 15km round trip | Trek Duration: 8 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Tilicho Lake – one of the world’s highest lakes with its striking turquoise waters
  • Panoramic views of Tilicho Peak (7,134m) and the Annapurna range
  • Spectacular sunrise colors on the mountains (if starting early)
  • Dramatic descent with changing landscapes

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 11
  Trek from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka (13,156ft)

  After the challenging previous day, today’s trek is relatively moderate. From Shree Kharka, we’ll rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail and continue toward Thorong La Pass. The path climbs gradually through high alpine landscapes with expansive views of the surrounding peaks. Yak Kharka, as the name suggests (“yak pasture”), is a small settlement where herders traditionally brought their yaks to graze in the summer months.

  Trek Distance: 10km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Wide panoramic views of the Annapurna range
  • Alpine meadows with grazing yaks and horses (seasonal)
  • Diverse high-altitude flora including edelweiss and gentian (seasonal)
  • Traditional herders’ shelters and stone structures

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 12
  Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi High Camp (14,600ft)

  Today’s relatively short trek takes you to Thorong Phedi (“foot of the hill”) and then up to High Camp, the staging point for crossing Thorong La Pass. The trail from Yak Kharka crosses several streams and moraines, with some steep sections. After reaching Thorong Phedi, many trekkers continue the steep climb to High Camp to reduce the elevation gain required on the pass crossing day. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and rocky, with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

  Trek Distance: 6km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Dramatic views of Thorong La Pass and surrounding peaks
  • Stark high-altitude landscape with minimal vegetation
  • Sense of anticipation before the pass crossing
  • Camaraderie among trekkers preparing for the challenge ahead

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 13
  Cross Thorong La Pass (17,769ft) to Muktinath (12,172ft)

  Today is the highlight and most challenging day of the entire trek. We’ll start very early (around 4:00 AM) to cross Thorong La pass before the strong winds that typically develop later in the day. The ascent is steep but steady, taking 4-5 hours to reach the pass marked by colorful prayer flags and a small teahouse. At 17,769ft, Thorong La is one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Mustang region, and Tibetan plateau.

  After celebrating at the pass, we begin the long, knee-testing descent of about 5,597ft to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The descent offers changing landscapes as we enter the arid region of Upper Mustang, dramatically different from the lush valleys on the eastern side of the pass.

  Trek Distance: 16km | Trek Duration: 8 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Panoramic views from Thorong La pass
  • Dramatic change in landscape from green to arid
  • Muktinath Temple complex with 108 water spouts
  • Buddhist monastery and eternal flame of natural gas

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 14
  Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (8,999ft)

  Today we’ll trek down from Muktinath to Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang district. The trail descends through the beautiful village of Jharkot with its ancient fortress monastery, then continues to Kagbeni, a medieval-looking village at the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, the route follows the Kali Gandaki riverbed – the deepest gorge in the world when measured from the nearby peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The wide valley is often very windy in the afternoon as you approach Jomsom.

  Trek Distance: 14km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Medieval village of Kagbeni with its ancient monastery and unique architecture
  • Dramatic Kali Gandaki valley with views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Nilgiri (7,061m)
  • Distinctive culture and architecture of the Mustang region
  • Apple orchards and buckwheat fields around Kagbeni and Jomsom (seasonal)

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 15
  Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (3,000ft)

  An early morning flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering spectacular aerial views of the mountains and valleys you’ve been trekking through. The dramatic 20-minute flight passes between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains before landing in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside city. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and recover from your trek.

  Flight Duration: 20-25 minutes

  Points of Interest:

  • Spectacular mountain views during the short flight
  • Phewa Lake with optional boating
  • Relaxing lakeside restaurants and cafes
  • Various dining options after limited mountain menus

  Option B: Jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara (Budget-Friendly Option)

  Drive Distance: 155km | Drive Duration: 8 hours

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 16
  Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (4,600ft)

  After breakfast, we’ll board a tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows the scenic Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River, offering views of terraced farmlands, rural villages, and distant mountains. We’ll make stops for meals and refreshments along the way.

  Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. You might choose to do some souvenir shopping in Thamel or visit any cultural sites you missed at the beginning of your trip. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural performances to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.

  Drive Distance: 200km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • Scenic views along the Prithvi Highway
  • Trishuli River gorges
  • Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural performances

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
• day 17
  Final Departure

  After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. If you’re extending your stay in Nepal or planning another adventure, our team will be happy to assist with arrangements.

  Airport Transfer: Scheduled according to your flight time (typically 3 hours before international flights)

  Practical Information:

  • Standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 PM
  • Luggage storage available for those with evening flights
  • Late check-out may be arranged (subject to availability and additional cost)

  • Meal: Breakfast