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:
For a full comparison of Annapurna routes read our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara:
3-star hotel accommodation included in package
Breakfast included at Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels
Upgrade options available to higher-class hotels
Single accommodation readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara (additional charge)
During the Trek:
Comfortable guesthouses/teahouses on twin-sharing basis
Basic facilities with shared bathrooms in most locations
Limited electricity and hot water availability at higher elevations
Private rooms subject to availability (additional charge may apply)
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.
Hotel Vistara
PERMITS
Two permits are required for this trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Both are included in your MountainKick package and arranged in Kathmandu before departure. You need to supply your passport details, one passport-sized photo, and your Nepal arrival date.
ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATISATION
This trek reaches two significant high-altitude objectives: Tilicho Lake at 4,919m on Day 10 and Thorong La Pass at 5,416m on Day 13. The itinerary builds in a dedicated acclimatisation day in Manang (Day 7) and a gradual two-day ascent to Tilicho Base Camp before the lake push. The Tilicho Lake day itself provides outstanding acclimatisation for the pass crossing that follows three days later.
Altitude sickness is the primary safety risk above 3,000m. Know the symptoms: persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Report anything to your guide immediately. Descent is the first and most effective treatment. Never ascend if you have AMS symptoms. Discuss Diamox (Acetazolamide) with your doctor before the trek. For a detailed guide to prevention, symptoms, and emergency procedures, read our altitude sickness guide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Your policy must cover emergency helicopter rescue and medical evacuation to a minimum altitude of 5,500m. Without valid insurance, MountainKick cannot confirm your booking. Helicopter evacuation from the Annapurna region costs approximately $2,500 to $5,000 USD and is covered by any reputable adventure trekking policy. Verify the altitude coverage before purchasing and carry a printed copy on the trek.
CASH AND ATMS
Withdraw all cash you need in Kathmandu before the trek begins. There are no reliable ATMs on the trail beyond Jomsom, and the Jomsom ATM frequently runs out of cash or goes offline. Budget $30 to $40 per day for all meals and personal expenses on the trail. Carry small denominations as change is limited at remote teahouses, particularly at Tilicho Base Camp where options are very limited.
MEALS ON THE TREK
Meals are not included in the package price during the trek. Teahouses serve dal bhat, momo dumplings, noodle soups, pasta, fried rice, eggs, porridge, and pancakes. Vegetarian options are available everywhere and recommended above Manang as meat storage at altitude can be unreliable. Food prices increase with elevation and are highest at Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong Phedi where supplies must be porter-carried. Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals and drinks.
THE LANDSLIDE SECTION
The trail between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp crosses an exposed landslide zone, a steep traverse of loose, multi-coloured scree with significant drop-off on one side. It is the most technical section of this trek and should not be underestimated. Trekking poles are essential and must be in hand, not packed away. Move steadily, follow your guide’s line, and do not stop in exposed sections. The crossing takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes. The dramatic scenery makes it one of the most memorable sections of the entire route.
THORONG LA PASS CROSSING
The pass crossing on Day 13 is the most demanding day. Departure is at approximately 4:00 AM to avoid the strong afternoon winds. Temperature at the summit can be well below zero even in October. Carry a headlamp with fresh batteries, full cold-weather layers, at least 2 litres of water, and high-energy snacks. Your acclimatisation from the Tilicho Lake day gives you a meaningful advantage on this crossing. Your guide makes the final call on conditions each morning.
JOMSOM FLIGHT
The standard package includes a 20-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri at close range. Jomsom flights are operated by small aircraft and are weather-dependent. Cancellations do occur, particularly in windy afternoon conditions. Flights depart early in the morning when conditions are most stable. If your flight is cancelled, the jeep road from Jomsom to Pokhara is approximately 8 hours. A budget jeep option is also available in place of the flight on request.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
This trek involves 5 to 8 hours of daily trekking with a light daypack across 13 active trekking days. The two most demanding days are the Tilicho Lake push (Day 10, 8 hours including the landslide section at altitude) and the Thorong La crossing (Day 13, 8 hours). Prior trekking experience is strongly recommended for this itinerary, more so than for the standard Annapurna Circuit. A preparation plan of 2 to 3 months combining cardiovascular training with leg and core strength work is essential. For broader preparation advice, read our Nepal trekking guide.
NEPAL VISA
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Fees: 15-day visa $30 / 30-day visa $50 / 90-day visa $125. Payment in USD cash. Bring a passport-sized photo and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Nepal. Online pre-registration through Nepal’s Department of Immigration website speeds up the arrival process.
MEDICAL CONSULTATION
Consult your doctor before departure regarding all medications you plan to bring. High altitude affects how some medications work. Recommended vaccinations before visiting Nepal include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza. Consult your healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
SPARE DAYS
Plan 2 to 3 buffer days beyond the itinerary before your international departure. Weather delays are possible at both Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass, and Jomsom flight cancellations are not uncommon. Schedule your outbound international flight at least 2 days after your planned trek completion date.
Key Equipment Highlights
Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability to changing conditions
Warm sleeping bag – Rated for at least -10°C/14°F
UV-protecting sunglasses – For protection against intense high-altitude sun
Headlamp with spare batteries – Essential for navigating in dark conditions and pre-dawn Thorong La crossing
Water bottles/hydration system – For maintaining proper hydration at altitude
Trekking poles – For stability on rough terrain, especially crucial for the landslide area near Tilicho Lake
| TRIP STARTS | TRIP ENDS | STATUS | COST | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| May 16, 2026 | June 01, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| May 23, 2026 | June 08, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| May 30, 2026 | June 15, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| June 6, 2026 | June 22, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| June 13, 2026 | June 29, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| June 20, 2026 | July 06, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| June 27, 2026 | July 13, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| September 4, 2026 | September 20, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| September 11, 2026 | September 27, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| September 18, 2026 | October 04, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| September 25, 2026 | October 11, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| October 2, 2026 | October 18, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| October 9, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| October 16, 2026 | November 01, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| October 23, 2026 | November 08, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| October 30, 2026 | November 15, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| November 6, 2026 | November 22, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| November 13, 2026 | November 29, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| November 20, 2026 | December 06, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| November 27, 2026 | December 13, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| December 4, 2026 | December 20, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| December 11, 2026 | December 27, 2026 | available | $973 | |
| December 18, 2026 | January 03, 2027 | available | $973 | |
| December 25, 2026 | January 10, 2027 | available | $973 |
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 | PRICING FROM (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1376 |
| 2-3 | 973 |
| 4-7 | 860 |
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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