Details:
duration: 16 days
maximum elevation: Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
highest lake: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)
total trekking distance: approximately 170 km
total driving distance:
approximately 370 km
difficulty: challenging
best seasons: March–May & September–November
accommodation: tea houses
required permits: ACAP Permit & TIMS Card
This itinerary combines the Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, and Poon Hill into one of Nepal’s most complete and scenic trekking experiences, offering an exceptional mix of high mountain landscapes, rich local culture, alpine lakes, sacred pilgrimage sites, natural hot springs, and world-class Himalayan viewpoints.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the world-famous Annapurna Circuit
- Visit the breathtaking Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the world’s highest lakes
- Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
- Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East & West, Pisang Peak, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal
- Experience the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the Manang and Mustang regions
- Relax in the natural hot springs at Tatopani
- Witness unforgettable sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Visit the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk
- Finish the trek in the scenic lakeside city of Pokhara
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Activity: Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Meet your trekking guide for a trip briefing, equipment check, and final preparations.
- Walking Distance: Optional city walk
- Driving: Airport to hotel (30–45 minutes)
- Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960 m)
Drive: 220 km (9–11 hours)
An early departure by public bus or shared/private jeep. The journey follows winding mountain roads alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, passing Besisahar before reaching Dharapani.
- Distance: 220 km (drive)
- Highest Elevation: 1,960 m
- Overnight: Dharapani
Day 3: Dharapani to Chame (2,670 m)
The trail passes through pine and fir forests, waterfalls, and charming villages including Bagarchhap, Danaque, and Timang. Enjoy your first close views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.
- Trek Distance: 15 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +710 m
- Overnight: Chame
Day 4: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
- trek distance: 14 km
- walking time: 5–6 hours
Walk through beautiful forests and dramatic valleys. Cross suspension bridges before reaching Upper Pisang, famous for panoramic Himalayan scenery.
Highlights:
- Annapurna II
- Pisang Peak
- Dramatic Marsyangdi Valley
Overnight: Upper Pisang
Day 5: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
- Trek Distance: 17 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Take the spectacular high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal, offering some of the finest mountain views on the Annapurna Circuit. Stop at the beautiful Green Lake before reaching Manang.
Highlights:
- Ghyaru viewpoint
- Green Lake
- Annapurna III
- Gangapurna Glacier
- Tilicho Peak
Overnight: Manang
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540 m)
A rest day is essential for proper acclimatization.
Option 1: Ice Lake (4,600 m)
- Distance: 12 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Option 2: Gangapurna Lake & Viewpoint (3,900–4,000 m)
Option 3: Praken Gompa (4,000 m)
Return to Manang for overnight.
Day 7: Manang to Shree Kharka (4,060 m)
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Follow the trail toward Tilicho Lake through alpine landscapes with excellent mountain scenery.
Highlights:
- Yak pastures
- Alpine terrain
- Tilicho Peak views
Overnight: Shree Kharka
Day 8: Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m)
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Cross landslide-prone sections before reaching Tilicho Base Camp.
Highlights:
- Rocky cliffs
- Spectacular mountain scenery
Overnight: Tilicho Base Camp
Day 9: Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) then Shree Kharka
- Trek Distance: 18 km
- Walking Time: 7–9 hours
Start before sunrise for the hike to magnificent Tilicho Lake. After exploring and taking photographs, descend back via Base Camp to Shree Kharka.
Highlights:
- Tilicho Lake
- Snow-covered peaks
- Amazing sunrise
- Highest Elevation: 4,919 m
Overnight: Shree Kharka
Day 10: Shree Kharka to Ledar (4,200 m)
- Trek Distance: 12 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail through Yak Kharka before arriving at Ledar.
Highlights:
- Yak grazing fields
- High alpine scenery
Overnight: Ledar
Day 11: Ledar to Thorong Phedi (4,525 m)
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
A gradual climb through rocky terrain leads to Thorong Phedi, the final stop before crossing Thorong La Pass.
Overnight: Thorong Phedi
Day 12: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) then Muktinath (3,760 m)
- Trek Distance: 16 km
- Walking Time: 8–10 hours
Today’s trek is the most challenging and rewarding. Cross the famous Thorong La Pass before descending to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
Highlights:
- Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
- Himalayan panorama
- Muktinath Temple
Overnight: Muktinath
Day 13: Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190 m)
Drive: Approximately 95 km (6–8 hours)
Travel by public bus or jeep through Jomsom, Marpha, Kalopani, and Ghasa to Tatopani.
Highlights:
- Kali Gandaki Gorge
- Apple orchards
- Natural hot springs
Relax in the hot springs after arrival.
Overnight: Tatopani
Day 14: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,874 m)
- Trek Distance: 17 km
- Walking Time: 7–8 hours
Climb through beautiful villages, terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, and waterfalls before reaching Ghorepani.
Overnight: Ghorepani
Day 15: Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3,210 m) – Tadapani (2,630 m)
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Wake early for a sunrise hike to Poon Hill before continuing through beautiful forests to Tadapani.
Highlights:
- Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- Panoramic mountain views
- Rhododendron forests
Overnight: Tadapani
Day 16: Tadapani to Ghandruk then Drive to Pokhara (822 m)
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- Walking Time: 2–3 hours
- Drive: 55 km (2.5–3 hours)
Descend through forests to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. Explore the village before taking a jeep to Pokhara.
Highlights:
- Traditional Gurung culture
- Annapurna South
- Hiunchuli
- Machhapuchhre
- Scenic drive to Pokhara
