Round Annapurna Trek Content

Trip Overview

The Round Annapurna with Tilicho Lake trek is an essential adventure that will take you through the incredible Annapurna region with a stopover at one of the highest lakes in the world and returning through the hidden valley of Mustang. In addition, the trekking route passes through the stunning rocky Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5416 meters.

Round Annapurna with Tilicho Lake is an adventure of 140 km horizontally and several kilometers vertically, allowing us to enjoy splendid panoramas of the Himalayas, including Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna and many more. 

On this trip, you will find everything the Himalayas has to offer: green rice fields with a soothing atmosphere, high passes flirting with glaciers, the opal lake of Tilicho, godforsaken villages of Manang and Mustang, and gorges that are scary to look into. 

And the main thing is the people: Gurungs, Thakalis, Tamangs, Magars, Sherpa, and some Brahmin, Chhetris, and Newars. The diversity you get here in religion, culture, language, tradition, and custom, along with cuisine, is something you will not get to see anywhere else. 

The harmony of Hindu temples, the Mani Walls, prayer flags, and gompas is indescribable. And their hospitality with enormous heart and selflessness is the treasure that will touch your soul. 

Our Round Annapurna with Tilicho Lake trek has been designed with minimum time but covers every meter worth traveling for real adventure, beauty, and meaning. 

You will climb the highest trekking pass on the planet – Thorong La, drink tea on the shores of Lake Tilicho, explore the precious gem of Manang, and pay your respects in Muktinath. 

Overall, this tour is not just about seeing the Himalayas but also about getting to know all their facets and touching their sacred secrets. 

Transportation

Flight/Jeep/Bus

Per Day walking:

5 to 9 hours

Best Season

Oct-Dec / Mar-May

Group Size

1 pax-14 pax

Accomodation

Hotel/Tea House

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Max Height

5416M

Start/End

Kathmandu

Trip Highlight

  • Dawn at the Highest Pass of Thorong La
  • Trek to the highest mountain lake in the world: Lake Tilicho
  • Detour of the religious shrine Muktinath
  • Unbelievable views of high mountain ranges, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Tilicho
  • Relax in Pokhara, boat ride in Lake Phewa with a shadow of Fishtail glimmering on the lake
  • Take a walk around Kathmandu – the oldest cultural center of Nepal
  • A brief, thrilling flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Download Complete Trip PDF

Detail Itinerary

On your first day in Kathmandu, our correspondent will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to roam around the adjacent street of your hotel. In the evening we will have a tour briefing and Q&A session before going to dinner.Please have your questions ready to ask.Right after this tour briefing session we walk to the local restaurent  for the first taste of the various Nepali cuisines available. 

Welcome Dinner

Hotel

In the morning, after breakfast, we will take a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu the whole day. We will roam around Pashupatinath Temple, the famous Hindu sanctum of Nepal. Then we will also walk in Swayambhunath and Boudhanath- two important stupas representing Tibetan Buddhism. We can also take a walk in the Garden of Dreams in Thamel. 

Our tour guide will explain the program of our Round Annapurna with Tilicho Lake trek in the evening and introduce you to other participants. 

Breakfast

Hotel

After breakfast, we will start our long journey towards Annapurna. We will drive by bus along the rolling hills of Trishuli River. We will hike through terraced rice fields and picturesque huts. We will travel through Pokhara and reach Besisahar, where we will dine and rest for the night. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

After breakfast, we will drive by private jeep to Dharapani, the starting point of our trek. Driving along the windy path past the small villages of Syange, Jagat, and Chamje, we will shortly arrive at Dharapani. Along the route today, the Marshyangdi River will be our constant friend. We will see Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurnas from our windows in good weather. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Starting from Dharapani, we will walk for an hour, followed by a long climb to the villages of Bagarchap and Danque. From here, we will see Annapurna I rising in the distance. Following a steep climb, we will encounter numerous prayer walls and gompas of Timang Village. 

After crossing a final pine forest, we will arrive in Chame, the capital of the Manang district. Here, we will find many shops and can observe the majestic Lamjung Himal and Mount Manaslu. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

After breakfast, we will walk through a thick forest in a narrow and steep valley, which finally opens onto the country of Manang and its Tibetan architecture. After the hamlet of Bhratang and Dhukure Pokhari, we will cross a bridge to go to the north bank of the Marsyhangdi River. 

In the afternoon, we will visit the authentic village of Upper Pisang and its monastery. We are in front of the immense north face of Annapurna II, 7937 m. We will enjoy the exceptional panorama of Chulu and Pisang Peak before going back down to the lodge.

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

We will begin a climb on the imposing flanks of Annapurna II. We will then walk on a flat level to Hongde village; a short walk further will allow us to discover the village of Braga, which has an important monastery. 

We will continue our route to Manang, where we will have a breathtaking view of Annapurna II, III, and IV, Manaslu, and Pisang Peak, mountains located in the Himalayan range. The village of Manang is larger than the one we stopped at since the start of our trek. We will appreciate the bakeries and the yak steak regularly offered in the lodges of this typical village.

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Today is a well-deserved rest day for adapting to the high altitude of the Manang region. There are several options to spend this day: we can explore the local monastery, take a walk towards Gangapurna Lake, or hike to Chongkor viewpoint. There’s also an interesting Milarepa cave at 4100 m. 

Or, we can also head towards Lake Tilicho (4,919 m), a glacial lake adorned with magnificent colors at first light and with the title of the highest lake in the world. This lake is not part of our Round Annapurna Trek; you have to take a detour to reach it, which will add another 3 days to your trip. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

After breakfast, we will hike along the Marshyangdi River and climb to Khangsar, the last village in the region. This village is known for its gompa and for the friendliness of the people who live here. 

From here, we follow a trail that overlooks the Khangsar Kola River. We will come across two abandoned old monasteries, and then we will continue our ascent to Siri Kharka, where we will retire for dinner and night. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Notice how the landscape around you has become lunar, thin, and surprising. Today, the trail is relatively easy, but you have to be careful as you may encounter a large quantity of loose stones. We will first ascend a steep slope and pass through a narrow path. 

Exiting this narrow path, we will have a wide trail ahead till we arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, located at the foot of the summit of the same name and the Khangsar Kola River. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

A beautiful climb through the moraines to the lake awaits us today. With breakfast at the camp in front of Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and Khangsar Kang. We now climb the steep ridge for approximately 3 hours to reach Lake Tilicho. 

At approximately 5000 m altitude, Lake Tilicho is the glacial accumulation of the entire northern part of Annapurna. Being linked to the epic Ramayana, this lake is an important Hindu pilgrimage site that also offers breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna Peaks and Tilicho Peak (7134 m). The edge of the lake will be dotted with wildflowers in spring and summer. 

We will return to Tilicho Base Camp for lunch and descend to Siri Kharka for the night. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Leaving base camp, we will follow a little-used wild trail that will take us to Yak Kharka. The Tilicho Base Camp and the village of Yak Khara are at almost the same altitude. Therefore, the path will sometimes take us up and down icy slopes, which we will need to be wary of. 

Passing through the Khangsar village, we now descend to the Thorung Khola valley. We will now walk slowly to the pretty hamlet of Yak Kharka, following the Chulu Peak barrier to the east. We are now at the high pastures of Yak Kharka, where we will probably have the chance to see the local herds of yaks and wild goats.

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

We will leave our lodge in Yak Khara to reach Thorung Phedi via Letdar. We will have the privilege of seeing waterfalls and small lakes while contemplating the immensity of the Annapurna massif in the distance. We will undoubtedly come across yaks and certainly small groups of monkeys, regulars of this path. 

After Letdar, we will ascend to Thorung Phedi, which in Nepali means at the bottom of Thorong. The landscapes remain lunar, and the vegetation is rare, but the views of Gundang, Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Khatungkan are magnificent. 

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

A beautiful and strenuous day of walking at altitude awaits us. Early in the morning, we will begin the climb to the summit of the famous Thorong La Pass. The first part of the climb is steep up to High Camp, then becomes gentler. As the altitude increases, we walk more and more slowly. The last part is a series of jumps, which ultimately leads to the summit of the pass, framed by the high peaks of Thorong Peak, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. 

After savoring the moment, we will begin a long descent towards Muktinath. We will visit this famous Hindu temple and settle into the lodge on arrival. We are now in a completely different universe: the Mustang region.

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

We leave the village of Muktinath and cross a small pass through superb mountain landscapes. On the way, with a bit of luck, we can see the Bharal, the blue sheep of the Himalayas. When we reach Jharkot, we will take a small tour of Sakya Gompa and then descend to Kagbeni. 

From Kagbeni, a fairly steep descent takes us to Lupra, a small village hidden in the Lupra Khola gorges. Far from the hiking trails, the village has managed to keep all its charm. After a short break in the village, we head into the Kali Gandaki gorges and end the day in Jomsom.

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

We will board a domestic flight early in the morning to reach Pokhara. As soon as we take off, we can admire the view of the South Nilgiri, which is located at 6839m. After we arrive in Pokhara, we will transfer you to your hotel, near the tourist district of Lakeside. 

You will have a free afternoon: everyone can take the opportunity to stroll on the banks of Lake Phewa or go shopping on the main shopping street.

If you like, you can also extend your stay in Pokhara and enjoy boat rides, paragliding, massage, or rafting. You can also extend your days in Kathmandu to explore Nagarkot, Shivapuri National Park, Kakani, or Chandragiri. 

Breakfast

Hotel

Free time to enjoy the Nepalese atmosphere a little longer and make your last purchases. Also, we would love to hear your trekking experiences and feedbacks.You will be taken to Kathmandu airport in the afternoon for the international flight to your home country. 

Breakfast

What's Included In The Package

What's Excluded In The Package

Fixed Departure Date For 2024

10 Nov 2024 - 27 Nov 2024

14 Spaces Left

03 April 2025 - 20 April 2025

14 Spaces Left

03 May 2025 - 20 May 2025

14 Spaces Left

13 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2025

14 Spaces Left

10 Nov 2025 - 27 Nov 2025

14 Spaces Left

Essential Information

Before booking

  • Choose the right trip, considering your health, physical ability, and experiences.
  • Read the terms and conditions properly.
  • Make sure the payment is delivered to ensure the final confirmation.

After Booking

High-altitude activities in Nepal are not just physically demanding, they are a test of your fitness. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a necessity to ensure you’re physically ready for these adventures. By committing to physical training, you’ll not only be prepared, but you’ll also be confident and ready to take on the challenge.

For Trekking

  • For multiple days of trekking at high altitudes of over 4000m-5000 m, ensure you have trained yourself well. Box jump, circuit and resistance training, and endurance training like hiking, running, cycling, or swimming can be beneficial.
  • Feed on the right nutritious food rich in protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrates.
  • Keep yourself focused and determined, which helps to strengthen your willpower for the next challenge ahead.

International Flights arrangements:You are responsible for arranging the international flight ticket and travel insurance, which can cover emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Our package doesn’t include this service.

Route Map

Altitude chart (represents only overnight stops) - highlights key overnight stops but omits detailed elevation changes between them.

Frequently Asked Question

The Round Annapurna Trek typically starts in Besisahar and ends in Pokhara for longer version trip.Our itinerary takes you to Jomsom from Besisahar then fly to Pokhara and to Kathmandu. The Round Annapurna Trek, also known as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, is a classic trekking route in Nepal that encircles the Annapurna Massif, offering diverse landscapes, cultures, and stunning mountain views.

The Round Annapurna Trek usually takes around 18-21 days to complete, including acclimatization days, crossing high passes like Thorong La, and exploring diverse villages along the way.

The best times to do the Round Annapurna Trek are during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November when the weather is clear and stable.

Permits such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card are required for the Round Annapurna Trek.

The highest point reached during the Round Annapurna Trek is Thorong La Pass, standing at an altitude of approximately 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).

Accommodation along the Round Annapurna Trek ranges from basic teahouses in remote villages to more comfortable lodges in popular trekking areas.

While prior trekking experience is beneficial, the Round Annapurna Trek is suitable for experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness.They should be prepared for long days of hiking and altitude changes.

A good level of fitness is recommended for the Round Annapurna Trek due to its long duration, high passes, and varied terrain. Regular physical exercise and long hiking experiences before the trek can help prepare for the challenges.

Altitude sickness is a potential risk on the Round Annapurna Trek due to the high altitudes reached, especially when crossing Thorong La Pass. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and awareness of symptoms are important for mitigating these risks.

The major highlights of the Round Annapurna Trek include stunning mountain views of peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to arid valleys, encounters with local culture, crossing Thorong La Pass and 2nd highest glacier lake in the world named Tilicho at 4919m .

During the spring and autumn seasons, the weather on the Round Annapurna Trek is generally favorable with clear skies and moderate temperatures. However, weather conditions can vary, so it's essential to be prepared for changing conditions.

Side trips or extensions such as visiting Upper Mustang before getting into Jomsom or exploring the Annapurna Base Camp area after arriving Pokhara can be added to enhance the Round Annapurna Trek experience, offering additional challenges and breathtaking views.

The level of tourist traffic on the Round Annapurna Trek can vary depending on the season, with peak times seeing more trekkers on the trail. However, parts of the trek still offer a sense of solitude and tranquility amidst stunning natural beauty.

While it's not mandatory to hire a guide for the Round Annapurna Trek, it is recommended, especially for those unfamiliar with trekking in Nepal or seeking assistance with navigation, cultural insights, and safety during the trek.