Annapurna circuit trek with tilicho lake and north base camp is one of the high altitude trek in Nepal where you will circulate world's 10'th highest peak annapurna (8091m) vai anti-clock wise. This trek is anti-clock wise cause it helps you accamalatize at high altitude, daily altitude gain is slower and you will reach 5416m maximum elevation of trek thorangla pass in day 11. Guru travels have accamulate tilicho trek, annapurna circuit trek, muktinath jomsom trek and north annapurna base camp trek in same trek.
On this trek you will be witnessing 3 mountains above 8000m which are Annapurna 1, manaslu and dhaulagari with much more mountains rainging from 6000m-8000m. Our annapurna circuit trek with tilicho lake and north base camp will start from kathmandu and ends at pokhara.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Tilicho lake(4,919m) - World highest altitude lake
Thorongla la pass(5,416m) - Annapurna circuit summit point
Annapurna north base camp(4,190m) - Remote glacier base vai lower route
Total walking distance - Approx 180 - 200km
Outline Itinerary
Days |
Title |
1 |
Drive Kathmandu to beshisahar |
2 |
Drive from Besisahar (760m) to Chame (2,670m) |
3 |
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m) |
4 |
Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m) via Ghyaru & Ngawal |
5 |
Acclimatization Day in Manang (Optional hike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake) |
6 |
Trek from Manang to Shree Kharka (4,060m |
7 |
Trek from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m) |
8 |
Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and return to shree Kharka |
9 |
Trek from Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,050m) |
10 |
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) |
11 |
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and descend to Muktinath (3,760m) |
12 |
Drive from Muktinath to Ghasa (2,010m) |
13 |
Trek from Ghasa to Narchyang Village (1,500m) |
14 |
Trek from Narchyang to Hum Khola (Lower Annapurna North BC approach |
15 |
Trek to Annapurna North Base Camp (4,190m) and return to Hum Khola |
16 |
Trek from Hum Khola to Narchyang Village |
17 |
Drive from Narchyang to Pokhara (827m) |
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 1- Drive Kathmandu to beshisahar
Our official member will meet you at thamel and lead you to tourist bus station and take a tourist bus drive from kathmandu to beshisahar. After reaching beshisahar guide will give you overall brefing and buy missing items. Beshisahar is a market place in lamjung district and also a gate way to annapurna circuit trek where you can find a essential items for trek as well.
Drive distance- Approx 180km
Day 2- Drive from Besisahar (760m) to Chame (2,670m)
On this day after breakfast at hotel we will take jeep and drive to chame. A thrilling jeep ride takes you from Besisahar to Chame, the headquarters of Manang district. The rough road climbs steeply along cliffs, waterfalls, and narrow gorges. As you ascend, you'll notice the change in vegetation from subtropical forests to pine and fir trees. Chame (2,670m) offers stunning views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.
Altitude: 1310m
Distance:65km
Note: Road is rough and mostly landslide in monsoon.
Day 3- Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Your trek officially begins today, covering 14–15 km through pine forests and rocky ridges. The trail offers panoramic views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. You’ll pass the majestic Paungda Danda rock face before reaching the ancient village of Upper Pisang, known for its traditional Tibetan architecture.
Altitude Gain: 630m
Distance: 14km
Landscape: Forests, rivers, apple orchards, cliffs
Day 4- Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m) via Ghyaru & Ngawal
On this day after breakfast we will start a trek through the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal, we will gain roughly 800m in elevation before descending to Manang. You will be able to view panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The trail is steep and exposed in places but culturally rich.
Altitude Gain: 240m
Distance: 15KM
Landscape: Arid alpine terrain, old Buddhist monasteries
Note: Dry air and altitude can cause headaches—hydrate well.
Day 5- Acclimatization Day in Manang (Optional hike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake)
This day will be your acclimatization day. You can take an optional hike to Ice Lake (~4,600m) or Gangapurna Lake, which helps your body adjust in high altitude. Manang is also one of the most beautiful village around the trek. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association for AMS information.
Note: Highly recommended to hike higher and sleep lower.
Day 6- Trek from Manang to Shree Kharka (4,060m
We will be following mountain rule where after crossing 3000m we will not acend more then 500m per day. The trail diverts from the main Annapurna Circuit today, heading toward Tilicho Lake. It climbs gradually through alpine grasslands. Shree Kharka is located at serene surroundings and basic accommodation.
Altitude Gain: 520m
Distance: 8-9 km
Note: Stay alert around landslide areas and walk in a group.
Day 7- Trek from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)
A short but tricky trail leads to Tilicho Base Camp. The path is unstable cliffs and narrow ridges and mostly windy weather where you should be careful. Views will get more beautiful as you approach tilicho base camp.
Altitude Gain:90m
Distance: 6-7 km
Note: Wear a dust mask and avoid loose rock areas.
Day 8- Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and return to shree Kharka
Today our guide will lead you to tilicho lake early morning to avoid high winds. It will take around Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes. The lake offers unmatched views of Tilicho and Nilgiri. After spending time at the lake, descend to Shree Kharka.
Altitude Gain: +769m descend -859m
Total distance: 22km
Day 9- Trek from Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
You rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail today. The route climbs gradually, passing through alpine pastures and juniper bushes. You’ll reach Yak Kharka, a seasonal grazing area with limited teahouses.
Altitude Gain/Loss: Minimal
Duration: 5–6 hrs
Note: Beware of altitude symptoms and drink warm fluids.
Day 10- Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
A slow ascent takes you to the foot of Thorong La Pass. The trail includes rocky terrain and a landslide section. Thorong Phedi is a cold, windy place, and you’ll need to rest early for the big day ahead.
Altitude Gain: +400m
Duration: 4–5 hrs
Note: Early sleep is important. Tomorrow’s pass is tough.
Day 11- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and descend to Muktinath (3,760m)
The most challenging and rewarding day. Start before 4 AM to cross Thorong La, the highest point of the trek. After reaching the prayer-flag-covered summit, descend steeply to the holy site of Muktinath, a Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage town.
Altitude Gain: +966m → descend -1,656m
Duration: 8–9 hrs
Note: Carry energy snacks and wear layers. Risk of snow and wind.
Day 12- Drive from Muktinath to Ghasa (2,010m)
After breakfast, take a jeep downhill to Ghasa via Jomsom and Marpha. The ride passes through the dry Mustang region and then lush pine forests of the lower Kali Gandaki valley. Ghasa is a small village known for its biodiversity.
Altitude: 3,760m → 2,010m
Duration: 6–7 hrs
Note: Roads are bumpy. Dust mask recommended.
Day 13- Trek from Ghasa to Narchyang Village (1,500m)
Trek through terraced fields, waterfalls, and charming Magar villages. The trail is moderately steep at times but culturally rewarding. Narchyang offers warm hospitality and is a gateway to the lesser-known Annapurna North.
Altitude Loss: -510m
Duration: 5–6 hrs
Note: Prepare for warmer weather again—shed layers.
Day 14- Trek from Narchyang to Hum Khola (Lower Annapurna North BC approach
The path today gradually climbs through rhododendron forests and bamboo groves to Hum Khola. This remote camp is the staging area for the Annapurna North Base Camp hike.
Altitude Gain: +1,300m
Duration: 6–7 hrs
Note: Trail is less developed—carry essentials and stay with guide.
Day 15- Trek to Annapurna North Base Camp (4,190m) and return to Hum Khola
A long and strenuous day to the breathtaking Annapurna North Base Camp—a sacred and rarely visited spot. Towering views of Annapurna I’s north face greet you. After photos and packed lunch, return to Hum Khola.
Altitude Gain: +1,390m → descend
Duration: 7–8 hrs
Note: Steep ascent; carry water, wear sun protection.
Day 16- Trek from Hum Khola to Narchyang Village
Retrace your steps down to Narchyang, with ample time to relax and interact with locals. Enjoy cultural exchange and prepare for the return to urban comfort.
Altitude Loss: -1,300m
Duration: 5–6 hrs
Note: Knees may feel the descent—use trekking poles.
Day 17- Drive from Narchyang to Pokhara (827m)
The adventure concludes with a beautiful drive to Pokhara via Beni and Baglung. You’ll return to the warmth of the city, reflecting on your epic 17-day high-altitude journey across one of the most diverse trekking circuits in the Himalayas.
Altitude: 1,500m → 827m
Duration: 6–7 hrs
Note: Celebrate with a lakeside dinner in Pokhara!