14-Day Tilicho Lake Trek in Nepal with Thorong La Pass Crossing

14 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Take on a classic high-mountain journey through Nepal's Annapurna region, combining the dramatic Tilicho Lake excursion with the legendary Thorong La Pass cross...

Duration: 14 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Not included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath · Languages: English, Hindi, Japanese

Know before you go: Before starting the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek, it is important to be well prepared. This is a beautiful but challenging high-altitude trek, reaching Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m and Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m.; Good fitness is important: you should be comfortable walking around 5-7 hours a day on uphill and downhill trails.; Acclimatization: take the acclimatization day in Manang seriously. Walk slowly and allow your body time to adjust to the altitude.; Altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness, and unusual tiredness can be signs of altitude sickness. Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell.; Weather can change quickly: conditions around Tilicho Lake and Thorong La can become cold, windy, or snowy. Your itinerary may need to change for safety.; Best seasons: March-May and September-November are generally the best periods for this trek, with autumn offering particularly clear mountain views.; Accommodation: teahouses are available along the route, but facilities become very basic at higher elevations, especially around Tilicho Base Camp.; Food and drinks: meals for guests are not included in your package price. You can purchase meals and drinks at the teahouses along the route.; Drinking water: bring a reusable water bottle. You can refill it with treated or boiled water and use purification tablets or a filter.; Permits: the Annapurna route requires the appropriate conservation and trekking registration permits. TIMS and a licensed guide are part of the current requirements for applicable Annapurna routes.; Thorong La crossing: the pass crossing starts early in the morning and can be one of the hardest days of the trek. Follow your guide's instructions and do not rush.; Travel insurance: comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended.; Personal expenses: carry some Nepalese rupees for Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, snacks, drinks, and other personal expenses.; Trekking equipment: good hiking boots, warm layers, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a sleeping bag, and a waterproof jacket are essential.; Road conditions: some sections are traveled by jeep or bus, and journey times can change because of road, weather, and traffic conditions.; Flexibility: Himalayan weather is unpredictable. Your guide may adjust the itinerary if conditions around Tilicho Lake or Thorong La are unsafe.

About Pokhara

Nepal

Pokhara

Hugging its own mirror-like lake in the midst of the snow-mantled Nepalese Himalaya, Pokhara is a breathtaking affair. Temples and views abound, so be sure to get a local guide while in town.

Explore Pokhara Nepal All destinations

What's Included

Transportation: Kathmandu to Besisahar by tourist/local transport.
Besisahar to Chame and onward to Pisang: jeep transportation as required by the itinerary.
Muktinath to Tatopani: bus transportation.
Tatopani to Pokhara: bus transportation.
Pokhara to Kathmandu: tourist bus.
Final departure transfer: private vehicle from your Kathmandu hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): required for the Annapurna and Tilicho route.
TIMS Card: arranged through our registered trekking agency. The Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho routes are listed among the routes requiring TIMS and a licensed guide.
Experienced trekking guide: a government-licensed, experienced guide throughout the trek.
Porter: one porter for every two trekkers, including porter wages, food, accommodation, and insurance.
Guide and porter transportation: their required transportation costs during the trek.
Guide and porter accommodation and meals: included during the trekking period.
Accommodation: teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek, according to the itinerary.
Trekking support: assistance with check-ins, permits, route information, and basic trekking coordination.
Airport transfer: arrival and final departure transfers in Kathmandu.

Not Included

Meals and drinks for guests during the trek
Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel accommodation, unless mentioned separately
International flights
Nepal visa fee
Travel insurance, including helicopter evacuation
Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, and laundry
Bottled water and alcoholic drinks
Tips for guide and porter
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Any extra transportation caused by unforeseen circumstances
Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned under 'Included'

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Kathmandu to Besisahar Scenic Drive

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The road follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys, passing through green hills, villages, terraced farmland, and riverside settlements. After reaching Besisahar, check into your hotel and rest. Driving: 6-7 hoursOvernight: Besisahar
2

Day 02

Drive from Besisahar to Chame

After breakfast, continue by jeep toward Chame, the headquarters of Manang District. The road follows the Marsyangdi River through dramatic mountain scenery. You pass several small villages, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and narrow valleys before reaching Chame. Driving: 6-7 hoursOvernight: Chame
3

Day 03

Trek to Pisang through the Upper Marsyangdi Valley

Today you begin walking through the beautiful upper Marsyangdi Valley. The trail passes through pine and fir forests, with impressive views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak. After crossing several bridges and passing through villages, you reach Pisang. Walking: 5-6 hoursOvernight: Pisang
4

Day 04

Scenic Walk to Manang via Upper Pisang and Ngawal

Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek. The trail climbs gradually toward Manang, with spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna. You pass through traditional villages such as Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, and Ngawal before descending toward Manang. Walking: 5-6 hoursOvernight: Manang
5

Day 05

Acclimatization Day in Manang

Spend a day in Manang to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. You can take a short hike to a viewpoint above the village or visit the local monastery and surrounding villages. The views of the Annapurna range and Gangapurna Glacier are spectacular.
6

Day 06

Manang to Tilicho Base Camp via Khangsar

After breakfast, leave Manang and follow the trail toward Khangsar Village. The route continues through the beautiful Khangsar Valley toward Tilicho Base Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly dry and rugged as you gain altitude. Walking: 5-6 hoursOvernight: Tilicho Base Camp
7

Day 07

Tilicho Lake Excursion and Descent to Shree Kharka

Start early for the highlight of the trek - Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m. The trail climbs steadily across a barren mountain landscape. On a clear day, the turquoise lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks is breathtaking. After spending some time at the lake, descend carefully and continue toward Shree Kharka for the night. Walking: 6-7 hoursOvernight: Shree Kharka
8

Day 08

Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit to Yak Kharka

Today you reconnect with the main Annapurna Circuit route. The trail passes through dry mountain landscapes and gradually climbs toward Yak Kharka. As you approach the Thorong La section, the vegetation becomes thinner and the surrounding mountains become more dramatic. Walking: 5-6 hoursOvernight: Yak Kharka
9

Day 09

Climb to Thorong High Camp

Today you enter the high-altitude section of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail climbs gradually toward Thorong Phedi, followed by a steeper section to Thorong High Camp. Take the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the early morning crossing of Thorong La Pass. Walking: 6-7 hoursOvernight: Thorong High Camp
10

Day 10

Cross Thorong La Pass and Descend to Muktinath

This is the most challenging and rewarding day. Start very early and climb toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. After celebrating at the pass and enjoying spectacular mountain views, descend steeply toward Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Walking: 7-9 hoursOvernight: Muktinath
11

Day 11

Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani via the Kali Gandaki Valley

After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The landscape changes dramatically from the dry Mustang region to greener valleys. Continue through Jomsom, Marpha, and Ghasa before reaching Tatopani. Driving: 6-7 hoursOvernight: Tatopani
12

Day 12

Tatopani to Pokhara through Western Nepal's Hills

Enjoy your final journey through the beautiful hills of western Nepal. The road passes waterfalls, villages, terraced farmland, and river valleys before reaching Pokhara. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a relaxing evening around Phewa Lake. Driving: 5-6 hoursOvernight: Pokhara
13

Day 13

Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or take a short domestic flight. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Your Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit trek officially ends. Driving: 6-7 hours by road / approximately 25 minutes by flightOvernight: Kathmandu or onward departure.
14

Day 14

Final Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, enjoy your remaining free time in Kathmandu or relax at your hotel until it is time for your flight. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your final departure. We hope you return home with wonderful memories of your Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit treks. Transfer: Kathmandu hotel -> Tribhuvan International AirportTrip Ends: At the airport with farewells from our team.