Annapurna · Expedition
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake added for more altitude, bigger scenery, and a memorable high-mountain detour.
Duration
18 days
Max altitude
5,416 m
Best seasons
Apr-May · Oct-Nov
Difficulty
Expedition
Route planning map
Switch between topographic context, overall route shape, and stage-by-stage stops to see how the trek unfolds in real terms — not just as a line between famous names.
Route map
Loading route map
Drawing the topographic base, route line, and stage markers for this itinerary.
Route read
An Annapurna Circuit variant where Tilicho Lake adds a high-altitude side journey before Thorong La. Destination focus: Muktinath at 3,800m, pilgrimage and logistics reset on the Mustang side.
Route progress
0 km
Completed
~108 km
Total route
Elevation profile
↑ 2,270 m
Elevation gain
↓ 3,120 m
Max elevation
Current leg
Est. distance
Stage type
Duration
18 days
Max altitude
5,416m
Best seasons
Apr-May · Oct-Nov
Starting rate
Custom quote
Permits and access
Permits
ACAP, TIMS or equivalent trekking registration
Access
Jeep-supported Annapurna approach, Flexible exit from Jomsom or Pokhara
Stay style
Kathmandu/Pokhara hotels + high-altitude teahouse chain
Customize your trip
jeep
Jeep compression on lower sections keeps the long itinerary more comfortable and time-efficient.
flight
Jomsom exit options help when leave windows are tight.
Day-by-day itinerary
A representative 18-day plan. Every departure is private and can be paced, shortened, or extended around your dates.
Day 1 · 7hrs drive · 135kms/83mls
↑ 310m descend
A 5-hour bus ride takes us to the starting point of the trek: Besisahar (900m), the capital of Lamjung District. After lunch drive 2hrs to Syange, to avoid the crowded town of Besisahar. Also, it is a nice walk and a better way to experience village life in Syange (1130m) from the first day. Great mountain views!
Day 2 · 6hrs · 15.4kms/9.6mls
↑ 570m ascend
Also at the beginning, we will be walking on the road for about 3 hours after that we will be walking on the trail up to Tal. On the way to Tak, we can see beautiful waterfalls and beehives. Tal is the first village of the Manang district. A paradise along the Marsyandi River. We can see beautiful waterfalls from the hotel. A Buddhist shrine called Chorten is located in front of the waterfall and according to the villagers the shrine protects the villages from natural disasters. Tal means lake in Nepali. The village was once a lake, and therefore it is called Tal (1700m). Hiking hours: 6
Day 3 · 5hrs · 12kms/7.5mls
↑ 600m ascend
Tal is the first village in the Manang district. A paradise along the Marsyandi River. We can see beautiful waterfalls from the hotel. A Buddhist shrine called Chorten is located in front of the waterfall and according to the villagers the shrine protects the villages from natural disasters. Today's destination is Danagyu (2300m). Hiking hours: 5
Day 4 · 5hrs · 15.5kms/9.62mls
↑ 300m ascend
We continue to follow the river and reach Chame (2670m). This village is famous for its hot springs – perfect for soothing our aching limbs! The village of Chame is the district headquarters of Manang district. Many administrative offices are located in Chame. The trail continues through pine and rhododendron forests with a spectacular view of Manaslu. The lower route is faster but is not as scenic as the higher route. Hiking hours: 5.
What's covered
Included
Not included
Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Massif Trek · Updated May 23, 2024
