Plan your visit
Plan your Trek
Prepare for extreme altitudes and remote conditions. Proper gear and realistic pacing are critical for crossing Thorong La successfully.
Annapurna Circuit trek (via Tilicho Lake and Thorong La)
Annapurna Conservation Area, Gandaki Province
GPS 28.794, 83.9377
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to the trailhead and back.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar (the traditional starting point). | 6-8 hours | $10-$15 | Standard tourist and local buses leave daily from Kathmandu early in the morning. |
| Car: Shared 4WD Jeep from Besisahar to Chame or Dharapani. | 3-5 hours | $15-$30 per person | Many trekkers choose to skip the dusty, lower road-walking sections by taking a jeep directly to higher elevations. |
| Tour: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. | 20 minutes | $125-$150 | A scenic but weather-dependent flight to quickly exit the mountains after finishing the trek in Muktinath/Jomsom. |
| Bus: Bus or Jeep from Jomsom or Muktinath to Pokhara. | 8-10 hours | $15-$25 | A long, bumpy ride down the Kali Gandaki valley for those who prefer overland travel back to civilization. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
October and November provide the most stable, clear weather. March to May offers warmer temperatures and rhododendron blooms. Winter months feature heavy snow, often closing the high passes.
What to bring
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Never ascend more than 500 meters per day to sleep once above 3,000 meters.
Strictly follow acclimatization protocols to prevent severe altitude sickness.
How the day runs
A typical 12-day pacing schedule.
The efficient path completing the circuit and Tilicho Lake using shared transport for the lower roads.
- Kathmandu to Besisahar
Take an early 6-8 hour bus to Besisahar, then a shared jeep to Chame to skip dusty roads.
- Manang Rest Day
Spend two nights in Manang (3,519m). Hike to Ice Lake for acclimatization.
- Tilicho Lake
Hike from Base Camp to the lake at 4,919m. Start before sunrise to avoid freezing winds.
- Thorong La Pass
Ascend from High Camp or Phedi at 4:00 AM. Cross the pass at 5,416m and descend to Muktinath.
- Jomsom to Pokhara
Take a 20-minute flight or an 8-10 hour bumpy bus ride back to civilization.
Essential Packing
You must bring a four-season sleeping bag rated to -15°C (5°F) or lower. Teahouse bedrooms are unheated and reach freezing temperatures at night. Micro-spikes are necessary, as trails to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La frequently hold icy patches.
Protect yourself from extreme sun and wind. Pack a windproof outer shell, a heavy down jacket, and category 3 or 4 sunglasses. Bring water purification tablets, as bottled water becomes scarce and expensive at high altitudes.
Easiest way to do it
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake (16 Days)
384 h 5.0 (25)
- Insurance coverage for all trekkinag crew, including guides, assistant guides, and porters.
- Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) Permit, Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Permit
- Accomodation in standard teahouses during the trek
- Dinner
From$1,800per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can I buy gear on the trail?
You can buy basic supplies in Chame or Manang. However, you should bring critical gear like boots and sleeping bags from home.
How cold does it get at night?
Temperatures at Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong Phedi can drop well below -10°C (14°F) at night.
Are there ATMs on the circuit?
Chame is the last reliable place for cash before the high-altitude sections. Carry enough Nepalese Rupees for the entire trek.