Annapurna Circuit Trek (15 Days) — Thorong La Pass & Tilicho Lake

Description

Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days of High-Altitude Adventure

The Annapurna Circuit is Nepal’s iconic long-distance trek: a looping journey through emerald valleys, pine forests and high-alpine deserts, over the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), and down into windswept Mustang. It’s a route where Buddhist chortens and prayer flags give way to Hindu shrines, apple orchards sit beneath 8,000-meter walls, and every day delivers new terrain, new culture, and bigger horizons.

We’ve designed this guided, porter-supported itinerary to keep the focus on the walking—and the wonder. Permits, teahouse bookings, daily logistics and altitude pacing are handled by our local team, so you can settle into the trek’s simple rhythm: walk, breathe, take it all in.

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Why you’ll love this circuit

• Cross Thorong La – Tackle one of the world’s highest trekking passes (5,416 m) with a plan that prioritizes acclimatization and safety.
• Two distinct regions – Trace the cultural and landscape shift from Manang to Mustang: glaciers, cliff monasteries, desert ridgelines and ancient trade towns.
• Tilicho Lake option – Hike to one of the world’s highest lakes (~4,900 m), tucked beneath sheer ice cliffs (built into this 15-day plan).
• Big-view moments – Stand above the Kali Gandaki, the deepest river gorge on Earth; wake to Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu on the skyline.
• Cultural immersion – Share teahouse evenings with Manangi and Thakali hosts, visit gompas and prayer wheels, and meet pilgrims at sacred Muktinath.
• Comforts that count – Soak in Tatopani hot springs, taste fresh apple pie in Marpha, and celebrate the finish with lakeside downtime in Pokhara.

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Route at a glance (15 days, guided)

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer by road to the trailhead, entering the Marsyangdi Valley at Dharapani. Trek via Chame and Pisang to Manang for a full acclimatization day with side hikes to glacial lakes and viewpoints. Branch to Sirikharka and Tilicho Base Camp for the Tilicho Lake excursion, then rejoin the main trail toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi/High Camp. Summit day crosses Thorong La (5,416 m) before descending to the sacred town of Muktinath, then follow the rain-shadowed valley to Jomsom. Fly to Pokhara and connect to Kathmandu to close the loop.

Typical highest sleeping altitude ~4,500 m; maximum altitude 5,416 m on the pass. Daily distances and overnights may adjust for weather, health and trail conditions.

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How we make it seamless

• Local experts, real support – Licensed guides with 24/7 backup from our Kathmandu team; porters carry the heavy load so you don’t have to.
• Thoughtful pacing – Built-in acclimatization (Manang) and shorter days before the pass for a safer, more enjoyable ascent.
• Gear sorted – Core trekking essentials (sleeping bag, down jacket) provided; microspikes available if needed (add-on); extra gear rental on request.
• Fair, transparent – No middlemen surprises; permits, teahouses and transport handled end-to-end.
• Responsible travel – Small groups, teahouse stays, and community-minded choices that keep benefits local.

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Who this trek is for

Trekkers ready for challenging multi-day hiking at altitude who want the full Himalayan experience—not just a viewpoint. You don’t need mountaineering skills, but solid fitness, prior multi-day trekking, and comfort hiking 5–9 hours a day will make this deeply rewarding.

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Good to know

• Duration: 15 days Kathmandu ↔ Kathmandu (Tilicho Lake included). Shorter custom versions available on request.
• Best seasons: Mar–May and Oct–Nov for clear skies and stable conditions.
• Accommodation: Family-run teahouses on trek; city hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
• Transport: Road to the trailhead; flight Jomsom → Pokhara with a same-day connection to Kathmandu (weather-dependent).
• Altitude & safety: We monitor AMS symptoms, adjust pace as needed, and can reroute/descend for safety. Weather and flights in the mountains can be delayed—flexibility is part of the adventure.

Ready to trek the Annapurna Circuit the right way? We handle the permits, beds and backup—all you have to do is show up, lace up, and walk into the Himalaya.