Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Ice Lake Trek - 21 Days

Annapurna · 21 Days

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Ice Lake Trek - 21 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,416m (17,769 ft) at Thorong La Pass · Max group 2-10 people

Duration

21 Days

Max Altitude

5,416m (17,769 ft)

at Thorong La Pass

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Ice Lake Trek is a 21-day extended classic that visits two of Nepal's most stunning high-altitude lakes - Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest lakes on earth, and the sacred Ice Lake (4,600m) above Manang. The trek combines the iconic Thorong La Pass crossing with side trips to two of the most photographed alpine destinations in the Himalayas, plus deep cultural exploration of the Nar Phu and Manang valleys.

This is the most rewarding extended version of the classic Annapurna Circuit - longer, more diverse, more rewarding.

Highlights

  • Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919m) - one of the highest lakes in the world
  • Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) for unmatched alpine panoramas
  • Cross Kang La Pass (5,322m) from Nar to Ngawal
  • Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) - the iconic Annapurna high pass
  • Visit Phu Village and Tashi Lhakhang Monastery
  • Explore Nar village and traditional Tibetan culture
  • Sacred Muktinath Temple visit
  • Rest day in Lete - the beautiful Thakali village
  • 25-minute scenic flight Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Stunning views of Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Dhaulagiri

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Besisahar

⏱ 6-7 hours drive 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive to trailhead.

Day 2

Besisahar to Dharapani

⏱ Jeep + hike 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jeep transfer up the valley.

Day 3

Dharapani to Koto

⏱ 6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter upper Marsyangdi.

Day 4

Koto to Meta

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Nar Phu restricted area.

Day 5

Meta to Kyang

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Remote Tibetan landscapes.

Day 6

Kyang to Phu Village (4,080m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at isolated Phu village.

Day 7

Visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery

⏱ Half day 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sacred monastery and cultural exploration.

Day 8

Phu Village to Nar Phedi

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk to Nar Phedi monastery.

Day 9

Nar Phedi to Nar Village

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short walk to Nar village.

Day 10

Rest Day at Nar Village

⏱ Flexible 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore and acclimatize.

Day 11

Nar Village to Ngawal via Kang La Pass (5,322m)

⏱ 8-9 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

First high pass of the trek.

Day 12

Ngawal to Manang (3,540m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drop onto the main circuit.

Day 13

Manang - Day Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m)

⏱ 6 hours round trip 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization side trip to Ice Lake.

Day 14

Manang to Shri Kharka

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the Tilicho approach.

Day 15

Shri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb steep landslide-prone trails to base camp.

Day 16

Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and Return to Shri Kharka

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek's highlight - one of the world's highest lakes.

Day 17

Shri Kharka to Yak Kharka

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Reconnect with the main circuit.

Day 18

Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

⏱ 3-4 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short day before the pass.

Day 19

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

⏱ 7-9 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The iconic pass crossing day.

Day 20

Muktinath to Lete - Rest Day at Thakali Village

⏱ Jeep + arrival 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Beautiful Thakali village famous for excellent food.

Day 21

Lete to Pokhara, Flight to Kathmandu

⏱ 4 hrs jeep + 25-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Scenic ride and short flight home.

Ready to walk this?

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What's included

Included

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in clean teahouses
  • Accommodation in clean lodges
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
  • Government license holder English-speaking guide
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (insurance included)
  • All land transportation in private jeep
  • Trekking map
  • Helicopter evacuation arrangement (paid by your insurance)
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Personal shopping
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips for guide and porters

Trek guide

The Ultimate Annapurna Experience

This 21-day extended circuit is for trekkers who want the best of everything the Annapurna region offers - two restricted Tibetan-Buddhist valleys (Nar Phu), two iconic alpine lakes (Tilicho and Ice Lake), and the legendary Thorong La crossing. Where the classic 15-day circuit gives you the highlights, this longer route gives you depth.

Tilicho Lake

At 4,919m, Tilicho Lake is one of the highest large lakes in the world. The approach involves a steep climb from Shri Kharka up to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m), then a demanding push to the lake itself. The water sits in a vast glacial cirque ringed by 7,000m peaks - one of the most photogenic sites in the Himalayas.

Ice Lake

Ice Lake (also known as Kicho Tal) sits at 4,600m above Manang and is reached on an acclimatization side hike. The lake's turquoise water reflects the surrounding peaks. The 6-hour round trip from Manang doubles as critical acclimatization for Thorong La.

Permits

  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu Valley
  • ACAP

Minimum 2 trekkers and licensed guide required.

Altitude Profile

Three days above 4,500m (Tilicho Base Camp, Tilicho Lake side trip, Thorong La crossing) make this one of the more demanding altitude profiles in Nepal. Acclimatization is built in via Ice Lake, the Nar Phu rest day and Manang.

Best Season

  • Spring (April-May): Tilicho often partially frozen for spectacular ice-rim photography
  • Autumn (Late September-November): Clearest water and best visibility

Fitness

Very strenuous. Excellent fitness required. Previous high-altitude experience recommended.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -15°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal layers, 6 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, buff, insulated and light gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, gaiters, microspikes

Accessories: 50L pack, 80L duffel, -15°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 3L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 6 photos, cash

Medical: Diamox, first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How dangerous is the Tilicho approach?
The trail has landslide-prone sections and is exposed in places. Our guides know safe timing (early morning crossings) and we follow weather advisories closely.

How cold is Tilicho Lake?
At 4,919m it can be -10 to -20°C with wind chill at the lake even in October. A full down kit is essential for the side trip.

Can I skip Tilicho if I'm tired?
Yes - we can stay at Shri Kharka while you rest. Communicate with your guide.

Are there teahouses at Tilicho Base Camp?
Yes - basic but functional lodges with dorms and simple meals.

How fit do I need to be?
Very fit. Three high-altitude side trips plus two passes make this physically demanding.

Is altitude sickness common at Tilicho?
Mild symptoms are common. Stay hydrated, walk slowly, communicate with your guide.

Will I see other trekkers?
Yes, but far fewer than the main circuit. Tilicho gets perhaps 10-20% of standard circuit numbers.

How are the photographs at Tilicho?
Among the most spectacular alpine lake photography in Nepal. Bring a wide-angle lens.

Can the trek be combined with helicopter return?
Yes - helicopter from Muktinath to Pokhara/Kathmandu can be arranged at extra cost.

What if the lake is frozen?
In April and November the lake is partially frozen - many trekkers prefer the icy spectacle.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1800

per person

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