Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake – Self-Launched Trek
15 days · Nepal
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking Pvt. Ltd. charges £1,020
No-markup version: ~£560 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched version of the classic 15-day Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake detour — same route, same teahouses, same Thorong La crossing, but booked independently. You'll need an ACAP permit and TIMS card (arranged in Kathmandu or via the Nepal Trekking Agencies portal), then ride local buses and shared jeeps between trailheads and walk the circuit unguided. Teahouse accommodation is cheap and plentiful along the route; budget roughly £8–18/night for a room with meals bought in-house. Costs are approximate and assume independent travel, dal bhat dinners, and guesthouse lodging.
Day-by-day
Kathmandu to Chamje (via Besisahar)
Chamje
Get your ACAP permit and TIMS card sorted in Kathmandu (Pokhara or the Nepal Tourism Board office; budget ~£20 for ACAP + ~£7 TIMS). Then take an early local bus or shared jeep from Kathmandu's Gongabu (New Bus Park) to Besisahar (~5–6 hrs, ~£4–6), then onward shared jeep along the Marsyangdi River Valley to Chamje (~3 hrs, ~£6–8). Overnight in a teahouse in Chamje.
🚌Local bus + shared jeep, ~9–10 hrs total
🛏Teahouse in Chamje (twin room)
- →Obtain ACAP permit and TIMS card
- →Local bus Kathmandu to Besisahar
- →Shared jeep Besisahar to Chamje
Chamje to Dharapani
Dharapani
A shorter warm-up day through the Marsyangdi gorge, passing the village of Tal beside a waterfall and continuing up to Karte and Dharapani. Roughly 5–6 hours of walking. Settle into a teahouse and order dal bhat for dinner.
🚌On foot, ~5–6 hrs
🛏Teahouse in Dharapani
- →Trek Chamje–Tal–Karte–Dharapani
- →Waterfall viewpoint at Tal
Dharapani to Chame
Chame
Climb through pine and rhododendron forest via Thonje and Bagarchhap, with views opening to Mt. Manaslu. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang with hot springs near the river — a good reward after ~6 hours of walking.
🚌On foot, ~6 hrs
🛏Teahouse in Chame
- →Trek Dharapani–Bagarchhap–Chame
- →Manaslu views
- →Chame hot springs
Chame to Pisang
Pisang
A relatively gentle day through Bratang Village to Pisang, with Annapurna II looming overhead. About 5 hours. Choose Upper Pisang for better views and a quieter teahouse scene.
🚌On foot, ~5 hrs
🛏Teahouse in Upper Pisang
- →Trek Chame–Bratang–Pisang
- →Annapurna II viewpoints
Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru and Ngawal
Manang
Take the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal for the best Annapurna II, III and IV panoramas. About 7 hours with a lunch stop in Ghyaru. Descend through Humde, Bhakra and Braga to Manang (3,540m).
🚌On foot, ~7 hrs
🛏Guesthouse in Manang
- →High route via Ghyaru and Ngawal
- →Lunch in Ghyaru
- →Braga monastery visit
Manang acclimatisation day
Manang
Rest and acclimatise. Self-guided options: walk to Gangapurna Lake (~1 hr), Bhojo Gumba monastery, the Chonkor viewpoint at ~3,800m, or the Himalayan Rescue Association talk on altitude sickness (usually around 3pm, small donation).
🚌On foot, optional 2–5 hrs
🛏Guesthouse in Manang
- →Gangapurna Lake walk
- →Bhojo Gumba monastery
- →Chonkor viewpoint
- →Himalayan Rescue Association altitude talk
Manang to Shree Kharka
Shree Kharka
Branch off the main circuit toward Tilicho. Walk down to Khangsar then climb to Shree Kharka (~4,050m), roughly 5–6 hours. Basic but friendly teahouses.
🚌On foot, ~5–6 hrs
🛏Teahouse in Shree Kharka
- →Trek Manang–Khangsar–Shree Kharka
- →Khangsar Khola valley views
Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp
Tilicho Base Camp
A short but exposed day (~4–5 hrs) traversing scree slopes to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m). Start early to avoid afternoon wind. Note the landslide-prone section — walk carefully and follow the marked path.
🚌On foot, ~4–5 hrs
🛏Teahouse at Tilicho Base Camp
- →Trek Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp
- →Scree traverse
Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake and back
Tilicho Base Camp
Leave before dawn for the ~3–4 hr climb to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — one of the highest lakes in the world. Return to Base Camp for the night. This is a demanding out-and-back day; turn around promptly if AMS symptoms appear.
🚌On foot, ~7–8 hrs round trip
🛏Teahouse at Tilicho Base Camp
- →Sunrise trek to Tilicho Lake (4,919m)
- →Return to Base Camp
Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka
Retrace to Shree Kharka and rejoin the circuit, walking to Yak Kharka (~4,050m). About 6–7 hours. Keep an eye out for blue sheep and the occasional snow leopard track.
🚌On foot, ~6–7 hrs
🛏Teahouse in Yak Kharka
- →Rejoin Annapurna Circuit
- →Trek to Yak Kharka
- →Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna views
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Thorong Phedi
A short day (~4 hrs) up to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) or the higher High Camp if you're feeling strong. Rest early — tomorrow's pass crossing starts before dawn.
🚌On foot, ~4 hrs
🛏Teahouse at Thorong Phedi or High Camp
- →Trek Yak Kharka–Ledar–Thorong Phedi
- →Optional push to High Camp
Thorong Phedi over Thorong La to Muktinath
Muktinath
The big day: start around 4–5am, climb to Thorong La (5,416m) in 4–5 hours, then descend ~1,600m to Muktinath (7–8 hrs total). Weather can turn fast; carry layers, snacks and water. Stay in Ranipauwa near the temple.
🚌On foot, ~8–9 hrs
🛏Guesthouse in Ranipauwa / Muktinath
- →Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- →Descend to Muktinath
- →Kaligandaki Valley views
Muktinath to Jomsom
Jomsom
Visit Muktinath Temple in the morning (free entry, small donation), then a short 4–5 hr walk down the windy Kaligandaki Valley (world's deepest gorge) through Kagbeni to Jomsom. Alternatively hop a shared jeep for ~£4.
🚌On foot ~4–5 hrs, or shared jeep
🛏Guesthouse in Jomsom
- →Muktinath Temple
- →Trek via Kagbeni to Jomsom
Jomsom to Pokhara
Pokhara
Take the morning shared jeep or public bus from Jomsom down to Pokhara (~7–8 hrs, ~£10–12) — a dramatic ride through Kali Gandaki gorge. Alternatively fly (Pokhara flights from Jomsom ~£90) if weather permits. Evening by Phewa Lake.
🚌Shared jeep or bus, ~7–8 hrs
🛏Lakeside guesthouse in Pokhara
- →Scenic jeep/bus down Kali Gandaki gorge
- →Phewa Lake lakeside stroll
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Morning lakeside coffee in Pokhara and optional boat rental on Phewa Tal (~£3). Then a tourist bus or local coach to Kathmandu (~7–8 hrs, ~£8–10). Wander Thamel for souvenirs in the evening.
🚌Tourist bus ~7–8 hrs
🛏Guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu
- →Phewa Tal boat ride
- →Tourist bus Pokhara–Kathmandu
- →Thamel shopping
Self-launched vs. Sherpa Expedition & Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Sherpa Expedition & Trekking Pvt. Ltd. | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£560 | £1,020 |
| Duration | 15 days | 15 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £460 per person (45%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Sherpa Expedition & Trekking Pvt. Ltd.-style trips? Check them out here.~£560
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
Customise with Tour BusterCreated by
Travel Crew
0 trips
Frequently asked questions
How much does Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake – Self-Launched Trek cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £560 per person for 15 days in Nepal. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking Pvt. Ltd.?+
Yes — Sherpa Expedition & Trekking Pvt. Ltd. charges around £1,020 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £560 — a saving of roughly £460 (45%) per person.
How long is the Nepal trip?+
This itinerary runs 15 days, covering 15 day-by-day stops through Nepal.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, hiking, backpacker trip through Nepal, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
No comments yet — be the first to share your take.
Sign in to leave a comment.