Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Homestay Trek – 15 Days Authentic Himalayan Culture Meets the World’s Highest Lake
15 Days
16-70
Challenging
Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake
Trekking
12
4919
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
- Description
- Itinerary
- Pick-up
Step into the heart of the Himalayas with our 15-day Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Homestay Trek—a meaningful blend of cultural immersion and natural wonder. Unlike standard treks, this journey invites you into traditional homes across the Annapurna region, offering genuine moments with Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi families. From forested hills and high alpine deserts to the glacial beauty of Tilicho Lake and the high mountain pass of Thorong La, this trek is both a physical adventure and a cultural awakening.
Perfect for travellers who seek more than just views—this is where mountains, monasteries, and homestays tell the real story of Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)—the world’s highest glacial lake, surrounded by icy cliffs.
- Homestay Experience—live with local families in Pisang, Manang, and Marpha.
- Cultural Immersion—cooking sessions, Buddhist rituals, local storytelling, and monastery visits.
- Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)—a bucket-list mountain crossing with jaw-dropping views.
- Taste the Himalayas—enjoy Thakali cuisine and Marpha’s famous apple products.
- Optional hot springs in Tatopani—a rejuvenating soak after days on the trail.
Optional Route Tips
- Shorter Option: Skip Tilicho Lake and rejoin the main circuit from Manang (saves 2 days).
- Scenic Detour: Visit the hidden village of Kagbeni between Muktinath and Jomsom.
- Flexible Ending: End the trek in Jomsom and fly to Pokhara if you’re time-limited.
Who Is This Trek For?
- Culture-focused trekkers who enjoy deeper interaction over fast-paced trekking.
- Adventurers seeking a balance of homestays, high passes, and hidden alpine lakes.
- Ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting a less commercial, experience-rich journey.
Itinerary
Welcome to Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed briefing about the trek and cultural etiquette.
Scenic drive through terraced hills and riverside villages. Settle into a local homestay in Dharapani.
Follow the Marsyangdi River, with views of Lamjung Himal. Stay with a warm family in Chame village, the gateway to Manang.
Climb gradually through pine forests and traditional villages. Stay in a stone-built home with sweeping views of Annapurna II.
Take the high route through Ghyaru—a culturally preserved village with panoramic Himalayan views. Sleep in Ngawal and learn to cook local buckwheat bread.
Head off the main circuit toward Tilicho Valley. Explore this peaceful village with Buddhist prayer walls and yak pastures.
Pass through alpine terrain and landslide-prone trails (safely guided). Early dinner and rest before the big day.
Early start to reach the icy blue Tilicho Lake—surreal, remote, and surrounded by glaciers. Return to Khangsar for a warm meal and restful night.
Reconnect with the classic Annapurna Circuit, passing alpine meadows and yak herder camps.
Short trek to the base of the Thorong La Pass. Rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent.
Start before sunrise to cross the highest point of the trek. Reach Muktinath—a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists—with incredible desert-mountain backdrops.
Descend through Kali Gandaki Valley. Explore the charming village of Marpha, known for its whitewashed houses and apple brandy.
Drive to Tatopani and relax in natural hot springs.
Pokhara sightseeing and relaxation. Stroll around Phewa Lake, visit local cafés, or opt for activities like paragliding or spa treatments.
Return to Kathmandu by road or 25-minute flight. Evening farewell dinner with a local family.
Cost Includes
- 14x breakfast, 13x dinner, 13x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 15 nights
- Kathmandu International Airport Arrival & Departure Transfer by Private Comfortable Car/Van/Hiace
- Welcome or Farewell Dinner with Nepali Cultural Dance show
- Accommodations Twin twin-sharing basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara in a 3-star hotel with breakfast
- All kinds of meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, during the trek with accommodation
- Round-trip Land transportation as per the destination and itinerary
- All official document processing charges, including Trek Permit, TIMS card, & any required permits
- Insurance, Transportation, Wages, Equipment, and all meals & Lodges for Porters and Guides
- One day sightseeing in Kthe athmandu valley
- Osho Adventure trekking kit bag/duffel bag, First Aid Kit Box, and maps
- Emergency helicopter rescue and evacuation coordination service
- One day free Yoga & Meditation Course in Kathmandu
- Government taxes & Other Applicable Fees
- Entry/Admission – Tribhuvan International Airport
- Entry/Admission – Besisahar, Lamjung
- Entry/Admission – Dharapani Temple
- Entry/Admission—Tilicho Lake
- Entry/Admission – Thorong La Pass
- Entry/Admission – Muktinath Temple
- Entry/Admission – Marpha Monastery
- Entry/Admission – Kalopani Guest House,
- Entry/Admission – Tatopani Hot Spring
- Entry/Admission – Ghorepani Community Hospital
- Entry/Admission – NayaPul Bridge
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare to and from your country
- Nepal Visa Fee
- Travel & Health Insurance- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance (Most recommended)
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara – keep $ 5 to 10 per meal in a Tourist Restaurant
- Extra accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early return from trekking than scheduled
- Any Alcoholic Drinks, Cold Drinks, Boiled & Mineral Water, Beverages
- Unforeseen costs such as flight cancellation or delay, health problems, and helicopter rescue in Trek
- Personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry service, the internet, and bar bills
- Any other cost that is not mentioned above
- Tips for the guide
- Entry/Admission – Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Entry/Admission – Pashupatinath Temple
- Entry/Admission – Boudhanath Stupa
- Entry/Admission – Swayambhunath Stupa
- Entry/Admission – Dharapani Temple
Notes
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
What do I need to bring?
Porter-supported trek
Two clients share one porter. For an odd-numbered client group, we provide an extra porter. We will supply you with a trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items, and this bag is carried by the porter. You will need to bring your own daypack to be carried by you. In the daypack, you can put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag (we can provide one if you need it, but it has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights, and evenings, and altitudes above 4,000m, we can provide it if you need one, butit it has to be returned after the trek)
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- A wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (For women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend that you bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for an upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu, just in case you need to change the date of your flight.)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, a towel, soap, etc)
Optional
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, and an MP3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women
Know more before you go
Minimum age of participants is: 16
+977 9851190991
