Apr 23 - May 1, 2024 | Change
After the Kang La take advantage of your acclimatization and continue along the classic Annapurna Circuit. From Manang there is an option to take the spectacular side trip to Tilicho Lake, or continue directly over the Thorung La (5416 m) descending to the pilgrim town of Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, you have the option to take a jeep via the wide valley of lower Mustang to Jomson, where both flights and buses to Pokhara can be arranged, or trek via the traditional village of Kagbeni, gateway to upper Mustang. While the road has taken some of the charm out of this classic trek, the advantage is that a trip can be tailored around one’s interests and time constraints. Whether you do the epic full circuit from Besi Sahar to Ghorepani, or take off a bite sized chunk around the Thorung La, the Annapurna Circuit still has plenty to offer.
Side trip via Tilicho Lake: If you only have time for one side trip off the main Annapurna circuit, make time for the jaw-dropping vistas of Tilicho lake. Nestled against the backs of the Annapurna peaks, this brilliant blue lake at 5000m is a sight not to be missed. The trail to the lake is scenic but challenging, winding along loose eroded cliff sides to the Tilicho Base Camp lodge. From the lodge, there is a steep hike up to the lake and viewpoint that’s well worth the effort.
April is the peak of the ‘Spring Season’, with more moderate temperatures and still relatively few days of precipitation. Clear mornings and cloudy afternoons are typical, with clouds clearing up just before or just after sunset. Trekkers should also be prepared for the occasional rain shower, especially towards the end of the month. At high altitudes occasional snow storms are possible.
At a glance
On average there are 6 days with precipitation in
April. The highest point on the trek is
Thorung La at
5416 m. During
April, expect high temperatures of around
3.9°C (39°F)
and lows down to
-12.1°C (10°F)
at Thorung La.
Build an Itinerary
(9 days)
Add side trips by clicking '' in the itinerary below.
Extra rest days and overnights can be added once the itinerary is created. However any side trips must be added in this step before the itinerary is created.
Tue Apr 23 (day 1) |
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Ngawal (3650 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 14.5°C (58°F) and lows of about -1.5°C (29°F) in April. Overnight |
Wed Apr 24 (day 2) |
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Manang (3540 m)
Acclimatization wise it is also possible to spend the 2nd night at Khangsar instead of Manang if you wish and the group agrees Overnight |
Thu Apr 25 (day 3) |
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Manang (3540 m) Overnight |
Fri Apr 26 (day 4) |
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Khangsar (3745 m)
About 2-3 hours from Manang |
Shree Kharka (4080 m)
About 2-3 hours from Khangsar |
Tilicho Base Camp (3900 m)
About 6-9 hours from Manang, about 4-6 hours from Khangsar, or about 2-3 hours from Shree Kharka Overnight |
Sat Apr 27 (day 5) |
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Tilicho Lake (4919 m)
About 2-4 hours up to the lake and about 1-1.5 hours back. While it's possible to see Tilicho Lake in the morning and make it to Yak Kharkha the same day it's more leisurely to add an extra rest day. This option would also give more time to explore the lake. |
Shree Kharka (4080 m)
About 2 hours from Tilicho Base Camp |
Yak Kharka (4020 m)
About 5-6 hours from Tilicho Base Camp, or about 4 hours from Shree Kharka Overnight |
Sun Apr 28 (day 6) |
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Thorung Phedi (4540 m)
If the group decides collectively and is well acclimatized it is also possible to stay at Thorung High Camp. Overnight |
Mon Apr 29 (day 7) | |
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Thorung High Camp (4830 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 7.4°C (45°F) and lows of about -8.6°C (17°F) in April. |
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Thorung La (5416 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 3.9°C (39°F) and lows of about -12.1°C (10°F) in April. |
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Muktinath (3800 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 13.6°C (56°F) and lows of about -2.4°C (28°F) in April. Overnight |
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Rating:
| 2 reviews
|
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Rating:
| 3 reviews
|
Tue Apr 30 (day 8) | |
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Shared vehicle from Muktinath to Jomsom
(Not Included)
Estimated cost:
$8.00
|
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Jomsom (2760 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 19.8°C (68°F) and lows of about 3.8°C (39°F) in April. Overnight |
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Rating:
| 2 reviews
|
Wed May 1 (day 9) |
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Public bus from Jomsom to Pokhara
(Not Included)
Estimated cost:
$18.00
Estimated cost:
$130.00
|
Pokhara (827 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 32.4°C (90°F) and lows of about 19.4°C (67°F) in May. |
via Thorung La Itinerary Reviews
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
via Kagbeni Itinerary Reviews
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
Classic finish via Poon Hill Itinerary Reviews
Annapurna Circuit Classic finish via Poon Hill, via Tilicho Lake, and Classic Start from Besi Sahar led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Some great views from Poon Hill, we were unlucky with the weather but the views were still spectacular!
Annapurna Circuit Classic Start from Besi Sahar and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Dawa Sherpa
Poon Hill is worth the 30 minutes sidetrip from Ghorepani and will feel easy after all of the uphill on the first half of the trip. Most people got up early to be at the top for sunrise. I do not recommend this unless you want to share the viewpoint with hundreds of people. Sleep in, have a nice breakfast and enjoy the people free views later in the day.
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Mingma Nuru Sherpa
via Tilicho Lake Itinerary Reviews
Annapurna Circuit Classic finish via Poon Hill, via Tilicho Lake, and Classic Start from Besi Sahar led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Tilicho lake was a great side trip. It can be quite a strenuous day if coming from Manang and climbing Tilicho on the same day, but it's definitely worth it!
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
This part of the trek was much more challenging and dangerous than I expected however it was very rewarding and worth the effort! Pasang was, of course, a most excellent leader!
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Mingma Nuru Sherpa
great view and worth all the efforts!
via Marpha Itinerary Reviews
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa