Trekking from
Manang
The Annapurna Circuit passes right through the village. World-class day hikes, acclimatisation walks, and the full circuit route — all starting from the hotel door.
The Base Camp
Gateway to
the Annapurnas
Manang is the main acclimatisation stop on the Annapurna Circuit, sitting at 3,519m above sea level. The Tilicho Hotel is perfectly positioned as a base for day hikes, altitude training, and the full circuit route.
Whether you're taking a rest day after the long approach from Besisahar, preparing for the Thorong La crossing, or making the side trip to Tilicho Lake — Manang is where the real Himalayan trekking begins. Trekking permits, route advice, and trail conditions are updated daily at reception.
From the Hotel Door
Acclimatisation Walks
Gangapurna Lake
Easy walk to the glacier lake above the village. The path is well-marked and gains altitude gently — perfect for acclimatisation day one. The lake sits beneath the face of Gangapurna at 7,455m.
Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)
Demanding but deeply rewarding. Panoramic views across the entire Annapurna range reward those who push to the top. Recommended after at least one full rest day in Manang.
Tilicho Lake Base Camp
The approach to the world's highest lake at 4,919m. A technical trail requiring good fitness and solid acclimatisation. The hotel's name — and its greatest neighbour. Guides available on request.
The Iconic Side Trip
Tilicho Lake Full Route
At 4,919m, Tilicho Lake is the world's highest lake — and one of the most spectacular destinations on the Annapurna Circuit. The route from Manang can be done as a long single day or split across two days with a night at the tea house near the base camp.
Manang → Base Camp
Leave Manang early and follow the trail west through Khangsar village. The path climbs a loose scree ridge before dropping to the base camp tea houses at ~4,200m. Sleep here to give your body time to adjust before the lake push.
Base Camp → Tilicho Lake → Manang
An early start from base camp reaches the lake in 1.5–2 hours. The final ridge is steep and windswept — poles strongly recommended. At 4,919m the lake is vast, turquoise, and utterly still. Descend the same trail back to Manang in the afternoon.
Manang → Lake → Manang
For strong, well-acclimatised trekkers only. Depart by 5am, reach the lake by midday, and return to Manang before dark. Total distance ~28km with 1,400m of elevation gain and loss. This is a serious mountain day — take extra water, layers, and snacks from our bakery.
Practical Info
The Route
The Annapurna Circuit
One of the great classic treks of the world. The full circuit circumnavigates the Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416m — the highest trekking pass on the planet. Manang is the critical midpoint and the last major rest stop before the climb.
The hotel sits directly on the circuit trail. Every guest walking the full route passes through — and most spend two or three nights here before continuing west.
Before You Go
Trek Essentials
Permits Required
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) — obtain in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) — available at entry checkposts
- Both permits must be carried and shown at checkposts along the route
- Permit advice and photocopying available at hotel reception
Best Seasons
- Spring (March–May) — clear skies, rhododendrons in bloom, excellent visibility
- Autumn (September–November) — the classic season, stable weather, busy trails
- Winter (December–February) — cold but quiet; Thorong La may be snow-closed
- Monsoon (June–August) — leeches, cloud cover, some trails slippery; not recommended
What to Pack
- Layers — thermal base, fleece mid-layer, windproof and waterproof outer shell
- Trekking poles — strongly recommended above Manang and on Thorong La
- Altitude medication — Diamox available in Manang; consult a doctor before departing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm hat — UV at altitude is intense
- Water purification tablets or a filter — streams are generally clean but not guaranteed
Getting to Manang
- By jeep — hire a 4WD from Besisahar (the circuit's official start); full-day drive to Manang via Chame and Pisang
- By air — scheduled flights from Pokhara to Humde Airport (IATA: HMD), 7km from Manang; weather-dependent
- On foot — the classic option; allow 5–7 days hiking from Besisahar to Manang
- Transfer coordination and airport pickups available — contact us in advance