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Tilicho Lake Trek with Annapurna Circuit - 18 Days

Overview and Highlights

Key Information

Best Seasons

Spring / Autumn

Group Size

Min 2 pax to more...

Duration

18 Days

Trek Difficulty

Moderate

Maximum Altitude

5416 m

Accommodation

Local Tea house

Meal

Available Delicious good food

Region

Annapurna

Country

Nepal

Activity

Trekking/ sightseeing

Destination

Annapurna circuit and Tilicho lake

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trips Ends

Kathmandu

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

  • Tilicho Lake: Marvel at one of the world's highest lakes amidst the majestic Annapurna peaks, boasting turquoise waters against a snowy backdrop.
  • Thorong La Pass: Conquer one of the highest trekking passes globally, reaching 5,416 meters, for awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area: Trek through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its rich biodiversity, including snow leopards, blue sheep, and diverse bird species.
  • Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Gurungs, Thakalis, and Manangis, visiting ancient monasteries and traditional villages along the route.
  • Muktinath Temple: Explore the sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, featuring a natural flame and 108 water spouts with spiritual significance.
  • Varied Landscapes: Traverse diverse landscapes, from lush valleys and rhododendron forests to high-altitude deserts and glacial moraines, offering a visual feast at every turn.
  • Local Hospitality: Experience warm hospitality at tea houses and lodges, indulging in hearty Nepali cuisine and engaging with friendly locals to learn about their customs.
  • Sunrise Views: Witness breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from strategic viewpoints like Poon Hill and Thorong La Pass.
  • Adventure and Challenge: Embark on a challenging journey through rugged terrain, high passes, and changing weather conditions, achieving a sense of unparalleled accomplishment upon completion.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning shots of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, traditional architecture, and vibrant landscapes, preserving memories of this epic trekking adventure.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Overview

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is such a wonderful adventure beautiful trekking regions.  This a “classic” journey of Annapurna Circuit combined with Tilicho Lake Trek. Tilicho Lake with Annapurna circuit trekking offer you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas.

Annapurna Circuit combined with Tilicho Lake Trek starts from Katmandu to Nagdi village and trek to continue until Jomsom. The paddy fields of the lowland, gaining altitude steadily along the Marshyangdi River.

Annapurna Circuit, from Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village, Shree kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp then trek up to early in the morning Tilicho Lake (Tilicho Lake is the highest of the world lake) then after back to ShreeKharka, Chuli Ledar and Throng High Camp then after early in the morning climb up to pass of Thorung La at elevation of 5416m.

The trail from the pass takes Marsyangdi towards the Kali Gandaki valley and descends through the village of Muktinath. The trek ends in Jomsom. Jomsom lies in the windy Kali Gandaki valley below the towering Mount Nilgiri (7061m). Then Next day fly back to Pokhara. Mountain Layers Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is proud to organize Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek encompasses a huge altitude range, from under 1,000 meters at the trek’s start to over 5,000 meters high at its peak. This means the natural beauty, wildlife and landscape as well as the local people and their lifestyle and culture and constantly changing throughout the trek. To experience so much variety in a single trek is quite a rare opportunity.

Furthermore, the main highlights of the trek include the crossing of Thorong La high pass (5,416m) and the trek to Tilicho Lake. Crossing the Thorong La is a challenging endeavor, especially during the winter season.

However, the adrenaline and excitement from this challenge as well as the reward in the form of the breathtaking scenery surrounding you makes it well worth it. Moreover, Tilicho Lake is a hidden gem of its own, being own of the highest altitude lakes in the world at around 4,919m. Reaching this pristine lake is certainly not easy but take our word for it, it is always worth it.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty 

Annapurna Circuit Trek is normally designated as a moderate difficulty trek. However, since our itinerary also includes a visit to Tilicho Lake, it can be graded as strenuous. The toughest part of the trek is no doubt during the crossing of Thorong La high pass, which is also the highest altitude of the trek at 5,416m. The daily trekking comes down to an average of around 5-6 hours trekking per day. 

Special circumstances like trekking during mid-winter or peak monsoon season can also make the trek more difficult than usual. One final thing to consider for the trek is the issue of altitude sickness. As the later parts of the trek are at high altitude, you are prone to acclimatization if you ascend carelessly and too quickly. Hence, we suggest taking one or two days off to help with acclimatization. 

Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek, like most treks in Nepal, can be done all year long. However, Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November) are recommended as the best times for this trek. The spring and autumn seasons are the peak seasons for trekking and tourism in Nepal. They offer the perfect weather with clear skies and stunning views throughout the trek. 

Winter season is also a good choice for Annapurna Circuit Trek, especially if you are looking to enjoy the crisp views of snowcapped peaks. However, crossing the high pass can be tough if the temperature gets too low and there is too much snowfall. 

Monsoon trekking is possible, but we don’t generally recommend it. The chance to trek through the quiet and peaceful trails of offseason is certainly appealing, but otherwise, the unpredictable weather and rainfall can lead to a subpar experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) and pick up at hotel in Kathmandu Day

Our representative will pick you up from the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA); keep an eye out for signboards of your name. You will be escorted to your hotel via private transport. If you have some free time in the afternoon, you can visit our office for introductions and briefing regarding the trek. If time doesn’t permit us to do so, we will save the briefing for the next day.

Food Dinner
Accomodation Hotel
Elevation 1350

Day 2 : In the morning drive to Kathmandu - Nagdi village (1050m.) by bus or private Jeep 7hrs overnight at lodge

Our permits are ready, all the equipment is loaded and our bags are packed. Today, we will leave Kathmandu and make the 7-8 hour long overland journey to Ngadi village. Enjoying the pleasant countryside scenery and distant mountain vistas growing ever so closer, we will arrive at Ngadi around late afternoon. Feel free to stroll around, explore the village and interact with the locals if you have leisure time during the evening.

Food Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 1050

Day 3 : Trek to Nagdi village - Jagat village (1400m) 6hr over night at lodge

Finally on the fourth day, the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins. We will make the anti-clockwise journey up to Thorong La, starting with the short journey from Bhulbhule to Jagat. The trek takes us through the Marshyangdi Valley and past Syange to Jagat.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 1400

Day 4 : Trek to Jagat village –Dharapani (1900m.) 6hrs over night at lodge

Another fairly straightforward trek today as we leave Jagat for Dharapani. The trail passes through the pleasant forests of pine and fir today that open up to the scenic trail boasting views of Manaslu.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 1900

Day 5 : Trek to Dharapani – Chame (2670m.) 6hrs over night at lodge

Following our usual routine, we will head out of Dharapani after breakfast and make our way to Chame. On our way, we will get to enjoy the scenic views of Annapurna and Manaslu peaks as well as the Dudh Koshi and Marshyangdi rivers. After trekking through the pleasant forest, the trail will eventually lead us to Chame, the district headquarter of Manang.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 2670

Day 6 : Trek to Chame – Pisang (3210m.) 5hrs overnight at lodge

As usual, the trek begins after some warm and energizing breakfast at the lodge. It is another scenic day on the trail today as evident from the stunning view of Lamjung that we will witness as soon as we start the trek. We will have a brief stop for lunch at Brathang, where the refreshing waterfall will make our short stay very enjoyable. After a while, we will continue on the trail dotted with Mani Walls and eventually reach Pisang. 

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3210

Day 7 : Trek to Pisang – Ghyaru (3730m.), Nawal (3680m.) and Manang village (3540m.) 8hrs over night at lodge

Our destination today will be one of the major stops on our trek, the ancient village of Manang. We will be treated to some pleasing views of Annapurna II and Annapurna III on the first part of our trek. With brief stops at Ghyaru and Nawal, we will eventually arrive in Manang. 

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3540

Day 8 : Rest day for acclimatisation at Manang village and hiking up to Gangapurna Lake

Today, we will take a day off to rest and help our bodies with the acclimatization process. Acclimatization days are very important when trekking in the Himalayas. They are especially necessary for us because we will be climbing up to altitudes over 5,000 meters in the next few days. The common advice for acclimatization is to spend the day doing some light exploration and to not keep your body stationary. Sleeping and laying around is obviously a no go for today. So, we can spend the day strolling around the village and chatting with the locals or we can go for some light exploration nearby. Visiting the Mountaineering school can be helpful if you wish to learn about altitude sickness, acclimatization, basic mountaineering skills and so on. If you are feeling rather energetic, hiking up to scenic locations like Gangapurna Lake and Lama Cave are also good options.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3540

Day 9 : Trek to Manang – Tilicho Base camp (4540m.) 7hrs. over night at lodge

Yesterday’s rest day had another purpose, which is to rest our bodies and prepare us for the tough trek today. The trail drops below Manang and heads west towards Khangsar. Stop for lunch in the village square. From there, the trail ascends through small villages to Thare Gompa and soon up to Shree Kharka. Here on, the trail turns even more steep and barren as we navigate through pasture fields towards the Tilicho Base Camp. Located at the foothills of Tilicho Peak (7,134m), this is superb location to camp overnight after the tough day of trekking. 

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4540

Day 10 : Early in the morning hiking up to Tilicho Lake (4919m) 5hrs.

After an early breakfast, we will slowly begin our ascent up the valley towards Tilicho Lake. The pleasing view of Manang valley along with several minor peaks nearby will keep us going as we navigate the tough trail and eventually reach the lake at almost 5,000 meters. We will have sigh of relief, as well as one of joy as we have finally reach our main goal. Take all the time you need to savor the beauty and magnificence of this pristine lake and its surrounding. After lunch, we will have some rest and light exploration before heading back to Shree Kharka for overnight stay.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4919

Day 11 : Trek to Shreekharka – Chuli Ledar (4200m.) 5hrs.over night at lodge

Compared to the past few days, a much easier day awaits us as we make the journey to Chuli Ledar. It is also possible to make our stop at Yak Kharka instead as there is minimal difference between the two locations. In the afternoon, we will spend our free time relaxing to recover from the exhaustion so far.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4200

Day 12 : Trek to Chuli Ledar- Thorang high camp (4850m.) 4hrs over night at lodge

Another short day of trekking but a fairly eventful one nonetheless as we trek to the base camp of Thorong La high pass at Thorung Phedi. There is a sole lodge here but it is built to house a large number of trekkers. Staying here is a more preferable option but it is also possible to hike up to Thorung High Camp to stay at the small stone lodge there. We will improvise and make the decision depending on the situation.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4850

Day 13 : Beginin early in the morning trek to Thorang high camp- Thorang-La Pass (5416m) 4hrs

Our trek will begin early in the morning today. We will head out after some energizing breakfast and descend for a bit to cross the Marshyangdi River. From thereon, we will start to cross the Thorong La high pass, situated at an altitude of 5,416 meters from sea level. This will be the toughest part of our trek, but also equally rewarding as the thrill and adventure from the climb are unmatched. The scenery is equally impressive, panning a 360 degree view of snowcapped peaks around us along with the Kali Gandaki gorge. We will carefully make our descent to the sacred temple of Muktinath once we’ve crossed the pass. We will stay overnight at a lodge nearby Muktinath.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 5416

Day 14 : Trek to Muktinath – Jomsom (2800m) 3hrs.over night at lodge

We will start the day with a visit to Muktinath temple. If you wish, you can visit the 108 water taps and wash away your sins there. The 2 holy ponds, in addition to the main temple itself, are also quite impressive. Finally, the never-extinguishing flame at Jwala Mai temple is also held as sacred by the devotees. Once we’ve finished exploring Muktinath, we will head back to our lodge for breakfast. Thereafter, we will begin our return journey with the trek to Jomsom. We will pass Marpha, which is popular for its tasty apples and cider, and eventually arrive at Jomsom around afternoon.

Food B, L, D
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 2800

Day 15 : Early in the morning fly to Jomsom- Pokhara 20minute or drive to Jomsom-Pokhara by Bus10hrs.

As we have completed our trek, we will pack our stuff and head to the Jomsom airport in the morning. Enjoy the stunning aerial view of the Himalayas for a half an hour during the flight to Pokhara. If you would prefer to adventure through the unique terrain formed by the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif, we can also arrange a full day of driving back to Pokhara.

Food Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation Hotel
Elevation 840

Day 16 : Drive to Pokhara- Kathmandu 102km. by tourist bus 7hrs or by flight 35minutes over night at hotel in Kathmandu.

Once we’ve reached Pokhara, we will go to a restaurant for some tasty breakfast. Afterwards, we will head to the bus stop to catch a bus back to Kathmandu. The journey along the Prithivi Highway will take anywhere between 5-6 hours to complete. The scenic flight option is also available for one more aerial adventure over the Himalayas. 

Food Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation Hotel
Elevation 1350

Day 17 : Kathmandu valley sightseeing and shoping over night at Hotel

To start with, we will visit one of the holiest Hindu temples, Pashupatinath. We can witness various ceremonies and rituals from the hills near the banks of Bagmati. After some time at Pashupati, we will move on to the nearby Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath. The Boudhanath Mahachaitya is one of the largest stupas in the world. It is a very important religious monument for Buddhists, as evident from the dense Buddhist settlement surrounding it.</p><p>Our third destination will be the hilltop Swayambhunath, which is a fascinating mix of Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupa. The view overlooking the capital from the ‘monkey temple’ is also quite superb. On the way back to the hotel, we will also have quick stop at the Kathmandu Durbar Square. That concludes our day tour to the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites around Kathmandu. During the leisure time, we recommend you visit Thamel for any souvenir shopping that you may be interested in. At the end of the day, we will head to a local restaurant and have some traditional Nepali cuisine as farewell dinner.

Food Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation Hotel
Elevation 1350

Day 18 : Departure own your Destination.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek comes to an end today. We hope your time with Mountain Layers Treks has been a good one. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to take part in other treks or extend your holiday. If you have a flight scheduled, our representative will assist you with reaching the airport a few hours before flight time. We wish you a safe flight home, farewell!

Food Breakfast

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickups and drops ina private vehicle
  • Hotel in Kathmandu with Standers bed & breakfast.
  • Hotel in Pokhara with tourist standard bed & breakfast.
  • Your meal (breakfast-lunch-dinner) during the Trek ,
  • One experience trekking guide & one porter for each two tourist.
  • All land transportation from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Annapurna Conservation Permit .
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)
  • Insurance for Guide & Porters
  • All accommodation during the trek available lodge
  • Airport -hotel-airport transfer
  • Our service charge
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Pokhara -Kathmandu)
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English and others Languages-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
  • Medical kit
  • All government and local taxes
  • Our service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Personal equipment for trekking
  • Personal insurance for travel to Nepal
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Tipping (Tips) For guide& porter
  • All the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
  • Sweet things like chocolate and desert.
  • Hot shower during the trekking.

Altitude Graph

Route Map

FAQs

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a renowned trekking route in Nepal that combines the classic Annapurna Circuit with a side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.

The trek typically takes around 18 to 21 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and pace of the trekker.

The trek is considered moderately to strenuously difficult, as it involves long days of walking, high-altitude passes, and varied terrain. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are essential.

The highest point of the trek is Thorong La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level.

Yes, trekkers require permits to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and Tilicho Lake. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.

The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering excellent mountain views.

Yes, there are teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses available along the trekking route, providing basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.

While it is possible to trek independently, hiring a local guide is recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights. Guides can also assist with logistics and provide valuable support during the trek.

Essential items to pack include warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. It's also advisable to carry water purification tablets or a water filtration system.

Yes, there are emergency evacuation options available, including helicopter rescues, in case of medical emergencies or severe altitude sickness. Trekking with a reputable trekking agency ensures access to proper emergency assistance if needed.

Additional Information

01. Altitude Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial during the trek, especially when ascending to high-altitude passes like Thorong La. It's recommended to include rest days and gradual altitude gains to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

02. Packing Essentials: In addition to warm clothing and trekking gear, pack essentials like water purification tablets, snacks, a portable charger, and a good quality map or guidebook. Consider renting bulky equipment like sleeping bags and trekking poles in Kathmandu to lighten your load.

03. Trail Conditions: While much of the trek follows well-defined trails, some sections may be rocky, steep, or exposed. Be prepared for challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season when trails can be muddy and slippery.

04. Health and Safety: Prioritize your health and safety throughout the trek by staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and taking breaks as needed. Be aware of signs of altitude sickness and communicate any concerns to your guide or trekking companions.

05. Cultural Sensitivity: Respect the local customs, traditions, and religious sites along the trekking route. Ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious artifacts, and dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and monasteries.

06. Environmental Conservation: Practice Leave No Trace principles by carrying out all waste, minimizing your environmental impact, and respecting wildlife habitats. Avoid single-use plastics and support eco-friendly initiatives along the trekking route.

07. Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking activities, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for high-altitude trekking and adventure sports.

08. Trekking Permits: Obtain all necessary permits before starting the trek, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card. Keep these permits with you at all times and present them when required at checkpoints.

09. Local Currency and Services: While some teahouses and lodges accept major currencies like US dollars or euros, it's advisable to carry Nepali rupees for smaller purchases and tipping. Limited banking and ATM services are available in larger towns along the trekking route, so plan your cash needs accordingly.

10. Enjoy the Journey: Take time to appreciate the stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and personal achievements throughout the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. Embrace the adventure and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the Himalayas.

Video

Tilicho Lake Trek with Annapurna Circuit

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