Tilicho Lake
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Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

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Trip Duration

18 Days
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Trip Difficulty

Challenging
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Group Size

1-16
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Max. Altitude

5,416m. /17,769 ft.
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Accommodation

Hotel/ Lodge /Tea House
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Best Seasons

Mar-May/Sept-Nov
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Activity per day

Trekking
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Start/End

Kathmandu

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek is a must if you are a trekking enthusiast visiting Nepal for an unusual journey in the Annapurna region.

The expedition offers a phenomenal mix of remarkable terrain and the enchanting Tilicho Lake at 4919 m making it the highest on the planet. There will also be the admirable scenes composed by the eternal Himalayan titans of Annapurna I (8091 m), Khatung Kang (6484 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m), Gangapurna (7455 m), Manaslu (8163 m), Pisang (6091 m), Fishtail (6993 m), Tilicho (7134 m), Lamjung (6983 m), Gundang (5312 m), Nilgiri Peaks, Sangang, Annapurna II (7937 m), III (7555 m), IV (7525 m), and South (7219 m).

However, the central attraction of Adventure Tansen Trek’s Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek will remain to be the Tilicho lake itself believed by the Hindus to be the esteemed site mentioned in the Hindu sacred epic Ramayana.

Another main feature of our Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is the Thorong La Pass (5416 m), world’s tallest hiking pass that gives the trekkers the profound sense of achievement with sensational all round views.

Additionally, you will also get your money’s worth on a cultural level: you will get to know the Buddhist and Hindu culture of the villages that lie on your path. You will meet the Mananges, Gurungs, and Thakalis who like to welcome their guests with their unique customs and traditions.

Your Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek begins in Kathmandu where you will excurse its amazing iconic cultural sites. Then a drive to Dharapani will occur after which you will commence your foot journey through Annapurna Conservation area to the Manang Valley.

Your route will then split from the Annapurna circuit trail and you will explore through the last village of Khangsar. Not being known much, this route still is able to offer the trekkers the untouched beauty of the Annapurna.

The trail will then progressively lead you to Tilicho lake after which the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho lake trek continues to Yak Kharka and elevates to the Thorong La Pass.

After making the way down from the pass, you will travel through the Hindu and Buddhist’s highly respected Muktinath to lower Mustang town of Jomsom.

The 6 to 7 hour driving journey will then take you back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu completing the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho lake trek 18 days adventure.

Although a bit demanding, this is the trek in Nepal that you really have to do as a hiker once in a life. For the overwhelming experience of the Annapurna, spring, and autumn will be the perfect timing for our Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek.

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Mr. Ashok KC

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Highlights of Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

  • Get a day in Kathmandu to explore all its popular UNESCO monuments
  • A scenic mountain drive to Dharapani
  • Enjoy Manang with its Himalayas, Lake, and Monasteries
  • See the hidden trail of Annapurna still untouched and raw when passing through Khangsar
  • Reach Tilicho Lake and take pride in relaxing on the shore of the tallest lake in the world
  • Experience the fulfilling success over the Thorong La, the world’s tallest hiking pass
  • Attain salvation at Muktinath’s 108 water fountains
  • Get a day to spend in the photogenic tourist city of Pokhara

Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

Welcome to the overwhelmingly beautiful city of Kathmandu. Once you’re out of TIA, you will meet our Adventure Tansen Trek rep to politely receive you.

After some welcoming greetings, he will carry your luggage and then drive you privately to your chosen place of stay to relax and recharge.

Later in the evening, our guide will go over the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek travel plan. Go out and see what Kathmandu literally is: a mix of modern culture with traditional air.

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Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Kathmandu)

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Meal: Dinner

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Accommodation: Hotel

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

  • All arrival, departure transfers as per the itineary by car, van or coach.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English speaking guide, transport and entry fees.
  • Domestic airfares and road transportation according to your choice.
  • All hotel accommodation with breakfast.
  • All meals (3 meals each day) during camping or tea-house trek.
  • Full service from our guides, cooks, and porters.
  • All camping and kitchen equipments and camp site fees.
  • Staff salary, transport and insurance.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit.
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management) fee.
  • Necessery government taxes.
  • Company ground handling charges.

What is not included?

  • International flights to Nepal.
  • Meals not mentioned above or in the itinerary.
  • Travel and medical insurance including evacuation.
  • Nepal entry Visa fee.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc and tips for staff.
  • Any additional activities not in the itinerary.

Route Map & Altitude Chart

Download PDF
Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek 18 Days Map

Trip Information

Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek: Best Season

March, April, May in spring, and September, October, and November in autumn/fall are likely the favorable seasons for the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek.

Both the spring and fall time favors the Annapurna region with excellent weather conditions with days typically being sunny, dry, and clear with minimal cloud and less humidity.

The chances of snow or rain are also minimal thus allowing the trekkers to have the translucent Himalayan panorama. Additionally, the landscape will be bright pink in spring and fiery orange in autumn.  The sun will also settle down comfortably passing on mild 7 to 24 degrees Celsius.

December, January, and February in winter often cover the high zone of Annapurna in dense snow including the Thorong La Pass and Lake Tilicho also remain frozen solid.

June, July, and August in monsoon/summer overshadow the entire Annapurna with cloud-filled skies when Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass may experience severe thunderstorms. Therefore, it is suggested to avoid the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake trek in the winter and summer months.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

The Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek is a demanding level three adventure in the depths of the Annapurna Himalayan region. The expedition features occasional elevation shifts that sometimes surpass 1000 m altitude.

The high moment of the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek 18 days journey will come when you will be at 5416 m at Thorong La Pass. You will also take a side trip to Tilicho Lake through the high alpine terrain which can be strenuous for some individuals.

The trekking time also varies on average between 6 to 9 hours. In addition, varying factors also contribute to making this trip tough. Such as the elevated altitude, varied landscape, twisting mountain and rugged trails, icy alpine routes, and of course the capricious mountain weather.

All in all, the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek are quite strenuous compared to other traditional routes in the Annapurna.

Is the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek 18 Days journey beginner-friendly?

Our Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek have been made for all adventurers whether you are a veteran mountaineer with numerous high-altitude experiences or a newcomer excited to walk the rugged beauty of mountain trails.

It would be advantageous if you have some high-altitude hiking experience but it is not a strict requirement. However, you should possess good fitness and health to be able to handle the extended hours of hiking.

You should also understand when you should push yourselves forward and when to take it slow. You should be ready to travel along not only the sharp inclines but also steep descents that can be 1600 m on the day you move to Muktinath.

Do you think you fit this description? Then nothing can hinder your adventure in the Annapurna. So whether you are a passionate trekker in search of new challenges or a new traveler looking for unique experiences, the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek are eager to embrace you in their arms.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness/ Altitude Sickness) and Acclimatization

Acute Mountain Sickness, often called altitude sickness, can be prevalent in our Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake trek. Fortunately, our travel program includes well-placed acclimatization days to help manage the ascent.

You will have a chance to acclimate in Manang after which we have deliberately reduced the hiking hours to 4 hours till you reach Tilicho Lake. You have half days and whole nights to get adjusted to the high air so by the time you attempt the altitude of Thorong La Pass, you will be adequately acclimatized.

However, the nine days of our Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek 18 days will occur above 3000 m which means you may be prone to go through the milder discomforts of the AMS.

Remember, that AMS doesn’t look at your experience and fitness and so can impact all; only the intensity from people to people differ. Some may suffer from slight headaches and dizziness, while others can feel very exhausted.

Therefore, we highly recommend you to stay well hydrated when hiking which is the most effective strategy to fight AMS. Additionally, on your doctor’s recommendation, you can also think of using Diamox which helps in effective acclimatization.

Recommended Training and Prep for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Please do not neglect the prepping part in any trek no matter how much experience you have walking in the high mountain altitude. It is because Nepal’s mountain terrain is very distinct from what you have encountered so far and presents challenges that you may not even expect.

Therefore, building strength, endurance, and fitness are very necessary to navigate the rugged mountain and hilly terrain of Nepal. With this aim, we suggest you create a routine for your daily workout that can include walking, cycling, running, swimming, etc that boosts your leg muscles’ strength.

With legs, hand strength is equally important so incorporate light-weight lifting exercises with higher repetitions to minimize muscle fatigue. You should also begin walking first on flat then gradually moving on to the off-road hilly trails.

For the uphill and downhill portions of the trek, practice carrying a light load on your back and walking up and down your apartment or home stairs. Sports such as long jumps, biking, volleyball, basketball, and football will also help.

If feasible, reach out to those who have been to Tilicho and Annapurna and gather their valuable tips and insights.

Alternative Treks to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

If you are not up for tackling the Thorong La Pass and want a less tourist trail, then you can also select to trek to Mesokanto Pass (5330 m) instead of the Thorong La.

For this, after Lake Tilicho, you will go upward towards the Mesokanto Pass and then go down to Jomsom. However, you have to be prepared for the extra camping days when going over the pass.

If you think you can add 4 or 5 days more to your Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek, then you can also explore the Nar and Phu Valleys. You will first tour the Nar and Phu Villages after which you will traverse the 5320 m Kang La Pass before reaching Manang.

The travel plan will then follow the same we have outlined. For a shorter adventure, you can also opt for either the Annapurna Circuit trek or the Tilicho Lake trek. Additionally, there are motorbike tours available to reach Tilicho Lake.

Sleeping, Eating, and Transportation Arrangements

We intend to accommodate you in the best quality three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. A large twin room with a private toilet and shower with 24-hour running hot and cold water and WiFi will be available to you.

During the trekking phase, we intend to accommodate you in the best offered lodges which are generally called the tea houses along the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek route.

Along the Annapurna route, you may have private toilets, showers, and WiFi available but once you progress to Tilicho, only the shared facilities may be available.

Breakfasts in Kathmandu and Pokhara accommodation are included with lunches and dinners to settle on your own. You will receive the three times meals (dinners, breakfasts, and lunches) in the hiking phase selected from the tea house menu.

Regarding your travel logistics, you will receive the service of private transport for all your ground travels including international and national airport transfers, Kathmandu and Pokhara excursion, Kathmandu to Dharapani and Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu travel.

You can also upgrade your Pokhara and Kathmandu transfer through flights at an extra small fee.

Compulsory Permits for the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

For the uninterrupted journey to the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake, we must have the Annapurna Conservation Permit generally known as ACAP and the Trekkers’ Information Management System commonly called the TIMS.

The respective counters of tourism service in Kathmandu and Pokhara made these permits for which we need to make the payment of NPR 2000 for TIMS per hiker and NPR 3000 for ACAP per hiker.

We will carry out the necessary application procedure that needs the details about you, your travel program, and your arrival and departing dates along with your insurance, and passport copies.

These permits will be reviewed at frequent check posts positioned en route villages that help to verify your location so emergency service can be provided on time.

Travel Insurance

Throughout the Annapurna circuit and Tilicho Lake trek 18 days journey, you will have thorough support from us and you will also have each other’s support as teammates.

Still, various undesirable and unfortunate incidents can occur when hiking for which travel insurance will come forward as your biggest support.

Additionally, travel insurance is a compulsion now for trekking expeditions in the mountains of Nepal. So make sure you get the correct insurance plan for your trip with thoroughly detailed coverage such as urgent medical and rescue evacuation via helicopter to 5000 m, illness, incidents, accidents, and injuries.

In addition, you should also have financial assistance for events such as damage to your luggage or equipment, including clothing and footwear, in the event of an accident, as well as coverage for the loss or theft of these items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tilicho Lake water is of course very very cold due to its higher situation and freezing heat around the lake. A swim in the lake means you are inviting hypothermia so we don’t advise you to go for a swim in the lake. Additionally, you will not be allowed into the lake water because it has religious and spiritual value in Nepal.

Yes, our Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek are intended to take you to both locations but you can also choose to undertake only one trek at a time.

Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, Mustang, and Manang Valleys and the people inhabiting these lands are the main features of our trek

Yes, from 2023, the internet service has been established in Tilicho Lake as well keeping in mind the services to the increasing tourists. In the Annapurna path, WiFi will be conveniently available to you all the time.

Generally, you can find the Namaste/NTC network working well in the surrounding areas under 4000 m but at Tilicho, there may be no signal.

 

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