Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek

A new version of the classic Annapurna circuit trek. Classic Annapurna circuit trek consists of a long duration of walking and exploring the areas of Manang and Mustang of Nepal. Trekkers can visit the Annapurna circuit either for a short or a long period. The difficulty level of the Annapurna circuit Tilicho Lake trek is moderate and can be done by people having a basic fitness level. Similarly, this trek is suitable for beginners who have some short hiking experience as it is a difficult trek. The road facilities are present there recently and reach the Manang village. Because of that, the total distance of the Annapurna circuit trek varies from 160-300 kilometers. Most of the trekkers start the trek from Bhulbhule while some drive to the Manang village of Nepal and start the trek from there. Basic accommodation facilities can be seen throughout the trekking trail. Annapurna circuit trek is best when Tilicho Lake is included in the itinerary. 

Another prominent place in this region is Tilicho lake. Tilicho lake lies at an altitude of 4,919 meters. So, it is also popular as the lake is situated at the highest elevations. It lies in the Manang district. One can enjoy the panoramic views of various mountains like Khangsar, Nilgiri, Muktinath Peak, etc. But before reaching Tilicho Lake from Mang village you will need to pass the landslide area and need to spend a night at Tilicho Base Camp. Meanwhile, the altitude of the Tilicho base camp is 4,200 meters above sea level. Spending a night at such a high altitude may be difficult for beginners to adapt to. Because of that, we have an outlet for the day-to-day detailed itineraries of the Annapurna circuit Tilicho lake trek. This helps in gradually gaining altitude and minimizes the chances of having altitude sickness. 

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (Oct-Nov/Mid-Dec) are the best seasons to traverse this area. During this period of the year, the weather is clear and comfortable for trekking in Nepal. Because of that, amazing views of the mountain ranges and landscapes can be seen. The weather is clear and the sky-piercing mountains can be seen throughout your journey toward the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. The months of March, April, October, and November are the best time to explore Thorong La Pass which is one of the toughest passes. During the other months of the year, there is a chance of an avalanche in this region. The trekkers also start their trek early from Thorong Phedi and view the sunrise from Thorong la pass. After a few hours of sunrise, the strong winds begin in Thorong La Pass.

Annapurna Circuit

The entire region is adorned by a variety of natural and cultural heritage. Highly determined by Tibetan culture and traditions. Gurung tribes are predominant. You can see assorted mountains ranging from 6000 to 8000 meters during this trek. Manaslu, Langtang, Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, etc. The areas offer you the variegation of land from an abundant green paddy field, subtropical forest, deep valleys, and alpine slopes to the arid Tibetan plateau. Inaugurating from mid-hills, the journey continues up to reaching Thorong La pass, the highest point of this trek, and ends getting back to Pokhara. Also, The trek supplies tremendous panorama with the beautiful rugged spot. Trek from Bhulbhule to Manang village is a better option than driving. Manang village is situated at an altitude of 3,540 meters above sea level. Because of gaining such a high altitude at once the chance of having altitude sickness is very high. Meanwhile, at the request of travelers, Annapurna Circuit Yoga Trek is also possible.

Also, The old classic trek used to be walking up to three weeks around four different regions, two in lower elevations with the country’s dominant lush green subtropical valleys. And two in high elevation. The upper regions of the trek are cold throughout the year. Proper trekking gear is needed. We are here to guide you about what to pack for the Annapurna circuit Tilicho lake trek.  The new Annapurna circuit trek mostly goes on the trails of these higher altitude regions viz. Manang and Mustang. They are at a higher elevation. Manaslu, Langtang, Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Chulu east & west, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak, and Nilgiri are dominant peaks scattered in this region. Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek offers wonderful experiences with the pristine and wonderful beauty of the Himalayan region.

Thorong La Pass

Situated at an altitude of 5,416 meters above sea level Thorong la pass is the highest point of the Annapurna circuit trek. This pass connects the Manang district and the Mustang district of Nepal. The route from Muktinath to Manang is a little difficult compared with the route from Manang to Mustang. The weather around this region is so unpredictable and the cold winds make trekking almost impossible. To avoid the wind, the trekkers have to take an early walk in the morning around 04:00 AM to 05:00 AM from Thorong High Camp to cross the pass.

Thorong La Pass is the most difficult part of the whole Annapurna circuit trek. At this altitude, only half amount of the oxygen is available in the environment which makes it even worse to complete. The main thing to focus on is to take proper acclimatization and drink enough liquids to avoid altitude sickness. You have to gain 600 meters altitude to reach Thorong La Pass from Thorong Phedi. Meanwhile, you will descend about 1,800 meters to reach Muktinath.

Tilicho Lake

Situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters above sea level, Tilicho lake is the world's highest-altitude lake. Similarly, some people also state that Tilicho lake is situated at an altitude of 4,959 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, according to the Nepali department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there are no aquatic organisms like fish or anything else in Tilicho lake. The research was done in 2003 and since then no aquatic organism has been found in Tilicho lake. During the time of winter, the lakes freeze, meanwhile during other seasons of the year it attracts tourists with its deep blue crystal clear water.

Tilicho lake is one of the holy lakes of the Hindus. It is believed that the real name of Tilicho lake is Kak Bhusundi lake which was mentioned in the Ramayana. The King of the bird Garuda was told about the happening of the Ramayana by the sage Kak Bhusundi near the Tilicho Lake. Because of this, it is seen as a holy lake by the Hindus. The trail to Tilicho lake from Manang passes through the landslide area. After that, the trekkers need to spend a night at.

Tilicho Base Camp

From Manang the difficulty level to reach Tilicho lake is moderate. Meanwhile, the landslide area is the most dangerous part of the trek. The surface area of Tilicho lake is 4.8 square km. Similarly, the maximum length of Tilicho lake is 4 km and the maximum width is 1.2 km. Meanwhile, the average depth of the lake is 85 meters. The lake is surrounded by different mountains which include Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, and Tilicho.

About Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake Trek

The journey starts from Besisahar. The further drive from Besi Sahar leads you to Ngadi, Jagat, and  Chame. The trek starts from Chame and continues up to Manang, Tilicho lake, and Thorong La (the highest point on the trek and one of the highest passes of Nepal). Then after, the trekking en route through Mustang. Thorong La separates the districts Manang and Mustang. You’ll certainly find a completely different landscape after crossing Thorong La. Your trek ends at Muktinath, however, you can choose the option to drive or fly from here. One can also hike to Ghorepani Poon hill and return to Pokhara.

Annapurna Circuit is the most challenging trekking area in Nepal. So, a Physically fit and Strongly determined person can do this trek. The difficult section is from Thorong Phedi to Thorong la Pass (around 45 minutes). Also, The complete region falls under the restricted area. So, Trekkers must need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) to explore this region.

If our trip itinerary doesn’t suit your holiday schedule or you wish to modify the itinerary or combine it with any travel plans, then please let us know and we’ll be happy to create a tailor-made itinerary, designed especially for you. Also whether you are a student group/family group /corporate team please inquire with us. We offer you a variety of packages.