Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Highlights
- Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge of the world.
- Thorong La Pass (5,415m), the highest point of Annapurna Circuit.
- Witnessing Large numbers of flora and fauna during the trek.
- Ethnic tribes and their diverse cultures.
- Breathtaking views of several mountainous ranges.
- Tilicho Lake (4,919m), a lake situated at the highest altitude.
Trip Overview
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 the beginners to adapt. Because of that, we have an outlet of day to day detailed itinerary of 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 months of March, April, October and November are the best time to explore Thorong La Pass. 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 to 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. We can see assorted mountains ranging from 6000 to 8000 metres 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, 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, on the request of the travellers, Annapurna Circuit Yoga Trek is also possible.
Also, The old classic trek used to be walking up the three weeks around four different regions, two in lower elevation 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 gears are needed. We are here to guide you about what to pack for 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 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. In order 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 the 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 the tourists by its deep blue crystal clear water.
Tilicho Lake is one of the holy lakes of the Hindu. It is believed that the real name of Tilicho lake is Kak Bhusundi Lake which was mentioned in the Ramayana. The King of the birds 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 Hindu. 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 TilichoLake 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 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 BesiSahar leads you to Ngadi, Jagat and Chame. The trek starts from Chame and it 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. Our 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 back 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 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.
Detailed Itinerary
Kathmandu Arrival
Drive to Bhulbhule via Besisahar
Trek to Chamje
Trek to Dharapani
Trek to Chame
Trek to Pisang
Trek to Manang
Acclimatization Day at Manang
Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
Hike to Tilicho lake and back to Sri Kharka
Trek to Yak Kharka
Trek to Thorong Phedi
Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
Trek to Jomsom
Drive/fly to Pokhara
Drive to Kathmandu
Departure
Trip Guide
An extended trek itinerary to those who have enough time to experience a perfect long trek in Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How difficult is this trek?
This is a difficult level of the trek. A strong physical fitness and mental calmness require to complete the trek as trekker requires to walk 10+ days frequently along with two high elevation walking
Services Includes
- All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.
- Private transfer from (Kathmandu/Besisahar/Bhulbhule/Pokhara/Kathmandu) and back.
- 2 Star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per the trek itinerary.
- Daily breakfast throughout the trip.
- Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.
- All necessary paperwork. (National Park Entry Permits, ACAP and TIMS Card)
- English speaking licensed trek guide.
- Porter during the trek. (Can carry 20 KG Baggage of 2 people)
- Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.
- One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.
- All government and local taxes.
- Guide and Porter’s salary, food and accommodation during the trek.
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveller’s insurance company.
- Sleeping bag, duffle bags and trekking route maps – if necessary.
- Farewell Nepali dinner on your last night.
Services Excludes
- Personal expenses.
- Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport size photos and 30 USD)
- International flight ticket.
- Travel health insurance. (Recommended) Tips for the guide, porter and driver.
- Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the including section.
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