Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek

A new version of 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 in a short or in 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.

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 kilometres. 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 metres. 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.

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Trip Facts

Duration 17 days

Trip Difficulty ? Difficult

Highest Point 5416m

Average Group Size 6-10

Trip Code ACTLTAH

Area Annapurna Region

Start Point Kathmandu

Trip End Point Kathmandu

Accomodation Local Lodges

Meals As Mentioned

Transportation On Private Basis

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

Day 01

Kathmandu Arrival

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. At 06:00 PM: In the evening we will meet for a coffee and will brief you the details of your trek program.

*Optionally you can add one additional night stay in Kathmandu to cover cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu as well for your trek preparation shopping.

Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing: You will visit for a full day sightseeing in Kathmandu of Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

30 Minutes

10Km

1350m

At 07:30 AM: After breakfast, we will start our trail towards the Yak kharka. There is a trail through the upper Khangsar leading towards the Yak kharka. This is the seasonal trail and can be quite messy during the time of winter. Throughout the trail, we will have a good view of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Chulu East, Chulu West and Tilicho Peaks. Overnight at Yak Kharka teahouse.

4120m

Local Lodges

B,L,D

Day 12

Trek to Thorong Phedi

At 07:30 AM: The trail now heads to the north, we will have the chulu peaks in front of us and follow the small river stream upwards direction. The terrain is rough and rugged. We will have already left the tree line area thus most of the trail now will be dry and rocky. There is a high chance of rockfalls and while walking we have to be really careful about it. Depending upon the arrival time and the health situation we will further move towards Thorang High camp or stay back to Thorang Phedi. Overnight at Thorang Phedi teahouse.

4560m

Local Lodges

B,L,D

Day 13

Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

At 04:00 AM: Today is the most difficult and the most rewarding day of the entire trek. We will be crossing the Thorang la pass (5416m) of our trek. At 5,416m, it is the highest point of our Annapurna Circuit Trek. we can enjoy the panoramic views while sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea. There is a small tea shop here at the pass. After spending some time at the pass we will descend down towards the Muktinath. The trail now is all going down and cold desert looking terrain is in front of us. After Thorang la pass we will be entering down to the Mustang area. Overnight at Muktinath teahouse.

3802m

Local Lodges

B,L,D

Day 14

Trek to Jomsom

At 07:30 AM: Today after breakfast we will start our trek and we will pass through the village of Jharkot, Shakya Monastery, a traditional medicine centre, Kagbeni on our way to Jomsom. Amazing view of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri are seen throughout the trail. Jomsom is a little bit developed town with an airport, schools, hotels, banks, shops, museum. From here you will have the flight option to fly back to Pokhara or drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Jomsom hotel.

2750m

Local Lodges

B,L,D

Day 15

Drive/fly to Pokhara

At 07:30 AM: On this day, we will drive or fly to Pokhara after the successful trek. Overnight at Pokhara Hotel.

810m

Hotel

B,L,D

Day 16

Drive to Kathmandu

On this day you are returning to Kathmandu by drive. You will get shopping time in Kathmandu and we will have a farewell Nepali dinner together.

1350 m.

Hotel

B,D

On SIC Basis

Day 17

Departure

You will be free until your flight time; we will drop you at Kathmandu Airport 3 hour before you flight.

On Private Basis

Trip Guide

An extended trek itinerary to those who have enough time to experience a perfect long trek in Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.