Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

based on 2 reviews
Trip Information
  • Trip Duration 16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Streneous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max. Altitude 5416m
  • Things To Do Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season Mar-May | Sep-Dec

Highlights

  • Kali Gandaki and Marsyangdi valleys, former Annapurna salt trading route.
  • Snow-capped mountains encircle turquoise Tilicho Lake.
  • Stunning, gorgeous scenery and a close-up look at mountain ranges
  • The abrupt transition of landscapes from tropical, highland, and artic zones
  • Old Buddhism is intriguing, and small villages have a rich culture.
  • Hike to Tilicho Lake, said highest altitude lake (4,920 m).
  • Traverse the Annapurna Circuit and the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).
  • Visit the Muktinath Temple, a sacred Buddhist, and Hindu site.
  • Discover the Tibetan villages of Manang and Mustang, as well as the distinctive civilization of locals.
  • Observe the Annapurna massif, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Nilgiri, and nearby ranges from the nearest vantage.

Visit the blue treasure of the Himalayas while seeing the unexplored areas of the Annapurna Circuit. The Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek combines the unique features of the highest altitude lake with historical communities that showcase traditional monuments and traditions, including some of the highest peaks in Nepal.

The path for the Tilicho Lake through Thorang-la Pass diverges from the Annapurna Circuit at Manang when it continues to Tilicho After completing Tilicho’s challenging terrain, travelers shall follow the trail to Thorongla Pass. We go across a valley that is heavily forested and past fields that are surrounded by glittering Alps.

Similarly, this amazing Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake itinerary offer visitors another significant chance to discover a few of the less visited areas. Similarly, visitors will come into contact with charming little towns like Khangshar, which would provide anyone with an excellent chance to learn so much regarding the manner of living, ideals, and spirituality of local ethnicities.

Trekking to Tilicho Lake, which is located at an elevation of 4,919 to Thorong La at 5,416 meters, is undoubtedly an adventurous activity that not many people choose to partake in. It is challenging but also wonderful and gratifying. Visitors may experience Manang and the Mustang region’s lovely way of life by combining the Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake.

The cost of Tilicho Lake with Thorang La Pass differs based on the itinerary packages. However, if you plan your trip to Tilicho Lake with Thorang La Pass, connect with Let’s Trek Himalayas for an incredible journey wherein you will be shown far more stunning features and sites of Himalayan scenery with the hypnotic beauty of the environment in all its splendor.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is situated in Nepal's Manang district, 55 kilometers away from Pokhara. It is referred to as the highest-altitude lake for its diameter on the planet and is located at a height of 4,919m in the Annapurna Himalayan Mountain range. In Nepal, some lakes are located at higher altitudes like Kajin Sara Lake.

According to another source, Lake Tilicho is 4,949 meters above sea level. One of the most well-liked side hiking trails of the Annapurna Circuit ends at Tilicho Lake.

It appears to take an extra three to four days to hike. There is no need to camp because there are brand-new lodges in both Manang and the lake. From the Tea House at Tilicho Base Camp, one can trek the final approach to the lake in a single day.

Thakali and Mustang ethnic groups rule over the crowded market and religious tourism route known as the tropical Kali Gandaki Gorge. Either pushing to Muktinath or Pokhara will mark the conclusion of this trek.

What to expect during Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

The circuit trek begins with a lengthy, beautiful drive—more than half a day from Kathmandu to Chame. Starting from the village, the trail travels through several other outlying communities over time.

We'll be climbing up numerous rocky, boulder-filled, steep trails. It also usually includes ascending steep slopes, traversing numerous suspension bridges, and passing through mountain passes. Before continuing toward the circuit, we will stop at Tilicho Lake and conduct some exploration as part of the expedition.

As it gets higher continuously from Manang to the highest altitude on the circuit, the trek becomes a little more challenging. The hike is mostly uphill, reaching its highest point at a contour of 5,416 meters.

The environment can occasionally be dry, with the Thorong La Pass possibly covered in snow and glaciers. This is also a distinctive way to visit Nepal's various landscapes in a single journey. Possibly the most difficult part of this journey is passing the Thorong La, but the sense of accomplishment and the scenery along the way make it well valuable.

We'll have a clear view of the Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri once we've reached the summit. We'll also see the vibrant valleys, mossy rocks, and glacial moraines. We'll take in the breathtaking scenery before descending the trails to Muktinath and Jomsom. We'll then take a scenic flight to Pokhara, which offers a breathtaking view of lofty mountains and verdant hills, from there.

Diversity of Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake provides a unique view of Annapurna (8,097 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). Consider Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and Tukuche as three additional alluring peaks in the distance. The route is surrounded by numerous blossom forests, making the hike incredibly beautiful, and entire cliffs covered in rhododendrons create a pretty standard red hue in the spring.

Additionally, you get to see a wide range of wildlife, including blue sheep, jackals, mountain Thar, and snow leopards. Similar to butterflies and insects, there are many distinct species of birds, including the colored Impeyan, Kokla, and blood pheasant. More than sixty reptiles and amphibians, 450 bird species, 100 mammals, 9 varieties of rhododendrons, and numerous others are all widespread in Annapurna Region.

While trekking to the picturesque Manang Valley, Thorung Peak, and Annapurna, one can also see Tilicho Lake, known as the highest lake in the world, which is located at an interesting spot inside the Annapurna region at an altitude of 4919 m.

This unsteady but beautiful path will take you past the crystal-clear Tilicho Lake, a profusion of wildflowers, and incredible views of the majestic mountains. The Annapurna Circuit with the side trip of the Tilicho Lake Trek is among the most renowned trekking routes in the world because of the unique blending of both culture and nature.

Itinerary
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A representative from Lets Trek Himalayas will pick you up from Tribhuwan International Airport and drop you at your accommodation. You can explore Themel markets in the evening. The streets are busy; they can perfectly define the bustling culture in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1310m

Today we will wake up early in the morning and load your backpacks in a Vehicle. We will Drive to Besisahar on a scenic road that leads us to Besi Sahar. You will stay a night in Tea House accommodation.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 760m

The newly constructed road to join the Manang passing by the original trail, the trek here is simply walking on a dusty and rugged road. We will instead take a drive till we reach Chame.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2710m

We will wake early in the morning and follow the trail to Pisang, you can counter by various waterfalls, views of mountains, and some suspension bridges if you trek the old trail. Pisang is a small settlement where you can stay overnight in a Tea House.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2710m

The reward for sneaking outside in the chilly early morning hours was clear skies and breathtaking vistas of Annapurna II, IV, and III. Take pictures while walking the village's narrow paths and turning the prayer wheels in the lengthy row as you leave.

In order to prepare for what was to approach, hike down a moderate single-track trail that followed the north side of the valley as you left Upper Pisang. Small settlements were dozing in the shadows of the valley below, and there were breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna peaks at every turn.

Additionally, there are more culinary alternatives available in Manang, with yak meat possibilities suddenly appearing all over the place. Shawn had a yak burger and fries for dinner, while I had yak steak with mushroom rice and roasted potatoes. Having a good time before going to bed.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4573m

As the altitude rises, our body needs to adapt to the change. Acclimatization is essential if we are on high-altitude treks. Thus, we will roam around the Manang village and visit some monasteries, glacier lakes, and some village houses. Acclimatization doesn't mean complete rest. You should keep yourself active instead. Stroll around the village.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3519m

The travel time between Manang to Shree Kharka is roughly five hours. We gradually climb uphill from Manang till we pass a suspension bridge over the Manang River. After two hours of strenuous ascent from the bridge, we will eventually arrive in Khangsar village.

At Khangsar, lunch will be provided. It will then take another hour and a half to climb uphill from Khangsar to the peak of Shree Kharka. Since there aren't many hotels accessible here or at Tilicho Base Camp during the busiest travel season, making reservations in advance is crucial.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4060m

Breakfast at your Lodge. Those who would like to visit Tilicho Lake begin there hike to Base Camp. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountains.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4140m

Early morning Trek hike to World's Highest Lake Tilicho 4920 miters see the incredible View of Lake, Tilicho peak, Mount Annapurna one Chulu East Chulu West Many, etc. then trek Down to Siri Kharka.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4920m

We will continue trekking through Tenki Manang and Jarsang Khola valley. We will leave the Marshyangdi valley behind and continue walking till we reach 4000 meters(Yak Kharka). Kharka translates to Alpine pasture. Yaks used to graze here. So, they named it Yak Kharka. You can witness the herd of yaks here.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3519m

We will climb for about 2 hours after breakfast. Then, we will have to descend to cross the river at 4310 meters. A final climb from there takes us to Thorong Phedi. It is a small village full of life. The lodges and guesthouses here are full of people who want to venture the high Thorong La pass. Rest overnight in the guesthouse.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4900m

The day is going to be hectic but worth the hard work. Tighten your shoelaces, folks! We are going to cross the Thorong La Pass through High Camp to reach Muktinath. Thorong La passes is considered the toughest Pass in Nepal, so be aware of Acute Mountain Sickness.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4600m

Jomsom is a large town equipped with facilities. It is the headquarter of all Mustang district. Today, we will walk beside the bank of the Kali Gandaki river to reach Jomsom.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2743m

Early morning we take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara with 25 minutes transfer to Hotel with Bed & Breakfast plan. On the twelfth day of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho trek, you will be able to spend more time exploring Pokhara. Based on the Package, we will be visiting Barahi Temple and Fewa Lake of Pokhara. If you want, you can also enjoy boating in Fewa Lake, doing bungee, and doing many more things.

Note:

  • Local Transportation for Bronze Package
  • Flight for Silver and Gold Package
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 822m

Today, we will return to Kathmandu, enjoying the sights of mountains, villages, and changing landscapes. It takes about 8 hours to reach Kathmandu. Thus, we will dart towards Kathmandu early in the morning.

Note:

  • Tourist Bus for Bronze Package
  • Tourist Bus for Silver Package
  • Flight for Gold Package
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1310m

After early morning breakfast, our airport representative will transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport. You will have memories of adventures, trek experiences, and exploration of this mighty land. We wish you all the best and hope you will visit again soon.

  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: N/A
Route Map
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek map
Cost Includes
  • Airport Transport (Pickup and Drop)
  • Boating in Pokhara (Phewa Lake)
  • All Ground Transportation
  • Domestic Flight for Gold and Silver (Jomsom-Pokhara)
  • Domestic Flight for Gold (Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with Breakfast (Twin Sharing Basis)
  • Tea House Accommodation en route on Twin Sharing Basis
  • All necessary Trekking Permits and National Park Entry fees
  • Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking Guide
  • Porter Service (1 porter for 2 pax)
  • 3 meals during the trekking route (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Local and Government Tax
  • Complementary Company Cap and Certificate of Completion
  • First Aid Medical Kit (Carried by Guide)
  • Documentation and Rescue Arrangements
  • Farewell Dinner with Cultural program

We Care About Budget Travelers. You can reduce your cost with a Guide who will also Carry your Bag. This will be best to reduce the cost of Porter.

You can customize your Trip as per your Travel Plan and the days you have. We will totally handcraft your itinerary from Scratch and provide you with a custom cost for the Trek.

Cost Excludes
  • Extra night accommodation, Meals, and Sightseeing in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) in addition to the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu except for Farewell Dinner
  • Travel Insurance
  • International Airfare
  • Nepal Visa and Entry Fees
  • Trekking Gears and Equipment
  • Private room Accommodation (This does not apply to Solo Travelers)
  • Tips for Guide and Porter (Expected as a Gesture)
  • Hot Water Shower, Extra Drinks, and Beverage, Water
  • Internet and Phone Bills (Wi-fi is free sometimes)
  • Personal Expenses (Energy Bar, Snacks, etc.)
  • Anything not mentioned in Cost Includes Section

We can also help you Hire equipment at an affordable cost for a day's basis payment.

  1. Down Jacket (1.5 USD per day)
  2. Sleeping Bag (2 USD per day)

Traveling Solo? Know about Single Supplementary Cost

Lets Trek Himalayas will charge a single supplement cost to clients who are traveling alone and want a room to themselves. Its purpose is to pay for the additional space that is not being shared with anyone else. Depending on the trip package, the kind of hotel, and the services being reserved, the single supplement's cost may fluctuate.

Single supplement costs can be quite significant, with some tour operators charging as much as 50-100% more for a single occupancy room. This can make it difficult for solo travelers to afford to take a trip.

Lets Trek Himalayas will offer a reduced single supplement or even waive it together during periods when we have lower occupancy rates. We specialize in serving solo travelers and offer affordable rates for single-occupancy rooms.

Additionally, we also offer a "share twin" option, where single travelers can opt to share a room with a same-sex traveler. you can see our Fixed Departure dates to join the journey.

Trip Details

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Circuit with an additional trek to Tilicho Lake is somewhat challenging. Therefore, you should spend about three to four months preparing before starting this trek. Throughout this journey, you will only travel for 11 days. You will need to ascend uphill on some days, though. Particularly strenuous is the hike to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La pass.

On other days, you will also have to scramble up hills, but they won't be as tricky as the ones mentioned earlier. Having prior hiking experience will be very helpful on this trek. To make this trek smoother so that you can complete it.

Accommodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

The tea houses and trekking lodges on the Annapurna Circuit offer basic lodging. The accommodations typically include a wooden bed, blankets, mattresses, pillows, attached bathrooms, and space for two people (not everywhere). You will have the best and most comfortable sleep thanks to your shelter in cozy rooms. For female travelers traveling alone, we also have single rooms available.

Throughout the trek, we'll make sure you have access to the best tea houses with stunning mountain and landscape views.

Best Season for Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trekking

The best times to visit Annapurna Conservation Area are in the spring and fall. In February, March, April, and May, which are considered spring and pre-monsoon, the temperature is consistent, clean, and modest. In the Annapurna region, spring is regarded as a reasonably ideal time for trekking because it offers a good image of the high mountains and scenery. The climate, moreover, can fluctuate between - 8 and -12 degrees Celsius at night and between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius during the day.

Another fantastic time of year to embark on an epic journey along the Annapurna Circuit trail is autumn (post-monsoon). The seasons of September, October, November, and December are when this autumn occurs.

Temperature ranges in the autumn from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius throughout the day and -5 to 10 degrees Celsius at night therefore the best time to trek to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake.

Equipments

Below are very critical and essential trekking equipment list 

  • Daypack (25–35 liters), Pack cover, Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Depends upon the season, weather forecast, and personal preference), and it is possible to rent it from Kathmandu which cost 2$ per day.
  • Crampons, Headlamp/flashlight, and extra batteries
  • High-Quality Trekking Shoes, Camp shoes (Down Booties or Running Shoes)
  • Warm clothing (fleece, down jacket, thermals)
  • Rain gear (jacket, pants)
  • Camelbak water bladder or sipper (water bottle) and purification tablets/straw.
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Maps and compass or GPS device
  • Trekking poles (optional)

Besides the Essentials list of Equipments and Packing, some other packing lists can come in handy for you in different situations in the Himalayas.

  • Sleeping pad and Insect repellent
  • Food and snacks
  • Multi-tool or Easy knife
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
  • Cash, credit card, and documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, etc.)
  • Extra batteries or Solar charger
  • Portable water filter or purification system
  • Emergency whistle and Signal mirror
  • Trash Bag

It is important to note that the specific requirements for long journey treks may vary based on the destination and the duration of the trek. Hence, it is always advisable to consult a local guide or trekking company to have a comprehensive understanding of the equipment needed for a particular trek.

Also, check the weather conditions and specific requirements for the trek you plan to undertake and pack accordingly.

Client Reviews
  • N

    A memorable lifetime experience

    Every day was a different experience filled with adventure, excitement and adrenaline. The annapurna circuit trek included rocky terrains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, clear skies and snow capped mountains. We were walking atleast 5 hours a day from town to town in order to reach the next destination.

    The guides were led by Suman who was very patient and attentive to our needs. The altitude was a problem for me so the team customised our trip to maximize our acclimatisation time, 2 days in manang and staying at thorong high camp before thorong la pass.

    The food at each accommodation was also really tasty and none of us had issues with an upset stomach. We stuck to vegetables mainly to avoid getting sick.

    Our first 2 days were in Kathmandu, being shown around the main Unicef sites and religious significant place of worship.
    The fillowing day we set off on a jeep to Chame to start our trek. The journey from kathmandu took around 9 hours due to landslides and watershed areas that our expert driver navigated around.

    The accommodation in Chame was great, it was right next to the river bank and made the experience really pleasurable. The toilets were also "western style" and clean.

    After a night in Chame, we started our hike along the river and beautiful forests and trees through to Upper Pisang where the views of Annapurna II could be viwed right outside our window. Again, the food was impeccable qnd we had Dal Bhat, a staple diet for Nepalese made up of rice and tapas of veg salad and curry.

    From upper pisang, we then hiked to Manang and we stayed at the best hotel called the Yeti Hotel in Manang. I cannot recommend the hotel enough, so clean, so accomodating and so accessible to all the acclimatisation activities including the cave and the ice lake. We didn't do the ice lake because it was not in the itinerary so we did not set off early enough, it is an 8 hour all round journey but from what I hear, it is an absolute gem of a place to visit.

    Instead, the guides took me up to the Gumpa in the hill tops and it took us around 4-5 hours round trip where I met a Buddhist nun who lived up in the cave at 4100m and she shared tea with us and gave me a blessing for my trip.

    From Manang, we then hiked to Siri Khakar where we met other climbers who were heading back from tilicho lake to climb mount Chulu.

    Our trek to tilicho base camp was a challenging but fun one, again passing through a different terrain to get there. This time it was landslide areas but fortunately we did not witness any. Once we arrived at Tilicho base camp, we were again met with other trekkers who had done tilicho lake.

    Tilicho lake is an area of outstanding beauty at 4419m, totally worth the climb. The climb to get there was challenging due to the cloudiness and despite high dose of Diamox and acclimatisation plans, I had quite a severe altitude sickness. Luckily as soon as we got up there, the clouds cleared up and we could see beautiful views all around. When I got back to the base camp, we planned on hiking back to siri kharka so that the next day's hike to thorong high camp would not be too challenging. Due to my mountain sickness, I asked Suman for a horse and this was provided at short notice. The next day, I recuperated enough energy to continue the hike.

    The next few days were one of the most challenging days of my life, not only was I trying to fight the altitiude sickness but the thought of having to hike for a few more days before our last final challenging Thorong La Pass with the temperature dropping to below 0 and the rain/slate starting, I was close to giving up. Luckily though, I had a friend and supportive guides who kept me motivated.

    The journey ended in Muktinath, the holy city of Lord Bishnu. We stayed in another luxury hotel filled with good food and lovely shower/toilet. The plan to take a helicopter the next day to Pokhara was aborted due to the thick low lying clouds so we took an 8 hour jeep instead. We obviously stopped off to get local apple brandy and plum wine. We also stopped off at the hot springs which definitely helped release the strain of my muscle from the hike.

    When we got to Pokhara, we partied and celebrated like superstars, well because we deserved it. We also stayed in a 5 star hotel called "Landmark" to top the cherry on the cake. Unfortunately the weather in Pokhara was cloudy again which cannot be helped but it meant we could not appreciate the surrounding mountain views.

    To conclude my review of the trip, I would highly recommend Lets Trek Himalayas because they are fun, energetic and experienced. I have had one of the most memorable experiences of my life, I learnt more about myself, I learnt about the local culture and traditions from the guides, I made lifelong friends with Suman and his team. I will definitely be back for another trek with them.

    TripAdvisor
    Natchaya M, wrote a review on Sep 2022United Kingdom
  • Organized trip to remember

    Fun trip filled with lots of different activities and adventures during Annapurna and Tilicho Lake. Suman (our main guide) was very helpful in customizing the trips. Good accomodation during our trek along annapurna trek. Would recommend the team at Lets Trek Himalayas.

    TripAdvisor
    อ้อม, wrote a review on Sep 2022Thailand

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