Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake – 14 Days

12 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Tea house
Start from Kathmandu and End to pokhara
Min 1 to Max 15 Pax in a group
Vehicle
moderate

Overview

There are few places on Earth where you get to enjoy the ultimate bliss in the lap of the Himalayas surrounded by multi – ethnic people. You can get away from the mental drabness of monotonous daily life, enjoying the splendors of Mother Nature. Yes, one of the oldest trekking trails of Nepal, the Annapurna Round Trek has been the ever – present pillar of the Nepalese tourism industry. The travel planners of the Hikers Himalaya have included the trip to the world’s highest situated lake in this epic trekking itinerary. Therefore, you can relish rewarding Himalayan experiences by booking the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.

Please check our Annapurna Circuit Trek package if you wish to do the trek without adding the excursion to Tilicho Lake. There are different choices for travelers with Hikers Himalaya. Therefore, you don’t have to limit the choice of your vacation. In addition, you can also customize the trekking or tour trips according to your preferences. You can customize our Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake too, with proper consultation with our travel planners.

Tilicho Lake of Annapurna Nepal: Highest Situated Lake of the World

What makes the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake enticing? The major reason is the diversity in both natural and cultural aspects that makes the trail enticing. However, the addition of the trekking trip to the world’s highest situated lake is one of the biggest pull factors of this trekking trip. Who wouldn’t want to leave their footprints on the shores of a 4919 m glacial lake surrounded by towering snowy mountains?

Yak Kharka to Tilicho Lake

It takes about 1 night and 2 days to reach Tilicho Lake from Yak Kharka, which is in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Trekkers have to trek through places like Siri Kharka and Khangsar Village to reach Tilicho Base Camp. The trail is through landslide-prone areas and narrow valleys. This section of the trek is serene and tranquil as there are fewer trekkers in comparison to the main Annapurna Round Trek route. Travelers retrace the same trail back to meet the Annapurna Circuit Trek either in Yak Kharka or Ledar.

Thorong La Pass Crossing: Tips and Facts

Another iconic place on the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is the Thorong La Pass. At an altitude of 5416 m, the Thorong La Pass is one of the major and popular high passes of Nepal. The popularity of this mountain pass is on par with the famous passes like the Chola Pass, Renjo La Pass, Lauribina Gosaikunda Pass, and Kong Ma La Pass. Therefore, it can also be termed as the mountain pass of the commercial trekking route of Nepal.

You can start the journey of crossing the pass either from Thorong Phedi or Thorong High Camp. These two places have their own pros and cons. The Phedi is safe to spend overnight due to lower altitude, but it takes a longer time to reach the top than from the High Camp. However, the choice is always yours, but trekkers need to heed the instructions of the trekking guide. The guide will assess the field conditions of the trekker and trail before making a decision. Note that you need to start the trek early in the morning before dawn, around 4 am or 4:30 am.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Cost & Latest Itinerary

The Hikers Himalaya is probably one of the few trekking companies in Nepal that never inflates the travel budgets. We are always open and transparent in terms of budgeting for any kind of travel activities in Nepal. Therefore, the cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trekking starts from 1050 $ per person to 1800 $ per person. The cost varies according to the amenities and facilities offered in the trekking package. It depends upon the preferences of the travelers. Please note that this is the trekking cost of the trip that consists of Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, and Ghorepani Poon Hill.

Classical Annapurna Circuit vs Modern Annapurna Circuit Trek

Do the trek in the classical trekking route but with modern tweaks in the itinerary. The modern Annapurna Circuit Trek has drastically shortened due to the construction of roads at both the trail head and trail end. Therefore, you can do the trek in less than 10 or 12 days, but we have knitted the itinerary including the jeep tour section from Muktinath to Tatopani to revive the classical touch. So, you can explore Poon Hill, Mustang Valley, Thorong La Pass, and Manang Valley in one single trip.

Can I add Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Annapurna Round Trek Itinerary?

Yes, it is possible to add the Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary in the Annapurna Round Trek itinerary. However, you need to add at least 5 to 6 days extras on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trekking itinerary. The journey follows the trail of Tadapani Chuile to Sinuwa instead of the Ulleri – Nayapul route. Contact our travel planners in advance if you wish to include the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in this journey.

How to prepare for Annapurna Tilicho Thorong La Pass Trek in Nepal?

This is one of the longest trekking trails of Nepal in high–altitude places through uphill and downhill sections in remote areas. Therefore, you need to prepare well for this trek. Safety and a 100 percent success rate must be there in any kind of trekking trip. Every trekker must prepare well.

Here are the things to do or remember for successful preparation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trekking in Nepal.

Physical Preparation

Have sound mental strength able to handle unforeseen events and sudden changes in plans due to the unpredictable nature of mountain weather. Always prepare Plan – B in accordance with the travel planners or trekking guide. Prepare your body physically by doing various cardiovascular activities like swimming, running, walking, and cycling at least one month prior to the trek. Your body must cope with 6 to 7 hours of average walking for more than two weeks in the hilly Himalayan landscape.

Permits & Travel Insurance

Buy the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, which costs NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. Obtain travel insurance that includes rescue plans even in places above 5000 m altitude. You don’t have to get other permits to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake in Nepal.

Accommodation and Meals Budget

The availability of lodging and eatery facilities in the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake route is abundant. There are many options of tea houses, luxury mountain resorts, and eateries in the trekking route. However, in some places like Thorong Phedi and High Camp, you may not find such options, but you can get upscale tea houses for lodging and meals. All tea houses and eateries offer a similar menu, but the price differs according to the altitude and remoteness.

Transportation Options

The only means of transportation to reach the trailhead of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is by jeep or local bus. Normally, trekking starts from villages like Chame, Dharapani, and Pisang. Therefore, book a proper four – wheel jeep. At the end of the trek, you can choose to fly from Jomsom or use the jeep instead.

Acclimatization and Altitude

In any kind of high–altitude trekking trip, acclimatization plays a vital role in safety. Therefore, we have placed an acclimatization day in Manang Village where trekkers visit the Gangapurna View Point and Lake. It prepares trekkers to trek without any hindrances in the high – altitude places below 5000 m altitude. Once the top of the Thorong La Pass is achieved, trekkers descend to the place below 4000 m. Therefore, one day’s acclimatization is enough. While on the trek, trekkers have to heed the instructions of the trekking guide and follow the proper trekking itinerary with good eating and drinking habits.

Trail Condition and Landscape

The trail condition is well-trodden and in top notch. The few sections of the Yak Kharka – Tilicho Lake are in landslide-prone areas, but other sections are well marked. It is easy to navigate, and trekkers can feel safe while walking on the trekking route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake Trek. The landscape diversity is both a boon and a curse. The route traverses through valleys, river banks, gorges, lakes, waterfalls, mountain passes, and wilderness villages. Therefore, the trail is also known as the diverse landscape trail from valleys to mountain passes.

Ideal Time to Trek

Choose the spring season and autumn season for trekking on the trail. Off-season times like monsoon and winter are not safe for trekking, even though some people prefer to walk in these times for tranquility. Spring is ideal for those seeking lush green forests and blooming flowers. Similarly, the autumn season is for those looking to experience the culture and festivals of Nepalese people while trekking.

Is it possible to do Nar Phu Valley Trek from Annapurna Circuit Trek route?

The most tranquil and mythical trekking trail listed as a restricted area inside the Annapurna region is the Nar Phu Valley Trek route. You can do the trek from the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, you need to purchase a special restricted area permit along with the ACAP permit for this side trip.

Book the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake in Nepal with Hikers Himalaya. You will not regret your decision to trek with an experienced team of the agency. At a reasonable cost, experience the majestic diversity in Nepal’s iconic and oldest trekking route. There are few places on Earth where you get to enjoy the ultimate bliss in the lap of the Himalayas surrounded by multi – ethnic people.

You can get away from the mental drabness of monotonous daily life, enjoying the splendors of Mother Nature. Yes, one of the oldest trekking trails of Nepal, the Annapurna Round Trek has been the ever – present pillar of the Nepalese tourism industry. The travel planners of the Hikers Himalaya have included the trip to the world’s highest situated lake in this epic trekking itinerary. Therefore, you can relish rewarding Himalayan experiences by booking the Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake Trekking.

Please check our Annapurna Circuit Trek package if you wish to do the trek without adding the excursion to Tilicho Lake. There are different choices for travelers with Hikers Himalaya. Therefore, you don’t have to limit the choice of your vacation. In addition, you can also customize the trekking or tour trips according to your preferences. For this, we have made it simple for you to connect with our experts. Contact us for more information and to book the trek.

Outline Itinerary

DayItineraryElevation
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu1,350 m
Day 2Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani1,860 m
Day 3Trek from Dharapani to Chame2,670 m
Day 4Trek from Chame to Pisang3,200 m
Day 5Trek from Pisang to Manang3,540 m
Day 6Acclimatization Day in Manang3,540 m
Day 7Trek from Manang to Siri Kharka4,060 m
Day 8Trek from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp4,150 m
Day 9Hike to Tilicho Lake and Return to Siri KharkaTilicho Lake: 4,919 m / Siri Kharka: 4,060 m
Day 10Trek from Siri Kharka to Ledar4,200 m
Day 11Trek from Ledar to Thorong Phedi or Thorong High CampThorong Phedi: 4,450 m / High Camp: 4,880 m
Day 12Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to MuktinathThorong La Pass: 5,416 m
Day 13Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara890 m
Day 14Drive from P

Itinerary

If you want tailor-made trip or want to personalize this itinerary, just feel free to contact us. We are always there to help you to make your holiday plan. Contact us

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal (1350m meters.)

Welcome to Nepal for an adventurous Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake. Our airport staffs will receive you in the airport. You can meet our airport representative in the arrival section where our staff will hold a placard with your name or the name of the company Hikers Himalaya. Once we meet, we will head to agreed hotel in Kathmandu most likely a hotel in Thamel. All the trip details will be discussed and finalized on this day. You will also know your trekking guide and he or she will brief you about the entire trekking route as well as itinerary. Overnight in a hotel
Day 2

Trip from Kathmandu To Dharapani (1860m meters)

Today is the day we start our trip officially and head to the trail head of the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake. It is a long day of road trip and you must gear up for tiring bus journey to Besisahar in the first phase. The lunch will be on the way in the highway. After driving for about 5 hours, we will reach Besisahar. From this place, we will book a jeep and travel to Dharapani. It is a sharing jeep and the journey is mostly on a dirt track. The scenery seen from our jeep ride is so majestic. The highlight of the scenery is definitely the sight of the Octopus Waterfall on the side of the road. We will stop for a while in this waterfall before continuing our trip to Dharapani. Overall, in about 3 hours, we will reach Dharapani from Besisahar. Overnight in a tea house
Day 3

Trek from Dharapani To Chame (2670 meters)

Finally, today is the first day of the trek. Majority of trekking trail on this day is dirt track road but there are few trekking trails too. Therefore, it is not challenging trekking day but the first day’s enthusiasm will take us over and we will enjoy walking through green lush alpine forests, terraced farmlands, and cascading hills. On the way, we will have lunch in Temang Danda from where we can enjoy magnificent scenery of mountains from the Annapurna Himalayan range. We will continue to Chame enjoying the majestic scenery of farmlands and mountains. Overnight in a tea house
Day 4

Trek from Chame To Pisang (3200 meters)

The second day of the trek is special as our body feels slightly exhausted but it starts to adjust to the demands once we walk for about an hour. Additionally, our trekking guide will conduct light stretching session on the second day of the trek. We will walk in the road but today’s highlight is the lunch stop place and apple farm resort. At first, we will stop at the farm where we will drink refreshing apple juice and you can also enjoy organic bakery in the place. It is one of the most popular resting places in the section between Chame and Pisang Village. We will stop in Dhukur Pokhari for lunch before continuing our journey to Pisang village. Majority of our trekking trip in this trekking itinerary includes staying in the Upper Pisang village skipping the Lower Pisang Village. It is to ensure that our trekkers get the best scenery of mountains and landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Overnight in a tea house
Day 5

Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540 meters)

Well, the day starts with joyous sunrise view from nearby viewpoint in the Upper Pisang Village. We will begin the trek after breakfast. Please gear up for uphill trekking on this day. Besides the day of the Thorong La Pass crossing, today is the first challenging day in this trekking journey. Please don’t worry about the challenges as the scenery can surely help you forget all hardship. Once you are in Ngawal Village, you will be rewarded with the best scenery of landscapes that the Annapurna Circuit Trek is famous for. Furthermore, we will also experience high – altitude farming of Manange People along the way. We will stop in either Ngawal or Ghyaru for lunch before heading to Manang Village. Overnight in a tea house
Day 6

Acclimatization Day at Manang

You will wake up with the best scenery on this day. Early in the morning, we will have breakfast in our tea house and start our hike to the Gangapurna Viewpoint and the Gangapurna Lake. Behind the Manang Village, we will walk through farmlands and reach the river. After crossing the bridge, we will trek uphill to the Gangapurna View Point. Interesting landscape offers the best combination of alpine forests ending with snow covered hill. It is truly majestic sight to capture. The sight of Manang, Lake, and mountains from the Gangapurna View Point is so enticing. We will then trek downhill to Gangapurna Lake and then continue our trek back to Manang village. After lunch in the village, you can explore this village as it is the one of the largest villages in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. You can either visit monasteries or simply explore the place to understand daily lives of the locals. Overnight in a tea house
Day 7

Trek from Manang to Siri Kharka (4060 meters)

After breakfast, we will finally enter the stretch to the Tilicho Lake, the world’s highest situated fresh water lake at an altitude of 4919 m. We will walk on the Nepalese gentle flat trail until we reach Yak Kharka. From this place, we will walk on the gentle uphill in a winding trail to Siri Kharka Village. Overnight in a tea house
Day 8

Trek from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4150 meters)

Gear up for arduous trekking on this day. After breakfast, we will trek to Tilicho Base Camp. The trail is hard due to landslide section. The trail is not vertically uphill but it is descending and mostly Nepalese gentle flat trail. Narrow walking trail and chances of falling stones make it harder for trekkers to safely navigate through. Therefore, you must be careful on this day while walking. Watch out for falling stones and slippery trail due to small pebbles in the trail. Overnight in a tea house
Day 9

Trek to Tilicho Lake (4919 m) and Return Trek to Siri Kharka (4060 meters)

Finally, we will reach the first iconic destination on our trek of the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake. We will hike for about 2 hours to 2.5 hours to reach the Tilicho Lake. Once we are in the lake, we will spend quality time in its shores. There is a temple where you can pay tribute or simply enjoy the best scenery of mountains and landscapes. We will return back to Siri Kharka via Tilicho Base Camp. On the way, we will stop for lunch in the Tilicho Base Camp and continue our trek to Siri Kharka. The overall trekking hours range from 4.5 hours to 6 hours including the Tilicho Lake hike. Overnight in a tea house
Day 10

Trek from Siri Kharka to Ledar (4200 meters)

We will retrace the same trail to Ledar village via Yak Kharka. The trail is gentle and through different landscapes from this day onwards. Overnight in a tea house
Day 11

Trek Ledar to Thorong Phedi (4450 meters) or Thorong High Camp (4880 meters)

Our trekking guide will decide whether to trek directly to Thorong High Camp or until Thorong Phedi on this day. If you choose to stay in the Thorong High Camp, then the crossing of Thorong La Pass becomes easy but staying in Thorong Low Camp or Phedi is good in terms of altitude sickness. Either way, we will get ready for challenging trekking the following day where we will conquer the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). The decision to stay either in Thorong High Camp or Thorong Phedi depends upon the assessment of our trekking guide. He or she will assess our condition before deciding it. Overnight in a tea house
Day 12

Trek to Muktinath Over Thorong La Pass (5416 meters)

final challenging day on our Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake is the crossing of Thorong La Pass. We will begin the trek early in the morning before dawn at around 4 am in morning. The journey is assisted by head lamp and as we wait for the sun to rise while walking, the landscape becomes majestic to its core. From the top of the pass, we will enjoy magnificent scenery of mountains and cascading hills. We will spend about 15 minutes to 30 minutes at the top before descending downhill to The Phedi. Lunch will be served in Phedi and we will continue the trek to Muktinath. After conquering the ridge, we will walk through the sacred Muktinath Temple and reach our tea house. The time spent in the tea house will be the most enticing one as it is the last day of the trek. We will enjoy with our trekking crew members celebrating the best adventures in this amazing place after joyous Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. Overnight in a tea house
Day 13

Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara ( 890 meters )

After breakfast, we will travel to Pokhara on a bus. The journey is about 8 to 9 hours via Jomsom, Marpha, Tatopani, and Beni. You can get free time to explore Lakeside Pokhara in evening. The clamor of Lakeside Pokhara is so amazing and the best time is when you spend night time on the shores of Phewa Lake. Overnight in a hotel
Day 14

Drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara (1400 meters)

We will head to tourist bus park and continue our journey to Kathmandu along the Prithivi Highway. In Kathmandu, the office representative will host a farewell dinner and review about the trek. Overnight in a hotel
Day 15

Departure from Kathmandu.

We will take you to airport and bid farewell with promise to meet again for another adventure in Nepal.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off service by Private Vehicle.
  • By Local bus to Pokhara from Muktinath.
  • By local bus to Besisahar and sharing a jeep to Dharapani village.
  • Two nights' accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast
  • Meals: breakfast - Lunch - Dinner during the trekking
  •  Seasonal fresh fruits after every dinner
  • Accommodations during trekking
  • Professional government trekking guide and experienced porter
  • All the salary, insurance, and expenses for trekking staff
  • All the trekking permits and trekking information management systems (TIMS) cards
  • All the government taxes

Add-ons

    What's not included

    • International Airfare and entry visa fee
    • Your Travel insurance
    • Meals in Kathmandu ( except breakfast in Kathmandu)
    • Hot beverages like a big pot of tea or coffee, mineral water, and a hot shower.
    • Tips for trekking staff.
    • Emergency evacuation and medical treatment costs.
    Dream Himalayas Illustration