Your Private Guide For Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek

Nepal is popular for the finest treks in the world. The country is considered to be a trekker’s paradise. Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek, alias Annapurna Circuit Trekking is not scarce in adventures. Thus, it is a dream trek for thrill-seekers and mountain lovers. Like any high-altitude expedition in Nepal, the Annapurna Tilicho Lake excursion ingrains scenic mountain views, ethnic villages, monasteries, temples, glaciers, forests, and challenging trails with many other exquisite. The trek offers a sum of peculiar contents and requires a daily activity of 7 to 8 hours.

Table of Content:

01: Trip Facts

02: Highlights of the Trip

• Trek to the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake 4,949 meters
• Mountain Views of Annapurna I/II/IV, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Lamjung Himal, Chulu
• Exotic villages like Tal, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and Manang
• Pass through Thorang La Pass 5,416 meters
• Visit Muktinath Temple
• Trek alongside the Marsyangdi river
• Explore the glory in high-altitude culture and lifestyle

03: Overview

Touring around the Annapurna region presents the outstanding sights of Annapurna massif, Muktinath, a sacred site of Hindus and Buddhists, and the opportunity to visit the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake, which is elevated at 4,919 meters. The thrilling part about the trail is crossing the challenging Thorang La Pass, the highest point of the trek at an altitude of 5,416 meters. The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes the trekkers through the regions of Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. The trekkers undergo the Himalayan flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes, stunning waterfalls, variations in climate, high-altitude Tibetan settlement, hot springs, and dozens of mountain views such as Mt. Dhaulagiri(8167m), Mt. Nilgiri(7061m), Mt. Gangapurna(7455m), Mt. Himchuli(6441m), Mt. Macchapuchre(6993m) and many other Himalayan peaks.

Learn More about Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek Packages

Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek

Book This Trip at 1400 USD

View Details

The trekking route starts anti-clockwise from Besisahar following the trail alongside the Marshyangdi River. The trail passes through waterfalls, suspension bridges, and terraced farmlands on the way to Dharapani. A trek throughout a lush sub-tropical forest in the Annapurna Conservation Region will be carried on to Chame. Then the trail provides a steep and narrow valley climb to reach Pisang. The 20 km trek distance from Pisang to Manang brings forth the beauties of Mount Gangapurna and Annapurna III.

An altitude of 3,450 meters will be gained by reaching Manang; acclimatizing will be necessary for adjusting and adapting to the new climatic environment. Moreover, Manang will be explored on the day of acclimatization. Another part of the trail is Shree Kharka which is a good location for enjoying the snow-capped Mountain Views.  The trail offers the opportunity to make a footprint in the peaceful Tilicho Lake zone. The Surrounding Tilicho Lake offers majestic views of the Tilicho Himal, Annapurna Range, and Nilgiri Himal.

After exploring the neighborhood of Tilicho Lake, the journey to Yak Kharka begins which takes into the Thorang Valley. The uphill trek in the valley leads to Thorang-La Pass, standing at an elevation of 5,416 meters. The pass is located on a trail connecting Mustang Valley, home to Muktinath Temple. The temple is famous for 108 holy sprouts and 2000 years old eternal flame. Our destination rolls over like a roller coaster ride on this trek. The trail is a switchback to Tatopani via Jomsom Bazaar through the world’s deepest gorges or simply take a flight back to Pokhara for your return journey.

04: How difficult is Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek?

The Annapurna Tilicho Lake trekking is quite challenging. Despite it is not a technical trek, it can get quite strenuous and physically taxing. As it is a spectacular long-duration trek, physical and mental endurance is a must. That’s why prior experiences in high altitudes are preferable for making this trek. Or you may prepare yourself through aerobic and cardiovascular exercises two or three months prior to the trek.

On average, 7 to 8 hours of everyday hiking would be required to make this trek within the stipulated days. The trek should be spent in high-altitude places for more than 6 days. Proper acclimatization, regular hydration, and gradual ascent would minimize the risk of high-altitude sickness and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

The trek routes include steep climbs and deep descents. An Itinerant has to pass through diverse landscapes such as alpine forests, glacial lakes, high mountain passes, deep gorges, and rocky routes. The safest months to cross the Thorung La Pass are March-April and October-November which makes the circuit trek even more challenging. Due to the increased risk of avalanches, frostbite, and whiteout,t it is dangerous to cross the Thorung Pass at other times of the year. In order to prevent strong winds trekkers usually depart Thorung High Camp a few hours before sunrise and climb the Thorung Peak before dawn breaks.

All in all, the Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek is not a trek to be underestimated. It is a strenuous trek but with proper preparation, it can be successfully achieved with the right level of pursuit to face the risks and hardships.

05: How long is Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek?

The Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek alone covers a distance of 210 km meters takes a whole 16 days to complete the trek from Jagat to Nayapul. Initially, the trek will cover Annapurna and Tilicho regions.

06: Can a beginner able to do Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek?

Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek involves crossing the Throung Pass which sits at an elevation of 5, 416 meters and also faces high-altitude spikes in the alpine regions. Thorung La Pass sites had a major catastrophe in October 2014 which took away 20 people’s lives. There are many unrecorded mishaps with individual trekkers on the trail. It could create a limited sense if it is said this round trek is only made for experienced trekkers. Definitely, it would be another trip of adventure for any experienced travelers. But, the thing is a beginner can be able to achieve this trek with proper preparation and a standard level of fitness.

Prior experience shall be preferable. But not necessary if an individual prepares through training and exercises, 3 or 4 months before the trek. Doing regular hiking, jogging, cycling, and exercising would become the plus points for either experienced or newbie trekkers. The thing is with the right level of pursuit, and determination one can achieve any impossible heights. Nothing is Impossible.

In addition to that, it is highly recommended not to make solo trekking in strenuous trekking like this. With the right guide, the Annapurna Tilicho Lake journey can be successfully achieved in a team or individually.

07: When is the best time for Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek?

The best time to make the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is the months of March to May and September to November. The Tilicho Lake trekking route is quite complicated and challenging above Manang. So, travelers are advised to visit Tilicho Lake at the best time of the year for the best experience.

Basically, the best time for this trek is when the weather is clear, not snowy, and not rainy. Such weather in Nepal is achievable in October, and November of the Autumn Season and March, and April of the Spring Season. In these seasons, the forest gets different kinds of flowers making the scenery even more alluring. You’ll get the best temperature for making an easy trek in the Seasons of Autumn and Spring.

08: What gear will I need for Trek to Annapurna Tilicho Lake?

You will be needed plenty of stuff for this trek just like in the other normal treks. Essential gear includes the following:

09: Availability of Tea house along the Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek

Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek traverses through charming villages in the region of Annapurna, Tilicho, and Poon Hill. There are permanent settlements of villagers with diverse ethnic groups all across the trail. All the villages have got some pretty good big lodges with good facilities. The prices are around NPR 200 to 500 per night for common rooms. The thing is rooms with attached bathrooms will be a bit high.

People generally have accommodation problems in Yak Kharka, Thorung Phedi, and High Camp. Except in these places, all other places have alternative options so even without advanced booking, there won’t be a problem with the availability of tea houses. Moreover, the lodges serve the best local meals and some restaurants and hotels even serve pizzas and coffee.

10: Communication and Electricity availability during the Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek

After Yak Kharka, network connectivity will be the main problem and one has to rely on landline phones provided by lodges or satellite phones. You’ll be needed to pay charges for using the landline phones which will be available all the way up to Thorung High Camp.

For recharging any of your electric devices, you’ll have the facilities available in tea houses and hotels. You can use the time of your stay to charge your devices and camera batteries.

11: How much does it cost to trek to Annapurna Tilicho Lake?

Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek Cost is relative to the hotel you choose for your stay in Kathmandu. The trekking trails have similar kinds of accommodation and are very basic. The basic package for Annapurna Tilicho Trek will cost $1400 for a 16 days package. The basic package includes a stay in Hotel in Kathmandu.

12: Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Itinerary

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake traverses through the district beyond the Himalayas “Manang and Mustang’. There are numerous small villages across the trail during your trek. Manang is densely inhabited by Gurung, Tamang, and Magars while Mustang is highly populated by  Thakali people. Your outline itinerary for the trek :

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)
Day 02: Drive to Dharapani via Besisahar.
Day 03: Trek to Chame. (2670 meters)
Day 04: Trek to Pisang. (3200 meters)
Day 05: Trek to Nawal (Ngawal) via Gyaru. (3670 meters)
Day 06: Trek to Manang. (3540 meters)
Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Manang.
Day 08: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp. (3734 meters)
Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Lake and trek back to Khangsar. (4990 meters)
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka. (4018 meters)
Day 11: Trek to Thorung Phedi. (4450 meters)
Day 12: Cross Thorung La (5416 meters) and trek to Muktinath. (3800 meters)
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom. (2720 meters)
Day 14: Fly to Pokhara and afternoon free day stay at Pokhara.
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure.

13: Conclusion:

The Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek is a moderate to difficult trek that takes you through lush forest picturesque villages, and spectacular mountain views. The Treks Start from Dharapani and go through Managn, where you can explore the Buddhist culture and visit Buddhist Monastery. The highlight of the trek is Tilicho Lake, which is one of the highest lakes in the world. The trek ends at Jomsom from where you can take a flight back to Pokhara and continue to Kathmandu by flight or by Drive.