Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake - 17 Days

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  • Duration 17 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal

Are you looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Then, join the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake 2024/2025 departures. It is one of the most adventurous trekking programs for fit trekkers in Nepal. We provide full support at a genuine price. Enjoy the best Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake cost with us!

The Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is an incredible version of this famous circuit trek. The itinerary extends to the highest lake in Nepal, Tilicho, which is known for its mesmerizing jewel-like beauty. Combining the lake in the journey adds more adventure and wilderness. Trekkers get to enjoy countless mountains, beautiful landscapes, and tranquility.

Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is for those looking for an offbeat voyage. If you love nature, adventure, peace, and stunning views, you are going to love this trek. Likewise, the small moments with locals during the trek also enhance the overall experience.

The trek is also quite rich in cultural heritage as you meet different communities and have a glimpse of their daily life and traditions. Explore rivers, streams, and waterfalls on the way. Cross-hanging suspension bridges and spend nights in picturesque villages. Similarly, interact with fellow trekkers who know you may get to make lifelong friends.

Highlights

  • A fantastic trekking program for experienced trekkers
  • Enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna region and get to see mountains like Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, etc
  • Meet with different Nepali ethnic communities and experience the traditional mountain lifestyle
  • Trek through lush forests and gorges, crossing suspension bridges on the way
  • Explore waterfalls, picturesque villages, streams, and valleys
  • Hike to Tilicho Lake and enjoy its mesmerizing beauty
  • Cross the Thorong La Pass, the highest mountain pass in Nepal
  • Explore the Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site in Nepal
  • Visit a BonPon Gompa in Lupra village
  • Take a thrilling flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Enjoy your time in Pokhara and Kathmandu

What can you expect during the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal?

Our Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary has one day in Kathmandu for arrival and preparation. On the second day, you will leave Kathmandu and drive to Jagat, from where the trek starts. It will be a long but scenic ride, and you will also need to change vehicles at Besisahar.

From Jagat to Upper Pisang, you will spend three days trekking. This first set of walks through lush forests and beautiful villages will allow you to acclimatize before you touch 3,500 meters and ascend above it. You will meet with different Nepali communities and enjoy very heartwarming lush landscapes.

Hike from Upper Pisang to Nagwal, following a very beautiful route, and continue to Khangsar village. The trail gets steep and rocky. You will also walk on glaciers. The final hike takes you to Tilicho Base Camp. It is the last place before the lake where trekkers spend the night.

Depending on the weather, the base camp and surrounding area could be covered with snow. You will trek from base camp to Tilicho Lake early the next day. Spend some time relishing the turquoise-blue color of the lake surrounded by dwarf trees and gorgeous snow-capped mountains.

After you explore Tilicho Lake, you will begin the second part of the trek, crossing the Thorong La pass. It will take two days to walk from the lake to Thorong Phedi. It is the base of the Thorong La Pass. Some trekkers also prefer to hike further and spend the night at High Camp.

You will follow the same trail back from Tilicho Base Camp to Khangsar. From here, walk to Yak Kharka and continue trekking on a steep, narrow route to Ledar. A short ascend from here leads you to Thorong Phedi. Spend the night at phedi, and the next day, start climbing to Thorong La top before the sun rises.

The scenery from the top of the pass is jaw-dropping. You will see the sea of giant mountains. Now begins the final part of the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake for 17 days, descending to Muktinath Temple and hiking to Jomsom village. It is a steep, rocky descent from the pass, and trekkers also navigate a landslide debris area.

Muktinath Temple is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. It is very important for the locals and known as a place where you go to rinse your sins and get liberation. Explore the temple and follow an isolated trail to Lupra village. Then, hike to Jomsom. The trek ends here.

In the morning, fly out of Jomsom to Pokhara. Spend a full day resting in Pokhara and enjoying the city's tranquility. The following day, drive back to Kathmandu.

Who can do the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek, and how to prepare for the trek?

The Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is for trekkers who are physically fit and mentally ready to push themselves. It is a challenging trek and requires previous trekking experience. The trekkers walk 6 hours daily on a minimum following varying terrain, so good stamina and strength are needed. Overall, we do not recommend this trek to beginner trekkers.

To prepare for the trek, exercise is a must. You can do whatever you have access to. Your goal should be improving your stamina, endurance, and strength. Strength training, day hiking, cycling, swimming, running, etc., are recommended. Likewise, make yourself aware of the Annapurna Circuit trail. Read blogs and watch videos on YouTube.

Then comes packing well for the journey. Below is a packing list for this trek that will give you an idea of what things are required.

Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake trek packing list

Follow the below list to pack for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake:

  • Underwear, base layer, thermal layer
  • Trekking shirt & pants, fleece jacket, down jacket, windbreaker/waterproof jacket & pants
  • Dry towel, cotton socks, woolen socks, scarf, gloves, sunhat, beanie
  • Trekking boots, casual shoes, daypack, duffel bag
  • Trekking poles, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, water purification tablet
  • SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, soap/shampoo bar, comb, toothpaste/brush, deodorant, etc
  • Antiseptic cream, band-aid, crack bandage, pain reliever spray, general medicine, electoral powder, insect repellent, etc
  • Adapter, charger, power bank, spare batteries for your camera
  • Map, pocket torch, traveler knife, hand sanitizer, GPS
  • Snacks, journal/pen, travel insurance document, passport, visa, passport-sized photos, cash
Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Meet our team members upon landing at the Kathmandu airport. Say hello to them and follow them to your hotel in Thamel. We use private vehicles as per the group size. After checking in at the hotel, freshen up and get some rest. In the late evening, we will catch up for the trek briefing and final preparations.

  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

To start the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will first drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. It is a long, scenic drive. Follow a smooth highway along lush cliffs for the first 3-4 hours of the ride. The road then gets bumpy from Dumre to Besisahar. Here, you will change the vehicle and use a local jeep to drive to Jagat. This part of the ride will be bumpy as well.

Mountain views: Annapurna range, Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 1,100 m/3,609 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 206 km/128 miles

Start trekking from Jagat and follow the lush Himalayan foothills. You will reach Dharapani. From here, trek through rhododendron, pine, and oak forests. On the way, trek via villages like Chamje and Tal. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and lovely views of the Marshyangdi River.

  • Max Altitude: 1,960 m/6,430 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 12.6 km/8 miles

Trekking from Dharapani, you will pass through lush forests of fir, maple, oak, and pine. The trail goes along the Marsyangdi River. Before reaching Chame, you will pass by villages like Danaque, Timang, Khanchowk, and Koto. Enjoy the breathtaking greenery and tranquility of the region.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, Nagadi Chuli, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,610m /8,890ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 15.5 km/9.6 miles

Follow a steep, narrow valley and trek to Paungda Danda Rock. It is a massive rock rising 1,500 meters from a river. The trail continues northeast from here, offering a wonderful view of snow-covered mountains. You will descend to the Manang Valley floor and walk uphill to Upper Pisang.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,115 m/10,200 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 13.2 km/8.2 miles

The trail from Upper Pisang to Ngwal is very beautiful. You will trek following the upper route through Gyaru.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Chulu East, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,600 m/11,811 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8.4 km/5.2 miles

Leaving Ngawal, you will divert from the Annapurna Circuit trail and move to Tilicho Lake. First, ascend to Manang village, exploring the ancient Braga monastery. From Manang, follow an offbeat route to Khangsar village.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,734 m/12,250 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/12 miles

Start trekking from Khangsar village to Tilicho Base Camp early in the morning. Follow a glacier route and carefully ascend to the base camp. The trail may be covered with snow. There is only one tea house at the base camp of Tilicho Lake, where trekkers spend the night.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,140 m/13,583 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Today is one of the most awaited days of your trek. You will get to see the breathtaking beauty of Tilicho Lake. From the base camp, walk on snowy tracks and gradually ascend to the lake. The turquoise color of the lake, surrounded by white mountains and some greenery, will leave you speechless. Enjoy the view and descend to base camp for the night stay.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,949 m/16,138 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

Follow the same trail back to Khangsar village. Then, rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail and walk to Yak Kharka. You are now trekking above the treeline. Enjoy walking on meadows and barren landscapes.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,040 m/13,020 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles

From Yak Kharka, the trail takes you to the foot of Thorong La Pass, where you will spend the night before crossing the Thorong La Pass. Cross a wooden bridge and follow a steep, narrow trail to Ledar. From here, you will walk to Thorong Phedi.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, III & IV, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,525 m/14,525 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles

Today, you will cross the Thorong La pass. You will start walking before sunrise and gradually ascend to the High Camp. From here, you will follow the steep uphill route leading to the pass's top. The scenery is heavenly from the pass. After that, descend to Muktinath Temple, navigating landslide debris.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, III & IV, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Tukuche Peak, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 5,416 m/17,756 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 15.6 km/9.6 miles

On this day, you will trek to Jomsom village. Leaving Muktinath Temple, you will follow an isolated trail to Lupra via Jharkot. It is a Bon religion village. Visit an old monastery here. The trail then gradually ascends to Jomsom, where the walking part ends.

Mountain views: Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,710 m/8,891 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Distance: 21 km/13 miles

You will fly to Pokhara early in the morning, enjoying stunning mountain vistas. Upon landing, the guide will drop you off at the hotel. Enjoy relaxing in the city and exploring as you wish. Enjoy the beauty of Phewa Lake and the bustle of Lakeside Market.

  • Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 minutes

Today, you will drive to Kathmandu. Enjoy a comfortable drive on a standard tourist bus. The highway offers beautiful views of lush hills, rivers, and terraces. Upon reaching Kathmandu, settle in your hotel. You have the rest of the day free.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 201 km/125 miles

You have a free day in Kathmandu. You can spend it as you wish. Explore tourist sites and local markets. Buy souvenirs and try Nepali dishes. Enjoy your time in the city.

  • Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will fly back to your home today. Be ready on time to leave your hotel. Our team will drop you off at the international airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Add-ons and Options
  • Single room while trekking: If you want a single room during trekking, add this upgrade to your package.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the historical sites in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.

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We will strictly follow the proposed itinerary. However, there could be changes if the weather gets poor or unforeseen circumstances arise. Be flexible and open to changes. If our Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary does not match your requirements, feel free to contact us to customize the itinerary. You can design the itinerary as per your wish and budget.

Essential Info

Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake trek difficulty

Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is considered challenging and has a potential risk of altitude sickness. The terrain is offbeat and steep. To reach Tilicho Lake, you have to walk on glaciers and steep uphill slopes. Likewise, crossing the Thorong La pass is also very demanding and requires almost 8 to 9 hours of walking.

  • Trek distance: You will cover around 142 kilometers on this trek.
  • Daily walking hours: 6 to 7 hours of walking is required daily on this trek.
  • Tourist infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure is decent on the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake route. You will get all the essential services. Most things cost a few extra bucks, so budget daily allowance for personal expenses.

Altitude Sickness

High-altitude treks like the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake involve risks like altitude sickness. It is because as you go high, the air gets thin, and the oxygen level decreases. You have to get used to elevation to avoid altitude sickness. So, rest days and acclimatization hikes are important.

  • Symptoms: Loss of appetite, headache, vomiting, difficulty breathing, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, etc.
  • Preventive measures: By being hydrated, you can drastically reduce the risk of altitude sickness during trekking. At least 2 liters of water is recommended daily. Likewise, maintain your pace and ascend slowly. Listen to your body's signal and stop and rest whenever needed. Get ample rest and eat nutritious food while trekking.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake. All trekkers must give us their travel insurance documents before starting the trek. You are not allowed to join the trek without travel insurance. The insurance must cover medical bills and helicopter evacuation.

Trek permits

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS Card are required for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake. The package cost covers the permit fees.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person
  • TIMS Card cost: USD 20 per person

The best time to do Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake trekking

March to May and September to November are the top times for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake. Other months have unforgivable weather and climate conditions.

  • Spring (March to May): Annapurna Circuit is stunning in spring because rhododendrons bloom all over the lower parts of the trail. Likewise, the green meadows and gushing rivers and streams make the trail pretty. The Scenery and the weather are stunning.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a fantastic period to enjoy Annapurna Circuit trekking. The trails are in excellent condition, and the mountain views are crystal clear. You will enjoy stable weather and a moderate climate. Also, this is a festival season in Nepal, so you may get to see some of them closely.

Accommodation & food during the trek

Tea houses accommodate trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek route. It is a very simple hut-like accommodation. You will also have your meals in tea houses. You can choose from their menu. Our package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a day.

Some everyday food items are dal bhat, thukpa, porridge, momo, and chow mein. The food variety is huge at the lower elevation. As the elevation increases, the services and opinions will become limited and expensive.

  • Rooms: Rooms are twin shared in the tea houses. Single rooms are available in selected villages and cost extra money. You will get a clean bed and blanket. We highly recommend a sleeping bag for the Annapurna Circuit trek.
  • Washroom: Trekkers use a shared washroom. Private washrooms are only found in some places at lower elevations. Pack all the basic essentials for the trek, including toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc. Water is always cold at high elevations. You can ask for hot water to wash your face.
  • Services in the lodge: WiFi, hot showers, and charging cost a few extra bucks ranging from USD 1 to USD 5. Budget these expenses in your daily allowance.
  • Drinking water: Boiled drinking water is available for trekkers at a very low cost. Bottled water is costly and not recommended.
  • Snacks: Everything is expensive in the Himalayas, so get your snacks and bars in Kathmandu for the trek.
FAQs

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is demanding. It is an offbeat trek that navigates glacial terrain and crosses a high pass. If you are not an experienced trekker, the journey can be quite demanding for you.

The hardest part of the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is the trail to Tilicho Lake and crossing the Thorong La pass. These sections have steep, rocky trails, so you have to be extra careful.

This trek is recommended to those with previous high altitude/trekking experience and who are physically and mentally fit. Completing the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake will be very demanding for beginner trekkers.

In spring and autumn, many trekkers from around the globe visit Nepal to do the Annapurna Circuit. On the way, you will meet many fellow trekkers, but it will not ruin your journey or tranquil moments.

You can go on a private trek with us. It allows you to trek one-on-one with our guide and porter. Trekkers who want to do the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek without a guide should reconsider because the trail is tricky and requires expert guidance.

During the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will see many stunning mountains like Machhapuchhare, Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Tukuche Peak, etc.

You will not reach the Annapurna Base Camp on the Annapurna Circuit trek. However, you have the option to combine ABC in your Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary.

The network along the trail is not that stable. In some villages, WiFi is available for a few bucks. NTC sim is recommended for better network coverage on Annapurna Circuit, but please keep your hopes low.

You can tip the guide and porter 15% to 20% of the package cost. If you are trekking in a group, then every member should contribute.

Yes, foreigners need a travel visa to enter Nepal. Many travelers can get a travel visa upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Check your visa eligibility for your country for more information.

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