Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek

Duration

21 Days

Tour Type

Adventure
Mountaineering

Group Size

2 - 10 Person

Annapurna Region, Nepal

Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trek in Nepal, among many travelers around the world for its immense natural and cultural attractions. The trek explores the Annapurna Massif and the sprawling settlements along its foothills through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Meanwhile, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek also makes a stop at one of the highest lakes in the world, Tilicho Lake (4920m). This trek combines the definitive Annapurna circuit trek with a trip to Muktinath Temple as well as a visit to another classic destination of Ghorepani Poonhill.

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the unique culture of the Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities
Explore the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake (4920m)
Be blessed with spectacular views of Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himlung, and Tilicho ranges
Cross the Thorung La Pass (5416m), one of the biggest passes in the world

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK OVERVIEW

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek begins from Kathmandu and heads to Besisahar on a drive. Afterward, we trek up to the Manang passing Jagat, Dharapani, and Pisang. From Manang, the trek splits from the traditional Annapurna Circuit route towards Tilicho Lake. We take the path to Tilicho Base Camp via Khangsar and Thare Gompa. After exploring the lake thoroughly, we head back to Khangsar and head north. Crossing one of the biggest passes in the world, the Thorung La Pass (5416m), and descending to Muktinath.

Hereon, the trek leads towards the lower Mustang settlements, of the Kali Gandaki valley. From here, you pass by the Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani, and then wrap up with the final highlight of the trek which is a trip to Poonhill. The mesmerizing Himalayan chain as seen from the Poonhill viewpoint offers blissful experiences. The Annapurna circuit with the Tilicho Lake itinerary concludes as we head toward Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu.

TILICHO LAKE

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is best experienced in the autumn and spring seasons, as the weather is perfect to witness the Himalayas. Also, a good physical condition will be of great help during the trek. To be more specific the best time to hike the Annapurna circuit would be in October. During this time monsoon ends making the skies clearer and the trails less slippery. And the temperature during that time is quite right i.e. neither hot nor cold.

Nepal Treks and Tour is your trusty trekking partner for Treks in Nepal. Whether it is a short trek or a long one such as this one, we will make sure that we are your ideal companions. Our experience will be very useful for long treks such as these, where we pay attention to every detail to ensure you have the smoothest trekking experience.

This trek’s major attraction – Tilicho Lake – has religious significance among Hindus. As per the article in Wikipedia, Hindus believe this lake is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Also, Tilicho Lake was the site of the highest-ever altitude scuba dive. A Russian diving team conducted the dive in 2000.

Details

PRICE INCLUDE	Airport pick up and drop off by a private vehicle 3 Nights hotel in Kathmandu at 3-star category hotel with breakfast in twin sharing basis Kathmandu to Dharapani and Pokhara to Kathmandu transport by Toursit bus 1 Night hotel in Pokhara at 3-star category hotel with breakfast in twin sharing basis ACAP (Annapurna Conversation Area Permit) and TIMS Cards An experienced English-speaking guide and his all expenses including insurance during the trekking Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers and carries 15kgs to 20 kgs) and their all expenses including insurance Full board basis during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included) Teahouse accommodation during the trekking on twin sharing basis Trekking route map Complimentary sleeping bags and down jackets First aid kit Farewell Dinner All the government and company service charges
PRICE EXCLUDE	International airfare Travel Insurance Nepal visa fee Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for complimentary dinners Personal expenses (WIFI, bar bills, laundry, electricity charges for the gadgets, hot shower, hot water, etc.) Tipping for guide(s), porter (s), driver(s) Anything does not include in the inclusion list.

PRICE INCLUDE

Airport pick up and drop off by a private vehicle
3 Nights hotel in Kathmandu at 3-star category hotel with breakfast in twin sharing basis
Kathmandu to Dharapani and Pokhara to Kathmandu transport by Toursit bus
1 Night hotel in Pokhara at 3-star category hotel with breakfast in twin sharing basis
ACAP (Annapurna Conversation Area Permit) and TIMS Cards
An experienced English-speaking guide and his all expenses including insurance during the trekking
Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers and carries 15kgs to 20 kgs) and their all expenses including insurance
Full board basis during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Teahouse accommodation during the trekking on twin sharing basis
Trekking route map
Complimentary sleeping bags and down jackets
First aid kit
Farewell Dinner
All the government and company service charges

PRICE EXCLUDE

International airfare
Travel Insurance
Nepal visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for complimentary dinners
Personal expenses (WIFI, bar bills, laundry, electricity charges for the gadgets, hot shower, hot water, etc.)
Tipping for guide(s), porter (s), driver(s)
Anything does not include in the inclusion list.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the hustle and bustle of the city. You will be accompanied to your hotel in Kathmandu by a company representative. You can rest at your hotel or choose to explore the nearby areas around the hotel.

ALTITUDE1400 MM

ACCOMMODATIONHotels

MEALS

DURATION3-4 Hours Hours

ALTITUDE1300 MM

ACCOMMODATIONHotels

MEALS

DURATION7-8 Hours Hours

The trek today is long and climbs a decent amount. The path follows the Marshyangdi River along the hillsides to Dharapani, where we can catch a brief glimpse of Mount Manaslu (8163m). From here on, we cross the villages of Danakyu, Timang, Lata Marang, and Koto finally arriving at Chame. Chame is the district headquarters of Lamjung so the lodges here have internet access.

ALTITUDE(2670m)M

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION5-6 Hours Hours

You begin beside the Marshyangdi river on your left and dense pine forests on either side of the river. As you move further away from Chame, Manaslu appears fainter in the distance. The trail all the way to Manang can also double up as a vehicle path, but the trekking route also winds around the forests. On your way you will arrive at Bhratang. You can end today at either Upper or Lower Pisang but, Upper Pisang offers better views of the Annapurna ranges.

ALTITUDE(3200m)M

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION5-6 Hours Hours

As you enter deeper into the Manang Valley, you make your way closer to Tibet. Also, the aridness of the landscape also increases as we trek deeper into the rain shadow zone. You will also notice great views of Tilicho Peak (7134m). Just before reaching Manang you will get to see a splendid and timeless Tibetan village at Braga, which houses an ancient monastery.

You can explore the village of Manang and its settlements. If you want more of a challenge and proper preparation for the trek ahead, you can visit the beautiful blue Gangapurna Lake. The lake also provides excellent mountain views of mountains in the region such as Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7455m) and Khangsar Kang (7485m). If you trek further you will arrive at Milarepa cave where a historic monk Milarepa was said to have meditated.

ALTITUDE3540 MM

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION6-7 Hours Hours

We begin by crossing a suspension bridge again, above the Jarsang Khola as we descend away from Manang. The village is in between two hills on either side and a huge grassy meadow is located nearby where yaks are often seen grazing. Khangsar also houses a traditional styled palace, with a square build and vertically rectangular windows.

You can notice a layered wall of hills in front of Khangsar that ends with snowcapped mountains in the distance. The trail to Khangsar climbs above and through a sea of brown shrubs. Along the way, there are many streams that split from or go to join the main rivers below. The highest point of the trek today is at 4650m a pass marked by stones and prayer flags, from here on it’s a sharp descend down to Tilicho Base Camp.

ALTITUDE(4150m)M

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION6-7 Hours Hours

We will climb to Tilicho lake early in the morning. The lake is turquoise in color and sits majestically in front of the Tilicho peak (7134m) which dominates the background. The lake is also one of the highest located in the world. After a stunning experience we carefully trek back to basecamp and back to Khangsar village to stay overnight.

The trek today is unmarked and there seem to be less Mani stones and chortens along the way. You will be crossing a river on a log bridge passing from Gunsang to Yak Kharka. Before arriving at Yak Kharka you will notice a high meadow at almost 4000m. Further ahead from the meadow is Yak Kharka where you will be spending your night.

Our first destination reached today is Chauri Ledar as we climb higher to get to Thorung Phedi. From here the trail is along the Jarsang Khola crossing it with a wooden bridge. The path to Thorung Phedi is a gradual climb but the trail is tricky due to several loose rocks sitting across the narrow ridge you will be climbing on, so take it slow and careful. We will be spending the night at Phedi.

You begin the trek before the break of dawn for great sunrise views higher up in the Thorung La Pass (5416m), later in the morning. The hard trek is rewarded by magnificent views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna Ranges with the huge kali Gandaki basin below. From the top of the Thorung La Pass (5416m), you descend all the way to Muktinath. Muktinath is a spiritual powerhouse as it houses the Muktinath temple which is of great significance to both Buddhists and Hindus.

ALTITUDE4420 MM

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION5-6 Hours Hours

You can explore the Muktinath Temple in the morning. The temple houses 108 water taps in which people bathe and cleanse themselves on the icy cold water. The temple also houses an eternal flame, which has never gone off for centuries. Thereafter, you start trekking to Jomsom via the Jharkot village. Jomsom is the capital of lower Mustang thus, the town is well endowed with lodges and a stone paved path runs across the town.

After leaving Jomsom, the journey continues on to the Thakali village of Tukuche. The views of Nilgiri (7061m) on the east will keep you wonderful company with Gangapurna (7454m) far behind. The village of Tukuche is home to the proud Thakali people the village houses many good lodges and shops, and even traditional utensils on display.

Leaving Tukuche, the trek follows the barren banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Plenty of monasteries and player flags decorate the trails on the trek. A relatively short trek brings you to Marpha. Marpha is another delightful Thakali village built around the spinal stone pathways. Marpha is famous for its apples, and apple products such as cider and dried snacks along with apricots and Peach wine.

From Marpha it’s a pleasant trek to Tatopani along the Kali Gandaki River. Passing the village of Ghasa on the descending trail, you can also witness the views of Nilgiri (7061m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m). The trek passes numerous settlements along the way including Dana and Guithe. Tatopani houses natural hot springs, which are perfect places to relax after a long hard trek.

ALTITUDEMM

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION5-6 Hours Hours

ALTITUDE1935 MM

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION6-7 Hours Hours

From Pokhara we cross the countryside roads that wind through hills beside rivers to Kathmandu. You will see the Marshyangdi River which you saw previously in the trek which has gotten bigger as it flows lower. You will head along many towns and then drive back into the Kathmandu through the Thankot.

ALTITUDE2800 MM

ACCOMMODATIONTea Houses

MEALS

B, L, D

DURATION5-6 Hours Hours

Leaving the country of Himalayas, you prepare to head to your next destination. You can feel free to recommend us to your friends and family for future visits to Nepal. Goodbye!