Annapurna circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

17 Nights | 18 Days

Group Size

Min 1 Pax

Trip Grade

Grade B: Moderate Grade B: Moderate
Grade B: ModerateThe moderate grade includes a 1-week to 15 days trek itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meters altitude range. So we advise you to have some experience of walking. like 5/6 hrs a day but the trails will be moderate (nor easy, nor tough). High altitude may matter to your physical fitness and walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

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Price From

US $1,400 (All-inclusive price)

Trip Highlights

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with a side trip to Tilicho Lake is one of the most iconic and spectacular trekking routes in Nepal. This trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, cultural experiences, and stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Adding a visit to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, enhances the trek with even more natural beauty and adventure. Here are some of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake:

  • Varied Landscapes: The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, including lush green valleys, terraced fields, subtropical forests, high alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. This diversity in landscapes provides a constantly changing backdrop throughout the trek.

  • Thorong La Pass: The trek culminates in crossing the Thorong La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). This high mountain pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and is a significant achievement for trekkers.

  • Tilicho Lake: A detour from Manang takes you to Tilicho Lake, situated at an altitude of about 4,919 meters (16,138 feet). The lake's pristine blue waters against the backdrop of snowy peaks create a surreal and awe-inspiring sight. It's one of the highest lakes in the world and adds a unique highlight to the trek.

  • Cultural Experience: The trek passes through traditional villages inhabited by various ethnic groups like Gurungs, Thakalis, and Tibetans. This provides an opportunity to experience the local culture, traditions, and hospitality of the people living in the Annapurna region.

  • Muktinath Temple: On the eastern side of the Thorong La Pass, you'll reach the holy site of Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple and its surrounding area are culturally significant and provide insight into the spiritual practices of the region.

  • Natural Hot Springs: After crossing the Thorong La Pass, you'll come across the natural hot springs in Tatopani. It's a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate your muscles after days of trekking.

  • Diverse Flora and Fauna: The trekking route offers opportunities to spot a variety of plant and animal species, including rare birds, Himalayan Thar (a type of mountain goat), and more. The changing vegetation zones contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.

  • Spectacular Mountain Views: The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges dominate the skyline throughout the trek. The sight of towering peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri, and others is a constant source of inspiration and amazement.

  • Hospitable Teahouse Culture: The presence of teahouses along the trekking route provides comfortable accommodations and warm meals. It also allows trekkers to interact with fellow travelers and share experiences.

  • Adventure and Personal Achievement: Completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a remarkable adventure and a personal achievement. The challenges posed by the high altitudes, varying terrains, and unpredictable weather conditions make this trek a truly memorable experience.

Trip Information

Tilicho Lake Trekking is one of the off beaten trekking path in Nepal which is immensely popular among trekkers. Tilicho Lake is an uppermost lake in the world at an altitude of 4920 meters from the sea level. Trekking to Tilicho Lake bids you a classic adventure expedition to the Tilicho Lake - a tranquil turquoise lake located in the high Himalayan region of Manang.

In 2001, Hindu travelers from around the world congregated to the lake & persuaded it as the holy spot stated in the Holy Book of Hindues - Ramayana. So, lots of Hindu devotees from around the world come to visit this lake & this Lake is very well-known in the Annapurna Region.

Tilicho Lake trekking trail offers you the superlative views of chief peaks of Annapurna Himalayan range - Lamjung Himal (6932 m), Annapurna II (7939 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Gangapurna (7454 m) and other snowcapped peaks. Tilicho Lake collects glacial melt from the northern slopes of like Thorang La Peak and Annapurna Himalayas and trekking to this Tilicho Lake gives you a chance to be familiar with its splendor.

The extraordinary panoramic vista along with mentioned above are sights of AnnapurnaNilgiriDhaulagiriThorung PeakChuluTukuche Peak and several other mountains of the Himalayas.

In this area, blue Sheep which are completely common can be perceived on your trail. You will be visiting the major ethnic groups while trekking and to mention few are Magar, Gurung, Bhotia and Thakalis and Managis' with diverse socio-economic and cultural background.

Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trekking starts from Besisahar, which goes alongside the Marshyangdi River, with great sights of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. Fascinatingly, this trekking trail provides us to explore the massive diversity of the ethnics group and this trekking trail which is alike Annapurna Circuit Trek.

From Manang, we will be moving to the leading valley to the west over the Khangasar village (also known as the last village of Nepal) then trek upward to Tilicho Lake. Again our path head to the Yak Kharka then links the normal passes over the Thorong La pass (5416 m). After the pass of Thorang La, the Tilicho Lake trekking lead down to Muktinath (one of the pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and Buddhists), then to Jomsom from where twenty minutes scenic flights take you to the Pokhara. Perfect season for Tilicho lake trekking is from the month of March to May and September to November.

Redrose Travel provides you the ample of options such as joining a group or a private or solo adventure tour to explore this beautiful lake plus view the wonderful mountain vistas that would leave you spellbound. Our main priority is to keep your safety in the first place with our experienced and trained trekking guide or team leader. For further details about Tilicho lakes and trekking routes, please feel free to contact or email us.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day

Our airport representative will be receiving you at the airport with greetings and a warm welcome. Next, you will be transferred to the hotel and later, a brief introduction about the program and our company will be provided. If there is enough time, we can also visit nearby places. We spend our first night at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation: A 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu.

Airport Pick Up and Hotel Transfer in a Private Car.


Day 2 - Drive to Besisahar

Our staff will pick you up from the hotel for a drive full of excitement as you can witness the pristine natural beauty along the bank of rivers. After 7 hours of drive, we will reach Besisahar. It is at a distance of 185 km from the capital city Kathmandu. The sight of beautiful mountains and sceneries starts from here and your night accommodation is managed at a guesthouse in Besisahar.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 3 - Drive to Syange and Trek to Chamje (1400 m)

We drive to Syange and start our trek from there. A large spring will attract your concentration for a while at Bahundanda. After crossing the years old Marsyangdi River Bridge, we move to Jagat by following the watery flow of Marsyangdi river. We then reach Chamje - situated at an altitude of 1400 meters. The natural landscape of Chamje can be the site of attraction. The night stay will be arranged at a reserved guest house in Chamje.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 4 - Trek to Bagarchhap (2160 m)

Marsyangdi River will guide us to Tal at an elevation 1675 meters which is the first village of Manang district. We move through a wide, flat and the beautiful valley. The trail leads us to Dharapani with many ups and downs. It is at an altitude of 1890 meters. The journey continues until we reach Bagarchhap (2160 meters). The village is surrounded by stone roofed traditional houses and fields. The apple trees and maize fields are admirable. We spend our night at our tented camps in this beautiful village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tented Camp.


Day 5 - Trek to Chame

We climb up to Tyanja at an altitude of 2360 meters. After Tyanja, we pass through the forest near the river and reach Kopar at 2590 meters. On reaching the headquarters of Manang ‘Chame’, you will be welcomed by the grand views of Annapurna II. During the trip, you will have an opportunity to know the local society and local people’s culture and heritage. The locals are said to be migrated from Tibet and settled there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 6 - Trek to Pisang (3300 m)

The day begins with a walk through a dense forest and narrow valley passing through rivers. Old log bridges are crossed at an altitude of 2910 meters and 3040 meters one after another. We can have wonderful views of the rock face of Paungda Danda. With the grand view of hills and different mountains, we climb upward to reach to Pisang at the elevation between 3200 and 3300 meters. You will have rest in the guest house at Pisang and spend overnight there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 7 - Trek to Manang (3540 m)

The journey will continue through upper part of Manang district. We move further with the beautiful views of the Annapurna Ranges. The people here feed yak and aggregate crops. The trading system of this region is very old. We have two alternative routes to the north and south of Marsyangdi river to reach Munji. The northern trail via Ghyaru consists of better views and the southern route requires less climbing. After reaching Munji, the trek continues passing through the century-old houses and monastery along with Bryanga village. The village lies at an altitude of 3475 meters. You will be spending your night at a guesthouse in Bryanga village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 8 - Acclimatization Day at Manang Village

Today we spend the day by doing some fine walks, viewing the Himalayan peaks, and experiencing the semi-Tibetan culture and conserved wildlife vegetation. You will be reenergizing yourself for tomorrow’s trek which would take you above 3500 meters. It is advisable to rest for a day before crossing high altitudes. In the evening, you will be under Sherpa’s hospitality to spend overnight at the guest house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 9 - Trek to Khangsar Village (3700 m)

After the adaptation of climate at Manang, we move further for more adventurous trek to the Tilicho lake. Here we will have an alternative way by another path down which goes to the river. After crossing the river called Khangsar, we start upward trek for 4 hours and reach Khangsar village. It is enriched with old traditional stone houses typical of a village in Nepal. The night accommodation will be arranged for you there at a guesthouse in Khangsar village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 10 - Trekking to Tilicho Base Camp (4200 m)

While moving from Khangsar village to Tilicho, we pass through a monastery or Gompa. After a while, we will reach a junction from where we can choose two paths to move further. Old path is much more adventurous and difficult whereas new path is easy to climb, so we go through the new path. After reaching the top, we descend to the main valley. At bottom, you will see a small stream that makes opposite side of the village beautiful. You will complete a circle and reach the same place where you had stayed before at an elevation of 4200 meters which is known as Tilicho Base Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Base Camp.


Day 11 - Trek to Tilicho Lake (5200 m) and back to Tilicho Base Camp

In the early morning, we move towards the Tilicho Lake. The daytime is pretty windy, so we prefer to start early morning to avoid any difficulty. It will take us about 3-4 hours to reach Tilicho. It is bounded by hills and is located at the highest altitude of 5200 meters. We will spend sometime around Tilicho. We can feel the snowy water of Tilicho and can relax with the fresh environment. After a while, we move back to Base Camp for the night's accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Base Camp.


Day 12 - Trek to Yak Kharka(4000 meters)

Today we decline our elevation to 4000 meters and reach Yak Kharka. We pass through the old Khangsar path which goes through the unmarked trail. The experience of crossing old log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka will be unforgettable. The night stay will be arranged at a guest house in Yak Kharka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 13 - Trek to Thorang Phedi (4450 m)

We further climb upward for two and half hours and then move downward in the hills. Again, we cross the river at an altitude of 4310 meters and finally climb up to Thorang Phedi at an altitude of 4450 meters. We will have some time to spend here at Thorang Phedi. Your day will turn into night and night turns into the morning at the guest house of Thorang Phedi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 14 - Trek to Muktinath via Thorung La Pass

We move in the dusk to continue our trip by keeping environment condition in our mind and try to reach Thorung La Pass by 9-10 am. Afternoon time at Thorung Pass might be snowy and windy all the time which can make our trip more difficult. We climb up to the pass surrounded by Chortens and prayer flags for about 4 hours. Being at the top with an altitude of 5416 meters is worthy. After 4 hours of trekking from the top, you will be at a holy place of Hindu devotees called Muktinath. The temple of Muktinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 water pools. By observing Muktinath by your eyes, you will spend the night at a guest house in Muktinath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 15 - Trek to Jomsom (2720 m)

After breakfast, we will move to Ekle Bhatti and move further following the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is the headquarter and main trading area of Mustang district. You can have many more facilities here at Jomsom. The night stay will be arranged at a guest house in Jomsom.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea House or Trekking Lodge/Guest House.


Day 16 - Morning flight to Pokhara

At morning we take a flight of 15 minutes with panoramic views of mountains, hills, and villages to reach Pokhara from Jomsom. After having a short flight to Pokhara, you will be strolling around the Pokhara valley. The visit covers Fewa Lake, David Fall, Museum, Cave, etc. Overnight stay will be in a reserved finest hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: A 3 Star Hotel in Pokhara.


Day 17 - Back to Kathmandu

Today is the last day of your tour and you will be packing your bags to return back to Kathmandu. Our vehicle will drop you at the hotel Kathmandu after a comfortable drive. You can roam around the Kathmandu to collect some souvenirs for relatives in your leisure time. Night stay will be arranged at the finest hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.

Accommodation: A 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu.


Day 18 - Departure

The trip ends for this time. Today you will be transferred to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We wish you to have a safe and comfortable flight to your country. 

Meals: Breakfast.

Airport Drop Off in a Private Vehicle.

Inclusions

  • All the transportation between airport and hotel
  • 2 nights in a 3 Star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Tashidharke Inn or similar) and 1 night in a 3 Star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
  • 14 nights in standard lodges/tea houses during the trek
  • Transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All accommodation and meals during the stay in the trek
  • All domestic flight fares and airport taxes
  • An experienced English speaking guide and one porter for 2 persons each of the group
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
  • All government and local taxes

Exclusions

  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the region ( any cause) other than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the region other than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Essential Info

Hotel and Lodge on Tilicho Lake Trek:

Redrose Travel arranges it’s best for comfortable and pleasant accommodation and also provides you nourished hygienic food. We will be staying at the standard hotel (rating of 2 – 3 Star) in Kathmandu whereas, in the remote areas, we will be staying at a tea house or a local lodge. We can also arrange luxurious rooms from 4 – 5 Star hotels in the cities with an additional charge but the remote mountainous regions have no such facilities.

Tea houses and local lodges in the remote region will have a usual bed with usual mattress and a pillow. Only a few of them have electricity but the rest rely on lanterns or candles lights. Booking of the room is done prior to the starting of the trek. If in case we are not able to book the room in advance, we can book it upon reaching there as these areas have ample of lodges and tea houses. If for some reason, we aren’t able to book a lodge/teahouse - we can easily set a camp which will be the most adventurous part of the trek itself.



 

Food and Drinks for Tilicho Lake Trekking:

Redrose Travel focuses on client’s safety and health and gives it the foremost priority. We make sure that each and every client get the same portion of clean, hygienic and nourishing food which is a very necessary - especially while trekking.

During the trek - all the meals i.e. breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided inclusive in our package. But in the city, either breakfast or dinner is included. Please go through the detailed itinerary for each day to see which meals are included. During the trek, breakfast and dinner will be served in the same lodge where we spend overnight and our expert trek leader will be taking you to the clean hotels/restaurants for lunch on the way to your destination.

Normal water will be provided free of cost but we suggest you carry water purification pills to purify the water. If you prefer to drink packaged bottled mineral water, you will easily get in shops or tea houses, but the expense should be paid by the client as it is not included in the package.



 

When To Go:

The flawless seasons for touring/trekking is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). One can travel in winter if you are well adapted to cold. We strongly recommend the clients not to trek on monsoon in June, July, and August because of heavy rains & extremely blazing heat in the afternoon.



 

Luggage/Backpack on Trekking to Tilicho Lake:

Our porters will carry your major luggage while you carry a backpack with items very handy while trekking such as water bottle, towel, tissue or toilet paper, camera or any other stuff which you feel is necessary during your trek. Gears and clothes not needed during your trek can be left in the hotel safe deposit box properly locked without any extra charge. Domestic airlines of Nepal do not allow more than 15 kg including your hand baggage. If your baggage exceeds more than 15 kg, an extra charge will cover that up but isn’t included in our package.



 

Guide/Porter on Trek:

Redrose Travel provides honest porters and well experienced first aid certified, altitude sickness trained trekking guides who will be handling all your issues on the trip. All our staffs are very cordial and sincere. The porter will be carrying up to 10 kg luggage of each client. While trekking in a bigger group i.e. more than 10 people - an additional guide will be provided and the group also can be split according to the number of people in the group. 



 

Group Size, and Crew Member:

Redrose Travel arranges Tilicho Lake trek with a minimum of single clients to a maximum of 12 in a group. The larger group we will be arranged by dividing the groups into two or more according to the number of people. However, although you might be staying in the same lodge - but during your trek - you might be having a different guide.



 

Personal Expenses on Trek:

Personal expenses totally depend upon how extravagant are you in nature. Our package includes the cost of accommodation and meals during your trek as mentioned in the itinerary. Besides that, you are liable to pay for additional meals, table drinks, snacks, hot shower (accessible in some places), alcoholic drinks, entrance fee (around US $ 25 ) for visiting heritage sites of Kathmandu, meals in Kathmandu (around US $ 5-7), tips for driver, guide and porters, etc. Tips to the guides, porter or any other members are not mandatory. You can tip them if you are satisfied with their service.



 

Available Gears/Equipment:

Trekking equipment is readily available in the stores of Kathmandu at a very reasonable price or it can also be hired with a minimal charge per day. So, you don’t have to buy or carry from your hometown.



  

A Usual Day on Trek:

These are the approximate guidelines for a trek on each day which may differ according to the itinerary or schedule or your pace while trekking. 

Normally, you are required to trek for 4-6 hours each day. We start our trek after breakfast and stop for the lunch. We trek for 3-4 hours after lunch to reach our destination. If we reach our destination in afternoon, you can spend rest of the hours relaxing, take shower or just wander around.



 

Greetings at the Airport:

After booking and confirming your Tilicho Lake trek with us, we suggest you flow all the information such as - your number of days of stay, departure date, returning date, & international flight details (arrival time, flight number). After getting this information, a representative of Redrose Travel can easily pick you up from the airport on time.

After you complete the formalities of the airport and come to the exit gate, you can spot GHHT member holding a placard of your name or Redrose Travel waiting outside the terminal. After meeting and greetings, we will transfer you to the hotel in our private car. If you have booked the hotel by yourself, please let us know in advance, so that we can drop you at your respective hotel.



 

Changes in the Itinerary:

Our regular itinerary of the Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is 18 days unless you have customized it.  The itinerary has been carefully designed by our operation manager which is very pragmatic & includes the high altitude acclimatizing. These 18 days includes your arrival day, departure and sightseeing Kathmandu. It may also have an extra day which allows flexibility to adjust the delay or cancellation of flight due to sudden changes in the Himalayan weather.

If you would like to extend more days or lessen some, we surely can do that as per your wish.



 

Safety Measures:

Client’s safety is our main priority and we make sure that each and every client is well taken care of.  If by chance anyone gets sick during the trek, we will take you to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. If the condition is serious – we will use the rescue helicopter to take you to the nearest hospital while all the expenses will be carried out by the travel insurance company. We suggest you get insured for up to 6000 meters.

 



 

Booking and Payment:

After confirming or booking the trip – all we need is the copy of the passport, insurance policy, and the international flight details (ticket). Then, a 20% advance deposit is required for any trip, trek or expedition which is not refundable - used for reservations of hotels and lodges according to the itinerary.

The remaining balance is due when you arrive at Kathmandu and can be paid by any means convenient to you. We prefer payment via cash (to avoid any extra service charge) but bank transfer, credit cards, western union, and pay pal are also the accepted form of payments. 



 

If you have any other questions or want to inquire more, please feel free to email or contact us

FAQ

What is the best time to do this trek?

The best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Spring (March to May) offers clear skies, blossoming rhododendron forests, and moderate temperatures. Autumn (September to November) provides stable weather, excellent visibility, and pleasant trekking conditions.

Is a permit required for this trek?

Yes, you'll need permits to trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The required permits include the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. We arrange all our's clients necessary permit.

What is the difficulty level of the trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is considered a moderate to strenuous trek due to the high altitudes and long hiking days. Proper acclimatization is essential to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

How do I acclimatize during the trek?

The trek itinerary is designed to include acclimatization days in places like Manang and Tilicho Base Camp to help your body adjust to the high altitudes. It's important to ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.

Are accommodations available along the trail?

Yes, there are teahouses and lodges along the Annapurna Circuit route where you can find basic accommodations and meals. Accommodations can vary in terms of comfort, so it's a good idea to carry a sleeping bag and other essentials.

What should I pack for the trek?

Pack essential clothing and gear for varying weather conditions, including warm layers, rain gear, trekking boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and a water purification system. A detailed packing list can be obtained from your trekking agency.

How physically fit do I need to be for the trek?

While a good level of physical fitness is recommended, you don't need to be an athlete. Regular exercise, cardiovascular training, and some pre-trek preparation will greatly enhance your trekking experience.

Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?

Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern due to the high altitudes reached during the trek. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, ascending slowly, and recognizing the symptoms of altitude sickness are crucial.

Are there emergency services available along the trail?

Our guides have first-aid training on top of that we bring some emergency medicine and first-aid equipment for emergency .And     Some parts of the trail have mobile network coverage, and there are emergency rescue services available in case of severe health issues. It's wise to have travel insurance that covers trekking and evacuation in case of emergencies.

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