Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Maximum Altitude:

5416M

Duration:

18 Days Days

Trip Region:

Annapurna

Difficulty:

Challenging

Best Season:

Sep+DEC/Mar-May

Activity:

Trekking

Price From: $900

Group Price Available [-]

No. of People	Price Per Person
1 Person	$1540
2 Person	$1190
3 Person	$1170
4–7 Person	$1120
8–10 Person	$1010

Inquiry Now Book This Trip

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek and Tilicho Lake

Adventure around high scenic Manang valley with turquoise-colored Annapurna Circuit Trek and Tilicho Lake.
Explore the ancient culture and traditional heritage of Buddhism around Manang.
Walk into the lovely forest of tall rhododendrons-magnolia-oaks-and pine trees.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes with giant towering peaks.
Within picturesque Tilicho Lake and crossing over high scenic Thorang-La Pass.

Annapurna Circuit Trek and Tilicho Lake, an adventure around the remote corners of the northern range of Annapurna Himalayas. A great wonderful adventure Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trekking, an exciting combinations. Covering most scenic areas of high beautiful Manang Valley enclosed by tiers of zagged giant snow peaks.

Annapurna circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Route

In the early days, Annapurna Circuit Trekking duration was longer than three weeks. But, at present can be covered in two weeks or less, due to the easy assistance of motorable tracks. Which extends to Manang Village from Kathmandu or Pokhara via Bhesisar Town. Similarly, a road has been built from Muktinath and Jomsom Town onwards to Pokhara. Nevertheless, the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking with the glorious views remain the same.

A marvelous adventure starting the walks from Dharapani village on reaching the Manang areas to reach Chame. The headquarters town of Manang district, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, right up to its glacial source at Manang.
Where our wonderful walk heads after Chame to enter the picturesque valley of Manang surrounded by mighty Himalayan peaks.

Acclimatization in Manasng

Manang with extra days for acclimatization and short hikes around its scenic viewpoints, as well as exploring the traditional village. Full of charm adorned with age-old cultural heritage and customs similar to its Tibetan predecessors.

After Manang village, the adventure leads away from the main Annapurna Circuit route, heading towards a remote beautiful country. To reach the stunning Tilicho Lake of great beauty, well hidden by towering peaks of Gangapurna Himal and Tilicho Peaks. Tilicho Lake is the world’s highest glacial Lake with its striking scenery of arid terrains and snow-capped peaks.

Tilicho Lake is revered by the Hindu and Buddhist followers as one of the holy lakes. Which is mentioned in the ancient language Sanskrit of the sacred mythological story called Puran. From Tilicho Lake after a great mind-blowing experience head back to join the main trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days.

The walk then leads to the end of Manang Valley in Phedi and High Camp to cross Thorang-La Pass. The highest point of the adventure is surrounded by incredible giant Himalayan Snow Mountain ranges with Annapurna, Damodar Himal, and Chulu. Includes grand vista of Dhaulagiri Himal, as far as Manaslu Himalayas towards east directions. After jubilant moments with spectacular scenery, the trail follows a long descent. Reaching around Mustang areas at Muktinath, another holy site after Tilicho Lake.

Revered as the holiest of holy sites for Hindu pilgrims, from Muktinath downhill to Kaligandaki River Valley. The walk then reaches a lovely town at Jomsom for the last final overnight halt. The next morning a sweeping short panoramic flight takes you to beautiful Pokhara by its serene Phewa Lake side. A perfect and wonderful place to conclude our marvelous adventure to Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking.

Best time for Annapurna circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake:

The best seasons for Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking are spring and autumn, fall times. Spring begins from March to May, most days are clear for fin views, but can get cloudy afternoon sometimes. Cold morning, late afternoon, and nights with chances of snow around Tilicho Lake and Thorang-La Pass.

The next best time is autumn or fall, one of the peak seasons for this adventure. As well for all around the Himalayan destinations. Autumn starts from the monsoon of September and lasts till November. Where days are bright and clear for stunning views of peaks and pleasant walks. But gets dark soon due to limited hours of sunlight, with cold morning and late afternoon till nighttime. Can expect snowfall around the highest areas above 2,800 m high sometimes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. [+]

On arrival at Kathmandu airport received our Himalayan Friendly guide and staff. A short drive to your hotels around the hub of Kathmandu at Thamel area, an exciting place. After checking into your lovely rooms join other members
of Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trekking, for a briefing. Provided by our guides or leaders of Himalayan Friendly.

Information of needful things to expect on treks and in Pokhara and Kathmandu, with other necessary details. Evening a welcome dinner, in a pleasant authentic Nepalese Restaurant with culture programs. While you enjoy the famous and national food of Dal Bhat in a luxurious way to have a first night dinner.

Day 2: In Kathmandu with half-day tour at places of interest. [+]

A free day with options for sightseeing tours around places of interest. Kathmandu is steeped with famous World Heritage Sites of great wonders, where Hindu and Buddhist religions blend in perfect harmony. After an interesting tour, preparation for Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake trekking.

Day 3: Drive to Syange (800m/2,624ft): 7- 8 hours [+]

Early in the morning, we will leave Kathmandu towards Syange via Besisahar. The road is winding and follows many hilly settlements until we make an appearance at the Besisahar. From there, Khudi is just a couple of kilometers away, but the road is very much rough. Once you arrive at Khudi, explore the local village and enjoy the views of lush hills all around.

Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours [+]

Starting the first morning walk with a climb for a few hours to reach Jagat a nice hill village within the farm area and views of cascading waterfalls, the walk continues winding up to Chamje and Tal villages to reach Dharapani village where Manang district starts.

After a refreshing stop at Tal continue the walk to reach the much cooler area at Dharapani for an overnight halt, Dharapani is a nice large village on the junction of the Annapurna and Manaslu route

Day 5: Trek to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours [+]

Instead of catching the dirt road, you will follow the NATT (Natural Annapurna Trekking Trail) trails over the hills that demand you to cross a suspension bridge. Then, the trail crosses another river through the bridge to arrive at the plateau. Here, a line of Chortens and Mani walls shows you the path ahead to the Danakyu. From there, a steep ascent leads you towards the village of Tamang. Through the beautiful village of Thanchowk, built on the ridge, proceed towards the classic settlement of Chame through the village of Koto. Chame offers some of the best views of the Himalayan ranges.

Day 6: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m-05 hrs. [+]

From here onward air gets cooler as the walk gets closer to the mountains through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and pine trees, following Marsyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village. As walk leads uphill into pine trees to Dukure Pokhari a small place with few lodges and views of Chulu and Pisang peaks, after a lunch stop walk downhill to Pisang village for an overnight stop.

Day 7: Trek to Manang Village 3,450 m - 05 hrs. [+]

Pisang village is located within Manang Valley with stunning mountain views as altitude gains from here onwards. Walking into a forest with a short uphill with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu, and Pisang Peak, then reaching Hongde village with a small airstrip, from here tree lines fade to barren, arid landscapes.

On route to Manang village visit the old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall paintings, frescos, and super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour’s walk to Manang village. The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.

Day 8: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization with short hikes. [+]

An important rest day for acclimatization before reaching high altitude and up to Thorang –la, here with a short hike exploring Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.

Day 9: Trek to Khangsar 3,734 - 05 hrs. [+]

From Manang village after a nice pleasant stay, a morning walk takes you away from the main Annapurna circuit trail heading towards Tilicho Lake, as our route leads to a fresh new path past Manang large village, with some downs and ups to reach Khangsar for overnight stop, the last permanent village of Manang area.

Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,800 m-04 hrs. [+]

After Khangsar with tremendous views of Gangapurna-Tilicho peaks, the walk leads beyond to isolated areas of Manang Valley, as the morning walk leads on a rough path of stones and scree with ups and downs to reach Tilicho Base Camp, which will be one of the highest overnight camps of the adventure at above 4,800 meters high.

Overnight stops in a local lodge with chances of spotting some wild-life like antelopes, musk deer, or elusive snow leopard before walking to Tilicho Lake the next day.

Day 11: Hike to Tilicho Lake 4,140 m and trek to Shiri Kharka 4,345 m-06 hrs. [+]

Morning heading towards our main destination beautiful Tilicho Lake within complete wilderness surrounded by the high peaks of Tilicho and Gangapurna Himal, from here onwards around dry country, morning walk downhill for some time, then steep up for a while and then descend to reach emerald Tilicho Lake after a hike of a few hours from base camp.

Tilicho Lake is fed from the glacier of Tilicho and Gangapurna peaks with other lesser mountains and Nilgiri’s peaks, the is a beautiful lake regarded as holy among Hindu and Buddhist religions the spiritual side of the mystical story described in ancient Hindu sacred books.

Here enjoy the fabulous scenery within the lake premises and return to base camp for overnight stops after a marvelous time around Tilicho Lake.

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m via Khangsar-06 hours. [+]

After a fantastic view and enjoyable time around Tilicho Lake and at its base camp, the walk leads back towards Khangsar to reach the main Annapurna circuit trail and retrace the journey back on the same route to Khangsar for overnight stops.

Having glorious and fantastic moments around beautiful Tilicho Lake, morning walk towards the main trail of Annapurna circuit route to reach Thorang-la with overnight at Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walks with super views of snowcapped mountains, then crossing a small stream river to reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement with tremendous views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.

Day 13: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m - 04 hrs. [+]

The morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progresses crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, leading to Thorang Phedi for a short rest, and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.

Day 14: Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m - 07 hrs. [+]

Start the early morning walk for the Big Day! An exciting tough climb uphill for a few hours to reach the top of Thorang-la at above 5,416 m / 17,700 feet, the pass marked with thousands of colorful Buddhist prayer flags. Stand at the highest point of the adventure, and from the top enjoy a super vista of landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descent to Muktinath at 3,800 m. Muktinath is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.

Day 15: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m - 05 hrs. [+]

After Muktinath, the rest of the journey is easier with an exciting scenic drive all the way downhill a big drop of 1,200m to Kaligandaki River valley, as the ride leads at Kaligandaki River valley, from here heading to Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang area with small airstrip above Kaligandaki River, Jomsom and around.

Kaligandaki Valley is famous for its delicious apples and its products cider, brand,y, and juice from its high altitude apples orchard.

Day 16: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 850 m and transfer to hotel. [+]

Completing our super adventure Annapurna and Tilicho Lake trekking, where an early morning short panoramic flight takes you to scenic Pokhara city and its beautiful valley with serene Phewa Lake, during a short trip on air-facing views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range as it lands at Pokhara airport and then transfer to your hotel by the lake. An afternoon with time to relax and enjoy a stroll around lakeside with views of Annapurna Himalaya and magnificent Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ the unclimbed and virgin peak of Himalaya.

Day 17: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure. [+]

Morning taking an exciting overland journey back to Kathmandu on route witness Nepalese country farm life as the drive leads past farm villages and towns and then reaching Kathmandu around afternoon, time for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

(Options for a short flight of 30 minutes from Pokhara to Kathmandu)

Day 18: International departure homeward bound. [+]

Today, last day in amazing Nepal with great experience and fond memories of excellent adventures around Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake trekking, as per your time international flight, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport for your final departure homeward bound or to your next destinations.

Include

International and domestic Airport pick-up and drop by private car.
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
A night's accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara
Flight ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara
Three meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Seasonal fresh fruits desert every day
Best available twin-sharing room for accommodation during the trek
Annapurna conservation area permit
Transportation from Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, Himalayan Friendly duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
An english speaking and licensed trekking guide
Guide and porters meals,insurance, equipment and loding

Exclude

International airfares
Your Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Cold drinks such as beers, coke,juice and drining water
Your travel insurance and evacuation
City tour guide
Tip for gide and porters

UseFul Info

Accommodation While in Kathmandu:

Himalayan Friendly provides the best accommodation in the comfort of a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. On a 3 Star category Hotels (Kathmandu suite home) in the hub of Kathmandu in Thamel.

One can upgrade the accommodation for 4 or 5-star deluxe standard hotels, on request. When booking with Himalaya Friendly. Which will be at an extra cost.

The hotel in Kathmandu is booked according to our standard itinerary days, in Kathmandu normally will be for 3 overnights. Please remember while in Kathmandu it will be on Bed and Breakfast basis. Includes welcome or farewell dinner only.

Accommodation in Pokhara

Himalayan Friendly accommodates all clients in a lovely tourist standard hotel in Pokhara at Iceland Hotel.

Himalayan Friendly has always been accommodating all the clients in the best comfort of a Tourist Standard Hotel. Which is Hotel Iceland, a perfect location and assist to the lakes and markets within easy reach.

Accommodation in Annapurna circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake:

The lodge accommodations after Bhesisar Town, are simple but nice with cozy rooms. Chame Town has nice good lodge accommodation with options for attached bathrooms and toilets. But from Chame onwards till Jomsom, most lodges provide rooms with common toilets and bathrooms.
Including en route to Tilicho till Muktinath, due to freezing temperatures where flows of water in the pipeline get frozen.

Best to carry a warm sleeping bag, and then use the blankets from the lodge, for hygiene and to be safe while enjoying the adventures. The lodges with common bathrooms using hot showers will be at extra cost, the price differs from one place to another.

Food in Annapurna circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Food in Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake, trekkers will be surprised with a long list of food menu to choose. From Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon snacks and refreshment and main course for dinner. Most lodges provides Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and the famous, popular meals of Dal-Bhat.

All foods are served in a large warm dining room with a fireplace to keep the environment warm and cozy. But in few places like en route Tilicho Lake and High Camp, the rooms and foods are simple with limited food menu.

All dining have lights run by local hydroelectricity or from private solar power of the lodge. Like in Manang, Chame and Jomsom, trekkers can enjoy fresh bakery products also.

The most common meal is Nepali Dal Bhat, boiled or steamed rice. It is served with mild seasonal vegetable curry, including Dal, a lentil bean soup with homemade pickles, and hot sauce as options. The food menu lists from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to snack items.

Breakfast from oats porridge, including cereals to cornflakes with toast/ chapattis and pancake, with choice of egg variation. Lunch and Dinner with Nepali and Tibetan main course with a choice of soups. The most available food besides Dal, Bhat is noodles, fried with vegetables or eggs or noodle soups. Tibetan Bread made from wheat, millet, or barley flour, and sometimes vegetable dumplings available, and fried or boiled potatoes.

Fresh bakery bread is rare around most lodges around remote areas of Tilicho Lake, but one can order pancakes or chapattis’. It goes well with fresh country honey, jams, and pickles or butter to add along with refreshing hot drinks. Like Nepali Tea, coffee, and drinking chocolate where available.

Wi-Fi in Annapurna circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake:

In the modern days of Hi-Tec world, where all wide-world travelers needs to be connected with the world of social media. The most important on everyday use of internets, cell phones and Wi-Fi gadgets, which makes traveling fun and easier.

In Nepal around big cities, towns and large villages do have all the modem facilities of Internets and Wi-Fi. But on trekking depends upon the region and overnights stops as itinerary days. For Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking, in most places offers these facilities.

At Bhesisar, Chame and Manang, Muktinath including Jomsom the Internet services with connection. Trekkers can purchase the internet so called packages either in Kathmandu, Bhesisar or Chame Town.

The internets and Wi-Fi services are available in most lodges till Manang unto Jomsom. Some lodges charge extra for using the services. But few lodge offers free services of Wi-Fi, nevertheless one can enjoy the modern facilities along with the grand views.

But remember the internets, Wi-Fi and telecommunications does not run smoothly, can be disturbing and slow. Due to the nature of landscapes terrains in deep gorges or on a hidden valley, as well with the cold and cloudy weather conditions. For best reliable services is to buy 3G to 4 G SIM Card is good for the daily use.

As the weather and the areas permits for smooth connection, on treks your guide will suggest you to buy either in Kathmandu or in Bhesisar Town.

Packing List

Himalaya Friendly is always safe for our clients on trekking and hiking. Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trekking.

Clothings

Insulated Jacket
Down Jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket and pant
Thermal inner dress
Trekking pants and trousers
Trekking shirts
Breathable underwears

Head and Hand

Scarf or cap
Warm hat
Sunhat
Sunglasses ( recommend a UV protection)
Lightweight gloves( recommend a thermal gloves)
Windproof and waterproof gloves

Footwear

Slippers
Trekking boots
Hiking socks
Warm woolen socks
Gaiter

Personal items

Toothpaste and toothbrush
Soap
Sanitaizer
1 to 2 towel
Body moisturizer
Sunscreen cream
Toiletries
Wet wipes
Small mirror
Lip balm

Other gears

Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Water purification tablets
First Aid kits
Backpack
Water bottle
Prescribed medicines
Lighter or matchbox
Binoculars

Trip FAQs

Why choose Himalayan friendly? [+]

Can I buy trekking gear from Kathmandu? [+]

Can I or Can I not leave my luggage in Kathmandu whilst on the trek? [+]

Are the hotels in Nepal safe? [+]

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness? [+]

How to avoid altitude sickness in Manaslu trek? [+]

What types of shoes should I bring for the treks? [+]

How much cash should you bring for the awesome trek? Can I use credit cards along the trail? [+]

Which hotel will I stay at in Kathmandu? Can I extend my stay or upgrade? [+]

Are the hotels in Nepal safe? [+]

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness? [+]

Is Himalayan Friendly a Government-Authorized Trekking Agency? [+]

What types of shoes should I bring for the treks? [+]

Gallery

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Amazing trip with Ram on the Langtang - My partner and I from Australia had an amazing trek on the Langtang with Ram from Himalayan Friendly. Ram communicated with us before the trip and helped us work out... read more

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