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Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

17 Days
  • 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass
  • Strenuous
  • Syange/Jomsom
  • Hotels and Teahouses
  • Drive/Flight
  • 4-6 Hours Per Day
  • Autumn and Spring
  • Minimum 2 People

Overview

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake combines two of the best trekking destinations of Nepal into one single package. On this trek, you will be standing at the shore of the worldโ€™s highest Lake โ€” Tilicho Lake and navigating the worldโ€™s highest pass โ€” Thorong La Pass.

Youโ€™ll come across the subtropical countryside, alpine forests, arid cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and icy moraines. Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake integrates local Gurung and Thakali cultures, their rustic lifestyle, and warm hospitality.

Not only that, but this trek rewards you with the breathtaking sight of some of the highest massifs, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli.

On this trek, you will also get to stand at the shore of Tilicho Lake located at an elevation of 4,949 meters. This high altitude lake is formed by the glacial melt of the northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorong Peak. The turquoise blue lake of Tilicho is one of the most spectacular sights of the entire trek. From the bank of the lake, youโ€™ll also get to witness snow-capped mountains, including Khangsar, Nilgiri, Muktinath Peak, and Tilicho Peak.

Besides, you will also get to visit the holiest temple at Muktinath Temple. At the elevation of 3,800 meters, this shrine is one of the most sacred sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. Other significant highlights of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake includes the exploration of Manang Valley and Braga Monastery.

Out of the 17-days in the itinerary, you will have to walk for 12 days in the rugged trail of Annapurna. The adventure begins with a 9-hour drive from Kathmandu to Syange. Youโ€™ll be traveling across several quaint villages and visiting the highest altitude lake in the world, before crossing the highest navigable pass in the world at Thorong La Pass.

The entire trail of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake oversees arid landscapes, traditional villages, ancient monasteries, high Himalayas pass, colorful chortens, and mani walls.

The 17-day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is an ideal choice for avid trekkers willing to take the challenge of walking at the high elevation and rough trails. Although this trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas of Nepal, the beauty and experience of this region are simply unmatchable.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Trek

  • Travel across Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters โ€” the highest pass in the world
  • Stand at the bank of the worldโ€™s highest altitude lake at Tilicho Lake
  • Encounter rare and unique blue sheep at Yak Kharka
  • Marvel at the breathtaking sight of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, Chulu East, Lamjung Himal, and Tukuche Peak
  • Visit Muktinath Temple โ€” one of the holiest sites for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • Explore the hidden valley of Manang
  • Traverse through the magnificent lakes, water, gorges, and glaciers
  • Visit Braga Monastery โ€” the largest monastery in Manang

Is Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Right For You?

  • Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a challenging trek in the heart of the Annapurna region. On this trek, youโ€™ll be walking along some of the most demanding routes in the Himalayas. Youโ€™ll also be navigating Thorong La Pass โ€” the worldโ€™s highest pass at 5,416 meters and visiting Tilicho Lake โ€” the worldโ€™s highest lake at 4,949 meters. Hence, the trek demands both physical fitness and mental preparedness.

Moreover, it is suitable for avid trekkers who have prior trekking experience in the Himalayas of Nepal. If youโ€™re trekking to the Himalayas for the first time, we recommend you go for relatively less demanding treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or Mardi Himal Trek.

  • On this trek, youโ€™ll have to walk along the rugged trail for around four to six hours on average regularly. If you think you can walk for such a long hour regularly, you will be able to pull this through. Note that, unlike moderate treks, Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake will seriously test your endurance every day. So, it is advisable to put proper training and preparation before you pack your bags and head to the Himalayas.

The most effective way to train for such a high altitude trek is by engaging in as many cardio workouts, including running, jogging, swimming, and cycling, at least a month prior to the trek. If possible, we also advise you to go for short hikes in the nearby destinations around your city.

  • When it comes to high altitude treks like this, it is always better to prepare for the worst. Remember, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, especially at the upper reaches of the trek. It is hard to anticipate when you might have to encounter terrible weather while crossing over the worldโ€™s highest pass.

You might come across extreme cold weather, heavy rainfalls, or even snowy conditions in the worst case. Be aware of such circumstances and make the necessary preparations to tackle them. Even if youโ€™re trekking during autumn or spring, wear enough layers to keep yourself warm and carry weather protection gear to keep you protected from the harsh conditions.

  • On Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake, you will be gaining about 300 to 900 meters elevation every day. Starting the trek at an altitude of 1,100 at Syange, youโ€™ll be traveling up to 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass. This massive altitudinal variation possesses a higher risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on this trek.

Before heading to the Himalayas, make sure your body and mind can cope with such a large altitude gain. We highly recommend you to stay cautious and take all the necessary precautions to reduce the possibilities of high altitude sickness during the trek. Make sure to drink as much water to keep yourself hydrated and walk at the most comfortable pace.

  • Bear in mind, Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is not a luxurious holiday package! During the entire trip, youโ€™ll be staying in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara only. While you trek in the mountains, the accommodation facilities will not be as comfortable as it is in the city area.

Since this is a teahouse trek, youโ€™ll be accommodating in comfortable teahouses throughout the trek. They provide basic amenities, such as rooms on a twin-share basis, a warm blanket, delicious food, hot shower, and charging facilities. So, if you are one of those travelers who can adapt to such basic accommodation facilities, this trek will suit you fairly well.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake – Outline Itinerary

DayDescriptionAltitude (Meters)Trekking Duration
1Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet at Airport and Transfer to Hotel1350-
2Drive from Kathmandu to Syange11009 hours
3Trek from Syange to Dharapani19607 hours
4Trek from Dharapani to Chame27106 hours
5Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang33006 hours
6Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang35007 hours
7Acclimatization Day at Manang3500-
8Trek from Manang to Siri Kharka40605 hours
9Trek from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp41406 hours
10Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949m) and Return Back to Siri Kharka41406 hours
11Trek from Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka40405 hours
12Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi44204 hours
13Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416m)38008 hours
14Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom27205 hours
15Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara82720 minutes
16Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu13506 hours
17International Departure--

Important Notes

  • Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. Some part of the trekking trail is extremely challenging along the way with a few landslide prone sections. Therefore, it is mandatory to have proper travel insurance for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake.

Make sure that you buy a policy that covers all the necessary expenses above 6000m, including helicopter evacuation, medical charges, accident, theft, and trip cancelation.

  • Note that your trekking guide will be the in-charge of the trek during the emergencies. The guide will be fully liable to make changes in the itinerary, and day-to-day plans whenever required. The trekking guide will make necessary alterations or delays to the itinerary to ensure your safety if there are any unforeseeable circumstances or medical complications.
  • You should always be cautious about altitude while trekking to Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake. Remember, youโ€™ll be hiking to Tilicho Lake, the worldโ€™s highest lake at 4,949 meters and crossing Thorong La Pass, the worldโ€™s highest navigable pass at 5,416 meters.

Walking at such a high elevation possesses a serious threat of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Not only that but on the upper reaches of the trek, there are also a few extremely challenging sections. So, this trek demands both mental as well as physical fitness. So, we highly advise you to engage in cardio-related exercises, such as swimming, running, biking, and jogging, at least a month prior to the trek.

  • Carry enough cash! It is advisable you carry enough money to cover all your additional expenses for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake before heading to the Himalayas. There are a ton of ATM lounges and credit card services around the city of Kathmandu.

Once you start the trek, you are not likely to find any ATMs or credit card services. Even if you find a few at Jomsom, they are not reliable, given the geographical condition. So, make sure to dispense enough cash in Kathmandu while trekking to Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake.

  • Bear in mind, the lodges and teahouses in the upper reaches of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake do not have access to hydroelectricity. Most teahouses in these areas use solar energy to generate electricity. Therefore, in the upper reaches of the trek, power may not be reliable all the time.

We highly suggest you carry a portable charger or solar charger as an alternative energy source to charge all your electronic appliances when the power supply is not sufficient.

  • Make sure to carry a universal travel adapter to charge your camera, mobile phone, or any other electronic devices while trekking in the Himalayas. Generally, the lodges and teahouses in the Himalayas use type C plug for charging socket. The charging socket may not be compatible with the adapter of your chargers. In such conditions, you wonโ€™t be able to charge your devices throughout the trek.

Required Permit for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

To trek to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake, youโ€™ll need to obtain two trekking permits. They are:

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

Where to obtain:

  • ย Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
  • ย Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside

How much does it cost:

  • US$30 for international travelers
  • US$2 for SAARC travelers

Trekkersโ€™ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Where to obtain:

  • Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
  • Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
  • TAAN Lakeside Office in Shanti Patan, Pokhara

How much does it cost:

  • US$20 for individual trekkers
  • US$10 for group trekkers
  • For SAARC, US$6 individual trekkers
  • For SAARC, US$3 group trekkers

Things required to acquire TIMS Card:

  • Permit fees
  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Passport size photographs