Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking

Trip Facts

Duration

Duration 13 Days

Difficulty

Difficulty Moderate

With Nepal Alternative Treks and Expedition’s Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek, you get to explore the marvelous beauty of the Annapurna region. Along with it, the warm hospitality and unique cultures of the local Gurung and Thakali communities make the trek more attractive.

Overview 

The trek starts from Kathmandu as you drive to Chame via Bulbule. From Chame, you start your 13-day journey. The trekking route takes you through many rustic villages and settlement areas. As you gain altitude, you begin to notice the change in vegetation as the terrain gets barren.

Once you reach Manang, you acclimatize there for a whole day. The town is a famous acclimatization stop, and you can spend the day exploring the famous landmarks around Manang. The trail then takes you to Tilicho Lake via Khangsar. The views of Tilicho Lake and its surroundings are the main highlights of this trek.

After enjoying the views of the pristine lake, you challenge yourself to conquer the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. The trail then takes you to the Muktinath temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, you head to Jomsom and then fly to Pokhara. The trek comes to an end as you head back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway.

About Us

Nepal Alternative Treks and Expedition guarantees to provide the best services during your stay in Nepal. The services we provide are top-class and per your liking. You can customize your trip itinerary as well. We have the best-certified staff and guides to plan your trips. Join us to make the most out of your journey in Nepal.

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Trip Highlights

  • Trek to the beautiful Tilicho Lake at 4919 meters.
  • Conquer Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world.
  • Discover the natural and cultural beauty of the Annapurna region.
  • Explore the unique cultures and traditions of the Gurung, Tamang, and Thakali people.

Day-to-day-Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Besisahar

Day 1 Facts

Trekking Time Average

160km Drive
(Avg. 5 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Besisahar

Altitude

(840 m./2772ft.)

After an early breakfast, you hop onto the bus that will take you to Besisahar. You drive along the highway and enjoy the scenic views of the lush green hills. From Dumre, you head up to Besisahar. Overnight in Besisahar.

Day 2

Drive to Chame

Day 2 Facts

Trekking Time Average

55km Drive
(Avg. 4 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Chame

Altitude

(2,860m./9438ft.)

After an early breakfast, you drive towards Chame today. The ride will take around 4 hours in total, with brief rests in between. The vehicle will take you along the scenic hills. The road trip to Chame is rough and dusty as the roads are not well-made. Enjoying the views of the hills and valleys, you arrive at Chame. Overnight in Chame.

Day 3

Trek to Upper Pisang

Day 3 Facts

Trekking Time Average

15km Uphill hike
(Avg. 6 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Upper Pisang

Altitude

(3,230m./10659ft.)

Today is the first day of the trek. After an early breakfast, you venture along the Marsyangdi River. The trail starts with a steep trail into the dense forest. As you walk deep into the forest, you come across a spectacular view of Paungda Danda rock. After that, the trail again ascends, and you head to Upper Pisang. The village of Upper Pisang has several homestays and teahouses. Overnight in Upper Pisang.

Day 4

Trek to Manang

Day 4 Facts

Trekking Time Average

12km Uphill hike
(Avg. 5 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Manang

Altitude

(3,450m./10350ft.)

After breakfast, you hit the trail that goes along the barren landscape towards Manang. The trail opens up to the beautiful views of Annapurna and Pisang. As you gain altitude, the vegetation starts to get scarce. The Barge monastery is on the way, and you can make a quick trip of the place. After trekking for about 5 hours, you arrive at Manang. Overnight in Manang.

Day 5

Acclimatization at Manang – Explore around

Since you’ll be going to higher elevations, it is necessary to acclimatize yourself to the surroundings. The beautiful village of Manang is the best place to acclimatize. After breakfast, you head to the Himalayan Rescue Center and attend a session on how does rescue operations work. Then, you head to observe the majestic Gangapurna Lake and the glacier. In the afternoon, you can explore the village.

Day 6

Trek to Tilicho base camp

Day 6 Facts

Trekking Time Average

16km Uphill hike
(Avg. 7 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Tilicho base camp

Altitude

(4,150m./13695ft.)

The trek resumes after a hearty breakfast. From Manang, you head west towards Khangsar Khola. The trail gets steeper as you start gaining altitude. Once you cross the river, you reach Khangsar. Then, you ascend again to reach Shree Kharka. En route, you get to see the fantastic views of mountains like Annapurna and Gangapurna. From here onwards, the trail is easy, and you arrive at Tilicho Base Camp . Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 7

Walk to Shree Kharka

Day 7 Facts

Trekking Time Average

6km Uphill hike
(Avg. 3 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Shree Kharka

Altitude

(4,060m./13398ft.)

You wake up to the picturesque views of Tilicho Peak and have your breakfast. You ascend to a steep slope and head to explore the Tilicho Lake. The trail continues along the pastureland, where you can see yaks and deer. After crossing the pastureland, you arrive at the breathtaking Tilicho lake with the Tilicho Peak in the backdrop. You return to the base camp after exploring the lake area and then descend to Shree Kharka . Overnight in Shree Kharka.

Day 8

Trek to Yak Kharka

Day 8 Facts

Trekking Time Average

10km Uphill hike
(Avg. 5 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Yak Kharka

Altitude

(4,020m./13266ft.)

After cleaning up and having breakfast, you descend back through the trail you took to ascend. As you descend, you arrive at Tare Gumba, an ancient monastery. You can do a quick tour of the place if you want. Then, you head towards Khangsar village, and from there, you head towards Thorong Khola Valley. You ascend to a plateau after crossing Thorong Khola, which then leads you to Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kahrka.

Day 9

Trek to Phedi

Day 9 Facts

Trekking Time Average

9km Uphill hike
(Avg. 4 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Phedi

Altitude

(4,400m./14520ft.)

After cleaning up and having breakfast, you start the trek towards Thorang Phedi at the altitude of 4600 meters. Leaving behind Yak Kharka, you descend and continue to trek along the river and cross it. Then, the trail steeply ascends. Enjoying the mountain and valley views, you arrive at Thorong Phedi. Overnight in Phedi.

Day 10

Trek to Muktinath

Day 10 Facts

Trekking Time Average

18km Uphill hike
(Avg. 9 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Muktinath

Altitude

(3,760m./12408ft.)

Today will be the longest day of the whole trek. You have an early breakfast and hit the trail that steeply ascends to the majestic Thorong La Pass, which is the highest point of this trek. From this pass, you can see the panoramic views of several mountain ranges like Annapurna as well as the alluring landscape. Then, you descend into the valley, enjoying the views arrives Muktinath. Overnight in Muktinath.

Day 11

Trek to Marpha

Day 11 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Uphill hike
(Avg. 6 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Marpha

Altitude

(2,650m./8745ft.)

You wake up early today and head to Muktinath Temple to pray. It is a sacred temple to both Hindus and Buddhists. After praying, you have your breakfast and hit the trail that goes along the austere landscape. The route leads you to Kagbeni, a village in the Kali Gandaki Valley full of beautiful sceneries. Enjoying the views, you then descend to Mustang district as you follow the Kali Gandaki River. Following the route along the flat terrain, you arrive at Marpha for the overnight stay.

Day 12

Drive to Pokhara

Day 12 Facts

Trekking Time Average

160km Drive
(Avg. 6 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Hotel in
Pokhara

Altitude

( 820m./2706ft.)

This is your last day in the lap of the mountains. You have breakfast in the early morning and jump on jeep/bus ride to Pokhara. You will enjoy an adventurous and exciting drive through World’s deepest Kaligandaki Gorge, Rupse water fall and natural hot spring – Tatopani along the road. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 13

Drive to Kathmandu

Day 13 Facts

Trekking Time Average

200km Drive
(Avg. 6 hours)

Accommodation

Luxury Hotel in
Kathmandu

Altitude

( 1295m./4273ft.)

Finally, the trek has come to an end, and you say goodbye to the majestic Annapurna range. After breakfast, you board on tourist bus that will take you back to Kathmandu. The drive through the Prithivi Highway is pleasant as you enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the hills and rivers. By late afternoon, you arrive at your hotel.

What do you get in the Trip?

Included

  • Tribhuwan International Airport Transfer ( Airport + Hotel + Airport ) in Kathmandu.
  • One night hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
  • Lodge ( Twin share basis) accommodation during the trekking.
  • All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) along the trek.
  • One highly experienced, first aid trained, fluent English speaking, local language speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide and required porters (one porter for two persons).
  • Guide/ Porter’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation and equipments.
  • Overland transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Annapurna conservation area project ( ACAP) and necessary permits ( TIMS).
  • A trekking map, duffle bag, Oxygen saturation check up every day, Trekking completion certificate and company T-shirt etc.
  • Government tax and service charge etc.
  • Assistance for Emergency Rescue Evacuation.
  • Public Liability Insurance .

Excluded

  • Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
  • Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, desert, battery charge, hot shower, laundry, phone bill and bar bill.
  • Personal Travel insurance.
  • Tips for guide and porters. ( Highly suggested).

Book the Trip

Available dates..

Group trips are fun and interesting, you can make new friends and often budget-friendly. Join any upcoming group trips listed below.

Need a private date?

The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.

Book a private date

Traveler Reviews

We just finished 12 days of Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks and Expeditions. This was a great experience. Our tour guide Brayan was amazing. He made sure we were safe & helped us each step of the way. He kept us entertained also. I appreciate Mr. Tej personally coming to see us off on our first day. He was involved and easy to get hold of when we had questions. Overall amazing experience & would recommend it to everyone looking to trek in Nepal

5.0

Monita Rai

USA
Nov 2022 • Friends We just finished 12 days of Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks and Expeditions. This was a great experience. Our tour guide Brayan was amazing. He made sure we were safe & helped us each step of the way. He kept us entertained also. I appreciate Mr. Tej personally coming to see us off on our first day. He was involved and easy to get hold of when we had questions. Overall amazing experience & would recommend it to everyone looking to trek in Nepal

5.0

Monita Rai

USA

ESSENTIAL INFO

Best time to visit

The best time to do Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking is during the spring and autumn season. During this time of the year the climate, temperature, and weather are stable and suitable in Nepal. Besides, if you travel here during this time of the year you will fully enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Therefore, if you travel here during this time then it can double your fun and experience. However, this trek also can be done during the monsoon season.

The difficulty of this trek

The difficulty level of this trek is moderate. However, it’s a 13-day long trek so it can be done by a rookie or new trekker. If you are a new trekker, then you might face the difficulty of altitude sickness. Therefore, an experienced guide is highly recommended. Similarly, you will find some rough roads on your trek. So, make sure you are prepared for that. In addition, this trek tests your stamina so be prepared for that as well. In addition, you should be mentally tough

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is very important for any kind of trekking over 4000m. You must have your travel insurance with you. So, make sure your travel insurance company has covered all your safety measures. Make sure that the insurance company provides you with every facility. Because it has a lot of benefits during the trek. Therefore, make sure your travel insurance covers your injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, rescue mission, loss of property, etc. But, most importantly make sure your travel insurance is not expired.

Required Permits

ACAP:  NPR. 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC.

Note: Child below 10 years are free

Meals and Accommodation

We provide Lodge with twin share basis accommodation during the trekking. Similarly, all meals include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during trekking. Likewise, we also provide western and Nepali foods which are very healthy. In addition, the lodges we provide are very secure and comfortable too. But we don’t provide any kinds of soft and hard drinks.

Fitness and experience requirements

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking is 13 days. So, you need to be both physically and mentally fit. In addition, you should have experience climbing small peaks because if you try to climb this peak then it will be difficult for you to complete this trek. So, we recommend you first climb small peaks then come after to climb this peak.in addition, if you decide to do this trek despite your lack of experience then we highly recommend hiring an experienced guide. Furthermore, you should not have any heart and blood-related diseases. Most importantly, you should be very passionate about the trek.

Climate and weather

The temperature of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking is mostly stable and moderate. It is normally 15°C-20°C throughout the year. So, it is suitable throughout the year. Annually, a lot of trekkers trek here. But, the best time you could get to visit here is during the spring and autumn seasons. During this time of the year, you will experience the best climate and weather.

Safety and security

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking is a moderate-level trek, but it can get a little difficult for new trekkers. Therefore, the safety and security of the trekkers are important factors for our company. Similarly, we take full care of our consumer and their property. Similarly, our trip constantly operates monitoring every area of our travel. So, you should not worry about your belongings when you are traveling with us. Likewise, the accommodation facility we provide is also very safe for your stay. So, you can fully enjoy yourself.

Gear List

Gears required for the trek vary upon destination and season. A comprehensive list of gear for all activities is listed on our dedicated page of Trekking Gear List

Frequently
Asked Questions

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