Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
Overview The Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek is a breathtaking journey through the majestic landscapes of the Annapurna region in Nepal. It is also a perfect blend of natural beauty, diverse cultures, and challenging terrains, making it a dream destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. Starting from the vibrant city of Kathmandu, the trek takes adventurers through lush forests, picturesque villages, and awe-inspiring valleys. The trail also leads to the high-altitude Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, which nestled amidst the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain ranges. The emerald waters of the lake mirror the surrounding snow-capped…
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek is a breathtaking journey through the majestic landscapes of the Annapurna region in Nepal. It is also a perfect blend of natural beauty, diverse cultures, and challenging terrains, making it a dream destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
Starting from the vibrant city of Kathmandu, the trek takes adventurers through lush forests, picturesque villages, and awe-inspiring valleys. The trail also leads to the high-altitude Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, which nestled amidst the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain ranges. The emerald waters of the lake mirror the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a mesmerizing sight that leaves trekkers in awe.
The trek follows well-marked paths, passing through rustic settlements where trekkers can experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the local inhabitants. Teahouses along the route also provide a cozy place to rest, relish warm meals, and interact with fellow trekkers, creating a sense of camaraderie.
The challenging aspects of the trek lie in crossing the Thorong La Pass, standing at a breathtaking altitude of 5,416 meters. The crossing also offers a feeling of accomplishment as trekkers reach its pinnacle and rewards them with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Throughout the journey, trekkers encounter diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the snow leopard and blue sheep, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
The Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek usually takes around 14-18 days to complete, depending on the route and acclimatization breaks. It also essential to get physically fit and prepare for altitude-related challenges.
The trek is best undertaken during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons, as the weather conditions are more stable and offer clear views of the mountains.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek is also a soul-stirring adventure that offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and physical challenges, leaving trekkers with memories that last a lifetime. It is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the grandeur of the Himalayas and experience the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people while discovering the hidden gems of this enchanting region.
Trip Highlights
- Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meter
- Tilicho Lake (4,949m) – one of the highest lakes in the world
- Blue sheep at Yak Kharka
- Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West and East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
- Relaxing in Tatopani hot springs
- Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
- Muktinath – a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Manang district and embrace the beauty of the place
- Barge Monastery – the largest monastery in the Manang district
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Everest Expeditions Nepal. After sorting out your custom formalities (Visa etc) you will be then transferred to the hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel and give you some time to freshen up. After this, we will attend an orientation about your trek led by our Trekking leader over a typical Nepali welcome dinner that will include a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles. You then return to your hotel for your first overnight in the valley of the gods! *Included Meal Dinner. (D)
Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a full day guided tour to the histori Durbar Square, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath), in the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and other stuff for your adventure trip.Overnight at hotel, included meal: (B)
We drive from Kathmandu for about 8 hours to the village of Khudi via Besishahar. We drive along the Trisili River through the beautiful countryside of Nepal. En route we can see many beautiful villages, farms, rivers and magnificent mountain scenarios. From Mugling we head along the roadway Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre and continue drive towards north to Besishahar, after half an hour drive from Besishahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Besishahar offers us a first glimpse of the beautiful mountain range. Overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down hill sections, across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual then it becomes steeper. The mountains that were seen from the Khudi become closer as we walk higher. The villages and people are an interesting mix. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu in Sirung. Sirung offers us a home-stay where we also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the number of visitors is more than four, the group may have to split to stay at different houses for the night. We stay overnight at guesthosue (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we trek through the beautiful lush forest, rice terraces and some culturally intriguing villages. The trail follows the Marshyadgdi; we walk in a fantastic landscape through the tiny waterfalls, forests and villages. The trail is relatively easy till the village of Syange, but after Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today we enter the Manang region passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. Further trek follows the upstream up to the Dharapani, which is through the rocky trails and crossing few suspension bridges and small teashops bring you at quite large village at Dharapani. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
We continue trek further to Chame. Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges, along with several landslides on route. The trail follows the river Marshyadgdi upstream passing by the villages of Latamanang and Koto before further half an hour brings us at Chame. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today we will experiences a dramatic change of scenery. The trail then follows the steep narrow valley through pine woods and small villages with several ups and downs till you reach orchard village of Bhartang where you can have apple garden. We continue through the garden path up to a bridge and we cross the river where the impressive curved rock faces of Paungda Danda rises from the riverbank, and climb to the village of Pisang at (3,300m.) We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
After Pisang, there are two routes that we can follow to reach Manang. If taken lower, less strenuous route follows valley floor via Hongde, and upper route through upper Pisang via Geru, upper route is almost 3 hours longer than normal lower route, the sceneries are outstanding on the way to upper Pisang. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the magnificent peaks .The panoramic views of towering peaks such as Annapurna 2, 3, 4, Pisang peak Gangapurna, and several others will definitely attract us. Passing carved Mani walls we arrive at the village of Manang. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
It is important to have an extra day in Manang for acclimatization as we start the climb towards the higher altitude, Thorong La. There are spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas peaks around the Manang valley, it’s not good idea to stay idle but short walk to higher altitude is recommended to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is right place to do that as next two days will be considered as a challenging trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. There are lots of options for day walks around Manang. One possibility is to walk to Khangsar village on the way to Tilicho Lake or a longer walk to Ice Lake above Braga. Also worth visiting is the Himalayan Rescue Association to get some ideas about rapid mountain sickness. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
After one day rest at Manang, we continue our adventure for Tilicho Lake, from Manang one heads out through the western gates and then one follows the path down to the river. After crossing the the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar and ascend the slope to the village, a village still in the old Tibetan style and which is also known as last village of Nepal. We stay overnight at Guesthouse (B, L, D)
We continue trek from Khangsar on a large path, Pass a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as Tilicho Base Camp at elevation of 4200 meters. We stay overnight at Guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today’s journey start early in the morning around 6am as we trying to avoid the wind, from Base camp to the Tilicho Lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as highest lake of the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return same way back to Base Camp as there are no any accommodation facilities at Tilicho Lake area. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Returning from Base camp we can keep high and follow a track 400meters or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead you around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today we trek slowly to make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi. It is a small busy settlement with an amazing view of mountains and landscapes. People use this place as a base. Some travelers also attempt a hike to the High camp to make easier for next day although we don’t recommend ascending High camp to stay overnight there because sleeping at higher altitude is not really advisable. Phedi means foot of the hill is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today is the longest and hardest day of the entire trip. We leave Phedi early in the morning for climb to the pass with packed lunch. It is lifetime experiences- crossing the famous high pass, Throng –La. An early morning is highly recommended to complete this challenging pass. The first part of the trail becomes steepest initially and reaches at the high camp. Each moment we have to work hard through icy high- altitude eventually, after numerous false summits, we reach the pass itself at 5416. Ahead there is an outstanding panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks extending northwards into Tibet, and looking back we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. We reach Muktinath with the setting sun. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhist. . Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
We visit temple before heading to Marpha and continue our journey descending through Kaligandaki River to the ancient town to Kagbeni(2,800 m) where we can visit thousand years of old monastery. We walk through gentle trail to the large town of Jomsom which is a head quarter of the mustang region with a tiny airstrip. After lunch at Jomsom we continue walk towards south east brings us at Marpha. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
From Marpha, we continue trek to Kalapani via Chokhopani village. Today we encounter some traditional villages of the Thakali people and get to see some beautiful apple gardens; this area is full of trees and vegetation with amazing panoramic view of the snowy mountains all round, they include, Niligri, Annapurna I in the east, and Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Tukuche peak (6920 m) on the west and among others. From Chokhopani we continue to Kokhethanti. After crossing a river, we meet come across the newly constructed road site at before reaching Kokhethanti of Kalopani. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today, we avoid the newly made roads and we will trek through new route to Tatopani from Kalopani. The trail is monthly descending till we cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we trek to lower elevation, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. The journey is smoothly downhill to Rupse Chahara (Famous waterfall) via garpar to a bridge at Dana. Here we will see the local powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. The trail again descends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
While we walk we observe the lifestyle of the people in the midland villages of Nepal. Ghara and Sikha are the villages with terraced and inclined farmlands. We gradually walk steep up to ascent Ghorepani, passing through the Phalate and Chitre, we walking through a non-habitat area through rhododendron, brich, magnolia and some meadows. As we reach the height the peaks ahead look wonderful. We stay at Ghorepani as we have to climb to reach Poon Hill early tomorrow morning. We stay overnight at guesthosue (B, L, D)
An early morning we take ascend to poon Hill (3,210m) to catch the spectacular sunrise view over the whole Annapurna , Dhaulagiri massif including Mt Machhapuchhre (Fish tail) , Mt Manaslu with surrounding rice terrace. After visiting Poonhill, we will come back to Ghorepani and trek down to Tikhedhunga. Overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
Today, we are going to end our trek at Nayapul. The trail gradually descends following Bhurung Khola all the way to Birethanti before we cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge, and then a short walk will bring us to Nayapul. Upon your arrival at nayapul, you could take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. We stay overnight at hotel in Pohkara (B, L)
Early morning at around 7:00 am, we drive by tourist bus to Kathmandu along the Trishuli and Marshyadgdi River through the beautiful countryside of Nepal that offers villages, Rivers greeneries, rice fields and wonderful mountain sceneries. After nearly 5-6 hours drive we arrive to Kathmandu. Your day is free, however, at even tide; you will be taken to a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained to an exciting cultural dance performed by the local belles. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of the Everest Expeditions Nepal. We stayOvernight at hotel (B, D)
Our office representatives will escort you to the airport for your connecting flight home. It’s been wonderful meeting you & knowing you all of these weeks. We are doubly sure you’ve had the vacation of a lifetime & we hope you will pass on your experiences to the generations to come. We will remember you & also hope you will remember us in the days ahead. Bon Voyage!! & take care!!! (B)
Thank you for doing this venture with US. We’ve got to know each other well over the weeks. Please do stay in touch & we wish you a wonderful journey back home. Take care!
What's Included
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
5. 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3/4/5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast) & Other Destination Based on Trekking Area.
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from trail head.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for the staffs.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Trekking staffs wages etc.
13. 1 hr. trekker massage after your trek.
14. Welcome and Fare well dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Trekking Duffle Bag
16. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
17. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
18. Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
19. All Government and local Taxes
20. International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
21. Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
What's Excluded
1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu and Pokhara.
10. Domestic Ticket Etc.
11. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Trip Information
Annapurna Circuit-Tilicho Lake Trekking is on of most being popular and admire trekking from Annapurna region .This trek is diverges from the trail of Annapurna Circuit at the village of Manang. Trail continues to Tilocho Lake (5200m) the surround snowcap mountail peak reflection on emerald blue is on of the highest lake in the world. The trail combined to Throung la (5416 m) through steeply upper yak trail of Kangshar till to river and ascends to Gunsang.
The trail to Annapurna Circuit-Tilicho Lake start from Beshishar and end at Pokhara, during this trek its offer Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki river Valleys, surrounding view of Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna I (8091 m) Manaslu (8163 m), Annapurna II (7937 m.) , Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Gangapurna (7454m), Annapurna south (7219m), Nilgiri (7041m), Fishtail (6998 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m), Nilgiri (7041 m), Lamjung Himal (6986 m), Tilicho Peak (7134 m), Tukuche peak (6920 m), Manang and Mustang Valley with the unique Buddhist culture, the apple orchard Jomsom , Marpha and Tukuche, famous Hot spring in Tatopani, scenic view point from Ghyaru, Nawal, Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake, Gangapurna Base Camp, Throung-La and Poon Hill and various diversity of mix culture.
OUTLINE ITINEARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft).
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (1,300 m/4,264 ft).
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu – Besishahar – Khudi (800 m.) 8-9 hours drive.
Day 04: Trek Khudi – Sirung (2,200 m.) 6 hours trek.
Day 05: Trek Sirung – Chamje (1,410 m) 5-6 hours trek.
Day 06: Trek Chamje – Dharapani (1,960 m) 6 hours trek.
Day 07: Trek Dharapani – Chame (2,710 m) 5-6 hours trek.
Day 08: Trek Chame – Pisang (3,300 m) 5-6 hours trek.
Day 09: Trek Pisang -Manang (3,500 m.) 6 hours trek.
Day 10: Rest & acclimatization day at Manang.
Day 11: Trek Manang – Khangsar Village (3,700 m.) 5-6 hours trek.
Day 12: Trek Khangsar Village – Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m) 3-4 hours trek.
Day 13: Trek Tilicho Base Camp – Tilicho Lake (5,200 m.) 6-7 hours trek.
Day 14: Trek Tilicho Lake – Yak Kharka (4,200 m.) 3-4 hours trek.
Day 15: Trek Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,400 m.) 3-4 hours trek.
Day 16: Trek Thorong Phedi -Muktinath (3,800 m) 6-7 hours trek
Day 17: Trek Muktinath -Marpha (2,665 m.) 4-5 hours trek.
Day 18: Trek Marpha – Kalopani (2,560 m.) 5-6 hours trek.
Day 19: Trek Kalopani – Tatopani (1,180 m) 5 hours trek.
Day 20: Trek Tatopani – Ghorepani (2,830 m) 5 hours trek.
Day 21: Hike up to Poon Hill (3,200 m.) -Tikhe Dhunga (1,550 m), 5-6 hours trek.
Day 22: Tikhe Dhunga – Naipaul- Pokhara (910 m.), One hour drive & 5 hours trek.
Day 23: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu and we go for a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 24: Transfer to airport for final departure.
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