Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho (14 days)
Description
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Annapurna region, encompassing the classic Annapurna Circuit trail with a side trip to the mesmerizing Tilicho Lake. This 14-day adventure promises awe-inspiring mountain vistas, diverse flora and fauna, charming villages, and cultural encounters.Trek Highlights
- Tilicho Lake: At 4,919 meters (16,138 feet), Tilicho Lake stands as one of the world's highest lakes, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters set amidst towering Himalayan peaks. Its beauty is a natural wonder that enchants trekkers, offering a serene oasis in the rugged landscape.
- Annapurna Range: Embark on a journey through the iconic Annapurna Circuit, where every step unveils panoramic vistas of the majestic Annapurna massif. From the serene beauty of Tilicho Lake to the dramatic landscapes of Thorong La Pass, the trek showcases the full spectrum of Himalayan splendor.
- Religious Reverence: Tilicho Lake holds deep spiritual significance for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. As trekkers explore its shores, they're immersed in ancient myths and legends, feeling the presence of revered sages and spiritual energies.
- Cultural Diversity: The Annapurna Circuit route weaves through traditional Nepalese villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. Engage with Gurungs, Manangis, and Thakalis, experiencing their unique customs, rituals, and hospitality. Each encounter adds depth to the trek, enriching the cultural tapestry of the journey.
- Adventurous Thrills: Trekking to Tilicho Lake is a thrilling side trip from the main Annapurna Circuit, demanding perseverance and determination. Trekkers conquer rugged terrain, steep ascents, and high altitudes, pushing their limits to embrace the raw beauty of the Himalayas.
- Personal Triumphs: Standing at the shores of Tilicho Lake or conquering the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) is an unparalleled achievement. It symbolizes not just physical endurance, but also inner strength and resilience. Each step forward is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome challenges and embrace triumph.
- Diverse Terrain: The trek to Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit presents a kaleidoscope of landscapes, from lush forests and alpine meadows to barren moraines and glacial valleys. Every turn reveals a new spectacle, igniting the senses and inspiring awe at nature's grandeur.
- Moments of Reflection: Amidst the Himalayan expanse, trekkers find moments of introspection and contemplation. Whether gazing upon the vastness of the Annapurna Range or meditating by the tranquil shores of Tilicho Lake, the journey fosters a profound connection with oneself and the universe.
Included/Exclude
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar (800 m)
The first day of the journey consists of scenic ride to Besisahar. You will experience countryside of Nepal. The drive will provide us with beautiful views of the rivers, green lush forest, hills, terraced farming and small villages.
- Morning starts at approx. 7.30 am (Everyday) Begin your trip starting from Kathmandu on a private vehicle. Enjoy a 6 hours of Mountain View ride.
- Lunch in Besisahar After arriving in Besisahar, take a break and have lunch. Treat yourself with local flavors and get ready for the next part of your adventure
- Overnight stay at Besisahar After reaching Besisahar, accommodation and dinner at the venue.
- Day 2: Besisahar to Koto (2500 m)
- Lunch Break Take a 45 minutes break to refuel you with lunch at Chamje with amazing view of the waterfall.
- Reach Koto village Continue your 4WD jeep drive aiming to reach Koto village by the end of the day. This picturesque village will be your destination. Enjoy beautiful Mountain View from the hotel and relax in Koto. Dinner and overnight at Koto.
- Day 3: Koto to Upper Pisang (3300 m)
- Lunch Break Take a 45 minutes of lunch break at Dhikurpokhari with an splendid view of the heaven’s door from the lunch point.
- Reach Upper Pisang Continue your hike targeting Upper Pisang. Some uphills to reach Upper Pisang and after reaching there, relax and enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Annapurna II with chulu peak and lower pisang. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
- Day 4: Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3600 m)
- Explore monastery at Pisang Upper Pisang is a beautiful village with an old 250 years gumba and a newly built monastery.
- Hike Green Lake An hour of hike from Green Lake will take us to this beautiful newly opened lake, Green Lake where you can see wild golden duck with scenic view of Annapurna II.
- Lunch break After ascending the most challenging part of our trek, we will reach Ghyaru village, an ancient Tibetan village, where we will have our lunch enjoying beautiful view of Annapurna II, IV, III and Tilicho peak.
- Reach Ngawal With amazing view from the upper trail to Manang, we will reach Ngawal where we will spend our overnight and have dinner in a cozy cottage.
- Day 5: Ngawal to Manang (3560 m)
- Lunch break Take a lunch break at Munji or Braka depending on our walking pace. Play some basketball on one of the highest situated courts in the world.
- Reach Manang After lunch, continue our hike to Manang which is a big settlement in the whole Annapurna Circuit Trek. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
- Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang
Spend the day in Manang exploring old monasteries, Tibetan settlements and the cultural museum. Witness the local Himalayan lifestyle. Take your time to have some cup coffee and re-energize for the next day’s hike. Ascend around 500 m and return back Manang to spend overnight.
- Day 7: Manang to Siri Kharka (4100 m)
- Lunch Break Take a lunch break at Khangsar depending on our walking pace and refuel our energy for the day.
- Reach Shreekharka Continue hiking towards Shreekharka with a steep ascend before reaching the settlement. Enjoy the tranquility of the village and settle in for the night.
- Day 8: Siri kharka to Tilicho Base camp, Hike Tilicho Lake
- Lunch break Reaching Tilicho base camp, we will take some rest and have our lunch at the teahouse.
- Hike Tilicho Lake After lunch, we will leave our bags and stuff in the base camp and hike towards Tilicho lake to explore its stunning surrounding.
- Return Tilicho Base Camp We will descend down to Tilicho base camp from the lake and spend overnight at the base camp.
- Day 9: Trek back to Siri kharka
- Lunch break Quite a short day, descend down to Shree kharka, relax and rest for the next day’s hike enjoying the beautiful landscape. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
- Day 10: Trek Siri kharka to Yak kharka (4100 m)
- Lunch break Take a 45 minutes break for lunch at Yak khharka enjoying the mountains from different angle.
- Reach ChuriLedar ChuriLedar is the last village before Thorong LA. Phedi and High Camp are only teahouse settlement for the tourist. Reach ChuriLedar and wrap for the day.
- Day 11: Trek Yak kharka to Thorong Phedi (4400 m)
- Lunch Break Ascend upto the low camp of Thorong and take a 45 minutes break for lunch. Rest and prepare for higher ascend up to high camp where challenging Thorong LA awaits crossing the next day.
- Reach High Camp Climb steep uphill of around 1 hour up to High camp from the base.
- Day 12: Cross Thorong LA, descend down to Muktinath
- Early morning start Begin your day at 4 am. Breakfast at the hotel and start the challenging day of the whole trek.
- Cross Thorong LA Embark on the ascent to Thorong LA, navigating through the high mountain terrains and the surrounding.
- Descend down to Muktinath Reach Muktinath by the end of the day, where you can rest and restore your energy after a long challenging day. Dinner and overnight at Muktinath.
- Day 13: Drive Muktinath to Tatopani
From Muktinath, drive all the way up to Tatopani, enjoying the rugged terrain of Mustang. Tato pani means hot water in nepali and this place is popular for its natural hot spring where trekkers relax and soak their body after the long hectic Annapurna trek.
- Day 14: Drive Tatopani to Pokhara
After a hearty breakfast at Tatopani, you will drive towards Pokhara. Upon arrival, express gratitude by presenting tokens of appreciation to your guide and supporting staff. Bid farewell and wrap up the unforgettable adventure, celebrating the achievement of reaching our goal. Feedbacks are heartily welcomed.
Tour Location
Calendar & Price
Frequently ask Question
Accommodation during the trek?
This trek includes multiple nights at the mountain/lodges, where we will be selecting the best available lodge and hotels during the whole trip. Most of the rooms in the mountains will be provided with attached bathrooms but places where it is not available, we need to share common bathrooms. You can find some teahouses and lodges with good services on the trekking routes during your trekking days. But as you ascend higher they become more basic. Rooms are basic, almost every room consists of a twin beds with a mattress, pillow and blankets. You can share a room with a fellow trekker with whom you feel at ease. Although, each lodge has its own set of standards, please do not anticipate luxurious accommodations, particularly in the mountains. Most teahouses offer hot showers, boiled drinking water, extra blankets, charging stations, and WIFI for an additional fee. The price of teahouses is determined by the location and facilities/services they offer.
Food/Meals during the trek?
For trekking in the Himalayas, our body requires enough starch, protein and nutrition as food is the main source of energy for hiking on such vast Himalayan trails. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in your trek package during the whole trek. Usually, lunch is served on the way to our destination and breakfast and dinner will be offered at the same hotel where we spend our night. The services are basic, with some popular western, Asian or local Nepalese menu which is the most popular and consumed. The most popular and common menu includes Dal-Bhat set, consisting of rice, lentils and vegetables, also, noodle items, spaghetti, pasta, momo (dumpling), Tibetan bread, chapatti, Local Tsampa Porridge, potatoes, sandwiches, macaroni, pizza, vegetable curry and many more. The desert items like Rice pudding, apple pie and chocolate pudding are available on the menu during the trek. Although there are lots of varieties of food, you cannot compare them with the choices available in large cities as local agricultural products are used to prepare meals on the trek. Some other ingredients which cannot be grown at the particular elevation are purchases from the market. Advance order of breakfast and dinner will be taken to save time on the trek; breakfast orders are usually taken after dinner and dinner orders are taken as soon as you arrive at the teahouse. Depending on the schedule of the day, our day will begin. Breakfast will be served in your lodge each morning, after which you will leave the hotel for next destination. An evening briefing will be given each day to let you know the plans for the next day. During noon, you will stop for lunch on the trail at any nearby lodge. At high-altitudes, it is strongly advised to drink hot liquid drinks with fresh vegetable and fruits. Drink plenty of water, not all at once but regularly on time intervals to keep you hydrated. It is always the best choice to avoid smoking cigarette, consuming too much alcohol, non-vegetarian foods like meat, caffeine containing drinks, hot chocolate, dairy and cheese products on high altitude treks as these things can increase the chance of getting altitude sickness and diarrhea.
Safe Drinking Water?
There is no problem with drinking water availability. The majority of locations sell bottled mineral water, yet there is rarely a place to discard disposable bottles. We urge visitors to take whatever action they can to preserve the environment. Purchasing single-use plastic bottles is not something we advise. The trail is clear of bottles and trash when you purchase or bring your own Nalgene bottles for the hike. Another way to obtain drinking water is to fill up your water bottle at tea shops. The water in a number of guesthouses is filtered by Euro-guard. Tea establishments also sell boiled filter water, which is perfectly safe to drink but might not be very cheap for the duration of the hike. Avoid drinking river water as it is typically contaminated with sand and ice, and it might also contain animal feces and toilet runoff. Although the tap water in the lodges is better since it comes from high up, far from rivers and pure glaciers, it still needs to be treated. Use Lugols solution, often known locally as iodine drops (3 per liter), which are sold at Kathmandu's Thamel supermarkets. Another option are the tablets with a chlorine base, however the water does taste like them. As an alternative, you could get a Steripen, which is a little fragile to carry on the hike but uses UV to kill the bacteria. Modern technology makes the Aquaprove water purification tablet the finest choice. Above all, it is effective against every germ found in contaminated water. It is all-natural, tasteless, lightweight, and easy to use.
Physical Fitness for the trek?
Trekking in Nepal's high altitudes requires the highest physical condition. It can be challenging without some pre-trek training or a high degree of fundamental fitness. To get ready for the hike, we advise jogging, walking, hiking up the hill, and using stairs instead of elevators and also some exercises including biking, rowing, and swimming. Basic further experience and strength required for Trekking: 1. The ability to hike for 6-7 hours a day, 2. To make your ascent considerably easier, we recommend that you prepare by running 4–5 kilometers at home while carrying some weight on your back. Alternatively, go for regular walks and runs on the treadmill, 3. You should go hiking with a full backpack on your back once a week if you live near an uphill place or mountain. Instead of using an elevator to travel up or down, utilize the steps if there are no mountains or steep hills nearby. Frequent biking, rowing, and swimming are other effective means of preserving your physical strength. 4. Drink lots of water and provide your body with frequent, modest meals that are high in nutrients. 5. Use a trek grading system to determine the kind of trekking that is best for you. There are four categories for the treks: easy, moderate, hard, and demanding. This trek is considered moderate. 6. Strive for your goals and the limits of your physical abilities. Don't exert yourself too much. Hiking is not an athletic endeavor. It is gratifying and soothing. 7. Walk normally as you feel comfortable. You won't have to hurry to catch up to the speedier walkers in the front because an assistant guide will always be at the back of the group. 8. Walking becomes easier while using trekking poles since they lessen the weight of the body and bag on the legs. 9. To prevent blisters, get a full trekking boot that fits your foot type, is supportive around the ankle, and has a durable Vibram sole.
Difficulties during the trek?
Altitude sickness like nausea, breathing difficulties, and headache becomes common, but always let your guide know about your condition and situation High-tech facilities like Wi-fi and ATM get exorbitant at high lands like Manang, Peak season gives rise to the insufficiency of guest houses and lodges on Annapurna, so prior booking is a great option, Accommodations are economic with no luxurious items and extra facilities, There are some landslide risk areas on the trail which will be briefed by the guide everyday for possible risks.
AMS (Altitude Sickness)
Trekking's greatest risk is acute mountain sickness (AMS). When the body is exposed to a greater elevation in a little amount of time and is unable to adjust to the changing air pressures, anyone might become a victim of this illness. The oxygen content and air pressure drop as you fly higher. Although our bodies can withstand the shift, it will take some time for them to gradually adjust. It might be fatal if treatment is delayed and it becomes severe. To avoid it, you can take a few precautions. Avoid going too quickly or too high. Ascend steadily and reach the summit. Go slowly and as high as seems comfortable for you. Walk slowly and cut down on the amount of time you spend walking until you reach 2000 meters. Sip a lot of water. Get lots of sleep. Take extra time to relax if you feel that your body needs it. Give up smoking and alcohol consumption. Before beginning each day's hike, practice meditation and warm-up exercises. For every 1000 meters of height rise, allow one day for acclimatization. There are two more serious but less common severe forms of altitude sickness. Both have the potential to be fatal. You must descend immediately to receive medical care. High-altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) causes the lungs to swell with excess fluid, which makes breathing difficult even when at rest. You experience extreme exhaustion, weakness, and perhaps a sense of suffocation. A dry cough, nose breathing, shortness of breath, fever, chest tightness, rapid heart rates, congestion, swelling, and fainting are the symptoms of HAPE. If HAPE is not promptly treated by lowering the altitude or using oxygen, it can be fatal. The main characteristic of High altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is a buildup of fluid on the brain that causes swelling. There may be disarray, lack of cooperation, and even violent conduct. Additional symptoms of HACE include hallucinations, unconsciousness, fever, exhaustion, photophobia, hypertension, coma, dyspnea, and difficulty walking. If HACE is not treated right away, it may be fatal. By quickly descending, altitude sickness's early symptoms can be alleviated. You should consult a physician, nevertheless, if you are suffering from extremely severe acute symptoms of mountain sickness. Acetazolamide is a medication that helps relieve dyspnea and minimize the symptoms of altitude sickness. Additionally, you might receive the steroid Dexamethasone. However, it is never advised to use such medications until the situation is harsh.
Waste Management during the trek!
Leave No Traces, Only the Footprints! Remove your own trash. To promote sustainable tourism, we plan eco-friendly travel and engage in responsible ecotourism. The absence of a strong waste management program in Nepal has resulted in considerable harm to the trekking trail. Behave and travel responsibly. It is our preference that all of our customers bring their trash, keep it in a bag or container, and properly dispose of it in a dustbin or designated area.
Tipping
Your guides, porters, and staff do not receive pay for tips, although it is much appreciated. Tipping is generally recognized in Nepalese culture as a kind of gesture of gratitude ("Dhanyabaad") for excellent service. Usually, recommendations are given at the conclusion of the hike, and it's ideal to do this as a group. On the final day of the walk, most groups offer the tips.

