This is a customized version of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, designed to include Tilicho Lake, 4919m. Claimed to be the highest lake in the world, Tilicho sits at the foot of an extensive glacier; a collection of glacial melt from the northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorung Peak. At Tilicho it is a magnificent sight to see the surrounding snowy peaks reflected in the clear waters of the lake.
The Annapurna Circuit – Tilicho Lake – Thorung La Pass Trek begins in the fertile low lands of Marshyandi valley, at Besisahar, and reaches the remote Manang region. From Manang, instead of following the regular Annapurna Circuit Trek northward to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka, we follow a wide valley to the west, passing through the Khangsar Village. After spending one night in Khangsar, we hike two days up the valley to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, 4900m. From Tilicho Base Camp we hike up to Tilicho Lake, 5200m, to enjoy the view for a few hours before heading back down to Base Camp for a second night.
From Tilicho we descend to Yak Kharka then up to the Thorung La Pass, 5416m. From the Thorung La Pass, the trail leads down to Muktinath a famous Temple for Hindus and Buddhist devotees. From Muktinath there is now a road to Jomsom, so the walk can be dusty, with pilgrims travelling by vehicle to Muktinath. We recommend avoiding the dust by flying to Pokhara from Jomsom, a thirty-five minute flight.
Go Himalayan provides excellent views of Annapurna massif. One of the most beautiful regions in terms of bio-diversity, nature lovers will get the chance to see exotic birds such as white capped river chat, brown dipper, white-breasted kingfisher, butterflies, barking deer, rhododendron forest and orchid flowers.
Days | Destinations | Hours |
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | |
2 | Preparation Day in Kathmandu | |
3 | Drive 6hrs to Besisahar; Trek to Bhulbule, 820m | 2hrs |
4 | Trek to Ghermu Phant, 1136m | 5-6 hrs |
5 | Trek to Dharapani, 1946m | 6-7 hrs |
6 | Trek to Chame, 2800m | 5-6 hrs |
7 | Trek to Pisang, 3200m | 5-6hrs |
8 | Trek to Manang, 3540m | 5-6hrs |
9 | Acclimatization day in Manang, 3540m | |
10 | Trek to Shree Kharka, 4000m | 4 hrs |
11 | Trek to Tilicho Base Camp, 4800m | 4 hrs |
12 | Trek to Tilicho Lake, 5200m | 3-4 hrs |
13 | Trek to Yak Kharka, 4050m | 5-6 hrs |
14 | Trek to Phedi, 4545m | 3-4 hrs |
15 | Trek to Muktinath, 3694m | 7-9 hrs |
16 | Trek to Jomsom, 2710m | 5 hrs |
17 | Fly to Pokhara | |
18 | Pokhara to Kathmandu by Road | 6hrs |
19 | Departure |
The Best Time to Visit the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek
The best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November). Winter trekking is also possible for Ghorepani, Poonhill, Ghandruk, Annapurna Base Camp, and Kali Gandki. However, if there is a lot of snow, the Thorung La pass may be impassable.
This is a Tea Houses/Lodge Trek
Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Go Himalayan Adventures takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay. In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy four nights before and after heading into the remote regions. During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!
Spending Money per Day
Although it depends on your spending habits, you should allocate US$ 10 – 15 per meal in Kathmandu. On the trek, your meals are included, but you may wish to purchase extras which are not included in your package, such as chocolate bars, Coca Cola or a beer. US$10 – 15 a day should be enough, but keep in mind the cost of all items increases proportionately with the distance from the trail head.
Drinking Water
While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. In the Annapurna Region there are Euro-guard filters, so all you need is your own water bottle and you can refill it easily. We suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets in case Euro-guard water is not available. We request that you avoid using bottled mineral water, as the bottles are not easily disposed of.
Fitness/Health
If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.
Safety
When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Go Himalayan request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.
Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Go Himalayan Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.