Highlights

  • World-class trek with an added bonus of Tilicho Lake
  • An incredible view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and peaks such as Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Chulu, Thorung, Mt. Dhawalagiri, Mt Lamjung, etc.
  • Walk through the lush forests of rhododendrons and oaks with the mountains on the backdrop
  • Explore the unique cultures and traditions of Magar and Gurung and Thakali people 
  • Cross the Thorong La Pass to have an incredible view of surrounding peaks 
  • Visit the highest elevated lake in the world, Tilicho Lake (4910 meters)
  • Get the picturesque view of glaciers, moraine valleys, rivers, waterfalls and Kali Gandaki gorge
  • Enjoy the natural hot springs along the way
  • Visit the Manang valley and explore the culture of the people
  • Visit one of the renowned pilgrimage sites of Hindus and Buddhist, Muktinath Temple
  • Visit different gompas and monasteries during the trek
  • Enjoy the scenic bus ride from Kathmandu to Chame

About TIlicho Lake Trek

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most favoured and rewarding treks in Nepal. The trail provides you with the perfect combination of cultural and natural beauty and the grants you scenic views and lovely local people. Variation in the landscapes in the single trekking journey is what makes this trip stand out from the rest. From lowlands, deep river valleys, high snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and more, the trail is constantly changing. The trail follows subtropical forests to alpine forests all the way to barren, rocky deserts.

Annapurna Circuit's level of difficulty is strenuous, meaning you have to be physically fit to complete the journey. You will cross windy and rocky trails to elevations more than 3000 meters. However, the view of the majestic Annapurna, Manaslu, Himchuli, Dhawalagiri, Nilgiri, and Lamjung mountain ranges makes this trip unforgettable. The beauty of Tilicho Lake surrounded by giant snow-capped mountains takes this journey to a whole new level. 

View from Tilicho and Thorong La Pass (5416 meters) are major highlights of the trek, as they are the best vantage points throughout the journey. Apart from these spectacular sceneries, Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek has much more to offer. The scenic walk from Dukurpokhari to Pisang to Manang is certainly one of the most beautiful experiences throughout the journey. Apart from that, you get to explore the cultural aspects of the locals along the way. This Annapurna Cricuit Trek brings you to the Muktinath Temple, one of the most sacred and renowned temples of Hindus. You will visit historical Manang Valley, the challenging Thorong La Pass, and the stunning Tilicho Lake, before reaching Muktinath Temple. The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek will end at Jomsom. Along the way, you will encounter many villages influenced by Tibetan culture and tradition. 

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary is designed perfectly so that you will experience everything this region has to offer. This trekking journey lets you explore diverse landscapes, splendid view of the mountains, beautiful culture and tradition,  Muktinath Temple, heavenly Tilicho Lake and the laidback city of Pokhara. Our experienced guides and humble assistants will make sure that you have the best trip possible. 
 

 Food and Accommodation

During your trekking journey, you will stay in teahouses run by local people most of the time. They will provide you with minimalistic services. Foods such as dal bhat, pasta, noodles, potatoes, vegetables, cereals, eggs, fried rice, soup, etc. At some places, you can try different traditional food items. 

During your days in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in 3-star hotels with breakfast service. For lunch and dinner, you can explore various restaurants and cafes in the cities according to your preferences. 
 

Weather and Best Time to Trek

The weather conditions on Annapurna Circuit Trek vary according to the season. March, April and May are the months of spring. Beginning of the spring indicates the end of the cold days of winter. The days get nice and warm, the weather gets clear, calm and consistent most of the time. The forests look amazing with the blooming of rhododendrons. It is considered to be one of the best seasons to do this trek.

Autumn is also considered the best time to trek. August, September and October fall in this season. Autumn starts as the rainy days of summer end. The temperature is not too hot and not too cold. It is also the festive season in Nepal. The weather is clear and pleasant which makes it easier to trek in this region.

Usually, days are rainy in summer which makes it difficult to trek. The trail also get slippery, and the views of the landscapes get obstructed most of the time. However, it is not impossible to trek if you go as a group and with proper preparation. In fact, summer is the best time to explore the flora, fauna and the lifestyle of the people residing in this region because there are fewer people on the trails.

Winter is considered to be less appropriate for this trek because of the extremely cold and windy weather in the high altitude region. The temperature drops below freezing point and snowfall and blizzards also occur. Even though the temperature is moderate in the lower region it is difficult to trek up to Tlicho Lake. 
 

Trek Route

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek starts from Chamje where you reach via bus from Kathmandu. From Chamje, you will trek to Dharapani, Chame, Upper Pisang and into the Manang Valley. You will spend a day exploring Manang Valley as a part of acclimatization. You will resume your trek next day while you trek to Srikharka and then Tilicho Base Camp. Next day, you will visit Tilicho Lake and return back to Srikharka. You will then return to Yak Kharka and then trek to Thorung Phedi and Muktinath after crossing the Thorung La Pass. From Muktinath you will trek to Jomsom where your trek ends. You will fly to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu from there.
 

Difficulty

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is a strenuous trek. It requires you to trek for 6-7 hours a day in the extreme weather conditions of the high altitude region. The trail in some places (ie climb to Tilicho Lake and Thorung La Pass) is much more difficult to walk. There is also the risk of altitude sickness. You need to be physically and mentally fit to pursue this trek.

Suggested preparation:

  • Cardio exercises including running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and pull-ups for about 4-5 days a week for 3 months before your trip will come in extremely handy.
  • You should also be involved in developing core strength and muscle endurance by weight training.
  • Hiking in the hills in different weather conditions is good preparation for this trip.
  • If you have access, kayaking will also be a very good way to develop the strength and endurance required for this trip.
     

 Landscapes 

Glorious view of the mountains and landscapes along the way is what makes this trip so special. From the start of your journey, you get mesmerizing views of river valleys covered in forests, landscapes, mountains, glaciers, waterfalls etc. Mountains such as the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Pisang, Pangaudae, etc. can be seen from different perspectives throughout the journey. Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong La are the best vantage points to behold the heavenly beauty of Himalayas. 

Itinerary

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When you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, our representatives will come to pick you up with your name on a signboard. Then, they will drive you to your hotel, where you can have your breakfast/lunch (it depends on the time you arrive) and take a rest for a while. Then you can set out to explore the city and you can proceed for the permit. You can go shopping to buy the essentials for your upcoming trek. You can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, cafes and restaurants in the evening. You will spend your night at the hotel.

You will have your breakfast early in the morning and set off for Chame. You will take a ride along the Kathmandu - Pokhara highway. You will have a scenic ride of almost about 8 hours to get there. You will ride along the Kathmandu- Pokhara highway till you Dumre. Your way deviates from there to the headquarters of Lamjung (Besisahar). You will get to enjoy the 

To reach Dharapani, you will walk along the Marshyangdi river after descending the rocky trail down the river. Then you will walk the steep uphill to reach Sattale. After reaching Sattale, you will ascend the zigzag path to reach the top and walk downhill and reach Tal after walking along the river. You will get to see waterfalls and river valleys along the way and reach Karte village. After crossing a suspension bridge and ascending, you will reach Dharapani.

After having breakfast at Dharapani, you will begin the trek, You will walk along with the pine and oak forests to reach Danaque. THen you will cross a small wooden bridge and ascend the steep path up to Timang. This village situated at the foothill of Lamjung Himal offers wonderful views of landscapes and mountains. Then you will walk along the relatively flat trail to get to Chame. It is the headquarters of Manang district thus the sub-urban area. You will spend the night here.

As you leave Chame, you can see a beautiful sunrise over Lamjung Himal. Today you can see beautiful views of mountains ranges and peaks like Annapurna Range and Pisang Peak while walking through the Oak and Pine forest. You will walk a high, rocky trail and steep trail to reach Baratang. You will also walk through a wonderful valley with views of beautiful landscape and mountains. After reaching Pisang, you will rest, have dinner and stay at a tea house there.

You will have your breakfast at Pisang and set off to Manang valley. You will ascend the steep ridge which gives the wonderful view of Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145 m). Then you will walk down the airstrip at Hungde, Manang. After walking for a while, you will get to a flat area which gives a wonderful view of the north-east face of Annapurna III. Then you will continue walking the trail to get to Sabje Khola valley from where you will get a magnificent view of Annapurna IV (7525 m). You will walk further and cross the wooden bridge over Marsyangdi Khola which takes you to Mungji. You will ascend steep trail uphill to reach Manang valley where you will stay overnight.

Manang lies at an altitude of 3640m, and this means you have reached an elevation where you are prone to altitude sickness. To avoid this, you will give your body some time to adjust with this increase in altitude before moving to any place with higher elevation. This doesn’t mean you will spend your whole day at the same place. You can do some short hikes but you will, at the end of the day, return to Manang. Short hikes may include a hike to Khangsar village, which features some astounding views of Annapurna range, hike to Gangapurna glacier, where you will reach after walking past the icefall of Annapurna or just stroll around the village.

On the 9th day of your journey, you will hike to Siri Kharka from Manang valley. You will cross the 4000 m elevation on this day. The trail to get there is a challenging rocky trail between the giant hills. The higher you go, you will see the less vegetation due to low temperature and strong wind. You will cross the river through a suspension bridge and pass the Kangsar village. You will ascend further and you will get the phenomenal view of Gungang and Chilo mountains. You will spend your night at Siri Kharka.

Today you will head towards Tilicho Base Camp. Though the route is not steep, it may be quite challenging because of the narrow path with loose scree. The area is prone to landslides and you have to be very careful. After reaching Tilicho Base Camp, you will rest and stay at a tea house there.

You will start your trek from Sirikharka. Ascending the tough and steep trail by the side of a mountain. Even though you will get the splendid views of the mountains, the trail itself is thrilling and difficult one. However, it leads to a beautiful destination that is Tilicho Lake. It is the lake situated at the highest elevation of 5000 m. The blue and crystal clear water surrounded by giant mountains is a wonderful sight to behold. You can see the Tilicho peak at its closest from the lake. After enjoying this heartwarming view, you will get back to Siri Kharka and spend your night.

Descend back following the same route and cross Tare Gumba to get to Yak Kharka

Today you will return back to the circuit trek route as you reach Yak Kharka. To reach Yak Kharka, you will descend towards Khangsar Village. You will get to visit Tare Gumba, a thousand-year-old monastery. Ascending for a while, you will reach a plateau and then walking a few distances, you will reach Yak Kharka. You will have your dinner and stay at a teahouse here.

Today’s destination will be Thorung Phedi. You will ascend for a while, cross a suspension bridge after passing through the headwaters of Marshyangdi river and reach a village named Ledar. You will continue your ascent and pass several cliffs and finally reach Thorung Phedi. You will stay there overnight.

You will mark the highest elevation of your trekking journey on this day as you reach the Thorong - La Pass You will have to hike difficult and narrow rocky path to get to the Pass. When you get there you will be rewarded with a splendid panorama of the Himalayas and the peaks such as Thorung Peak, Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, etc You will get the beautiful view of Kaligandaki river valley and the hills of Mustang as well. After enjoying the beautiful view, you will descend down to get to Muktinath. Muktinath is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site of Nepal. Hindu and Buddhist devotees go there believing to get salvation. You will walk down a relatively easy path along the Jhong Khola to get there. You will visit the temple and have a closer look at the historical, cultural and religious aspects of the temple.

Leaving the sacred village of Muktinath, you will descend to Kaligandaki Gorge. As you pass through Jharkot and Khingar village, you will see various cultural and architectural similarities with Tibet. You will get to see an amazing view of several mountains like Nilgiri. Continuing your descent, you will reach Marpha village and to Jomsom which again features different mountains like Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

After successfully completing the circuit trek journey, you will fly to Pokhara from Jomsom. During this almost 20 minute of flight, you will enjoy the spectacular aerial view of that region.

You will check into a 3-star hotel when you reach Pokhara. You can indulge yourself in fun activities such as boating, roaming around the streets and shopping, etc. to relieve yourself from the fatigue of the trek. You can visit the caves like Bat and Mahendra. You can explore foods around, go to bars and cafes, etc.

After completing your Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will return to Kathmandu. During your ride, you can enjoy the views of villages like Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar as you move towards Kathmandu. This ride takes about 6 hours. After reaching Kathmandu, you can either rest or stroll around the streets of Thamel to buy souvenirs. You can also erase your fatigue by going to spas and getting a massage. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner planned by Sublime Trails for you where you can enjoy traditional Nepali food and watch cultural dance performed by local dancers.

On the last day of your trip, we will drop you to the International airport for your connecting flight to your next destination. We bid you a warm farewell there. However, if you decide to extend your stay in Nepal or visit other places, you can inform us. We will be more than happy to help you with your next trip.

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What's included

Included  Not Included
  • Meals: 
    16 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • Accommodation: 
    3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 days
    3-Star accommodation in Pokhara for 1 day
    Tea house accommodation along the way for 13 days
  • Transportation:   
    All land transportation with pickups and drops
  • Guides and Porters:
    One guide and assistant guide between 6 people 
    1 porter for two people (A porter can carry up to 30 kg)
  • Entry Fees and Permits:
    Annapurna Conservation Area Entrance Fee
    TIMS Card
  • Miscellaneous: 
    Down jacket, a Sleeping bag which should be refunded to the company after the trip
    Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and Tax department
    All the necessary insurance for the guides and porters
    First Aid service in case of minor injuries
    Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters
  • Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Tipping for the Sublime crew
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FAQs

Tilicho Base Camp Trek is similar to the Annapurna Circuit Trek except you will have 2 additional days to trek to Tilicho Lake and back.

You have to walk through the landslide area which is quite difficult. It is a bit risky as well as the boulders may slide from the uphill. But your safety is our priority and our team will always work on their best to keep you safe. Our team makes sure, the trail is safe before proceeding the trek.

As you will be trekking in the region higher than 3000 m, there is a risk of altitude sickness. But you can prevent it with proper precaution. You should always stay hydrated and walk slow and steady. 

Customer Reviews

  • Difficult but amazing trekking

    - Diah Hidayat, Indonesia

    I and my boyfriend decided to spend our holiday trekking in Nepal and it turned out amazing! We chose Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake as we wanted to explore Nepal without any rush. The trail was so beautiful, we had to cross many jungles rivers and we encountered so many beautiful waterfalls! Diving into the hotsprings was one of the best experience. People we met along the way were so friendly and kind, we had so much fun talking to them. At some points, it was so difficult to move further such as Thorong La Pass and on the way to Tilicho. But our guide kept us motivated and helped a lot! The view of the Lake and the mountain were so amazing that'd make us forget all the difficulties along the way! Nepal is amazing, we definitely coming back again to visit!

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