Tilicho Lake Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most favored and rewarding treks in Nepal. The trail provides you with the perfect combination of cultural and natural beauty and 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 of 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.
Views 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 Circuit 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 views 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.
Tilicho Lake Trek 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
Food and Accommodation During the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
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. The 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 gets 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 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.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho 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 the next day while you trek to Srikharka and then Tilicho Base Camp. The 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.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek 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 of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek
A 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 the Himalayas.
