Introduction of Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho lake Trekking is an adventure around the most picturesque locations in and around the Himalayas. The walking route takes you to high Manang Valley enclosed by an array of towering peaks. The scenic Manang Valley is sandwiched between the massive peaks of Annapurna and Chulu towards the north.
Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking is a fascinating adventure, where trekkers can experience different types of landscapes.
Enjoy the walks following the trail from one scenic place to another with great climate changes. The journey starts from the lower warm sub-tropical and moving towards high and cooler alpine temperatures. Then reaching the mountain wilderness amidst the arctic cold zone. Close towards snowy peaks, ice, and glaciers as the trek reaches beyond Manang and Tilicho Lake. As the adventure progresses heading highest point of the treks on top of Thorang-La Pass.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is regarded as the world’s top Ten Adventure Destinations by international travel magazines and guidebooks. Truly, a great place on earth to enjoy an adventure, in the comfort of the nice cozy lodges. As well as the traditional warm hospitality of the natives of Manang, and immersing within the colorful cultures.
The adventure to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake starts with an exciting drive towards Nepal Mid-West at Bhesishar. The town is the headquarters of Lamjung district, the gateway to various adventures, and towards high Manang Valley.
The journey leads from the lower sub-tropical of Lamjung, following the raging Masrsyangdi River to its glacial source at Manang.
The full Annapurna circuit in the early days used to take more than 2-3 weeks. To cover from the east, north, west and finally ending at the southern green hills of the Annapurna Himalayas. But in the last few years, made it possible to enjoy the treks in just over a week. Due, to the motorable road to Manang Village, and from Muktinath in Mustang onwards to Pokhara.
Nevertheless, it is still a scenic adventure from the beginning to the end of the journey at Jomsom Town. To make this trek even more interesting Vertex Holidays has included a side trip to beautiful Tilicho Lake. Considered the world’s highest glacial lake so far, it is an exciting and picturesque country to experience.
The trek also has acclimatization days in Manang Village to explore its scenic viewpoints. As well as the fascinating cultures of the Manang people interwoven with Buddhist religions and traditional heritage.
From Manang the trail branches off towards remote isolated corners at Tilicho Lake for some days. The adventure then rejoins the main Annapurna Circuit route with climbs to high Thorang-La Pass. The highest spot of the adventure is also the boundary between the Manang and Mustang districts.
On top of Thorang-La, with a spectacular panorama of the surrounding giant snow peaks of Annapurna, Chulus, and Dhaulagiri as far as Manaslu Himal. Slowly the treks come to an end with a long descent reaching Mustang areas at holy Muktinath.
Enjoy the time in Muktinath with a tour of its holy premises, then the drive takes you down to Kaligandaki River Valley. Then finally ending the journey at Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang region. From here a short scenic flight brings you to beautiful Pokhara city to conclude Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Treks.
After a most wonderful experience around the green hills, picturesque valleys, and the massif snow mountains of the Annapurna Himalayas.
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the adventure in the shortest ways with exciting drives and scenic walks.
- Alluring scenery of dramatic landscapes from the start to the end of adventures.
- Constant views of high snow-capped peaks throughout the adventurous trekking.
- Experience the lovely impressive local cultures of Manang and Mustang villages.
- Explore the world’s highest Tilicho Lake enclosed by towering snow-clad peaks.
- Cross over the Thorang-La Pass the highest point of the whole adventure.
Route Map of Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
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Annapurna Circuit Tilicho lake Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Tilicho lake view
Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu 1,340 m and transfer to a hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, received by our team of
staff and guide. After checking the NST (Nepal Standard Time) which is
5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. A short drive takes you to the hub of
Kathmandu city around the Thamel area to your hotels. After checking into your
lovely rooms, getting refreshed from the Jet Lag. Join with other members of the
Annapurna Circuit Trek at meeting room for briefing. Provided our lady guide and
staff or Group Leader, information on the treks, local lodge, and food.
Includes a wide range of information to make your holiday meaningful and
enjoyable. Evening a lovely welcome group dinner in a nice authentic Nepali
Restaurants with a cultural program. A good way to introduce to Nepali
Cuisines and Cultures to experience.
Day 2. Drive to Bhesishar Town 760 m around Lamjung district-05 hrs.
Depart from the hotel, for an exciting overland journey to Bhesishar Town, for
first overnight stop. The drive follows lower warmer farm villages and towns, then diverts from the main Pokhara and Kathmandu highway. The drive continues past the town of Dumre to reach Bhesishar, the headquarters town of Lamjung district.
Check into a nice hotel or lodge, having time to browse around the streets and markets. A good way to observe the local cultures of Gurung, the main tribes of Lamjung and Annapurna regions.
Day 3. Drive to Manang 3,540 m via Dharapani 1,860 m and Chame 2,710 m. Past Pisang Village 3,145 m-04 hrs.
Morning after a good breakfast, another interesting drive from Bhesishar towards high Manang areas. The drive follows Masrsyangdi River to Syange village, and then on winding uphill to Jagat, Chamje. On reaching Tal Besi village, entering Manang, then Dharapani village. The drive on mountain road follows through smaller farm areas and villages. As the air gets much cooler, then reaching
Chame for possible lunch and refreshing stops. Chame is a large town and headquarters of the Manang district.
From Chame, the drive follows through forested narrow road past Brathang village. Then climbs up to a ridge at a small place of Dukure Pokhari, with views of majestic Pisang Peak. Afternoon drive heads down to a flat valley and then reaches Pisang village. Overlooking glorious views of Annapurna Himalayas, with Pisang and Chulu’s peaks. From Pisang enters the Manang Valley, the drive leads to Hongde, a village with a small airstrip.
The drive leads to Braga, a nice village close en route to main Manang
village for overnight stop. At Braga a short tour of the old Braga monastery,
enriched with old relics of Buddhism. The interior of the monastery with idols of
famous saint and gurus. From the monastery atop Braga village, enjoy the views
of Annapurna and Chulu Himal range.
Enjoying a short visit of the monastery, down on the main trail with short drive to
Manang. The main village of Upper Manang areas, adorned with typical Tibetan
style houses, serves as excellent lodges and restaurants. On reaching the village
enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge accommodation with good food menus.
Day 4. At Manang Rest Day for acclimatization and short hikes.
At Manang enjoy a free day for acclimatization and take a hike to Gangapurna
Himal Ice fall. Optional long hike to Ice Lake or Kicho Tal, located above Manang Village and the valley. A small frozen pond at 4,620 m/15,157 feet high offers breathtaking views of surroundings snow mountain ranges.
Rest of the day at leisure, explore the village, where most houses are built in Tibetan tradition, the local native of Manang migrated from Tibet more than 400 years back, as you can notice colorful culture and custom similar to its Tibetan predecessors.
Day 5. Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m / 13, 615 feet-07 hours.
Today a long trek from Manang to Tilicho Lake, as the route diverts from the main popular trail. The walk leads off the beaten tracks with close views of high Himalayan peaks. The trail leads on windswept barren landscapes to Khangsar village, the last permanent village after Manang en route Tilicho Lake.
From Khangsar, climb to a high hill facing close views of Gangapurna Himalaya with Tilicho Peaks. The walk leads amidst dramatic landscape around the windswept wilderness terrains. The green vegetation disappears, except for some few short juniper and Burberry prickly bush. Walk leads to scree of small rocks with narrow path as climb continues to overnight stop at Tilicho Base Camp.
A lonely isolated spot with facilities of few small nice lodges.
Day 6. Explore Tilicho Lake 4,920 m / 16,141 ft. and trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m-07 hrs.
An early morning from the base camp, explore the Tilicho Lake a short distance
walks. Reaching the shore of Tilicho and its magnificent turquoise colored Lake,
surrounded by Tilicho, Gangapurna Himal and Nilgiri’s peaks.
Spend the morning relaxing and short walk by the lake with glorious views.
Tilicho Lake regarded as a holy spot by the Hindus as well the highest lake around
Nepal Himalaya.
Hindus also believes that Tilicho Lake mentioned in the epic Ramayana where the
Sage Kak Bhushundi believed to have first told the happenings of Ramayana to
Garuda – king of birds at Tilicho Lake. After a marvelous time at Tilicho Lake,
return journey to Yak Kharka via Khangsar. Then reaching the main trail towards
Thorang-La, as walk leads to Ghunsang a small settlement, where route of
Manang village joins. Adventure continues on scenic uphill path, facing view of
high snow-capped peaks then end the walk on reaching at Yak Kharka for
overnight stop. A small settlement with number of nice lodges, situated on a wide
grazing pasture for Yaks and other cattle. From Yak Kharka facing grand view of
Chulu West, Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks.
Day 7. Trek to High Camp 4,900 m-04 hrs.
A short day walk, but quite strenuous due to rise in altitude, morning starts on a pleasant path to Ledar. A place with few good lodges, from here on a gradual winding trail, then down to a stream. Crossing a bridge then short climb then walk on gentle path to Thorang Phedi. Phedi, bottom of Thorang-La Pass, stopping here for short rest and then end the day with an hour steep climb to Thorang High Camp for lunch and overnight halt.
Day 8. Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m crossing high Thorang la pass 5,416 m / 17,700 feet - 06 hrs.
Today, a big day of the adventure. Start the morning having early breakfast, the walk begins on a level winding path. The walk progresses slowly, and then climbing on an undulating winding path. After few hours of good climb reaches the top of Thorang-La Pass. The highest point of the adventure is 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high. The top is festooned with thousands of Buddhist colorful prayer flags. Enjoy the panorama of Chulu peaks with Damodar Himal, including views of Annapurna Himalaya and Dhaulagiri Mountain range. From the top a long descent to the bottom at another Phedi within Mustang district. Have a short rest or enjoy a lunch break at Phedi with a few small tea-house and restaurants. Afternoon a slow gradual walk to Muktinath at the height of 3,800 m for overnight stop. A holy spot for all Hindus, the word Muktinath means ‘Liberation’ to be free from life cycle. At Muktinath transfer into one of its nice lodges with excellent views of Tilicho, Nilgiri’s and Dhaulagiri mountain range.
Day 9. Drive to Jomsom 2,715 m -02 hrs.
Morning having time for visit and worship at Muktinath, the history and purity goes back into antiquity. Of more than 2,300 years, where Hindu and Buddhist come on a pilgrimage to these holy sites of natural power.
The tour of the Muktinath Temple with 108 water spouts, which is also the source of Kaligandaki River. Pilgrims also search for fossils called Shaligram (ammonite) on the outside of small rounded rocks but split open they reveal the imprint of ammonites formed 140 million years ago. Because of its wheel-like shape the Shaligram is associated with the Hindu god Vishnu.
Muktinath area offers grand views of Dhaulagiri, including Tilicho and Nilgiri’s peaks. After a holy visit of Muktinath, walk down to Kagbeni, an exciting village to experience. The village of strong Tibetan influence, as well the entrance to Upper
Mustang the Restricted Area in Nepal.
From here a short walk to the village for short drive down to Jomsom.
The drive then follows a wide valley of Kaligandaki River, then reaching Jomsom for overnight stop. Located on the Old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet. The areas around Jomsom and Kali Gandaki Valley are famous for apples, the route is also called Apple as the Pie Trail. Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge, having time to explore the Jomsom Town, the main inhabitants are Thakali. The tribes of Kaligandaki of Lower Mustang follow the Buddhism religion.
Day 10. Fly to Pokhara 860 m 23-minute flight. Afternoon option for sightseeing of Pokhara interesting sites.
Morning a short walk to Jomsom airport for scenic and short flight to beautiful Pokhara. During airborne fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks, as the aircraft lands at Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the most sought tourist destinations in all Himalaya, a picturesque city overlooking views of massive Annapurna Himalaya, Includes views of the famous and magnificent Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’. From the airport a short drive to the hotels by the serene Phewa Lake side, with time to explore beautiful Pokhara.
Day 11. Fly back to Kathmandu in a 30 mins flight and transfer to a hotel.
Morning catching last views of Annapurna Himalaya with majestic Machhapuchare Himal or Fishtail, and then transfer to Pokhara airport for smooth short flight to Kathmandu. Back within the hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu after a great adventure and wonderful experience on Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking. Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs or join in for a short tour around places of great interest.
Day 12. International departure for homeward bound.
Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after an overwhelming adventure and experience around the Annapurna Himalayas. As time for your international flight
the guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to Nepal, guide and staff; as you enter the air terminal for homeward bound or to the next port of call.
If you are not happy with our itinerary, you can request for the modification as per your need
Trip Information of Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Travel and Medical Insurance is obligatory for Annapurna Circuit, and all trekkers should be physically fit and in a sound health. For a person with a medical history and special dietary, please inform the company on booking so that the guide will make necessary arrangements. On booking for Annapurna Circuit, all age groups can join, a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 70 years old.
The minimum age of under 18 must accompanied by parents or guardians, as well for elderly persons. All need to obtain Travel and Medical Insurance in case of unfortunate incidents and accidents.
Sometimes, treks might have to be re-routed to other safe destinations if some members are seriously ill. Needs immediate evacuation by fastest means of transportation or using a Helicopter service to the nearest hospital.
In this condition, if it arises, the trekker has to bear all the extra expenses as well as for accompanying staff. Should be claimed from the insurance company for the extra expenses incurred. The company and medical doctors will provide a supporting letter so that you can claim the reimbursement from your insurance.
To stay physically fit, one needs to exercise, like walking, jogging, or any other good physical exercise to keep fitness level. It is best to check up with your doctor on booking the trip for Annapurna Circuit Trekking.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a frequent problem in the Himalayan region.
The gain in altitude while going steep uphill, can make some trekkers tired or breathless. All needs to take care walking slowly, having frequent rest and then continue the climb. Acclimatization to altitude above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) takes time. The body undergoes a number of physiological changes some of which are immediate like increased pulse and respiratory rate.
The best is drinking enough fluids, water, rest and being positive making sure that you have nutritious food. Sleeping well for 6-8 hours, as well as having rest day for acclimatization. On this trek all will be acclimatized before crossing the high
Thorang-La Pass after the trek to Tilicho Lake.
There is another indication to use Diamox. If the mild symptoms return after stopping Diamox. Should continue till the trek is over? If the symptoms persist or worsen the clients should stay at that altitude for a rest day or descend to a lower altitude for a night or two until the symptoms disappear.
There are two types of HAS or AMS:
HACE (High altitude cerebral edema) means water in the brain.
HAPE (High altitude pulmonary edema) means water in the lungs.
If these two symptoms get worse, the patient needs immediate evacuation by fastest means of transportation. The best and quick is using the Helicopter Service to bring the patient to Pokhara or Kathmandu for better treatment.
The best seasons for Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trekking are spring and autumn/fall. Spring starts in March and ends in May, a lively time for pleasant walks and scenic views. Most days are fine and clear, full of bursts of sunshine
till late afternoon, it can get overcast in the afternoon sometimes, with chances of light rains and snowfalls. In spring, when the sunlight hours are longer, cold mornings, and late afternoons until night-time.
It depends on the altitude and overnight stops on route trekking from Manang to Jomsom via the high Thorang-La Pass.
Spring is the best time for wildflowers, in seasonal bloom especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors.
The next best season is autumn/fall. Days are bright, with sunny days for clear views. Autumn/fall starts from September till November; it is one of the high seasons in Nepal for trekking. Days are fine with crystal clear blue skies, but it gets dark soon due to limited sunshine hours. Morning and late afternoon until nighttime are cold, and there are chances of light snowfall above 2,500 m high.
Equipment List for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Before planning for the Annapurna Circuit of 9 day’s walks, depending on season wise. Needs to carry various items to make the trek enjoyable and for one’s comfort around the cold areas.
- Sun hat or scarf
- Light balaclava or warm fleece head gear.
- Sun glasses and snow goggles with UV protection.
- Under Garments
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
- Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
- Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
- T-shirts
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
- Sleeping bag rated to zero DC * (4 seasons down sleeping bags)
- Headlamp (e.g. Pletzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
- Trekking Bags/Duffel bag *
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag.
- Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches / 10-15 liters / kgs capacity)
- Trekking Poles (optional)
- Water bottle (2) or cameo bag
- Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc.)
- Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hands wash
- Binoculars
- Reading book
- Trail Map/Guide book
- Journal & Pen
- Walkman
- Pen and small notebooks
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble.
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