Tilicho Lake / Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highlights

  • Amazing landscapes, Marsyangdi and Kaligandaki rivers, waterfalls and flora -fauna.
  • Beautiful culture and lifestyle of Gurung and Thakali peoples.
  • Over ten different Buddhist monasteries.
  • Beautiful and world highest Tilicho lake 4,919 meter, ice lake and glaciers.
  • Snow covering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges.
  • World highest trekking pass Thorong la pass 5,416 meter.
  • Pilgrimage place, know as Muktinath.
  • Yak, Ship and organic apple farms.

Quick Facts

  • Region: Annapurna Region
  • Max. Elevation: 5,416 m.
  • Duration: 18 days
  • Accommodation: Hotel & Tea house.
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate.
  • Best Season: March to Jun 15 & August 15 to December 15
  • Starts At: Kathmandu
  • Ends At: Kathmandu
  • Price: USD $1,453
  • Trip Code:

Overview

When it comes to trekking in Nepal, the award-winning trekking destination, Annapurna Circuit, is the perfect adventure for every traveler. The popular Annapurna Circuit features one of the highest lakes in the world at an altitude of 4919m, Tilicho Lake, making it a perfect match for an amazing getaway into the mountains. Annapurna Circuit holds top tourist destinations of Nepal with unparalleled features to each of them, making every site visit worth the time and money. No wonder it’s loved by the majority of tourists and locals, along with sustainable businesses and welcoming communities every path of the way, Annapurna Circuit is a trip to consider for both solo and group travelers.

 

Tilicho Lake Trek along the Annapurna circuit is one of the most challenging yet the most desirable trekking trails in Nepal. The trek begins from Sange (1100m). Beginning our trek in Syange – a small settlement nestled below the forests, ascending alongside the Marsayangdi river crossing multiple suspension bridges in the way with spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain, vast lowlands, and the deep gorges. Following a path through the local villages of Tal, Danakyu, Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Khangsar, this journey takes you to the amazing scenery and mind blowing beauty of Tilicho Lake. Surrounded by the majestic landscapes and terrain filled with snow and icy wind lies the peaceful Tilicho Lake. Explore the Tilicho Lake to your heart’s content and from there, we move ahead into the wilderness to explore one of the most famous temples situated at an altitude of 3760m, Muktinath. Trekking our way to Muktinath through Thorong La Pass, well-known for being one of the toughest and highest mountain passes in Nepal, we make our way to Muktinath, one of the most sacred places in Nepal with thousands of devotees visiting every year. While still on sight of the beautiful Annapurna range, slowly descending to Jomsom whilst enjoying the scenery. An amazing flight awaits you the next from Jomson Airport to Pokhara, adding a cherry on top to the adventure with a wonderful view of sunrise on the mountain ranges.

 

The Annapurna Circuit assuredly delivers the best trekking routes in the world with Tilicho Lake being the most famous of them all. With different changes in the landscape every step of the way, the snowy mountains stood aside you, with scenic views of the rivers and mountains, from the highest lake in the world to the holiest temple. Tilicho/Annapurna Circuit Trek comes out on top of every trekker’s dream adventure.

 

Gallery

Guidelines Itinerary

On the first day after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you get to unpack and rest after a long flight.
Starting our journey, an early morning drive to Sange awaits you by a private jeep where you can enjoy a wonderful road trip scenery of Nepal for 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at Syange.
Resting at Sange, we start our walk to Tal, the first village of Manang district, with an amazing view of mountains, waterfalls, landscapes . Overnight at Tal.
From here, we ascend uphill to reach Danakyu, crossing suspension bridges above the Marsyangdi river several times where we spend a night on the tea house located there. Overnight at Danakyu.

As we gain an altitude of 2670m while trekking to Chame on the fifth day, the air starts getting cooler, and the views of the majestic mountains like Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Kangaru Himal become more visible. Overnight at Chame.

Resting at Chame, we continue our trek the following day to Pisang, walking through the pine forest and moving upwards alongside Marsyangdi river. Overnight at Pissang.
We will make our way through the alpine forests to reach Manang via Lophelling Monastery, Sher Gompa, Braka Monastery, and Bodzo Gompa. Overnight at Manang.

On this day, we will spend our day exploring the ancient monasteries and the local villages of Manang district. The Annapurna range, Gangapurna Lake and the famous Tilicho Lake can also be seen. Overnight stay at one of the lodges.
Moving on the trail to Tilicho peak, passing through the pine tree, we gradually reach the village of Khangsar surrounded by the mountains where we can finally see the Tilicho Peak (7,134 m.). Overnight stay at Khangsar.

Trekking to the Tilicho Base Camp through the grasslands, we will move up the hill with spectacular views of the entire valley and we finally make our way to Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight stay at Tilicho Base Camp.

On this morning, we get to visit the fascinating Tilicho Lake, climbing a steep hill full of snow and ice, we finally make our way to the highlight of this trek, Tilicho Lake. Afterward, we continue our trek to Siri Kharka. Overnight stay at Siri Kharka
Leaving Siri Kharka, we will make our way through the uphill cliffs to reach Thorong High Camp where we will get to see a wonderful view of Thorong Peak(6,144 m), Syagang (6,026 m), Khatungkang (6484m), Purbung Himal (6590), and others. Overnight at Throrong High Camp
On this day, we will be crossing one of the highest passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass, which connects Manang with Mustang. Afterward, we will arrive at the ancient Muktinath temple. Overnight at Muktinath.

Descending down through the apple grove, we will make our way to the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight in Jomson.
With an early morning flight above the beautiful mountain ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, you will experience the natural beauty of the mountain from every corner. We will then be spending out the night at Pokhara Valley where you can enjoy the nightlife.
Return to Kathmandu early in the morning via a tourist bus. Overnight in Kathmandu.
On this day, you can visit the local city of Kathmandu where you see around the World Heritage Sites and can also buy some souvenirs.
You will be driven to the airport or you can always extend your trip and select another package suited to you.

Important Items

List of the important things for trekking:
1) Clothing,
Moisture-wicking long-sleeve t-shirts (2)
Moisture-wicking short-sleeve t-shirt (1)
Heavy fleece or down jacket
Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket with hood
Windbreaker
Rain poncho
Fleece pants
Trekking pants (2)
Hiking shorts (1)
Waterproof pants
Hiking socks (10)
Warm thermal socks (1)
Long underwear (2)
Underwear (10)
Hiking boots with ankle support
Camp shoes or tennis shoes
Light inner gloves/glove liners
Insulated wool or down mittens/gloves
Sunglasses
Broad-brimmed hat
Neck gaiter or scarf (for sun protection)
Wool hat or balaclava (should cover ears)
Gaiters (needed Dec-Feb)
Sweatshirt (optional)
Sock liners (optional)

2) Trekking Gear & Supplies,
Duffle bag for carrying gear via porters (provided by Mountain Planner)
35 to 40L Daypack for carrying what you need on the trail
Waterproof cover for daypack
Water bottles or hydration bladder (i.e. Camelback)
Sleeping bag rated to -18°C/ 0°F (available for rental if you haven’t your own)
Trekking poles
Headlamp with extra batteries
Lightweight water filter or iodine water tablets (personal preference)
Hand warmers
Travel pillow or pillowcase
Sleeping bag stuff sack
Dry bags in several sizes
Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Small lock(s) for duffle bag and daypack
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Quick-drying trekking towel (optional)
Emergency sleeping bag

3) Food & Snacks,
Snacks (combine protein & carbs for well-balanced energy)
Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
Re-hydration gels or powder

4) Toiletries,
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Toilet Paper
Moleskin, medical tape, and/or duct tape for treating/preventing blisters
Advil or Ibuprofen
Personal prescriptions
Antibiotics (Electrolyte for travelers’ diarrhea)
Anti-chafe balm (e.g. Body Glide, to prevent chafing)
Diaper rash cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
Soap
Deodorant
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Razor (as needed)
Shampoo
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products (as needed)
Face lotion
Hairbrush
Hair ties
Earplugs (for sleeping)

5) Additional Supplies,
Portable solar charger/power bank
Book
Journal/pen
Playing cards

Basic Prohibited Practices

1, Not to take photos in prohibited area and other unfamiliar people without permission.
2, Not to touch the animals on the way; Yak & Nak, Mules, and others and always take corner side while you giving passage the animals and porters.
3, Not to hunt wild birds & animals.
4, Not to destroy natural resources, use always garbage store for the waste materials.

Note

We prioritize your safety all the time while travelling. We want our valuable guests and staffs to be in safe environment thus we gave full authorize to you/your leader to modify, cancel or update any part of the itinerary if it is considered necessary due to safety concerns. We promise that we will do our best to stick with planned itinerary however natural disasters, weather disturbances, health conditions or any other mishap may force us to change the planned itinerary and we would seek for your understanding on these concerns. We will be happy to give you necessary information and discuss with you before changing the itinerary.

Includes

  • Arrival transfer pick up and departure transfer by private vehicle.
  • Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu (optional) at traditional restaurant with singing and dancing program.
  • Trekking permits, TIMS card and all necessary papers.
  • Free rental down jacket, sleeping bag & duffel bag during the trekking ( it should return after complete the trip)
  • Domestic air tickets and airport taxes (Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu)
  • Basic ancillary.
  • Accommodation bed & breakfast (B & B) in Kathmandu as per itinerary.
  • Fluency English speaker and good enough trekking experiences guide and insurance.
  • Strong carrier porter with insurance during the trek.
  • Accommodation American plan (AP); Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with a cup of hot tea.
  • Pocket map.

Excludes

  • International airfare, Nepal visa fee, travel & medical insurance, emergency evacuation.
  • Personal nature expenses (bars & beverages bills, battery charge, shower, telephone, internet, tidbits, extra porter and tea coffee)
  • Costs arising from natural calamity, mishaps or anything beyond our control (costs are nonrefundable and nontransferable in any mean return from the trek earlier than scheduled)
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu, also in the case of early returns and late departures the scheduled itinerary.
  • Services not mentioned in "included services" please ask us if you are confused about any services.

Maps

Comments

  • Jennifer Chappell


    12 July, 2019.

    My partner and I met KV Rai (owner and operator of Mountain Planner) in April of 2017 when he guided us on a 7 day trek in the Langtang Valley of the Himalayas. KV did everything to ensure that our trek was memorable. He was professional, knowledgeable, fun, and full of energy. My partner and I are highly athletic and he ensured that our pace and activities were consistent with our abilities and interests. KV also went out of his way to make our experience authentic, allowing us to interact with the villagers and owners of the teahouses in ways that we did not see others doing. We had an opportunity to cook with a family and share a meal and spent time with the villagers when other trekkers stayed with their groups. These were precious moments that left lasting impressions. Further, KV’s knowledge of geography, culture, politics, etc. made our trip a tremendous learning experience. We absolutely adored KV and trek. By the end of the trip, we had developed such a strong bond with KV and were so enamored with the Nepal he had shown us that we were determined to return the following year to do the Everest Base Camp trek.

    We stayed in touch with KV via Facebook messenger and email throughout the next break we had from our work as international teachers and began to plan our next trip to Nepal. As we got closer to the trip we said that we would not go with another guide other than KV. We made this a reality, returning to do the Everest Base Camp trek in December of 2017.

    Our trip completing the Everest Base Camp trek was spectacular. On this trip, KV was managing two additional clients. The first trek we were his only clients. Despite this, and the fact that the clients were not equip in many ways for such an undertaking, KV did a miraculous job of balancing all of our needs and varying physical capabilities. Again, he was professional, thoughtful, and knowledge. We watched him navigate some difficult choices to accommodate the limitations of his other clients, and balance giving us the time and attention as if we were family. Everest Base Camp was the single most amazing trekking experience I have ever had and may have in my life. An essential part of that was KV and the relationship that we had developed. KV ensures that you are informed, safe, comfortable (or as comfortable as you can be at 17,000 ft in December), and happy. His energy is infectious; his smile is joyous; his attention to detail fantastic.

    The Everest Base Camp trek was a year and a half ago. I communicate with KV at least once a month. I am as close to him as many family members. He even offered to host our wedding at his family home. I cannot speak more highly of him and his business. If you want an authentic, memorable, once in a lifetime experience, trek with KV and Mountain Planner.

  • Jeff Hartman


    11 July, 2019.

    I highly recommend Mountain Planner. Kevin is a wonderful human.
    It was so much fun to spend the week exploring Nepal with him. He did a great job customizing our vacation to fit our needs. We got to experience trekking in the mountains near Pokhara and the Annapurna range; explore the jungle in Chitwan National Park; explore the sights of Kathmandu; and see Mt Everest from a Himalayan mountain flight. Kevin arranged all of this and made great recommendations on all of it.

  • Josema Fernandez


    28 June, 2019.

    Thanks to my friend Ray, enjoy the Until now, better experience in trekking, we spent 2 unforgettable weeks in the EBC plus Gokyo, He knows all the places he manages permits and always accompanies with good humor, I will go back to this wonderful country and I will do the trekking of the annapurna as not with my great friend, 5 stars could not be enough.

    Gracias a mi amigo Ray , disfrute del Hasta ahora, mejor experiencia en trekking , pasamos 2 semanas inolvidables en el EBC mas Gokyo , El conoce todos los lugares gestiona permisos billetes y siempre acompaña con buen humor , volvere a este maravilloso pais y hare el trekking del annapurna como no con mi gran amigo , 5 stars no pudo ser mejor .

  • Jose Luise Romero Rodriguez


    14 June, 2019.

    In April 2019 I had the possibility to visit for a first time Nepal , and I would like recommend Mountain Planner. Kevin prepared a wonderful trip to me , kevin did and excellent job organizing my short vacation fitting it into my special request .Indeed exploring sight of kathmandu , exploring the Mt Everest having a wonderful mountain flight ,
    between others important places , I know that in 6 days I can’t do too much, but it was a great experience to me and I will be back for others new experiences
    Kevin arranged all of this short adventure, and Sandip Rai was my private tourist guide during this awesome short trip.thanks a lot to Both of you guys.

  • Patricia


    10 May, 2018. Everest base camp / Gokyo lake Trek

    Highly recommended to Mountain Planner. Very professional and attentive. Beautiful landscapes, Everest base camp and Gokyo lakes. An incredible experience. I’ll repeat with other trek!

  • Miguel Angel de Castro Arranz


    9 May, 2018. Everest base camp / Two high passes trek

    Again in Nepal, On October 06 – 16 / 10 / 2018 to Annapurna Base Camp Trek with same guide Mr. Kevin through the very responsible trekking company ”Mountain Planner Treks & Expedition”. Mountain Planner help me to enjoy the travel with funny moments.

    It’s really great hike. I would like to recommend ”Mountain Planner” who looking forward trek to Nepal for vacation with very responsible trekking guide and trekking company. Thank you very much Mountain Planner for great support and effort to complete successful trip to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

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