"The Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal's most adventurous and rewarding treks. The journey boasts rich Himalayan flora and fauna, varied climates, stunning waterfalls and rivers, traditional Nepali villages, breathtaking landscapes and mountain views, diverse culture, deep gorges, holy temples, a gorgeous alpine lake, and a high mountain pass."
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the classic and popular trekking destinations. On the other hand, Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world and is accessible on the Annapurna Circuit route. Combining these two treks together makes an ultimate expedition in the Himalayas.
The trek starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar. More than half of the road is pitched, so the ride will be comfortable. After Dumre, we’ll drive on an uneven road to Besisahar.
Here, we will switch our vehicle and use an offroad-compatible four-wheeler to drive to Dharapani. We will start walking from Dharapani village. The trail goes along the Marsyangdi River, following the forests and valleys.
We will see gorgeous waterfalls and rivers along the way. There will be several exciting suspension bridges and wooden bridge crossings over gushing rivers. After Dharapani, we will spend nights in Chame, Upper Pisang, and Manang villages.
We have an acclimatization day in Manang that involves hiking to Ice Lake. As you go further into the trek, the vegetation becomes sparse, and you will hike above the treeline. The detour to Tilicho Lake involves walking on landslide-prone areas and glacial tracks.
This part of the trail is quite demanding and requires extra care. After the Tilicho Lake excursion, you will rejoin the Annapurna Circuit and ascend to Yak Kharka. Now, you will trek through alpine meadows and follow a steep, narrow path to Thorong Phedi via Ledar.
Thorong Phedi is the last settlement before Thorong La Pass. You may also spend the night at High Camp instead of Thorong Phedi. High Camp is situated a couple hundred meters above Thorong Phedi. Crossing
Thorong La Pass is the most difficult part of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking. It requires around 9 to 10 hours of tough walking. You will reach up to 5,416 meters above sea level. The high altitude, thin air, and low oxygen level make every step challenging.
The hard walk rewards you with one of the best mountain panoramas from the top of the pass. You will be mesmerized, and all your long hours and efforts will become meaningful. The trail then descends from the pass and crosses landslide debris and rocky outcrop on the way to Muktinath Temple.
Muktinath is a pilgrimage site in Nepal. The temple holds religious significance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Leaving Muktinath, you will trek through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
It is the last day of the trek and takes you to Jomsom village. In this part of the trail, you will enjoy arid landscapes, giant rocks, and lush meadows. The trek ends in Jomsom, and you will drive to Pokhara.
Take this opportunity to explore Pokhara, the second most famous tourist city in Nepal. The following day, you will drive back to Kathmandu.
Highlights
- One of the most adventurous, happening, and excellent treks of Nepal
- Ideal for experienced trekkers who are in good shape and want to challenge themselves
- Explore the rich flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area during the trek
- Trek through lush hills, beautiful valleys, and traditional Nepali villages
- Explore gorgeous waterfalls and rivers along the way and cross many thrilling suspension and wooden bridges
- Hike to Ice Lake during acclimatization in Manang village
- Explore the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake
- Traverse steep, narrow tracks while trekking to Thorong La Pass
- Witness stunning mountain panoramas throughout the trek and diverse landscapes
- Explore Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims in Nepal
- Hike through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world
- Witness arid landscapes, unique rocks, and vast meadows on the way to Jomsom
- Enjoy a scenic drive from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara, two famous tourist cities
Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake difficulty
- Strenuous (one of the most challenging treks in Nepal)
- Daily minimum walking hours: 6 hours
- Suitable for beginners? No. Previous high altitude experience and strong fitness are a must.
The Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is considered one of the most demanding treks in Nepal due to the offbeat terrain, steep ascents and descents, high altitude, long walking hours, and remoteness of the region.
The trail between Khangsar and Tilicho Lake is tricky, steep, and narrow. You have to be cautious while navigating this part of the trek, which involves rocky tracks, glacier walking, and even walking on the snow.
Likewise, crossing Thorong La Pass is another big challenge on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek. Thorong La is the highest pass in Nepal, and crossing it is like climbing a peak. You will walk around 9 to 10 hours to cross the pass while traversing a steep, rocky route.
Some other factors that make the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake strenuous are mentioned below:
- High altitude: High altitude makes trekking difficult because of low oxygen levels. It also carries the risk of altitude sickness and potentials like fatigue and headache, which may impact your journey. If you ascend too quickly, you are more prone to these problems, so take your time and enjoy the trip. Acclimatization is important.
- Offbeat terrain: Offbeat terrains are steep and rocky in many sections. Trekkers have to put more effort and care while navigating offbeat terrain, so strong fitness is required. Likewise, ascending and descending on offbeat terrain is physically and mentally very demanding. You cannot negotiate your fitness.
- Trek duration: The trek duration and daily walking hours also highly determine the overall difficulty of a trek in the Himalayas. The longer you stay in the mountains, the longer you walk and have to adjust to limited services. The Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake involves 10 days of walking, and each day, you will walk 6 to 7 hours on average, which is quite a lot.
- Varying environment: Many trekkers underestimate the effect of changing elevations and exposure to varying environments. These directly affect your body and mood. The higher you hike, the more the vegetation will become sparse, and the climate will get cold. The lushness will fade into bareness, and some trekkers may find its typical rugged landscapes a bit saddening. So, mentally, you have to be ready to embrace all shades of nature.
Who can do the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek is for physically fit travelers with previous high-altitude experience. It is a challenging trek, so we do not recommend it to the beginner trekkers.
The trek requires 6 hours of walking daily, which demands good fitness and willpower to push yourself. There is no age limit to join the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake 15 days, but the participant's fitness and previous high altitude exposure are non-negotiable.
Please do not take this trek lightly, and prepare yourself well for the adventure. Fit trekkers will best enjoy the journey!
If our proposed Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary does not suit your timing, pace, or other requirements. Feel free to get in touch with us to customize it. We will give you the best Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake cost.
How to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake?
Annapurna Circuit is famous, and many trekkers are attracted to its adventure and beauty. But little do they know that this trek is not as easy as it seems in pictures and videos. In fact, the Annapurna Circuit trek, with or without Tilicho Lake, is one of the most challenging treks in the world.
So, trekkers have to be fit to do this trek and also possess previous high-altitude experience. If you are going to do the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake, you must prepare before the trek starts to ensure you are ready to handle the challenges of this incredible trek.
Please follow the below tips to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake:
- Get strong: To traverse mountainous terrain, you have to get strong. Your core will be highly involved during the trek, and you will need to push yourself a lot. Strength training is highly recommended.
- Improve your stamina and endurance: You need excellent stamina and endurance to walk 6 hours a day for 10 days at high altitudes and rugged terrain. If you get your breath just climbing a couple of stories, you are not fit for the Annapurna Circuit.
- High-altitude exposure: If this is your first time experiencing high altitude, please consider a few day hikes or short treks before starting the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek. Previous high-altitude experience increases the trek's success rate for you.
- Research the trekking region and set the right expectations: Himalayan trails are different from other mountain ranges. They are remote, only accessible by walking, and have unpredictable weather conditions. The more you know the trekking region, the fewer disappointments you will have, and it will be easier to adjust and enjoy the trek.
Why do the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake with Base Camp Trip?
Base Camp Trip is a local Nepali trekking company. We will be your trekking partner for Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake. Our involvement will make the trek safe and hassle-free for you. By purchasing our Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake package, you will get a full service.
From obtaining the necessary permits for the trek to arranging transportation, a guide, a porter, accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and accommodation in the mountains, we will assist you with all these things.
On top of that, you can trust our Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake price. It is the most genuine in the market, and the service we offer is beyond the price we charge. We are here to make the Himalayas safe and approachable for foreigners.
On the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek every step is a new adventure, and every view is a reward. This is the trek where mountains test your limits, and the journey transforms you. If this is the time for your next adventure in the Himalayas, the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake might be the one.
Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake bookings are open for 2025 and 2026 departures. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact us.
