Journey on an incredible trail through Nepal’s stunning Annapurna region with our specially crafted Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake trekking package. Experience the best of both worlds as you trek along the classic Annapurna Circuit route while also venturing to the breathtaking Tilicho Lake, the highest lake on Earth.
As you traverse diverse landscapes, from lush paddy fields to rugged high-altitude deserts, you’ll encounter the vibrant cultures and traditions of Nepal’s ethnic communities. Marvel at the majestic Annapurna mountain range and conquer the challenging Thorong High Camp, standing tall at 4,925 meters (16,158 ft).
Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a combination of classical trekking journeys in the Annapurna region which takes you to the highest situated Tilicho Lake 4,949m and Thorong La Pass 5,416m. The trek offers you panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Mt. Machhapuchre, Tilicho Peak, and many others.
This is a challenging trek yet rewarding. You will explore the unique culture and traditions of Hindus and Buddhists and wander around the deepest Kali Gandaki gorge, the picturesque valleys like Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, etc, and experience the change in vegetation, all in the same trek.
Trek Highlights:
- Explore the mesmerizing Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world, nestled amidst towering Himalayan peaks, offering a tranquil and awe-inspiring setting.
- Conquer the iconic Thorong La Pass, standing at an elevation of 5,416 meters, and enjoy unparalleled vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Capture stunning vistas, colorful landscapes, and cultural encounters, creating lasting memories of your journey through the Annapurna region.
Cost Inclusion
- Private vehicle for airport arrival and departure
- All ground transportation (Public bus ticket from Kathmandu to Besisahar, a public jeep from Besisahar to Dharapani, public bus ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara and tourist bus ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu)
- Tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing
- Private vehicle for Kathmandu sightseeing
- Trekking Permit-Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card)
- ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
- Three nights hotel in Kathmandu on the basis of twin sharing with breakfast
- One night hotel in Pokhara
- Lodge accommodation (tea houses) during the trekking
- Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner tea/coffee in a cup only in trekking
- Experienced trekking guide (Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment)
- Porter (Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment)
- One porter is provided for two people
- 4-season sleeping bag, feather-down jacket only for trekking
- Fresh fruits
- Taxi services to/from the bus park
- Water purification
- Medical kit
- Coordination services for emergency and rescue operations
- Government and related local taxes
- Welcome and Farewell dinner at reputable restaurants
Cost Exclusions
- Nepalese visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, battery charges, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, hot showers, heater, phone calls, etc
- All soft and hard drinks
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for the breakfast
- Monument entrance fee in Kathmandu heritage sightseeing
- Tips to guide and porter
- Any additional overnights in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels in early return from the trek
- All your personal things and necessaries which are not mentioned in cost included
Itinerary
Namaste and Welcome. Today one of our representative will receive you at the airport upon your
arrival. You will then transfer to the hotel in Thamel.
In the evening you will meet with your guide & will be briefly described the trekking. Afterward, you are
free to explore the Thamel.
This day is the most important day because we have to make trekking permit for Annapurna Circuit trek.
In the meantime, you will have a pleasant day in Kathmandu which is also the capital city of Nepal. You will explore the world heritage sites located in Kathmandu- the holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath (Little Tibet), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) & monasteries, old Royal Palaces, and courtyard.
Today you will drive to Besisahar. You will pass through beautiful mountain areas, drive mostly alongside the river and will take around 6-7 hours to reach Besisahar. There is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Besisahar. You will check in here. Overnight stay in Besisahar.
Early morning after breakfast you will drive to Dharapani by local jeep via Chamje village. The trail passes through barley, rice and potato fields; and waterfalls. Overnight stay in Daharapani.
This is the first day of your trekking. After breakfast, your morning walk leads on winding a path through bush and pine forest and past Bagarchhap and Danaque village, followed by a steep climb of few hours to Timang village that offers very good views of Manaslu-Lamjung and Annapurna II.
From Timang village we walk a short downhill and bit up, eventually reaching the Chame for an overnight stop. Chame is a major city of the Manang district.
The adventure continues from Chame heading into the cooler zones and nearer to mountainous regions, because the morning walk leads into the lush alpine forest of bush and pine trees, following the Marshyangdi River. Short up- and down-hill strips bring you to Bhartang village.
After Bhartang village, we cross a bridge over the torrential Marysangdi River and head uphill through alpine woodlands with views of Chulu’s and Pisang peaks. We reach a little settlement around Dukuripokhari around lunch time. Within the afternoon we walk on flat land to the lower Pisang village for an overnight stop after passing rows of prayer wheels with nearest views of Pisang and Annapurna II peaks.
The day starts with a short walk leading us to a gradual climb into lovely forests jam-packed with pine trees and bush. We walk downhill to Hongde, a village with a small airport when that the tree lines begin to fade coming into barren and dry land.
(You might trek to the higher path via Ghyaru & Ngawal village that offers nice mountain views of Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Lamjumg Himal, Tilicho Himal, Gangapurna, Pisang peak, Chulu peak)
The walk continues to Manang village, giving very good mountain views. On the way, we stop for a visit to previous Braga that contains previous Buddhist relics. From there, we trek for another hour and make in Manang village wherever we will stop for the night.
After many days of continuous trekking, today you stay at Manang for acclimatization. It is important for you to acclimatize this day because the altitude is going to rise up to 4700m in coming days.
We will go for side hike to Gangapurna Lake and doing some excursions with the wonderful views around the villages. We can also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic. Overnight stay in hotel.
After a pleasant and exciting day at Manang village our trek continuous to our highlight of this trip at Tilicho Lake. From Manang Village, our route diverts from main Annapurna circuit trail to reach the last village of Manang at Khangsar located on route Tilicho Lake. From here walk uphill to reach Shree Kharka for overnight stay.
Another short day walks this morning entering into the more barren and windswept area, after a short downhill for few hours with uphill climb gaining altitude to our destination at Tilicho base camp for an overnight before the highest lake.
Early morning you will hike to Tilicho Lake. The Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world as sometimes the reflection of the surrounding peaks are seen on the turquoise waters, at other times the lake is literally frozen. Take a break and enjoy the moment.
After a wonderful time in Tilicho Lake, you will head back to base camp. After having launch at base camp, you will then follow back the same trail to Shree Kharka for an overnight saty.
From here, now you will return back to main trail of Annapurna circuit at Yak kharka. On the way you can see a lot of yaks grazing and standing around. Walk until you cross the bridge over the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. Overnight stay.
Early morning after breakfast we head towards Thorang Phedi for a shortstop to catch our breath on this high altitude. We then ascend steeply on a zig-zag-shaped path for regarding one hour to reach in our highest overnight stop of the journey at Thorang High Camp at 4,925 m altitude. To sleep at the High Camp provides an excellent advantage for the crossing of the high Thorang-la pass next morning as we are able to save energy and time.
A Big Day! And also the main highlight of this overwhelming adventure! after early morning breakfast we begin our slow and long ascent to Thorang-La pass on a winding path, reaching the highest at 5,416 m Thorang-la pass. This is the highest spot of the journey which provides the wonderful views of Dhaulagiri and Thorang peak, and many more Chulus and Damodar Himal within the Mustang.
After this exciting experience, we start our long descent to a small settlement known as Phedi. From here, we continue on a pleasing path for an hour to reach Muktinath for our overnight stop.
Muktinath is a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The word “Muktinath” virtually means that ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’. Visit the temple premises with 108 holy waterspouts whereas enjoying grand views of the North Face of Dhaulagiri.
Today our trek first go down to Kagbeni, which is a 990 meter descend through meadows, streams and fruit trees like peach orchards. Then we continue going down to Jomson (more correctly Dzongsam, or “new fort”). Overnight at Jomsom.
After the adventurous journey you will finally drive back to the beautiful city Pokhara for overnight stay. You will have a pleasure time in Pokhara.
(You can also directly go by plane to Pokhara which is just takes 20 mins.)
Early morning you will drive back to Kathmandu. Soon you reach Kathmandu you will be transfer back to your hotel and also the afternoon is free for your individual activities as you’ll wish to travel buying souvenirs or fancy the urban environment of Kathmandu after two weeks within the calm and remote mountains.
If it’s departure day for you then we will drop you to the airport as per your flight time by one of our representative.
With a sweet memories together but not as the last time, we will bid farewell hoping to see you again in future.
If it’s not a departure day then we can have a discussion about your future trip or anything else.
Planning and Preparation are very important to have a safe and sustainable experience while trekking. Focusing only on fitness is not what you should be doing to prepare for the trek, instead, there are so many key factors that you should consider before leaving for the trek.
Things like gear & equipment, mental preparation, budgeting, planning itinerary, acclimatization, safety & other important factors are necessary to avoid trekking errors. Here are some important factors to plan & prepare for a safe & sustainable trek in Nepal:
Gears & Equipment: Packing list for EBC
Packing the right gear & equipment can save you from any unnecessary expenses. To make it easy for you, here is the checklist of the packing list for the Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake Trek .
Clothing gear for the trek
Down jackets
Trekking boots
Long sleeve t-shirts
Gortex-waterproof
windproof jackets
Hiking socks
Beanie
UV rays protected sunglasses
Nylon windproof pants Nylon
windproof pants
Water bottles
Gloves
Neck gaiter
Essential gears for the trek
Duffle bag (It is provided by us without extra charges if you trek with us)
Minimum 40L daypack for carrying essential items during the trek
Water bottles or Camelbak (Hydration bladder)
Sleeping bags
Trekking poles
Quick dry trekking towels
Toiletries Items
Toilet paper
Soap
Shampoo Diaper
Rash cream
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Lip balm
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Hairbrush
Foods and Snacks
Snacks (which include chocolate bars and Protein & carb-containing foods)
Thermos (For storing hot water for a longer time)
Re-hydration powder (To stay hydrated)
Important Documents
Passport (It is needed for entry gate registration)
Visa
Travel Insurance
Additional Supplies
Portable solar charger/power bank
Playing cards or any other games
DSLR cameras
Book
What can you rent in Thamel, Kathmandu for your trek?
In Thamel, Kathmandu, we can recommend several rental shops where you can rent a Down Jacket, sleeping bag, and Trekking Pole, and buy the remaining gear too. We also offer quality sleeping bag rental service.
I am Vegan, what extra things should I pack for the trek?
If you are a vegan, it is strongly recommended to bring additional protein bars or snacks for the trek. The cost of snacks in the trekking trail will be expensive, so prepare accordingly.
More Details
Accommodations and Foods on the Trekking Trail:
When trekking along a trail, especially in remote or mountainous regions, you can expect various types of accommodations depending on the area and the level of development. The most common word for accommodation that is used in the high-altitude trekking trail is “Tea House”.
What is a Tea House?
A tea house, particularly in the context of trekking in Nepal, refers to a type of lodging establishment commonly found along popular trekking routes. These tea houses are usually family-run guesthouses or lodges that cater to trekkers and provide basic accommodation and meals.
Tea houses are typically built using local materials such as stone, wood, and tin roofs. They offer a range of facilities including bedrooms with twin beds or dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, communal dining areas, and basic sanitation facilities such as shared toilets and sometimes hot showers.
In addition to accommodation, tea houses also serve meals, snacks, and beverages to trekkers, often including a variety of local and international dishes. They may also offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, charging facilities for electronic devices, and small shops selling basic supplies and souvenirs at a small cost.
Tea houses play a crucial role in supporting trekking tourism in Nepal by providing comfortable and affordable lodging options for trekkers, allowing them to rest and refuel during their journeys through the mountains.
Foods & Drinks in Trekking Trail:
Food costs are usually included in the cost inclusion which is why you will get Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner during the trek at tea houses. Usually, your trip package covers three-course meals, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & seasonal fruits with 3 times Tea or Coffees per day. However, any kind of beverage drinks or desserts, snacks, or alcoholic beverages is not included.
It is also important to note that the food options are limited at higher elevations and some foods may not be available. Food options like vegan or veg can also be found in tea houses which is good news for vegans/vegetarians However, you may lack protein which is why we recommend you bring extra protein bars with you.
During Lunch, you can have your own choice of meal from Continental, Chinese, Indian, & Nepali Cuisine in Everest. Guide & Porters are served with Dal Vat Tarkari, a typical Nepali food that includes rice, lentil soup & vegetable curry.
Similarly, since you will be trekking after eating lunch, we highly suggest you eat food with high amounts of carbohydrates which gives you energy as there will be no shop in the way so that you can buy snacks.
The menu price will be different in each tea house which is why don’t let it bother you.
Best Time to Trek
Trekking in Nepal offers the best experience to any adventurer visually as well as mentally with breathtaking landscapes, majestic Himalayas, histories, local traditions, & others. However, experiencing those meaningful & memorable events falls under different months and seasons.
Even though the months of Spring & Autumn season are considered the best time to trek in Nepal, there are other months of Monsoon & Winter seasons that you may want to consider. Aside from the trekking experience, there are events, festivals, and local traditions that you can experience.
Let’s explore the best times to trek in Nepal, along with the highlights and considerations for each season that may meet your expectations:
Spring Trekking in Nepal (March-May)
Spring is arguably one of the most popular seasons for trekking in Nepal. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with warmer temperatures and blooming flora painting the hillsides in vibrant hues.
During this period, several festivals and events take place, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nepalese culture and traditions. Here are some notable events that occur in Nepal during the spring season, organized by month:
March:
Holi: Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna, usually falling in March, Holi is a colorful festival known as the “Festival of Colors.”
Ghode Jatra: Ghode Jatra, or the “Festival of Horses,” is celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, particularly at the Tundikhel grounds in Kathmandu. This event features horse parades, races, and various cultural performances.
April:
Bisket Jatra: Bisket Jatra is a traditional New Year festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, one of the three medieval city-states in the Kathmandu Valley. The highlight of the festival is the pulling of chariots carrying the images of various deities, accompanied by music, dance, and cultural rituals.
Buddha Jayanti: Also known as Buddha Purnima, this festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha. Devotees visit Buddhist shrines and monasteries to offer prayers, light butter lamps, and participate in religious ceremonies.
May:
Rato Machhendranath Jatra: Held annually in Lalitpur, the Rato Machhendranath Jatra is one of Nepal’s longest and most vibrant chariot festivals. A towering chariot carrying the idol of the deity Rato Machhendranath is pulled through the streets by devotees, accompanied by music and dance performances.
Seto Machhendranath Jatra: Similar to the Rato Machhendranath Jatra, the Seto Machhendranath Jatra is celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, particularly in Kathmandu and Patan. The festival honors the deity Seto Machhendranath, and devotees gather to pull the chariot housing his idol, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
These are just a few of the many festivals and events that take place in Nepal during the spring season. After completing your trekking in Nepal, you can take part in these events if you like.
Monsoon Trekking in Nepal (June to September)
During the monsoon season, which typically spans from June to September, Nepal experiences heavy rainfall and humid conditions, especially in the southern regions. This period, also known as the summer season, brings both challenges and opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Ropain: Ropain, also known as the rice planting festival, is celebrated by farmers across Nepal in June. It marks the beginning of the rice planting season and is observed with traditional rituals and ceremonies.
Teej: Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women in Nepal, usually in August or September. It is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and involves fasting, singing, dancing, and offering prayers for the well-being of spouses and families
Gai Jatra: Gai Jatra, meaning the “Cow Festival,” is celebrated in August in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a festival of dancing, singing, and processions, where families who have lost loved ones during the year parade cows through the streets to honor the deceased and bring them peace in the afterlife.
Indra Jatra: Indra Jatra is one of the most important festivals in Kathmandu, celebrated in September. It honors the Hindu god Indra, the god of rain, and is marked by colorful processions, masked dances, and cultural performances.
These are just a few of the festivals and events that take place in Nepal during the monsoon season.
Trekking in Autumn season
Nepal’s autumn season, spanning from September to November, is widely regarded as the best time to visit the country for trekking and outdoor adventures.
With clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning mountain views, autumn offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking to explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here’s what you can expect during Nepal’s autumn season:
Chhath Puja: Chhath Puja, a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god, Surya, is observed by people of the Terai region in November. Devotees offer prayers and offerings to the rising and setting sun, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Mani Rimdu: In November, the Sherpa community in the Everest region celebrates Mani Rimdu, a colorful Buddhist festival that includes masked dances, religious ceremonies, and the imparting of blessings by lamas. Visitors to the region can witness this unique cultural
Winter Trekking in Nepal
Nepal’s winter season, spanning from December to February, offers a unique and enchanting experience for travelers seeking a different perspective on the Himalayan nation.
Christmas and New Year: December marks the festive season worldwide, and Nepal is no exception. Kathmandu and other major cities come alive with colorful decorations, Christmas markets, and special events to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year.
Makar Sankranti: In mid-January, Nepalis celebrate Makar Sankranti, a festival marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
While the higher Himalayan regions experience cold temperatures and snowfall, Nepal’s lower valleys and plains enjoy milder weather, making it a comfortable time to explore cultural sites, wildlife reserves, and vibrant cities.
