Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Trip Overview

Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trekking is widely recognized as one of the most popular and demanding trekking and hiking routes in the Annapurna region. At Trekkings Hub, we have designed a 16-day itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trekking, which includes a side trip to Tilicho Lake – one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Starting from Kathmandu, the trail takes you through Dharapani and follows the Marsyangi River Valley, offering breathtaking views of the stunning Tilicho Lake. You will then conquer the world’s highest pass (Thorong La-5416m) before descending to Muktinath and continuing along the Kali Gandaki River Valley, home to the world’s deepest gorge. Initially, you will follow the traditional Annapurna trail until you reach Manang. From there, you will embark on a captivating 3- to 4-day journey to the pristine Tilicho Lake, situated at an impressive altitude of 4949 m/16237 ft above sea level. The beauty of this heavenly destination will leave you awe-struck. After experiencing the mesmerizing beauty of Tilicho Lake, you will rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trek trail at Yak Kharka and continue onwards to Thorong La – the highest point of the trek, standing tall at 5416m above sea level. Upon conquering the summit, you will descend to Muktinath and eventually make your way back to Kathmandu via Pokhara. The excursion to Tilicho Lake during the Annapurna Circuit trek offers an unforgettable and delightful experience throughout the entire journey.

Highlight

  • Begin your journey by exploring the vibrant city of Kathmandu before embarking on the trek to Tilicho Lake in the Annapurna Circuit.
  • Experience the breathtaking scenery as you travel to Besishahar in a bus or jeep, immersing yourself in the charming surroundings.
  • From Besishahar, take a jeep to Dharapani, which serves as the starting point for the trek.
  • Follow the well-marked trail of the Annapurna Circuit until you reach Manang, and then continue towards the magnificent Tilicho Lake.
  • Marvel at the beauty of Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world, standing at an impressive altitude of 4949m above sea level.
  • Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the lake and admire the majestic white mountains of the Annapurna Ranges that surround it.
  • Resume your journey by rejoining the Annapurna track at Yak Kharka and continuing your trek towards the next destination.
  • Challenge yourself by reaching the summit of Thorong La, standing tall at an elevation of 5416m.
  • Descend to the enchanting Muktinath village, known for its Muktinath Temple, a revered shrine for both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Discover the wonders of the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, a natural marvel that will leave you in awe.
  • After crossing the pass, explore the Tibetan plateau against the backdrop of the magnificent Mt. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.
  • Conclude your adventure by flying from Jomsom to Pokhara and eventually returning to Kathmandu, where your trip begins and ends.

Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a renowned trekking route in the Annapurna region that takes you to the summit of Thorong La, the highest pass in the world, situated just below Thorong Peak. Before reaching this point, you will have the opportunity to visit the stunning and highest glacier lake, Tilicho. After conquering Thorong La, you will descend to Muktinath and then explore the awe-inspiring Kaligandaki gorge, known as the world’s deepest, and immerse yourself in the Tibetan-influenced villages nestled beneath the majestic Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Mountains. Throughout this journey, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, encounter diverse climates, encounter charming local villages, witness magnificent waterfalls, traverse rice terraces, and immerse yourself in the local culture, as well as the rich flora and fauna of the region.

Embark on our 16-day Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trekking adventure, commencing with an exploration of the captivating kingdom of Kathmandu. Following this, we will embark on a picturesque bus journey to Besihhahar, traversing the enchanting Tirshuli and Marsyangi River Valleys. Departing from Kathmandu after a delightful breakfast, our expedition will lead us through quaint villages, terraced rice fields, and vibrant marketplaces. Continuing along the Kathmandu-Pokhara route until Dumre, situated 134 km west of Kathmandu, we will then veer left towards Besishahar, the administrative center of the Lamjung District, located 45 km from Dumre.

When embarking on the journey from Besishahar to Dharapani, you will be transported in a Jeep along the renowned Annapurna Circuit Trail. Unfortunately, the transportation infrastructure has caused some damage to the most picturesque section of the trail. Nevertheless, you will still have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the lush green valley, enchanting waterfalls, and charming local villages during the jeep ride. Dharapani serves as the convergence point for two remarkable circuits, namely the Annapurna and Manaslu circuits. It is where the Annapurna Circuit trek begins and the Manaslu Circuit trek concludes. If you desire to experience both circuit treks in a single holiday, we recommend our Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek packages.

Our journey begins in Dharapani, where we will start walking for the rest of the trail until we reach Jomsom. Along the way, we will pass through a variety of villages, with the majestic Annapurna range serving as a stunning backdrop. This range includes peaks such as Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). Our first stop is Chame, the headquarters of the Manang District, which is reached after traversing beautiful terrain. From there, we continue to Pisang, a village known for its breathtaking views of Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and other peaks. Finally, we arrive at the highlight of the trek, Manang (3,540m), which offers a wealth of natural and cultural beauty. In Manang, we have the opportunity to visit Gangapuran Tal (3,872m) and Cave Gompa (4,000m), two popular landmarks in the area.

After visiting Manang, your next destination will be the awe-inspiring Tilicho Lake, which holds the title of being the highest lake in the world. To reach there, you will traverse through Khangsar (3734m) and Tilicho Base Camp (4150m). This journey is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you breathless. The Tilicho Lake Trek is not only a remarkable adventure but also provides the perfect acclimatization for crossing the Thorong La pass, which stands at an impressive altitude of 5416m. From the lake, you will be treated to the most magnificent views of the surrounding peaks before continuing your trek to Yak Kharka. As you follow the trail uphill, you will eventually reach Thorong La. Once you have successfully conquered this challenging pass, you will descend to Muktinath through a steep, downhill path. Muktinath is a sacred site revered by both Buddhist and Hindu devotees. Located on the Tibetan plateau amidst arid terrain, it offers a unique blend of Tibetan influences and a chance to explore their rich culture. Afterward, you will take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and finally return to Kathmandu, where our Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trek concludes.

Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost for 2024 -2025

The Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake is a fascinating trekking trail that attracts many adventure enthusiasts. It is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking views and challenging routes. Our Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit trek offers an unforgettable experience for those who wish to explore the entire Annapurna region. We take pride in providing top-notch services to our trekkers, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction throughout the journey. Our trek cost is very reasonable, ranging from USD1200 to USD1500 per person, depending on the group size. However, we urge you not to focus on the cost solely but also consider the exceptional service and benefits you will receive. To truly understand the level of service we offer, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Our package includes a comprehensive range of services, from your arrival to departure. This includes transportation, permits, experienced guides, porters, comfortable accommodation, ground transportation, flights, and well-deserved compensation for our staff. Additionally, we provide insurance coverage for all our staff members. The size of the group determines the cost of the trek. If you are traveling in a group, you can enjoy discounted rates. Even if you are traveling solo, we ensure that you receive the same level of care and attention. Embark on this thrilling adventure with us and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us now to book your Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek and experience our exceptional service firsthand.

  • The Cost of the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek Cost is USD1500, if you are solo
  • The Cost of the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek Cost is USD 1300 P/P if you are in a Group of 2-6
  • The Cost of the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek Cost is USD 1200 P/P if you are in a Group of 7-10+ pax

Itinerary

Once you arrived in Kathmandu International Airport, our representatives will be waiting for you in the arrival section. You will be greeted and be transferred to the hotel.

Max. Altitude: 1350m/4429.134ft

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Early in the morning, we drive 170km westwards to the starting point of our trekking in Jagat. The road is curvy and passes through the hills that connect us to countryside villages and farming lands. The drive moves along and crosses several main rivers flowing from the glacial mountains to the north; including the Trishuli River, a popular rafting point. At Dumre, we turn north towards Marshyangdi River to reach Besi Sahar. The drive follows Marshyangdi River towards Syange (with a high waterfall), and we drive on to Jagat (a previous toll place on the ancient salt-trade way to Tibet). Overnight at a lodge in Jagat.

Max. Altitude: 1300m/4329ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/tea house

Moving along the east bank of Marshyangdi River, the track ascends slowly, before the valley opens into a large highland at Tal (1511m), the first village of Manang district. After crossing the broad flat gorge and the barley and potato fields, the trail climbs sharply on a stone stairway high above the stream. There are some sudden ups and downs on this section passing through jungles of blue pine to Dharapani (1946m). Overnight at a lodge in Dharapani.

Max. Altitude: 1860m/6138ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

From Dharapani, the track passes a school, ascends, and again descends gently to Bagarchhap. Bagarchhap is a small village with distinctive Tibetan houses and peaceful vibes of Buddhist culture. The trail ascends to the mule track through pine and fir forests and then follows the stream for some time amongst the higher oak and maple trees. We pass through dispersed small villages before arriving in Chame (2670m). Overnight at a lodge in Chame.

Max. Altitude: 2670m/8899ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

We follow the trails of Marshyangdi to Brathang from where we get a spectacular close-up view of Annapurna II (7937m). We continue the trek via the forest with the amazing Paungda Danda rock face escalating more than 5,000 feet from the stream. After passing a suspension bridge, we ascend for some time and then walk downhill to the valley floor. Finally, we walk across dry grazing land dwelling at Dhukur Pokhari. After walking for around half an hour from Dhukur Pokhari, we reach Pisang (3,190m). There are good views of the Annapurna range and Pisang Peak (6091m) seen from the village of Pisang. Overnight at a lodge in Pisang.

Max. Altitude: 3200m/10666ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

We trek on a difficult road onto the dry Nyesyang region that starts from Upper Pisang and offers some of the best landscapes. Ghyaru is a captivating cluster-village with attractively built stone houses enclosed by meadows of wheat, barley, buckwheat, potatoes, and beans. Then, along high cross with great landscape, up and down the valley, to Ngawal–an exciting village with Gompa and age-old juniper trees. The trail now slowly descends to Mungji from where we head to reach the renowned Thakali village of Manang. You will be enjoying with the best view of Annapurna range. Overnight at a lodge in Manang.

Max. Altitude: 3540m/11800ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

Today is acclimatizing/rest day. We hike to Chhunker viewpoint where we get to relish the view of the pristine Gangapurna Lake with a backdrop of the Annapurna Range, Tilicho Peak (7134m), Pisang Peak (6091m), Chulo Peak (6584m), Thorong Peak (5416m), and so on. Then we retrace back to our lodge for lunch, a typical Thakali meal. After lunch, we hike to Cave Gompa (4500m), which is again an excellent viewpoint to enjoy the Annapurna Range panorama. Then, we return back to the lodge for the overnight stay. Overnight at a lodge in Manang.

Max. Altitude: 3540m/11800ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

We walk towards Khangsar village for about 2 hours and visit the monastery here. Crossing several suspension bridges over Khangsar Khola, we continue moving uphill on an unclear path until we reach Thare Gompa. From Thare Gompa, we can have a 360-degree view of the mountains of Annapurna region. Following Khangsar Khola upstream, we continue climbing through an unclear trail. We cross a big landslide zone and make our way through a narrow path to arrive at Tilicho Base Camp. We will be rewarded with a close-up view of Tilicho Peak (7134m) along with other peaks of the region. Overnight at a lodge in Tilicho BC.

Max. Altitude: 4150m/13835ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

Early in the morning, the vertical track ascends for about 3 hours until we reach Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world for its size. It is a breathtaking spectacle when the surrounding hills and mountains reflect upon the pristine lake. We spend some time around the lake, letting the tranquility of the environment sink in. Later, we hike back to our lodge in Tilicho Base Camp for the overnight stay. Overnight at a lodge in Tilicho BC.

Max. Altitude: 4920m/16400ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

Leaving Tilicho Base Camp with fond memories of Tilicho Lake and the surrounding mountains, we retrace our way across the big landslide zone to arrive in Thare Gompa. We are still accompanied by the surrounding mountains, throughout the trek. From Thare Gompa, we ascend alongside Thorung Khola and join the main Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. The trail ascends steeply to the village of Tenki, which is the last permanent settlement, around Thorung La. We walk a little further and then slowly outline the meadows to Yak Kharka (3900m). Overnight at a lodge in Yak Kharka.

Max. Altitude: 4018m/13400ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

 

It is a difficult trek to Thorang Phedi. After walking further, we pass a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We climb furthermore and pass via immense cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi.  On this trip, we are able to witness one of the finest views of peaks like Gundang (5312m), Syagang (6026m), Thorung (644m), and Khatungkang (6484). The word Phedi in Nepalese denotes the foot of a mountain. Overnight at a lodge in Thorong Phedi.

Max. Altitude: 4450m/14835ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

We start early from Phedi as we walk up a tough trail today. Climbing up on a steep and narrow trail, we reach the highest pass of the world, Thorong La Pass (5416m). From Thorong La Pass, we can enjoy the amazing views of the Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal (6473m) bordering Dolpo to the west. The trail goes downhill over glacial moraine, which gives way to lush fields before we reach Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Holy water flows from the 108 carved taps surrounding the temple. Overnight at a lodge in Muktinath.

Max. Altitude: 5416m/18050ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

From Muktinath, we commence our return journey gradually walking along the ridge with unparalleled sights of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri Peak (7061m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), Annapurna I (8091m), and so on. Descending along the bare hills on a sandy path, we reach Lupra Village, which is one of the oldest settlements of this region. In Lupra village, we visit the 11th-century Lupra Monastery, where we can see the paintings of the various deities of Tibetan Buddhism. From Lupra, we descend alongside Panda River until we reach a suspension bridge below Ekle Bhatti. Then an easy walk along the Kali Gandaki River takes us back to the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight at a lodge in Jomsom.

Max. Altitude: 2790m/9300ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: tea house

Early in the morning, we take a flight back to Pokhara enjoying the scenic landscape. You can spend the day in the Lake City either sightseeing or take part in adventure sports. The town offers splendid views of Annapurna (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), and Manaslu (8156m). In the evening, you can stroll around the lakeside area. Overnight at a 5-star hotel in Pokhara.

Max. Altitude: 822m /2740ft

Meal: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Late afternoon, we take a 25 minutes flight from Pokhara and fly over the mountains one last time before landing in Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time exploring the vibrant markets of Kathmandu. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Max. Altitude: 1324m/4413ft

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel

We drop you at the airport few hours before the scheduled time of your flight. Farewell and we hope to see you again!

Max. Altitude: 1324m/4413ft

Meal: Breakfast

Cost Detail

Cost Include

  • Our services include transportation to and from the airport in a private vehicle, following the Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary and package.
  • You will have two nights of accommodation in Kathmandu before starting the Tilicho ACT Trek, as well as one night after the trek. The accommodation in the city includes breakfast.
  • Included in the cost is a half-day tour in Kathmandu, which comprises a knowledgeable guide, a private vehicle, and the entrance fees.
  • Kathmandu to Besishiahar, the trekking commence point by public bus
  • Besishahar to Dharapani in a Sharing Jeep
  • During the trek, you will stay in mountain lodges as per the itinerary.
  • All your meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be provided.
  • A professional local guide who is licensed by the government, well-trained, and fluent in English will accompany you.
  • We will provide a porter service, with 2 trekkers assigned to 1 porter. The maximum weight for a porter is 20kg.
  • All expenses for our staff, including their food, insurance, accommodation, equipment, and a fair salary, are covered.
  • A daily provision of fresh seasonal fruit, along with 3 cups of tea or coffee, accompanied by cookies, nuts, and a chocolate bar.
  • Trekking poles, a company-branded T-shirt, a duffel bag, and a map.
  • All necessary permits, including the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System), and conservation area permits.
  • Commence from Jomsom to Pokhara in a Flight of 25 minutes.
  • One-night accommodation in Pokhara at Hotel with breakfast
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu in a Tourist Coach
  • A government tax of 13% and company service fees.
  • Experience and appreciation certificate
  • A well-equipped first-aid box.

Cost Exclude

  • The visa fees for Nepal are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days per person.
  • International airfare is not included in the travel package and needs to be arranged separately.
  • Private vehicles are available at an extra cost
  • Domestic flight between Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • Visitors are advised to have travel and medical insurance for their safety.
  • In cases of unexpected bad weather conditions, extra days may be required and should be planned accordingly.
  • Some amenities, such as hot showers, drinking water, WIFI, laundry, and batteries, may come at an additional cost.
  • Personal expenses, extra drinks, and lost items are not included in the travel package.

Quck Inquiry

USD 1200

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