Among the most favorite treks of moderate trekkers is the Annapurna Circuit Trek with a visit to Lake Tilicho. Those adventurers in search of mountains, walking, and exposure to fresh alpine air consider this trek their final destination in the Himalayas. Annapurna itself is considered to be amongst the most beautiful mountain ranges around the globe, and the sceneries that surround the path while trekking add to the majesty of the Himalayas. The trek is full of breathtaking sights to behold, and that is something that will always remain in your memory.
The trekking journey starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, slowly engrossing you into beautiful hill villages like Chame, Pisang, Manang, Khangsar Village, Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, Thorung Phedi, Muktinath, and Jomsom. The trekking journey ends with a spectacular plane ride to Pokhara to finally bid adieu to this trekking journey while returning to Kathmandu. During this journey, you get to explore the beautiful Tilicho Lake, which ranks as one of the highest lake points around the planet, besides crossing the legendary Thorung La Pass.
The trek through the Annapurna Circuit and the lake of Tilicho also offers experiences of the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, besides moving through areas where diverse flora and fauna exist in large quantities. The trek is quite fascinating, given the fact that it encompasses natural, cultural, and high-altitude trekking experiences.
Highlights of the Trek to Annapurna Circuit Trek Via Tilicho Lake:
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Early in the morning, you will leave for Dharapani in a private vehicle. The drive should take approximately nine hours and includes passage along some serpentine roads that go through some lush green mountain ranges. You should get to see some of the nearby settlements along the way and enjoy some excellent mountain sights that include Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung.
Includes: Private transport, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharapani.
Today’s trekking trail provides magnificent views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525 meters), surrounded by the fascinating Annapurna range. Additionally, the trekking route presents a natural hot spring that will provide you with an ideal place to relax before heading onward.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chame.
Your trek for today will take you to Upper Pisang. Your route starts through the forested regions in the steep and narrow valleys. Following the crossing of the river, you’ll walk for a short while until you see another bridge at an elevation of 3,040 meters. After this point, you get to see the breathtaking Paungda Danda rock face. From this place, you begin to ascend gradually to Upper Pisang. As you make progress upwards, you walk through serene forest tracts, which sooner or later lead you to the top of the Manang Valley. This is where you find Upper Pisang, which is a vast village that has earned itself a reputation for having friendly residents. Here, some accommodations provide you with warm food to relish. This is where you spend the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Upper Pisang.
Today, you will trek in the higher region of the Manang District. It is a rain shadow region protected by the mighty Annapurna Mountain Range. The people in this area earn their livelihood through animal husbandry and agricultural farming. Going out of Upper Pisang, you can take either of two alternative routes, which run on either side of the Marsyangdi River, to merge again at Mungji. The southern route, which passes close to the runway at Hongde airstrip at 3,325 m, is a relatively easier climb, while the other route to Ghyaru is steeper but provides better mountain sightings. Mungji is where the trail leads further to the beautiful and hidden village of Braga (3,475 m) before finally culminating in the destination of the day, which is Manang.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Manang.
Today is your acclimatization day at Manang. This is the perfect day to explore the village and enjoy its beautiful surroundings while giving your body time to acclimatize to the height. This day gives you the chance to visit the monasteries dotted all around this place or just sit and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas that surround this village. Make sure to give yourself adequate time to rest and prepare for your trekking adventure ahead. It is also highly recommended to follow the advice of the Himalayan Rescue Association during your time at Manang, as their advice is of immense value to help you acclimate to the height properly.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Manang.
After having breakfast, you will start trekking to Khangsar, which is a village in the Manang district. Khangsar is a village at an elevation of 3,756 meters. It is a serene and pristine place that gives an insight into the lives of people in the Himalayan regions. In case of clear weather, you get to enjoy the sight of mountain peaks along with this trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Khangsar Village.
You will continue your journey right after your breakfast, heading towards Tilicho Base Camp, which is the starting point in the journey to Tilicho Lake-one of the highest lakes in the world, standing 4,919 meters above sea level. Along this trail, you can see the Blue Sheep, Yaks, and other alpine wildlife grazing in the meadows without the slightest disturbance. Additionally, while walking, you will also be able to see various superb peaks around, such as Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and other spectacular view mountains visible right from the trail. It will be quite a scenic and rewarding journey as you near the base camp.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tilicho Base Camp.
Today, you will take breakfast a bit earlier compared to the previous days and walk to avoid the wind. The time it takes from Base Camp to Tilicho Lake is 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon and early mornings before the sun, the temperature around Tilicho Lake is quite chilly. After enjoying the time around the lake, you will head back using the same route to Base Camp because there are no accommodation facilities around the lake areas of Tilicho Lake.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tilicho Base Camp.
After having your breakfast at the Base Camp, you will return by a trail that will take you around and then down, and cross the river on a log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. After that, you will ascend to Yak Kharka, where you will spend the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Yak Kharka.
After having your breakfast, you are going to begin the day. There are two ways you can go about trekking today. Either you go up to Thorong Phedi (4,450m), which is quite a short trek, or you go all the way up to High Camp (4,880m). It is not a problem in terms of distance, as it is about a 1.5-hour trek, but rather the fact that you are exceeding the recommended 500m ascent per day, and this is the highest point you are going to spend the night at so far in the Annapurna Circuit.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Thorong Phedi or High Camp.
After having breakfast, you’ll begin the trek towards Thorong La pass. Today is an important event because you’ll attempt to pass through Thorang La Pass, which is located at an impressive height of 5,416 meters, and it is also counted among the highest passes in the world. It normally takes about four hours to pass through Thorong La Pass, and this is because you have to reach the top, where you get to enjoy impressive sights of the mountains.
After crossing the pass, there is another trek of five hours, which will take you to the holy town of Muktinath. Located in the Muktinath Valley, this is a significant point of both Hindus and Buddhists alike. Named Mukti Kshetra by Hindus, meaning ‘place of salvation,’ the temple goes back to the Sri Vaishnava ideology and is worshiped by Buddhists too. Visit the holy Shree Muktinath Temple and perform the pious ritual of bathing in the 108 water springs and two Kunda there only. Along with this, there is the Jwala Mai Temple nearby, which consists of a spring and an eternal flame burning due to gases in the earth, which is quite intriguing to see.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Muktinath.
After breakfast, you head for Pokhara in a private vehicle. The journey takes eight hours through winding hill roads, showcasing the greenery of Nepal’s territories. Your route takes you through the banks of the Kali Gandaki, which is one of the quickest-moving rivers in Nepal. During this process, you can enjoy some stunning scenery, which includes Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, Lete, Ghasa, as well as the famous 300m waterfall known as Rupse Waterfall, among other stunning sites.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, English-speaking trekking guide, Private transport, and an overnight accommodation at the Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
After having breakfast, you’ll take a scenic road trip from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying all of the beautiful scenery during the trip. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel for relaxation after the long trip.
That evening, you will attend a free time activity, where you can wander around Thamel’s busy streets, full of shops, restaurants, and local culture. This is a great time to experience Kathmandu’s bustling energy before concluding your tour.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
