The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a spectacular journey through the heart of the Himalayas. This trek is one of the most popular routes in Nepal and offers an unforgettable adventure for travelers looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

This Trek is a 21-day journey that takes hikers through stunning mountain scenery, quaint villages, and breathtaking landscapes. The trail passes through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers, providing hikers with an immersive experience of the Himalayas’ natural beauty.

One of the highlights of this trek is the Tilicho Lake, a pristine glacial lake located at an altitude of 4,919 meters. The lake is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. The trek to Tilicho Lake is challenging, but the stunning views and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for any hiker.

The Trek also takes hikers through several charming villages, where they can experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the local communities. These villages offer a glimpse into traditional Nepalese life and are a great opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their customs and traditions.

Overall, the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a challenging and rewarding journey that offers an immersive experience of the Himalayas’ natural beauty and cultural richness. This trek is a must-do for any adventure seeker and is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who undertake it.

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a popular and challenging trek that takes hikers through the scenic and culturally rich region of the Annapurna Range in Nepal. The trek is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a 21-day journey that starts in the city of Kathmandu and takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including lush forests, steep mountainsides, and high-altitude deserts. The trail passes through several picturesque villages, including Pisang, Manang, and Thorong La Pass, where hikers can experience the unique culture and traditions of the local communities.

One of the highlights of the trek is the Tilicho Lake, a pristine glacial lake located at an altitude of 4,919 meters. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek to Tilicho Lake is a challenging ascent, but the stunning views and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for any hiker.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake also offers hikers a chance to explore the region’s diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, and blue sheep. The trek also offers hikers the opportunity to witness traditional Nepalese culture and lifestyle up close and interact with the friendly locals.

Overall, the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a challenging and rewarding journey that offers hikers an unforgettable experience of the Himalayas’ natural beauty and cultural richness. This trek is suitable for experienced hikers who are physically fit and ready for a demanding adventure. However, with proper preparation and guidance, anyone can undertake this trek and enjoy the stunning views and unique cultural experiences it offers.

Highlights

Stunning Mountain Scenery: The trek takes hikers through some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes in the world, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and glacial lakes.
Cultural Experiences: The trek offers hikers the opportunity to experience traditional Nepalese culture and lifestyle up close, including visiting local villages, interacting with locals, and learning about their customs and traditions.
Challenging Trekking Experience: The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a demanding trek that requires a high level of fitness and experience. Hikers need to be prepared for long days of trekking, high-altitude challenges, and steep ascents and descents.
Tilicho Lake: The highlight of the trek is the Tilicho Lake, a pristine glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks that offer stunning views and a serene atmosphere. The trek to Tilicho Lake is a challenging ascent, but the reward is worth it.
Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife: The trek takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including lush forests, steep mountainsides, and high-altitude deserts. The region is also home to rare and endangered wildlife, including snow leopards, musk deer, and blue sheep, providing hikers with a unique opportunity to witness these species in their natural habitat.

Day 1 :

Kathmandu to Chame

The journey to the Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2,710m), which takes around 10 hours.
The route takes you through the Trishuli River Valley and up the winding roads to the mountains.
Along the way, you'll see beautiful views of the Himalayas, local villages, and terraced farmland.
Overnight stay in a teahouse in Chame.

Day 2 :

Chame to Pisang

After breakfast, start your trek to Pisang (3,300m) which takes around 5-6 hours.
The trail takes you through dense pine forests, across suspension bridges, and along the Marsyangdi River.
You'll also pass through small traditional villages and enjoy views of the Annapurna Range and Manaslu.
Overnight stay in a teahouse in Pisang.

Day 3 :

Pisang to Manang

Today's trek takes you from Pisang to Manang (3,540m), which takes around 5-6 hours.
Along the way, you'll pass through the beautiful landscape of the Upper Pisang region, and visit the famous Barge Monastery.
You'll also enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas and get a chance to see the traditional lifestyle of the local people.
Overnight stay in a teahouse in Manang.

Day 4 :

Acclimatization day in Manang

Today is a rest day in Manang, to allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude.
You can explore the village, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, and enjoy the stunning views of the Gangapurna and Annapurna ranges.
Optional side trips are available in the afternoon, such as a visit to the Ice Lake or Milarepa Cave.
Overnight stay in a teahouse in Manang.

Day 5 :

Manang to Khangsar

After breakfast, start trekking towards Khangsar (3,734m), which takes around 3-4 hours.
The trail takes you along the river and past small settlements, with stunning views of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak.
Overnight stay in a teahouse in Khangsar.

Day 6 :

Khangsar to Tilicho Lake

Today's trek is the highlight of the trip as you trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Lake (4,919m).
The trek takes around 6-7 hours, with steep ascents and descents as you cross a high pass to reach the lake.
The Tilicho Lake is a breathtaking sight, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine glacial water.
After spending time at the lake, trek back to the teahouse for the night.

Day 7 :

Tilicho Lake to Manang

After breakfast, start trekking back to Manang (3,540m), which takes around 7-8 hours.
The trail takes you back along the Marsyangdi River, with stunning views of the mountains and landscapes.
Overnight stay in a teahouse in Manang.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.