Tilicho Lake Trek | Around Annapurna and Tilicho Lake Trek | Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Options In Cities & Tea Houses During Trek
Grade:	Challenging
Max Altitude:	5,416 m/17,770 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size:	1 to 15 People
Duration :	18 Nights/19 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Classical Trek to the most Diverse Annapurna Region and it's Wilderness
Visit the World’s highest elevated Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m and Trek Into Tilicho Base Camp at 4,140 m
Witness Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m) and Annapurna IV (7,525 m)
Witness Manaslu Range, Gangarpurna, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Peak, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak etc
Trek Into Thorong- La Pass at 5,416 m, Marshyangdhi Valley and Kali Gandaki Valley
Visit Sacred Muktinath Temple, Buddhist Monasteries and enjoy several Waterfalls
Visit many Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetan Buddhist Villages and Culture
Enjoy Natural Hot Spring at Chame and Pokhara, the city of Nature, Adventure and Lakes
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swyombhunath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar/Kudi (800 m/2,625 ft)-7 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,340 m/4,395 ft)-6 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,960 m/ 6,430 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Chame (2,710 m/ 8,890 ft)-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Pisang (3,300 m/10,830 ft)-6 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Manang (3,520 m/11,550 ft)-6 Hours

Day 09: Rest Day in Manang for Acclimatization

Day 10: Trek to Sri Kharkha (4,080 m/13,386 ft)-4/5 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m/13,583 ft)-4/5 Hours

Day 12: Day Visit to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m/16,140 ft)-6/7 Hours and Return to Sri Kharka-4 Hours

Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,040 m/13,255 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 14: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,200 m/13,780 ft)-5 Hours or High Camp (4,810 m/15,780 ft)-6 hours

Day 15: Trek to Muktinath(3,802 m/12,475 ft) by crossing Thorong La Pass(5,416 m/17,770 ft)-8 Hours

Day 16: Visit Muktinath Temple and Drive to Jomsom-1 Hour

Day 17: Fly to Pokhara-20 Minutes

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu- 30 Minutes

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the great extension options in Annapurna Region combined with Annapurna Circuit Trek. 3 Days Extension from Manang to the world’s highest elevated Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m is the best adventure to see the fresh mountain water lake anybody dream of. After Tilicho, the trail joins at Yak Kharkha from above Khangsar and follows the usual trail of Around Annapurna Trek also called as Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Tilicho Lake Trekking starts from 6 Hours drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar in normal highway and Off Road drive to Kudi for an hour.Then the trail goes to Manang following Jagat, Chamche, Taal, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang. After spending 2 nights at Manang for acclimatization, our way goes to left to Tilicho Lake. Our trail follows Khangsar, Sri Kharkha and finally to Tilicho Base Camp at 4,140 meters before visiting Tilicho Lake next early morning. On the way back, the trail is the same to Sri Kharkha and follows the new trail to Yak Kharkha. Just before Yak Kharkha, the trail joins the route of Around Annapurna Trek.

Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters is one of the highest and widest passes in the world and gives ample opportunities of mountains views, valleys and mountain terrains. After crossing the pass, the trail goes straight down to Muktinath at 3,800 meters. This trek finally ends at Muktinath and 45 minutes drive takes to Jomsom before flying to Pokhara next morning.

Best Time for Tilicho Lake Trek is from March to May and September to November as it will be too cold in the upper section of the region and in monsoon, the view of mountains won’t be clear. This trip can be customized as per trekker’s choice. If you want to cross Meshokanto Pass directly from Tilicho Lake to Jomsom without Thorong La Pass, we suggest you to consider Tilicho Lake and Meshokanto Pass Trek.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek and equipment check by our Trek Manager and Trek Guide. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar/Kudi (800 m/2,625 ft)-7 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to Besisahar or Kudi along the Trishuli and Marshyangdhi River. Optional- Once we reach Chauradi, you can enjoy White Water Rafting at Trishuli River for 3 hours with beach lunch. On the middle of the way to Pokhara, from Dumre, we start driving to Besisahar on right. Besisahar is the main town of Lamjung district where your trekking permit is examined for the first time. Kudi is 30 minutes more drive from Besisahar. Kudi offers us the first glimpse of Manalsu Range.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Kudi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,340 m/4,395 ft)-6 Hours

After breakfast, we start our trek by passing Nagdi village and a suspension bridge over Nagdi River. Nagdi is settlement of families originally from Manang Village while Taranche immediately above it, is a Gurung Village. After lunch, we follow the river of Syagne. Syangne is located at the suspension bridge crossing. A waterfall offering challenging bathing is just a few minutes from the village. The trails leads to Jagat, is a village of people with Tibetan Stocks.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jagat.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,960 m/ 6,430 ft)- 6 Hours

Our trail continues towards the east bank of the Marsyangdhi River, climbing gradually except where it is necessary to cross steep ridges. The valley suddenly opens into a large plateau. In this picturesque setting at the foot of a large waterfall, is the village of Tal (1,650 m). Tal is populated by Gurungs and Tibetans. And you enter to the Manang District. In Manang, this district is called Gyasumda. From Tal, the trail rises steeply initially and then rises and falls as it cuts across mountain side to Dharapani.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Dharapani.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Chame (2,710 m/ 8,890 ft)-6 Hours

From Dharapani, our trail climbs over a forested ridge across the river from Thonje, a large village in Gyasumda (Manang), and then reaches Bagarchap (2,170 m). There is a well maintained Gompa in the upper part of the village containing many Tibetan Buddhist painting and carving. The trail now turned west into the Manang Valley. To the south, it provides a glimpse of Annapurna II and to the east ,Manaslu valley. The route continues to Chame, the administrative headquarter of the district. In Chame, you may consider to enjoy Natural Hot Spring.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chame.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Pisang (3,300 m/10,830 ft)-6 Hours

We start on the trail which leads us to a small settlement of Taleku and cross a bridge to the sparsely Bartang. This former Khampa settlement is now orchard and marks the traditional boundary between the Manang area to the north and the predominantly Gurung area to the south. On the trail, we will follow rock walls to climb. After crossing the River on the north bank of Marshangdhi, we arrive at Pisang Village. From Pisang, we see the Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Pisang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Manang (3,520 m/11,550 ft)-6 Hours

Our path rises gradually and then more steeply from Pisang to crest of a ridge overlooking the Upper Manang valley. We follow the trail down to the flat valley floor and the Ongre. Shortly after Ongre, a bridge crossing over the Sabche River gives us a view of amphitheater formed by Annapurna III and IV. After crossing one bridge, the trail passes by Braga, a village built impressively into a cliff wall. From Braga, it is a short walk to the Manang Village from where you see prominent peaks like Gangapurna to the right of the glacier and Annapurna III to the left.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Manang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Rest Day in Manang for Acclimatization

The day must be spent in Manage village and the vicinity to acclimatize for the higher elevations to be encountered towards Thorong La Pass. There are many opportunities for interesting day excursions from Manang. It is possible to climb the ridge to the north of the village for excellent view of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II and Glacier Dome (7,193 m) or to descend from the village to the glacial lake to the foot of the huge Icefall descending from the northern slopes of Gangarpurna.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Manang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Sri Kharkha (4,080 m/13,386 ft)-4/5 Hours

After breakfast, our trail goes to the left from Manang and once we leave main trail to Thorong La Pass. In a while, we pass by the gorge and cross a Suspension bridge over Thorong River. Then our trail goes on flat surface until we reach Khangsar Village. During the trail, we will be rewarded with views of Annapurna Range and Tilicho Peak in far distance. From Khangsar, our trail climbs to Sri Kharkha which gives us the close view of Annapurna Range and Tilicho Peak.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Sri Kharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m/13,583 ft)-4/5 Hours

Today. half of our trail is challenging as we need to walk along the landslide areas to enter the grandeur valley. These days, trail is well maintained by fence, walls, and bridges. Along the way, we can see Himalayan Thar, Mountain Goats just above the trail on rocky area. After we cross landslide area, our trail again enters to grassy land until we arrive at Tilicho Base Camp. After lunch, we can walk around Base Camp area and climb a small hill for acclimatization as we will be visit Tilicho Lake tomorrow.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Tilicho Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Day Visit to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m/16,140 ft)-6/7 Hours and Return to Sri Kharka-4 Hours

Today we start around 4 am in the morning after having tea with pack breakfast. Initially, our trail ascends up in a grassy land until we get to the landslide area. We walked along the moraines and follow the mountain trails until we get to the flat land. Along the way, we will be rewarded by views of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri Peak and few villages. After we get to the flat land, our trail is normal except few simple ascends. Finally, we get to the World’s highest elevated Tilicho Lake which gets often frozen in the winter season. The surroundings peaks and sometimes their reflection on turquoise lake makes the best views to reward the trekkers. This lake is also linked to the Ramayana, a Hindu Epic Book. After spending few times, we return back to Base Camp for lunch and follow the same path back to Sri Kharka for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Sri Kharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,040 m/13,255 ft)- 6 Hours

From Sri Kharka, our trail goes on the left on north just above the Khangsar Village. We pass to the ruins of old Khangsar Village to get to the top where we can see few Goths (Shelter for animals). From the top, our trail descends all the way to the river and cross a small suspension bridge. From the bridge, we again ascend for around 15 minutes to catch the usual trail of Around Annapurna before getting Yak Kharkha. Yak Kharka as it name means Yak Grazing fields. We can see lots of Grazing Yaks and some time group of Himalayan Thar around. From Yak Kharkha, we see the magnificent view of Annapurna III.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Yak Kharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,200 m/13,780 ft)-5 Hours or High Camp (4,810 m/15,780 ft)-6 hours

We start our day with gentle ascend to Letdar Village (4,250 m). Then, we continue trek on the East bank of Jarsang Khola to reach Thorong Phedi and it is better to walk slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness. Thorong Phedi means ‘foot of the hill’ and it is situated at a height of 4,200 m on a small hill overlooking a high plateau. After lunch at Phedi, we have option to continu

Accomodation:

Meals:

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Trek to Muktinath(3,802 m/12,475 ft) by crossing Thorong La Pass(5,416 m/17,770 ft)-8 Hours

Our trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Phedi, switch backing up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the pass. The trail although steep, is well defined and easy to follow. The only complications to the crossings are the high elevation and the possibility of snow. The pass is marked with its traditional Chortens. The view from the trail and the pass itself are excellent high Himalayan scenes, the entire Great Divine with the Annapurna and Gangapurna to the south, the barren Kali Gandaki Valley and the peak of Thorong Tse in the north. The trail begins to descend in snow in winter, which gives way to interminable switchbacks down the steep rocky moraine. Finally, the moraines reach grassy slopes and the we finally descend to Muktinath.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Muktinath.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Visit Muktinath Temple and Drive to Jomsom-1 Hour

In the morning, we will Muktinath Temple, a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. In one of the Temple complex, a sacred fire and spring of water glows from the ground. It is believed that who takes a bath in 108 taps within the premises suppose to be pure. After visiting Temple, we may walk down to Jomsom with beautiful landscape crossing Jharkot and Kajbeni to Jomsom. Or we have option of driving on beautiful blacktopped road. If we drive, we may visit Dumba Lake in the evening near Jomsom.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Fly to Pokhara-20 Minutes

After early breakfast, we walk to the Jomsom Airport for 20 Minutes flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara, either you may rest entire day or in the late afternoon, you may consider for quick sightseeing of Pokhara City. In the evening, you may walk around The Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu- 30 Minutes

After relaxing morning, we drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon and fly back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, we will host farewell dinner to mark the great success of your Tilicho Lake Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
3 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
1 Night in Pokhara with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
14 Nights/15 Days All Inclusive Trek in Annapurna Region with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local Tea Houses/Lodges.
Jomsom/Pokhara and Pokhara/Kathmandu Airfare with necessary transfers.
Insurance, allowances, food and accommodation to trek crew.
First Aid Kit and Duffel Bag.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project, ACAP Fees and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 Hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.