Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is situated in the Mountain ranges of central Nepal. The total length of the Annapurna Circuit trail is between 160-230 km, and you can complete this trek as per your available time (generally between 10 to 20 days). It depends on where motor transportation is utilized and where the trekking route ends. The Annapurna Trek encircles the Annapurna Massif and crosses the two different river valleys. The highest point we reach while trekking is the Through la Pass (5416m). This route also touches the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The interesting fact about this trekking is that almost all the trekkers hike this route in an anti-clockwise direction because you need to slowly gain an altitude, making the Thorung La pass safer and more comfortable.

Adding on, this trek gives us the closest scenario of Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Fishtail(6998m), Dhaulagiri(8167m), Mt. Manaslu(8163m), Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak(6920), Mt. Hiunchuli(6441m), Lamjung Himal (6986), Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. Many other peaks range from 6000-8000 m in altitude from the Annapurna range.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek

Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Trek Option

There are two ways of starting this trek; first, we can begin it from Besisahar and second from Bhulbhule in the Marshyangdi river valley. From Kathmandu, It is around 6 hours drive to reach Besi Sahar. The trail passes along impressive milestones of paddy fields, Himalayan ranges, river valleys, waterfalls, and many beautiful scenarios.

The Annapurna Circuit is the most voted as the most extended trek in the world, as it includes a wide range of climatic zone, from the tropics at 600 m to the arctic at 5416m at Thorung La pass. Furthermore, the full range of cultures represents Hindu culture at the lower foothills and Tibetan culture at Manang Valley and lower Mustang. The continuous development of roads and other infrastructure changed the shape of the village. It also made the route look easier, which helped the trekkers to compete for their trek easily.

The NATT ( New Annapurna Trekking Trail) from Besishahar to Manang made trekkers view the beautiful Himalayas and valley around Marshyangdi River easier. NATT is a new trekking trail to Annapurna Circuit to stay away from roads. However, mountain biking is becoming popular with the construction of the way. And the Mustang is becoming the world’s most famous mountain biking destination.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 15-20 days, leaving from Kathmandu with a stopover in Pokhara before coming back to the capital. The trail is relatively challenging, and on the way, we cross several rivers and wooden suspension bridges. Likewise, there are Tea houses and lodges for meals and accommodations. Some people might be interested in staying in a tent because they must carry tents and food along with porters. It is a little bit costly option but wholly exotic.

Tilicho Lake Trekking

Tilicho Lake Trek

17 Days Difficult
US$ 1700

Our Daily schedule for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

We ate breakfast early in the morning and left Besishahar by following Trishuli and Marshyangdi River. We took lunch at Beshisahar after 6 hours long drive. From Beshisahar, we took another vehicle to reach Chamje; on the way, we saw several waterfalls, gigantic cliffs, hydropower plants, the Marshyangdi River, an underground tunnel, and a water reservoir, and many more excellent views. We spend our first night at Chamje.

After having a delicious breakfast at the lodge on the second day, we depart from Chamje to Dharapani, taking footrail and crossing many suspension bridges. On the way, we saw mountains and the world’s dangerous route made by cutting the large rocks. The waterfalls and river banks were equally breathtaking. We stayed in a tea house for lunch with a scenic view. Finally, after walking for several hours, we reached Dharapani. We stayed in the lodge, and in the evening, we had dinner and stayed overnight.

On the third day, after spending the night at Dharapani, we moved to our destination, and the breakfast over Dharapani was fruitful. Then we stopped at Bagarchap for tea and Thanchowk for lunch. After walking for several hours, we reached Chame. In the evening the dinner was delicious. After dinner, we stayed near the Furnace because till we reached Chame, the weather was already cold. Besides, it was difficult to remain without fire.

On the fourth day, we had breakfast and again started our journey — this time, we reached Breathing, also known as the apple farm. Fortunately, we had an excellent chance to taste the delicious apple there. Then we had our tea at Dhukur Pokhari and reached the upper Pisang. There is Ghumba at the height of Upper Pisang, from where we can get a clear view of Annapurna Massif. By the way, there are lower and upper Pisang. We checked in the hotel at upper Pisang. The dinner was terrific, and the locals were accommodating.

Finally, on the fifth day, we reached Manang, our destination for acclimatization. Manang was as beautiful as expected. The beautiful valley is surrounded by the Mountain, which sparkles during the full moon at night if the sky is vivid. We stayed in Manang for acclimatization. In the morning, we left to see the Gangapurna lake. Also, you can visit the ice lake and Ghumba in Manang. Adding on, the Tilicho Lake(4919m), one of the highest lakes in the world, is the destination, gone trekking from Manang- Overnight in Manang.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

15 Days Moderate
US$ 1450

An essential day for Tilicho Lake in Annapurna Circuit Trek

On day six, early in the morning, we left from Manang to Tilicho Lake. We reached Khangsar and had our breakfast. Then we started moving again and arrived at Shri Kharka and had our lunch there. The closer we get, the more visible and transparent the trial and equally seems more daring and challenging. The adventurous test to Tilicho Lake was full of ups and downs. The route was dangerous as some parts of the area were in a landslide zone but protected by an iron wire fence and stone. After walking for several hours reached Tilicho Base Camp. We took it as our day and rested in the base camp. We had our dinner and gathered near the Furnace, and many people were there. Then we went to the lodge and slept as we had our big day tomorrow — overnight in the Tlicho Base Camp.

On the seventh day, we left basecamp at dawn (5 AM), and we were already tired before we reached our destination. There is a place called 21 ghumti, which was the most challenging part of the trekking. On the way, we saw the Mountains very close to our vision. For instance, we were surrounded by mountains. The route was partially covered by snow. Finally, we reached Tilicho Lake, and we were all overwhelmed. The view was such that we were out of words; everyone started shouting joyfully. We took loads of pictures for the memory, and the view was mesmerizing.

In a short period, we left there as it was windy we couldn’t stay there for long. We returned to the base camp tired and joyful that we could reach the Lake. Afterward, we packed our bags and left. We stopped at Shri Kharka for lunch. From Shri Kharka, we moved again and arrived at Yak Kharka that day. That day was the toughest and most memorable- Overnight in Yak Kharka.

On day eight, we had breakfast and moved on from Yak Kharka. We stopped at Fedi for the tea and then for lunch in base camp, at the height of 4925 m. we stayed there for the night. We had to cross suspension bridges and Mountain cliffs to reach basecamp. The trek from Yak Kharka to base camp isn’t fair, but we kept it a short distance due to the high altitude. Everyone was tired, and we slept because we had a huge day to overcome tomorrow — overnight in High Camp.

    Quick Inquiry

    Mostly awaited day

    On day ninth, very early in the morning, before sunrise, we moved from basecamp. Today is our most challenging day. Therefore we prepared ourselves from the beginning. At the height of 5416m, we were walking and crossed Through la Pass. The moment we crossed the Pass, our heart was overwhelmed. Slowly by gathering ourselves, we continued our journey and reached Muktinath. We went to the hotel, kept our luggage, and freshened up. Hene, We visited the temple and took a bath. The water was cold. The Muktinath temple is a holy place with 108 tap water, while it’s believed that taking a shower in that 108 tap water takes away our sins. Afterward, we returned to the hotel and stayed there for the night.

    On the tenth day at Muktinath, it was cold though we were already at a lower elevation. In the morning, we had our breakfast and moved from there. We took the bus from Muktinath to Jomsom. For further information, you can also trek this route without taking a bus. There is a small airport in Jomsom which flies to the Pokhara. Then we had lunch in Jomsom and took some rest; After that, we took a bus to Tatopani.

    On the way, we were welcomed by the beautiful ancient village of Marfa, the Kaligandaki river, hydro plants, and the excellent views of the mountains. After several hours of drive, we reached Tatopani; we checked in the hotel and went hot spring. The hot spring was excellent at the bank of the Kaligandaki River. We had lunch at the hotel and took a rest for the day. You can directly go to Kathmandu or Pokhara from Tatopani to end Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, but we do not want to miss Ghorepani.

     

    An optional trek to Ghorepani under Annapurna Circuit with Tilocho Lake Trek

    On the eleventh day from Tatopani, we moved to Ghorepani. The hiking trail was excellent, and we had Nepali Dhedo at Durbindada. Then we carried on our trekking; after 6 hours of walking, we reached Ghorepani. We checked into the hotel and took a rest. We had dinner and stayed near the Furnace for a while. Then we went back to our room- Overnight in Ghorepani.

     

    On day noon, we woke up and walked to see the sunrise at Pooh Hill, which is at a distance of 30 minutes of walk. The view of the sunrise was magnificent. We went to the view tower and had a panoramic view of the Mountain range. After seeing the morning, we returned to the hotel, had breakfast, and started walking to Ulleri. From there, we took a microbus to Pokhara, which can also be trekked. And we stayed in Pokhara for the night in the hotel. In the evening time, we went for a walk at the lakeside and enjoyed the nightlife of Pokhara.

    On the thirteenth day, Pokhara, which is a sophisticated city, a luxurious hotel, and a massive facility enriched with natural beauty. Furthermore, loads of entertaining things to do, i.e., zip-flying, paragliding, kayaking, sky-diving, and many more. After enjoying the day in Pokhara, we returned to the capital city after the fight and checked into the hotel.

    Nikesh Raj Shrestha