Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit Trek 18 Days

Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

You will step on the bank of Tilicho lake (4919 meters), the lake situated at the highest altitude in Nepal.
You will traverse through the Thorong La Pass (5416 meters)- among the challenging passes in Annapurna region.
Along with the Lake trip, you will join the route to the cultural and spiritual spot ie Muktinath temple.
You can walk through different scattered settlements of Gurung and Thakali people and get a close insight into their everyday activities.
The alluring views of Annapurna ranges, Tilicho Himal, Nilgiri, and other Himalayan ranges will keep you accompanied along the trek.

The Tilicho Lake trek takes the trail through Manang to the highest altitude lake in the world – Tilicho Lake at 4919 m Passing through lush subtropical countryside, over moraine, through alpine forests, along arid cliffs, and over the Thorong La pass, this trek is quite challenging but steeped in Hindu myth and surrounded by mountains.

Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar, and Muktinath are some of the peaks on show around the lake – sometimes even being reflected in the cold, clear turquoise waters. And of course, views of the Annapurna accompany the visitor throughout the whole trek.

The lake was formed by the glacial melt off the northern slopes of the Annapurna and is of historical and religious significance as it is thought to be mentioned in the Hindu religious book, the Ramayana.

In contrast, there are Buddhist villages to be crossed to reach the lake, taking their culture and religion from nearby Tibet. After visiting the lake and Tilicho Base Camp, the trail leads out of the Marsyangdi Valley, through yak pastures and over the Thorong La Pass (5,416m).

Crossing the pass is challenging, and is done at around 3 am before the afternoon winds make it more difficult. The views, however, are magnificent of Mt Gundang, Syagang, Thorong Peak and Mt Khatungkan. Once across the pass, there are more interesting villages: Muktinath, with its Hindu temple, water spouts, and eternal flame; Kagbeni with its monastery, strange human-like clay effigies, and Jomsom, a busy market town, and transportation hub of Mustang, with its airport, bus and jeep stands.

This trek encompasses the best of Annapurna trekking – its mountains, landscapes, and culture – with the high, immensely cold glacier lake and its mythology.

Outline Itinerary

INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

Faqs

Days	Itinerary	Altitude	Time
Day 1	Kathmandu to Khudi (Drive)	800 m	8 hr
Day 2	Khudi to Sirung	2220 m	6 - 7 hr
Day 3	Sirung to Jagat	1300 m	6 - 7 hr
Day 4	Jagat to Dharapani	1860 m	7 - 8 hr
Day 5	Dharapani to Chame	2710m	5 - 6 hr
Day 6	Chame to Pisang	3300 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 7	Pisang to Manang	3540 m	6 - 7 hr
Day 8	Acclimatization Day	3540 m	5 hr
Day 9	Manang to Siri Kharka	4060 m	4 - 5 hr
Day 10	Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp	4140 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 11	Day trip to Tilicho Lake	4919 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 12	Tilicho Base Camp to Siri Kharka	4060 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 13	Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka	4040 m	4 - 5 hr
Day 14	Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi	4600 m	3 - 4 hr
Day 15	Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass	3710 m	7 - 8 hr
Day 16	Muktinath to Marpha	2670 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 17	Marpha to Kalopani	2530 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 18	: Kalopani to Tatopani	1200 m	6 - 7 hr
Day 19	Tatopani to Beni	830 m	4 - 5 hr
Day 20	Beni to Pokhara (Drive)	830 m	4 hr
Day 21	Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)	1380 m	6 - 7 hr

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FAQs

Is it safe to drink the water in Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit Trek

No. You cannot drink the water from the tap or streams in Annapurna Circuit Trek. Mineral water is not available on the trail. It is expensive to buy (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can use a water purifier or SteriPen.

Am I likely to get altitude sickness on my trek?

Be aware. Elevation on this trek will exceed 3,500m. The possibilities of getting altitude sickness generally start at this elevation. But in order to avoid this, as much as possible, we have designed the itinerary in such a way that it will give you enough time to acclimatize.

Am I at risk and how can I avoid altitude sickness?

There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).

What happens if there is need for emergency evacuation while I am trekking?

We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek so that in case of an emergency we can coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.

What about simple medical treatment on the trek?

First aid. On every trek we will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Here is a checklist recommended by Karen Anderson of things you should bring. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal but to be on the safe side we recommend you comply, where possible, with this list provided by again by Karen Anderson (medical doctor in New Zealand and friend and client of Magical Nepal).

Do I need to buy travel insurance before I come to Nepal?

Yes. Magical Nepal only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance should cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do). We recommend World Nomads.

Will I need to bring my own sleeping bag or not?

Yes, bring your own or you can rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu will cost you $1 or $2 per day. To buy a new sleeping bag in Kathmandu expect to pay around $150 to $200 for one of medium quality.

Will I need to use crampons on this trek?

No. The trails are well marked. Unless you go in mid-winter you will not need crampons. Instead of crampons, carry micro spikes which are not technical, lightweight to carry, cheaper and fit any shoe size.

What happens if I forget to bring something with me from home?

If you forget something it might be extremely hard to find here. Please check here for an exhaustive packing list for (general)trekking in Nepal. If you are not a frequent hiker, you can rent most of the trekking gear in Nepal when you arrive.

Will we be using tents and mattresses on the trek?

No. There are teahouses along the trek. We will not need tents or mattresses.

Where can I leave stuff in Kathmandu when I am trekking?

Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.

Who will be my guide?

We use local guides. On each trek our guides have been to the relevant areas numerous times. All are experienced, knowledgeable, flexible and authorized licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.

Will I need a porter for my trek?

Preferable. If you use a porter it has double benefit: you can fully enjoy your trek without carrying a heavy bag, and its improves the income of the local community.

How much can a porter carry?

20kg. On average a porter can carry 22kg including their own backpack. So, they can carry up to 18kg of your gear and equipment. We provide backpacks for porters.

Are your staff insured in case of accidents etc.?

Yes. At Magical Nepal we make sure all our staff are well insured.

I hear incidents when porters do not have proper shoes etc. Is this true?

At Magical Nepal we ensure all our guides and porters have proper gear, are well equipped and protected. This is for their own wellbeing and for the wellbeing of our clients.