16
Moderate
Trekking
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Tilicho lake Trek-16 days Overview
We invite you to join in our 16-day Annapurna Tilicho lake trek that will take you to one of the highest lakes in the world through one of the most beautiful and varied trekking routes. This extraordinary trek offers you awe-inspiring views of the highest ice-covered Himalayas. The gigantic waterfalls, the varied landscape, and the culture will be your constant companion.
In our Annapurna Tilicho lake trek, you will hike through different vegetation and climate zones, you will cross several mountain rivers and rickety suspension bridges. You will spend the night in the mountain villages where you will feel time has stood still.
You will encounter friendly local people who despite their challenging everyday routine welcome you with open arms. You will reach the exclusive village of Manang one of the significantly important villages of Nepal. You will then make your way to Lake Tilicho and Muktinath which is again another important Hindu and Buddhist shrine of Nepal.
Throughout this trek, you will be enchanted with the magnificent views of Mount Annapurna, Mount Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Mount Gangapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, and many others.
The starting point of our journey is a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani and a trek to Chame. From Chame, you will trek to the lonely village of Manang where you will have well-deserved rest for a day. You will then hike through the secluded paths to the shimmering blue and turquoise Lake Tilicho. Perched at an elevation of 4190 m, the lake is the highest in the world.
Descending through the Thorong Phedi and Muktinath, you will pass several terraced fields and orchards. The Annapurna crossing ends in the town of Jomsom and we return to Kathmandu concluding this breathtaking journey.
Tilicho Lake Trek Best Season
The Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek offers a remarkable experience throughout the year irrespective of season. With proper preparation, and equipment, you can access this trek in any season be it the peak trek season of spring and autumn or the off-season of winter and monsoon.
Still, if you ask for the most perfect season to enjoy the clear unobstructed scenery of the Annapurna region, Manang Valley, and Kali Gandaki Valley, then you should take this trek in the spring and autumn months.
March, April, and May are the spring seasons, and September, October, and November are the autumn seasons which bestow the most favorable weather and climatic conditions in the Annapurna region. The morning brings the clear blue sky, and the day ahead is dry with abundant sunshine with a lesser chance for cloudy and foggy days. The occurrence of rain or snow is unlikely, the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other mountain peaks stands clearly without any hindrance.
The temperature often ranges between 7 to 24 degrees Celsius offering a warm climate favorable for long day hikes of 4 to 7 hours. The natural green landscape, lush mountain paths, and dense forests teamed with colorful wildflowers and vibrant wildlife create a unique environment difficult to find anywhere else.
During the winter months of December, January, and February, the temperature however significantly drops below the freezing point. The high altitude zone is enveloped under a thick layer of snow often blocking the passage to the Thorong La Pass. However, the experienced guide and the right equipment can aid you in completing this trek even in winter.
June, July, and August are the rainy and summer seasons when you should expect heavy rainfall, high temperatures, and cloudy and foggy mornings and days. However, the highly elevated zones of Jomsom and Manang lie in the protective rain shadow area of the mountains. So the probability of heavy rainfall is none even in monsoon season.
Remember us for the Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek in any season. We will plan the itinerary and make the necessary arrangements to make your trip possible and comfortable in any season you prefer.
Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty
Our 16-day Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek is a moderately difficult and partly physically demanding trek that requires you to walk for 4 to 7 hours each day. This trek also requires you to cross the Thorong La Pass elevated at more than 5000 m above sea level.
You will spend most of the days between 3000 to 5000 m which involves continuous ascending and descending through narrow paths and mountainous slopes. You should possess above-average fitness and condition as well as good health.
Therefore, we advise you t start walking for at least 4 to 5 hours a day with light weight on your back at least a month before joining this trek. You can also practice climbing, running, or swimming to increase the physical stamina needed to successfully complete this trek.
In addition, you will spend nights in simple lodges or tea houses where the amenities are very basic in comparison to what you are used to at home. You should be mentally prepared for these basic material settings for a few days but trust us you will have the ethereal reward of some unimaginable mountain views that will touch your soul.
Altitude Sickness
You will begin your Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek from an elevation of 1300 m of Kathmandu Valley. The days will then gradually progress and so does the altitude. On day 4, you will reach a height of more than 3000 m and on the 5th day, you will spend the night at approximately 3400 m altitude of Manang village.
You will spend another day and night at Manang for acclimatizing then embark on gaining more and more elevation as your trek progresses through the village of SiriKharka, Tilicho Base Camp, and Lake Tilicho. On these days, you will be at an elevation of more than 4000 m. As you pass the Thorong La Pass, you will cross more than 5000 m altitude.
Overall, this trek is a high-altitude trek therefore you should be prepared for the risk of altitude or acute mountain sickness. It is common that you may feel some mild headache, nausea, and dizziness. You may also find it difficult to sleep and you may lose the desire to eat. If so, you can always descend to lower heights or inform our guide who can advise you to take Diamox tablet or paracetamol.
Giving your body time to adjust to higher altitude with a gradual pace, drinking plenty of water increasing fluid intake, and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol are the vital steps to prevent the risk of altitude sickness.
What to expect on this trip?
Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek is genuinely a true testament to Nepal’s grandeur beauty and unspoiled nature. The trek is a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of massive snow-covered peaks and immerse in the naturally created snowy wonderland. Prepare to be captivated, prepare to be amazed, and get ready to awaken your soul.
You will walk through the lush vibrant tropical and subtropical forests of coniferous and rhododendrons. You will then traverse through the arid mountainous zone of high glaciers. Hiking through the diverse landscape in the same trekking journey is something that you will not achieve anywhere else in this world.
Experience the genuine culture, visit the legendary monasteries and mythical temples, and enjoy the warm hospitality of indigenous tribes. Make permanent memories that will forever remain in your heart and mind.
Embrace the warm spectacle of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), South Annapurna (7219 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Nilgiri (7061 m), and Manaslu (8163 m).
Experience the adrenaline rush as you cross the highest pass of Thorong La. Delight in the mesmerizing sunrise over the highest snow-covered peaks from the high point of the Pass.
You will get the opportunity to take a tour of the serene atmosphere of Lake Tilicho and absorb the religious aura of Muktinath. And as you return, accept the treasure of the beautiful cities of Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Accommodation, Food, and Transportation
As your trustworthy companion for a responsible and comfortable trip in Nepal, we will take care of all your accommodation, food, and transportation needs throughout the trek. Our agent will accompany you from the International Airport of Kathmandu and will take you to your hotel in a private car.
In the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in a very good hotel in the city center, from which you can easily explore the cities on foot. A delicious breakfast of your choice will be provided each morning. For lunch and dinner, you have multiple options to dine in the finest restaurants.
As the trek starts, you will travel by road on a local bus to the small town of Besisahar from where we will hire a local jeep to take us to Dharapani. At an additional cost, we can also reserve a private vehicle for a pleasant road trip through these beautiful authentic villages.
During the trek, you will stay in lodges or tea houses run by the local population of the villages. The rooms are equipped with beds, mattresses, pillows, and some furniture. The sanitary facilities are usually located outside the room which you may have to share with other travelers. The hot shower option is available at lower altitudes but at higher altitudes, you may have to request hot water at an extra cost.
You will have your breakfast and dinner at the lodge where you retire for the night. Lunch will be provided in the afternoon along the trail. The nourishing Dal Vat and Tarkari is the dish you can order everywhere. The lodges also offer a wide range of food options from momos, pizza, thukpa, Tsumpa, etc. For breakfast, you can have chapati, cereal, omelets, boiled eggs, or porridge. The lodges also provide tea, coffee, fruit juices, sodas, mineral water, and alcohol which are excluded from our package.
We understand you are exhausted after trekking for such long days. Therefore, we have arranged a domestic flight for you to return from Jomsom to Pokhara. And from Pokhara, we will take you to the capital on a tourist bus. Concluding this incredible journey, we will take you to the Kathmandu airport in a private car on your departure day.
FAQ
Is there any other alternate trek that will take us to Lake Tilicho as well?
Yes, you can join a Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek that will take you through some remote regions of Nepal along with the opportunity to trek to Lake Tilicho. Approximately 20 to 25 days are needed to complete this trek.
Can I shorten this Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek?
Yes, instead of 16 days, you can complete this trek in 10 days. The initial itinerary will be the same, as we return, we will make our way from ShiriKharka to Manang, Besisahar, to Kathmandu.
Can I extend this trip?
Yes, if you have a few days to spare, you can spend a few days in Manang exploring Ice Lake, Milarepa Cave, and Chongkar viewpoint. Or, from Mustang, you can go for the Mesokanto Pass or Tilicho Pass trek.
Is there wifi and electricity available in this trek?
Yes, the entire village today has 24 hour supply of electricity so you can easily charge your mobile and other electrical devices. Wifi is also available in most of the lodges but the connections may be interrupted in high altitude areas. Please keep in mind, that the lodge owners may charge extra costs for these services from USD 2 to USD 3.
What are the alternative treks I can take in the Annapurna region?
You can trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani/Poonhill Trek, or Mardi Himal Trek.