ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT WITH TILICHO
" The Tilicho Base Camp trek offers it all: stunning vistas of the Annapurna Range, a traverse through Manang and Mustang, and the challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass (5416m) while reaching the world's highest-altitude lake, Tilicho Lake (4919m). "
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho takes you through the scenic Manang Valley to the pristine Tilicho Lake. This package combines the adventurous journey to Tilicho Lake with the classic Annapurna Circuit trail, crossing the high Thorong-La pass at 5,416m, separating Manang Valley and Mustang.
Tilicho Lake, surrounded by Gangapurna and Tilicho Peaks, offers a beautiful and tranquil escape from the main Annapurna Circuit trails. It's a lesser-visited gem that promises a delightful experience.
The 16-days journey begins with an overland drive to Lamjung and gradually ascends from the warmer low valleys of Marsyangdi River to the cooler alpine zone. You'll pass through charming villages like Jagat, Dharapani, and Chame, the Mustang district headquarters.
As you trek deeper into alpine woodlands, you'll enter the arid Manang Valley, with stunning views of Chulu, Pisang, Annapurna IV, II, III, and Gangapurna peaks. Exploring the traditional villages of Manang, including the ancient Braga monastery, offers insight into the local Buddhist culture.
Tilicho Lake, one of Nepal's highest freshwater lakes at 4,919m, is surrounded by picturesque peaks. The journey culminates with a crossing of the Thorong-La Pass into Mustang, reaching Muktinath, a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
The trek ends in Jomsom, the administrative town of Mustang, inhabited mostly by Thakali tribes with historical trade ties to Tibet. A short scenic flight from Jomsom takes you to Pokhara, a valley with breathtaking views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare Himal and serene lakes.
Finally, the journey concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu, leaving you with cherished memories of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho.
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho
Equipments
The next details will provide you with a basic understanding of what you should carry for the trek. It's crucial not to overlook the necessary items, as they will impact your comfort and safety during the hike. It's just as vital not to weigh yourself down with unnecessary gear during the trek.
Starting wonderful Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trekking adventure with an interesting overland drive towards Nepal mid west, leading to Besisar town (headquarter of Lamjung district). From here transfer to another vehicle and continue drive on dirt road passing villages of Khudi, Bulbule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream.
Drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Syange a small village for overnight stop in the comfort of nice lodge.
From Syange our first day trek begins, starting on winding path to Jagat and Chamje village following Marsyangdi River and within forested area with super views of Annapurna and Manaslu range.
Walk continues reaching at Tal village located on a nice valley, after Tal few hours walk to Dharapani village for overnight stop.
Dharapani a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
Start the morning walk a into cool rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagachap and Danque, then to Timang village from here onwards into more Buddhist area, with super view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, from this village few hours trek leads to a large town at Chame for overnight stop, a major town and headquarter of Manang district.
From here air gets cooler as the walk leads closer into mountains through beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine trees, following Marshyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village.
From this village an uphill into pine trees to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few lodge and views of Chulu and Pisang peak, after a lunch stop walk downhill to Pisang village for overnight stop.
Pisang village located within Manang valley with stunning mountains views as altitude gains for here onwards.
Walking into forest with short uphill with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu and Pisang peak, then reaching Hongde village with a small air strip, from here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes.
On route Manang village visit old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos and super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village.
The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.
An important rest day for acclimatization before reaching high altitude and up to Thorang –la, here with short hike exploring Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.
After Manang village morning walk leads to another highlight of the adventure, as our route leads away from main Annapurna circuit trail to reach last and remote village of Manang at Khangsar for overnight stops.
From here onwards around dry and arid country, morning walk on downhill for some time, then uphill to reach Tilicho Lake Base camp for overnight stop.
Tilicho Lake a holy spot for both Hindu's and Buddhist religions, offering wonderful views of snowcapped peaks in the comfort of nice lodge by the bank of beautiful Tilicho Lake.
Free day to enjoy beautiful setting of Tilicho Lake considered as one of the highest lake around Himalaya, and probably in the world, fed from massive glaciers of Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks.
An amazing place to be on rest day where one can take a walk around on least explored trails with grand views of high peaks that circles Tilicho Lake.
After exploring the lake trek back to Siri Kharka for the overnight stop.
After a pleasant and marvelous time in Tilicho Lake and Siri Kharka with superb views, return journey leads back Khangsar for last overnight before joining main Annapurna Circuit Trekking route on the way to Jomsom via Thorang-La.
After a wonderful time around Tilicho Lake within its tranquil wilderness, morning walk to Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach at Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progress crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, then leading at Thorang Phedi for overnight stop.
Start the early morning walk on this Big Day! A thrill and highlight of this great adventure, after breakfast a long climb up to Thorang-la with steep haul to reach at 5,416 m / 17, 872 ft top of Thorang-la decorated with Buddhist colorful prayer flags.
Highest point of the adventure offers superb vista of beautiful landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m high.
Muktinath a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
After Muktinath, rest of the journey is easier with moderate walks all the way with a big drop of 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, this pleasant walk leads to Kaligandaki river valley, from here walk to Jomsom for last overnight stop of this marvelous adventure.
Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang area with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River and main place of local Thakali tribes the native of Kaligandaki areas interwoven with Buddhism religion.
Early morning transfer to Jomsom airport where the flight times are before 10 a.m. (due to heavy winds that exists on afternoon).
Boarding into a small aircraft either Twin Otter or Dornier then taking off for Pokhara with sweeping panorama of Dhaulagiri-Nilgiris and Annapurna range of mountains.
On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels for overnight stop by the Lake Phewa.
Pokhara, a popular touristic city, where the peaks of Annapurna Mountain range reflects on its beautiful serene lakes of Phewa and Begnas.
Morning a drive to Kathmandu after a wonderful experience on Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit trekking, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping.
(Flying options 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara)
The Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit trek is considered strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness. It involves a lot of uphill and downhill hiking at high altitudes and can be challenging for those who are not used to strenuous activity. It is important to be well-prepared with the right equipment and clothing.
The best time to go for Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit trek is during the months of September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the views are the best.
The duration of the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit trek varies depending on the route and pace of the trekker, but typically it takes around 12-21 days.
The Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek is a trek that takes you to the base camp of Tilicho Peak, one of the highest lakes in the world and the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. The trek offers a chance to explore remote landscapes, traditional villages, and the best views of the Annapurna region.
During the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit trek, accommodation is available in the form of teahouses or lodges. The teahouses are basic but provide a comfortable place to sleep, hot meals, and basic facilities such as toilets and showers.
When packing for the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit trek, it's important to have the right equipment and clothing, including proper hiking boots, warm clothing, a good backpack, sleeping bag, and a good quality down jacket. Additionally, you should pack a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, and a water purification system.
While it is possible to complete the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit trek independently, hiring a guide or porter can make the trek more enjoyable and less strenuous. Guides and porters can provide valuable information about the local culture, history, and environment, and can also help to ensure your safety on the trek.
There are no official restrictions on photography during the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek, but it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs, particularly when visiting cultural and religious sites. It's also important to be mindful of the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife and plants.
Electrical outlets and charging facilities can be limited during the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek. While some teahouses may have limited electricity, it is recommended to bring a portable solar charger or power bank to ensure that your devices are charged throughout the trek.
It is recommended to consult with your doctor or a travel clinic before embarking on the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek. Some recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Diphtheria. It's also recommended to take preventive measures against altitude sickness, such as taking Acetazolamide and consulting with a doctor before the trek.
Yes, a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are required for the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek. The TIMS card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered trekking agency, and the ACAP can be obtained from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office.
The availability of credit card facilities during the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek is limited. It's recommended to carry enough Nepalese rupees in cash to cover expenses during the trek, as well as for emergencies. It's also important to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your credit card being blocked.
Yes, it is possible to buy or rent trekking gear in Kathmandu before embarking on the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek. There are many outdoor gear shops and rental shops in Kathmandu that offer a wide range of equipment, from hiking boots and backpacks to sleeping bags and down jackets. It's important to note that the prices may be higher than in other parts of the world, so it's recommended to shop around for the best deals.
Altitude sickness can be a concern during the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek as the trek reaches high altitudes. It is important to acclimatize properly and to be mindful of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. If you experience symptoms, it's important to stop ascending and rest, or to descend if necessary. Drinking plenty of water, taking Acetazolamide and consulting with a doctor can also help prevent altitude sickness.
It is important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding litter during the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek. Littering not only harms the environment but also harms the local communities and wildlife that depend on it. It's recommended to carry all trash with you until you reach a proper waste disposal point, and to use eco-friendly and biodegradable products as much as possible. It's also important to be mindful of local regulations regarding the disposal of human waste, and to use designated toilet facilities or bury human waste in designated areas.
Communication can be limited during the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek as the trek passes through remote areas with limited or no cellular coverage. It's recommended to bring a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon for emergency use. In some areas, teahouses may have Wi-Fi or internet access, but the connection may be limited or unreliable. It's also a good idea to inform your family and friends of your trekking itinerary and estimated return date so that they can contact you in case of emergency.
The use of drones is prohibited in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes the Tilicho Lake & Semi Annapurna Circuit Trek. It's also important to respect the privacy and culture of local communities and not to disturb wildlife.
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Victor
Australia
Must visit Nepal “ Hidden Gems”
18th October, 2023
From the moment we booked our trip with “Annapurna Encounter”we were impressed by the level of organization and attention to detail. The itinerary was well-crafted, covering all the highlights we wanted to see, and our tour guide's (Narayan) knowledge and passion for the destinations we visited were evident throughout the journey.
Our tour guide Narayan, deserves special recommendation for going above and beyond to ensure our trip was smooth, informative, and truly unforgettable. Narayan not only had a deep understanding of the local culture, history, and landmarks, but also displayed incredible patience, flexibility, and a genuine desire to make our experience special.
The accommodations, transportation, and dining arrangements provided by your agency were impeccable. We felt safe and comfortable at all times, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of the destinations we explored.
Thank you once again for the fantastic trip and for creating memories. We look forward to booking future adventures with your agency.