Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake - 16 Days

Trip Facts
DestinationNepal
ActivityAnnapurna Treks
AccomodationHotel in Pokhara and Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek
RegionAnnapurna Region
Distance160–260km /100-161miles
Start / End pointKathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration16 Days
Max. Altitude5,416m at Thorung la high pass
Meals IncludedBreakfast in Pokhara Hotel and all Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
Group size2 - 30
Nature of TrekLodge to Lodge Trekking
Best SeasonFeb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec.
Trip Codedwt50
Activity Per DayApprox. 4-6 hrs walking
TransportationKathmandu to Jagat via Besisahar, & Muktinath to Tatopani by Public transportation, Birethanti to Pokhara by private transportation, Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist bus
GradeChallenging

Around Annapurna with Tilicho Lake

This is one of the most rewarding treks in the Annapurna region that lets you experience Himalayan flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes, holy temples & monasteries, stunning waterfalls, varied climate regions, diverse culture, high passes, deep gorges, and the Tilicho Lake (one of the world's highest lakes).

Highlights of Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek

  • Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meter
  • Tilicho Lake (4,949m) - one of the highest lakes in the world
  • Blue sheep at Yak Kharka
  • Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West and East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
  • Relaxing in Tatopani hot springs
  • Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
  • Muktinath - a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • Manang district and embrace the beauty of the place
  • Barge Monastery - the largest monastery in the Manang district

Benefits of Annapurna and Tilicho Lake Trek with DWT

  • Free Airport arrival and departure transfer to/from Hotel on a private transport
  • Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
  • Pulse oximeters to monitor blood oxygen saturation at high altitudes to recognize early signs of impending altitude sickness and other potential health risks
  • Easy booking and reservation system
  • Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
  • 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
  • Easy payment system. 
  • Free excess baggage storage service during the trek
  • Medical Kit
  • Arrangement of sleeping bags and down jackets if you do not have your own


Online Trip Briefing

The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available date and time for the trek briefing. Please note that we conduct trip briefing only once either online or in person.  

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Details

Your Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake Trekking starts with an early morning bus ride from Kathmandu to Besishar and then to Jagat while enjoying the views of beautiful villages, terraced farms, and mountain region views.

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek starts from Jagat (1,300m/4,265ft) and ends at Dharapani (1,860m/6,200ft) on the second day. The third trek starts from Dharapani to Chame (2,610m/8,890ft) - the headquarters of the Manang district. From the way, you will get to enjoy incredible views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna III. After spending a night at Chame, you will head to Pisang (3,115m/10,200ft), through the trial that lets us see the Paungda Danda Rock face.

The fifth-day Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit trek journey takes us from Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11,300ft). From the path, you will see Tibetan-style settlements and giant high peaks, including Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. You will spend a day in Manang acclimatizing and then head to Siri Kharka (4,060m/13,320ft) the next day.

On our eighth day, from Siri Kharka, you will trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m/13,583ft) and spend the night there. The next day will be special as you will reach majestic Tilicho Lake, also called "The Great Ice Lake" itself. From Tilicho Lake, you can enjoy the fantastic views of pristine lake water and superb snow-capped high mountains that are incomparable to anywhere in the world. Tilicho Himal, Annapurna Range, and Nilgiri Himal surround Tilicho Lake as if they are hiding nature's gems. After reaching Tilicho Lake, you will return to Siri Kharka for the night.

The following morning you will wake up at Siri Kharka and start the trek to Yak Kharka (4,060m/13,020ft) - the destination for this day. Yak Kharka is famous for its blue sheep, and if the time is right, you can even see a snow leopard. You will spend a night at Yak Kharka, and on our eleventh day, you will reach Thorong Phedi - a small settlement optimally placed for a successful Thorong La Hi-Pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft) crossing. If the situation is favorable at Thorong Phedi, we might trek to High Camp for the night.

To prepare for the Thorong La Hi-Pass crossing, we wake up early at Thorong Phedi and push against the icy air and high-altitude fatigue to reach Thorong La Pass. From the Thorong La Pass, you will see the Himalayas stretch up north to Tibet and the Annapurna mountains to your south. You will cross the Thorong La Pass and descend to Muktinath(3,760m/12,623ft) - a Buddhist and Hindu holy site. By the time you reach Muktinath, you will be tired so we will be spending the night at Muktinath.

After a night at Muktinath, we will take local transport to Tatopani (1,200m/3,940ft). On the way, you will pass Jomsom - a bustling market in this region. Tatopani means hot water in Nepali, and at Tatopani, you will get a chance to dip in the naturally warm water.

Another popular destination for this trek is the viewpoint - Poon Hill (3,210m/10,525 ft), but to get to Poon Hill, you have to start at Tatopani and head to Ghorepani through Sikha and Chitre village. You will stay at the Ghorepani for the night, and the following morning, head to Poon Hill to see the dawn breaking at the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. After seeing the early sunrise from Poon Hill and returning, we will drive you to Pokhara - the tourist capital of Nepal. In Pokhara, you will be staying at a hotel with all the modern amenities.

On the sixteenth day, you will take a tourist bus to Kathmandu, where your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake will end. But by then, the experiences you will have gained on this trek, and the determination that helped you succeed will influence how you think for years to come.

What is special about Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake?

Annapurna with Tilicho Lake is a beautiful trek combination in the Annapurna region. The Tilicho Lake (4,919m / 16,138ft), one of the world's highest lakes, and Thoronga La Pass (5,416m/17769ft) are two major highlights of this trek. You can view the Annapurna Circuit Trek map included in the map section below.

Annapurna Circuit hike with Tilicho Lake trek allows you to see more than a dozen of glorious mountains - Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Fishtail also called Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), and Tilicho peak (7,134m).

Why Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit in Nepal allows you to pass through several climatic regions, and the vegetation changes accordingly. You will pass through paddy fields, subtropical forests, glacial zones, and rural farmlands. In the highlands, you might encounter high-altitude animals, such as blue sheep, snow leopards, and yaks. The natural hot springs bring diverse people to enjoy the warm baths together. Similarly, Muktinath Temple, as a sacred site between Hindus and Buddhists, brings two religions together.

Another vital part of Annapurna Circuit trekking is Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17769ft), one of the highest passes in the world. The views from the Thorong La Pass are mind-blowing. The major part of Annapurna Circuit's difficulty is crossing the Thorong La Pass.

This package covers a local bus ride from Kathmandu to Banisher or Bhulbhule, but for an extra cost, your can book private transport. Similarly, you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu at your own expense. We also request our guests to arrive in Kathmandu before 3 pm, one day earlier, for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person briefing.

Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary

  1. day1

    Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m / 2492ft) to Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (175km / 108miles) 9-10 hrs
    Highest Altitude 1,300m / 4,265ft

    Early morning we drive from Kathmandu for about 6-7 hours (190 km) to the Besishar. On the way, you can see beautiful villages, farms, fast-flowing rivers, and glimpses of mountain ranges. As we will be taking a local bus, we might face some unplanned traffic, and there is a chance that we might not reach Besishar on time to catch a local bus to Jagat - our destination for the day. However, to avoid such delays, you can take a private car/jeep to Jagat for an extra cost.

    • Overnight stay at Tilicho Hotel
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  2. day2

    Trek from Jagat (1,300 m / 4,265ft) to Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 15km / 9.3miles
    Highest Altitude 1,860m / 6,200ft
    Trek Duration 5 hrs

    After breakfast, we begin the 2nd day of our trip. First, we leave Jagat, cross a suspension bridge, and reach Tal Village. At Tal, you can witness several waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. However, we will continue the journey that takes us through barley, rice, and potato fields leading us to Kodo - one of the biggest villages in Manang Valley. But, we will continue our trek, and after crossing a suspension bridge, we climb to stone Kani to finally reach Dharapani, where we will be spending the night.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Gorkha's inn (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  3. day3

    Trek from Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft) to Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 15.5km / 9.6miles
    Highest Altitude 2,610m / 8,890ft
    Trek Duration 6 hrs

    Today's trek takes us through a forest with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees, eventually taking us to Chame, the district headquarter of Manang district. You will find yourself surrounded by the green forests, and over you, you will see remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We will also stop by small hot springs and relax for a while, and if you want, you can take a dip in these hot springs.

    • Overnight stay at Four Season Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  4. day4

    Trek from Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft) to Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,826ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 13.2km / 8.2miles
    Highest Altitude 3,115m / 10,200ft
    Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs

    We walk through a steep and narrow valley to catch the views of Paungda Danda Rock Face - a curved rock face rising 1500m from the Marshyandi River. From here, you will also see clear views of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. 

    After viewing the Paungda Danda Rock Face, we descend to the Manang Valley floor, eventually reaching Pisang- our destination for the day.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  5. day5

    Trek from Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) to Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 17km / 10.6miles
    Highest Altitude 3,540m / 11,300ft
    Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs

    We leave Pisang behind and trek on the upper trails of  Pisang via Geru. This path offers outstanding north face views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. Since we are ascending, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsh. Even in this harsh environment, you will find Tibetan-style settlements, and we will not miss visiting the Barge Monastery - the largest monastery in Manang. 

    • Overnight stay at Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  6. day6

    Rest and Acclimatization day at Manang

    By reaching Manang, we will have gained a lot of elevation, and our body needs time to adjust to high altitudes, so we will stop at Manang for a day. 

    We will use this day to explore Manang.  In the early morning, we hike up to Gangapurna Lake / Ice Lake, and during the day, we will enjoy the outstanding views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. Of course, you can also explore the Manang village. Most trekkers visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village to learn about Acute Mountain Sickness, its symptoms, and ways to prevent it. 

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  7. day7

    Trek from Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) to Siri Kharka (4,060m / 13,320ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 12km / 7. 4miles
    Highest Altitude 4,060m / 13,320ft
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs

    The trek from Manang to Siri Kharka is an easier one. We take the upper route that leads down to a river, which we will cross, and then continue on a path that takes us through the coniferous forests. After walking for about three hours, we reach Tibetan settlement Khangsar, but we will continue our journey forward to reach Shiri Kharka. On the trails, we will get to see gorgeous views of Gungang Himal and Mt.Chulu. 

    • Overnight stay at Siri Kharka
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  8. day8

    Trek from Siri Kharka (4,060m / 13,320ft) to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m / 13,583ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 8km / 4.9 miles
    Highest Altitude 4,150m / 13,583ft
    Trek Duration 5 hrs

    On our eighth day, we will leave Siri Kharka in the morning and trek towards Tilicho Base Camp. The path should be easy, but it passes through landslide-prone areas. From the trails, we get to enjoy the impressive rock formations along with magnificent snow peaks - including Tilicho Peak. 

    • Overnight stay at a Lodge
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  9. day9

    Visit Tilicho Lake (4,920m / 16,138ft) then back to Siri Kharka (4,060m / 13,320ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 11 km / 6.8miles
    Highest Altitude 4,920m / 16,138ft
    Trek Duration 5-6 hrs

    This is one of the special days of the trek as we will be viewing Tilicho Lake itself. But we start our day early in the morning at Tilicho Base Camp to avoid afternoon wind. The path is quite steep, and after laboring for two to three hours, we will reach Tilicho Lake - one of the highest lakes in the world. A well-known French expedition team referred to Tilicho Lake as The Great Ice Lake. Tilicho lake sits surrounded by the majestic peaks - Tilicho Himal, Annapurna Range, and Nilgiri Himal. After enjoying the views of Tilicho Lake, we retrace our path back to Siri Kharka, where we will be spending our night.

    • Overnight stay in Siri Kharka
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  10. day10

    Trek from Siri Kharka (4,060m / 13,320ft) to Yak Kharka (4,060m / 13,020ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 8.4km / 5.2miles
    Highest Altitude (4,060m / 13,020ft)
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs

    From Siri Kharka, we descend to the uninhabited Khangsar Village. On the way, we pass Tare Gumba, a thousand-year-old monastery, but our journey continues following a rock wall that takes us out of Khangsar and leads us to Thorong Khola Valley and finally to Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, you can get glorious views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. If you are lucky, you may also get sight of blue sheep or even a snow leopard. 

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Gangapurna
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  11. day11

    Trek from Yak Kharka (4,060m / 13,020ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2miles
    Highest Altitude 4,525m / 14,525ft
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs

    You need to walk uphill from Yak Kharka to reach Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is the last village that comes before the Thorong La Pass. While walking uphill, you will get to see mesmerizing views of several mountains - including Gudang, Syagang, Khatungkan, and Throrug Peak.

    • Overnight stay at Thorong High Camp Hotel
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  12. day12

    Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m / 12,623ft) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m / 17,756ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 15.6km / 9.6miles
    Highest Altitude 5,416m / 17,756ft
    Trek Duration 9 hrs

    Today's trek will be the most challenging part of this trip, as we will be crossing Thorong La Pass - one of the highest passes in the world. It is also the highest point of the trek. To avoid the afternoon wind, we wake up at Thorong Phedi at 3 am and push ourselves against high altitude and icy air.

    When you reach the Thorong La Pass, just by seeing the incredible scenery, you will feel that nature has paid back your efforts handsomely. From here, you can see the Himalayan peaks extending to Tibet in the north, and if you look back, you will see Annapurna standing proud and tall. 

    We descend from Thorong La Pass to reach Muktinath - a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. The Buddhist name for Muktinath is Chumig Ghasa which means Hundred Waters in Tibetan. And, of course, Muktinath hosts 108 stone sprouts through which flows the icy cold water of Kali Gandaki. In addition to the water sprouts, you will also see the eternal flame at Muktinath, which has been burning there for more than 2000 years.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Town House Muktinath (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  13. day13

    Drive from Muktinath (3,760m / 12,623ft) via Jomsom to Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (113km / 70miles) 6-7
    Highest Altitude 3,760m / 12,623ft

    After a holy visit to Muktinath Temple, we continue our journey, this time in a local bus that takes us to Tatopani. The drive is pretty rough, full of twists and turns, in a region that is home to the world's deepest gorges. Our path will take us through the bustling Jomsom Bazaar and finally to Tatopani - known for natural hot springs. Before the night sets in, it would make great sense to enjoy a bath in these hot springs.

    • Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  14. day14

    Trek from Tatopani (1200m / 3,940ft) to Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,385ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 17km / 10.5miles
    Highest Altitude 2,860m / 9,385ft
    Trek Duration 6-7 hrs

    On our fourteenth day, we ascend to Ghorepani, through ethnic Sikha and Chitre village. We will be passing through the lush rhododendron, birch, and magnolia forests to reach Ghorepani, which sits on top of a ridge. During the blooming season, the rhododendrons add pink and bright red colors to the entire forest.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Snow Land (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  15. day15

    Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,525ft), trek to Birethanti (1,039m / 3,250ft)- then drive to Pokhara via Nayapul

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 12.5km / 7.7miles
    Highest Altitude 3,210m / 10,525ft
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
    Driving hours 2 hrs

    Poon Hill is one of the most famous viewpoints in the world. So, early in the morning, we wake up at Ghorepani and climb up a steep trail for about an hour to see the magnificent views of dawn breaking on Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From here, you will also see Mustang and Pokhara in addition to over 20 high mountains. Poon Hill, with its glorious beauty, provides a favorite venue for photographers, and we will not miss the chance of clicking some pictures here. After spending some time at Poon Hill, we will descend to Birethanti, from where we will take a bus to Pokhara via Nayapul. 

    • Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch)
  16. day16

    Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft ) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (200km/ 124miles) - 6-7hrs

    On our sixteenth day, after breakfast, we will take a tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You may also choose to return by a 25-minute flight (not included in the package) for an extra cost. Our trek package completes at Kathmandu. Discovery World Trekking will also host a farewell dinner at Kathmandu later in the day.

    We hope, by completing this trek, you will have formed lifelong memories. 

    • Included standard meal (Breakfast)

What is included in my Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek Package?

  • Public transportation from Kathmandu to Jagat(trek start) and Muktinath to Tatopani
  • Private transport from Birethanti (trek end) to Pokhara
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist bus
  • Breakfast and a night accommodation (room with attached bathroom) at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara
  • Total 14 nights of accommodation. Eight nights room with attached bathroom at Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang(2N) Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. Six nights standard room at Jagat, Siri Kharka(2N), Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, and Thorang Phedi during the trek
  • All standard meals (15 Lunches, 14 Dinners, and 16 Breakfasts) during the trek
  • Government licensed, experienced trek leader (guide), assistant trekking guide for 12 or more trekkers. Porters to carry luggage (One porter for 2 trekkers, 9 kg luggage weight limit for each trekker. One porter will carry no more than 18 kg.)
  • Guides and porters expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and equipment costs.
  • Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
  • All government taxes, local taxes, and official expenses
  • Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
  • Souvenir -a company's T-shirt & cap
  • Discovery World Trekking Appreciation Certificate after the successful trek
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
What is excluded?
  • International flight airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees for multiple entries on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (15 days - US$25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
  • Excess baggage charges (Limit is 9 kg per person.)
  • All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journe
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
  • Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, hot drinks (tea, coffee), cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance which must cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances out of control like landscape, unfavorable weather conditions, itinerary modification for safety, illness, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, etc.
  • All the costs and expenses not listed in "What is included in my Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek Package?" will be counted as excluded

Official Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map

Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek Gears

Depending on the trekking season, you must adjust your clothing and equipment. However, is a list of items you need during the trek. We urge you to bring only the essentials.  Please note that the luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg, and you will be sharing a porter with another fellow trekker. Hence, we advise you to find a fellow trekker and pack your things in a duffle bag with a capacity of over sixty liters.

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf

  • Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat

  • Headlight with extra batteries

Face

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Face/body wipes

Hands

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Heavyweight winter gloves

Body

  • Hiking shirts

  • Long sleeved shirt

  • Hooded rain jacket

  • Fleece jacket

  • Lightweight cotton pants

  • T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)

  • Polypropylene underwear

  • Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)

  • Sweater

  • Waterproof jacket and pants

Footwear

  • Hiking Boots that has been worn

  • Thick wool socks (take an extra pair of thick light socks)

Essential gear

  • Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)

  • Thermal bottle

  • Water purification

  • Trekking pole

  • Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trekking)

Toiletries

  • Medium size drying towel

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant/ floss

  • Biodegradable bar soap

  • Nail clippers

  • Small mirror

Personal accessories

  • Money

  • Watch

  • Cell phone

  • Camera

Extra items

  • First aid kit

  • Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport

  • Notebook and pen

  • Binoculars

Tilicho Lake Trek | Thorong La Pass | Package Info

Arrival (free airport pickup)

We provide free airport to hotel transfer on arrival and vice-versa on departure for trekkers who have booked trekking with us. Discovery World Trekking representative will be present at the Tribhuvan International Airport, holding a pamphlet with your name. As a welcome gesture, they will present you with a Marigold Garland or Khada and take you to your hotel on private transport. We provide this service to our clients do not feel alone in a new country.


Trek start

Before starting Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport before 3 pm, one day earlier, for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person briefing. You will return to your hotel for the night. On the trip departure day, early in the morning, we will board you on a local bus for approximately 8-9 hours to reach Jagat Village - the starting point of our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek. Local transportation (Kathmandu to Besisahar, then to Jagat, Muktinath to Tatopani ) is included in the package. A private jeep is available for an extra cost.


Accommodation

The 16 days trek includes fourteen nights of lodge-to-lodge stay at the best accommodations available in trekking regions and one night in a Pokhara hotel. We provide eight nights in rooms with an attached bathroom at Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang ( 2N), Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. You will spend six nights in standard rooms at Jagat, Siri Kharka(2N), Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi during the trek (Twin Sharing room). The package includes a one-night hotel stay in Pokhara in a room with an attached bathroom, TV, 24-hour hot water, power, and laundry facility. For solo trekkers, we provide a single private room with an attached bathroom in available lodges and a single private room at other places.

You may require two nights hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek, but the package does not include this. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and tastes.  Hot showers are available at an extra cost in trekking regions.


Meals

Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek takes place at high elevations near the world's highest peaks. Hence, you will need nutritious food. We ensure you will get nutritious and hygienic food throughout the journey. However, the meal options are limited compared to cities. We will provide you with 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 14 dinners during the trek.

We select lodges that offer fresh, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious food. Menu items include traditional, Asian, and Western cuisine, but as we go up menu gets shorter. We urge you to try famous Nepali foods, mainly Dal (lentils), Bhat (rice), Tarkari (curry), Momo (dumplings), and Chow Mein (noodles).

We highly recommend fresh vegetables and plenty of liquids like green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (must) at high altitudes.  Though plenty of non-veg items will be available at trek regions, we do not recommend them for quality concerns. We also encourage you to avoid dairy items, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates.

All personal bills (alcoholic drinks, hot (tea, coffee), and cold Drinks) in tea houses/ lodges or cafes, except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package. Lunch and dinner in Pokhara are not included in the package.


Luggage

The package includes a 9 kg luggage weight limit for each trekker. We will assign one porter for two trekkers, and the porters will not carry more than 18kg of luggage. You might need to bring a backpack for your essentials. We recommend you store your extra luggage in your hotel or at the Discovery World Trekking store (for free).


Typical day

A typical day at Annapurna Circuit Trek starts early morning with a hot cup of tea/coffee. After breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk around 7 to 8 am, depending on the duration and nature of the walk. After trekking for three to four hours, we will stop for lunch, followed by an hour of rest, and then continue to our destination. The afternoon walk is generally shorter (about two to three hours). Once you reach the overnight lodge/tea house/tent, you can snack on the extra dietary food.

You can use your free time before dinner to explore nearby places. After dinner, you can indulge in friendly conversations and discuss the experience of that day. The expedition leader/guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, you can enjoy onboard games like Monopoly, and cards or watch mountaineering documentaries. Most foreigners learn common Nepali words from our crew or read books before going to bed.

Electricity and water

Throughout the Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake trek regions, you will get electricity for a camera or mobile phone recharge at an extra cost. Similarly, you can buy packed mineral water from local lodges or en route shops or fill your water bottle with boiled water at an extra cost. Discovery World Trekking can provide you with pills to make water drinkable. You should not drink water from the rivers, taps, or wells in trekking regions because the water may not be drinkable.


Communication

During the Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek, you can use internet service on lodges for an extra charge. However, at high altitudes, we will use a phone to communicate. The Discovery World Trekking office will remain in contact with all trek groups at least once via team leader for safety. You can easily buy a local sim card in Kathmandu for better connectivity. However, mobile signals at high altitudes may not be strong enough.  Wi-Fi is available in trek lodges for an extra cost.


Tipping

Nepali culture accepts tipping. Tipping is at the trekker’s discretion and should reflect the quality of service provided. We encourage you to pay tips as a group at the end of the trek.


Trek End

You will return to Kathamndu from Pokhara at the end of the trek. This package covers tourist bus transport from Pokhara to Kathmandu. However, you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu at an additional cost. Later in the evening, we will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. 

 

Feedback

After the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, we will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After dinner, we will present you with a company t-shirt and a trek achievement certificate. It is also a great time for you to provide us with your feedback.


Useful Info

Please note that the above itinerary is a general guideline. In rare cases, due to circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather, calamities, or landslides, we might need to modify the itinerary. In such a case, your trek leader will decide on the best alternative after consulting all team members. Similarly, we encourage you to add two extra days, so that even in case of trek delays, you will not miss your international flight back home. 

Trip extension

If you have extra days, after completing the Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake, you have many options. We can arrange Kathmandu Valley or Nagarkot sightseeing tours. Similarly, you can go on a Chitwan jungle safari trip, paragliding, rafting, canyoning, or another trek.


Departure

After the trek, on the day of your flight back to your home country, we will pick you up and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Nepal and will be back for more adventures.

Trek season

The weather is decisive for the Annapurna with the Tilicho Lake trek. Trekking is possible throughout the year, but some seasons are better. Spring and autumn seasons with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and no rain or clouds allow spectacular views. Discovery World Trekking organizes Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake throughout the year.

The trek is challenging in winter due to cold temperatures and snowfalls in high altitudes. Similarly, Nepal experiences monsoons during summer, so the trails can be slippery. However, some trekkers are attracted to challenges and enjoy their Annapurna Circuit Trip in summer and winter. The exact temperature and weather conditions change from place to place, but here is a brief description of the weather in high elevations in the Annapurna Trekking regions.

March to May (Spring): Spring is a perfect time for Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake as the temperature is mild, the rainfall is low, and the skies are clear that allow great views. Thousands of people trek in the Annapurna region during this time. The mean daily temperature in the high elevation ranges from 8°C to 0°C. Lower regions are even warmer, making it comfortable for the trek.

June to August (Summer): June to August is a summer season in Nepal, but summer coincides with the monsoon (rainy season). The temperature is quite high and very favorable, but still, the trails will be wet and slippery.

Monsoon begins at the end of June and lasts till the second week of August. At high elevations, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 23°C during the day, but nights are cooler at 5 to 10°C. Even in this season, the mornings are generally cloud-free, but clouds appear in the afternoon and retreat at night. Because of the rain, various plants bloom, and the whole environment in the trekking region looks green and lovely.

September to November (Autumn): Autumn (September, October, and November) attracts travelers to Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek. Moderate temperatures, mild wind, clear skies, and low precipitation make autumn a wonderful trekking season. The monsoon will be over by early September, and the weather ranges from mild to warm days. Daytime temperatures, at high altitudes, can reach up to 20°C. The nights are cooler with temperatures around 5°C. 

During this season, the greens that grew during the monsoon fade to golden/amber, providing a spectacular contrast against the crystal blue skies. The fields are full of ripening grains, the environment is clean, and the lowlands are lush. Moreover, the two biggest Hindu festivals - Dashain and Tihar - also fall during this season.

December to February (Winter): Winter (December - February) Annapurna with Tilicho Lake treks are moderately popular. During this time, high altitudes at Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake can get as cold as -10°C.

The coldest time is from late December through early February. After late February, the temperature gradually rises to -5°C. Despite being cold, the skies during this season are usually clear. Mountain views are at their best, and the trials are the least busy. New trekkers might find the path challenging, but experienced trekkers can enjoy their trek to the fullest.

The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and changes quickly. The day temperatures can be vastly different than night temperatures.


Trek difficulty

Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake hike is a challenging trek. The hiking generally lasts for 4 to 7 hrs a day, with regular breaks to soak in the stunning mountain views. Trek routes on Annapurna involve long climbs, steep descents, and straightforward roads. Past hiking experience would be an added advantage, but no technical experience and skills are necessary. 

Trekkers who can hike reasonably for 5 to 6 hours a day can complete Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake. Please remember that trekking at higher altitudes is more physically demanding than trekking at lower altitudes. Exercising and jogging regularly for a couple of weeks before the trip enhances your stamina, and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable your trekking experience will be. To join the Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake, you must be healthy with normal physical fitness and a good dose of positive attitude, self-confidence, and determination. 

Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should consult their doctors before booking the trek.


Trek safety

Discovery World Trekking conducts Annapurna with Tilicho Lake treks, according to Nepal Tourism Board Guidelines paying attention to safety. In addition to geographical safety, Discovery World Trekking ensures trekkers' safety in the following ways.

  • Our guides are Intensive Wilderness First Aid trained
  • Trek leaders and guides have years of trekking experience 
  • We use high-quality sanitizers, masks & gloves 
  • We recheck food & accommodation for hygiene


Annapurna Trekking with Tilicho Lake includes one day's rest in Manang for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is preventable but can be fatal if you ignore the symptoms. We have designed our itinerary for slow and steady ascending so that your body can adapt to the new altitude.
All our trekking leaders (guides) have completed extensive first aid training, and we urge you to inform your guide of the first signs of the symptoms. Our crew carries oximeters to monitor your oxygen level to detect early signs of altitude sickness. 

Your trek leader or guide will also suggest precautions. The best way is to take your time and drink plenty of water every day. The only cure for acute altitude sickness is to descend immediately. Your group leader has the ultimate authority to stop your ascent based on team members' conditions.


DWT team

Our trained, well-experienced, and government-licensed guides/Sherpas will accompany you throughout your trek. Porters will be carrying your luggage, but they will carry no more than 18 kg combined weight. For every two trekkers, we assign one porter. If you require, we can arrange more porters too.

Our crew members are local people born and raised in high Himalayan regions who can easily endure high altitudes. All our staff members are valuable to us. So, in addition to salary, we also cover their insurance, clothing, food, lodging, and equipment costs. Discovery World Trekking believes that only a happy person can make others happy. Hence, we try hard to keep our staff happy.

Our team members have

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid Training
  • Government-authorized Trekking Guide Training Certificate
  • Fluency in speaking English and another major language
  • Conservation and Biodiversity Training
  • Rock Climbing Experience


Visa

Citizens from most countries get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or in specific government offices along Indian or Tibetan borders. You can find more information about visas at www.immigration.gov.np

For visa application, you will need a passport valid for at least six months, one passport-size photo, and a visa fee. The current visa fee is  US$50(to be paid in cash) for a 30-day stay. Children under the age of 10 will get a free visa. Indian citizens do not need a visa. Chinese citizens and citizens of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) get a free visa.

On-arrival visas might not be available for citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan. If you are a citizen of these countries, contact your local Nepalese embassy.


Trek booking

Discovery world trekking is a Nepal government-registered and bonded Trek and Tour operator. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Therefore, you can book treks/trips/expeditions with Discovery World Trekking with 100% confidence.

We require 10% as a trek booking advance. After booking a trip, send us other necessary documents, such as a passport copy, passport-size photos, travel insurance policy, and flight details, within a week of booking the trip.

You can pay through bank transfer, Western Union, or online directly from our website. You can pay the remaining trek cost in cash, through a bank transfer, or credit card, after arriving in Nepal. We will also forward payment details in your email. 

You can book Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek here.

Currency exchange 

Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs) is the local currency. (1 USD = Approx Rs.130 NPR). You can exchange most foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel.

Money exchanges display their currency exchange rates visibly. We advise you to bring cash (major currencies) to avoid lengthy processes and high bank commission rates. You can also withdraw Nepali Rupees from ATMs in Kathmandu and Thamel. Most of the ATMs are open round the clock. If you use a foreign card, you can withdraw up to Rs. 35,000 for Rs. 500 as a processing fee. Banks and financial institutions impose a service fee of about four percent or more for their money exchange service.

Major banks in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn, or faded. Please ensure that you have new and clean notes.


Extra personal expenses

Meals and accommodations in Kathmandu are up to our clients themselves. Kathmandu offers all kinds of hotels/lodges for different price ranges to cater to individual tastes. All our valuable clients will have to bring personal spending money to cover meals and accommodations in Kathmandu, lunch and dinner in Pokhara, visa fees, travel insurance policy purchase, beverages, snacks for the trek, hot (tea, coffee), cold drinks, tips for crew members, souvenirs, etc. We recommend you bring cash (major currencies) and exchange them for Nepalese Rupees. Trekking regions accept only Nepali Rupees.

 

Travel Insurance

Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek is a challenging journey with potential high altitude sickness and other unforeseen events such as injury, illness, flood, landslide, or sudden climate changes. Travel insurance is compulsory for booking the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to Discovery World Trekking. Your policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation, including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes.

We can recommend insurance companies to help you based on our clients' experiences, but we do not sell insurance policies. 

We request all trekkers to send their detailed insurance policy once they book for trekking. In emergencies, we will use the insurance policy and informational documents that you sent us for a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers mountain rescue service at the highest trek elevation in addition to health expenses.

Please do not solely rely on what insurance companies say on their website. Call them to ensure they cover helicopter rescue at altitudes up to 6000m, along with all medical expenses.


Last-minute booking

It is best to book trips in advance, but for those unable to do so, Discovery World Trekking provides a last-minute booking facility. Last-minute booking requires you to pay 100% of the trip cost 24 hours before the trip departure date.  Though Discovery World Trekking tries its best to conduct trips as scheduled, there is a small chance of delay due to circumstances beyond our control. Sometimes the weather might not be good enough, or the lodges in trekking regions might not be vacant.  For more information, contact Paul at 977- 9840055491 or [email protected].


Group & private trek

We organize groups as well as private treks. Group discounts are available based on your team size. The bigger your team is, the more discount you will get. However, if Discovery World Trekking assembles the group, you will not be eligible for discounts. We can handle all group sizes. Your group will consist of a group leader, a porter for every two trekkers, and an assistant guide for a group of 12 or more.


Responsible travel

As an eco-tour company, we understand that our actions may cause detrimental effects on the environment in the trekking regions. So, we try hard to limit such effects and remind you not to litter carelessly. Furthermore, Discovery World Trekking works with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly trips that benefit the locals and trekkers.

Notes

Please note that Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek has a fixed departure date from Kathmandu. However, if the dates do not suit you, let us know, and we can adjust the dates for you.

Trip Departure Dates

Note to solo travelers:

If you are a solo traveler, please reach out to us via call/WhatsApp/Viber at +977-9840055491 or email [email protected] before booking the trip to confirm the departure date.

Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.

PriceDeparture DateTrip status
$1650$920save $73016 Days22 Mar, 2024 - 6 Apr, 2024Booking OpenEnquire Now
$1650$920save $73016 Days25 Mar, 2024 - 9 Apr, 2024Booking OpenEnquire Now
$1650$920save $73016 Days27 Mar, 2024 - 11 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now
$1650$920save $73016 Days29 Mar, 2024 - 13 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now
$1650$920save $73016 Days1 Apr, 2024 - 16 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now

Benefits

Team of highly experienced Experts
No Booking or Credit Card Fee
Hassle-Free Booking
Your Happiness Guaranteed
Best Price Guarantee

Group Discount Prices

No. of PersonsPrice per Person
1 PaxUS$ 1270
2 PaxUS$ 920
3 PaxUS$ 900
4 - 6 PaxUS$ 870
7 - 12 PaxUS$ 840
13 - 18 PaxUS$ 800

Travelers' Review

play

Chasing  Trek Drams at Thorang la Pass in Annapurnaeve Circuit

Bendit- US
play

Personal Experiences from EBC & ABC

Micheal- US
play

inspiring words from EBC & ABC

Micheal- US

Tilicho Lake Trek Company Reviews

5

Based on the opinion of at least 1085 people.

5 out of 5 reviews from tripadvisor brand

Claire Q

Written Feb 13 , 2023

Had a great time trekking with Discovery World Trekking. Our guide was awesome and made sure we were safe and having fun along the way. Paul the manager also made sure we had all the information we needed and was always easy to contact. 
Best experience, highly recommended.

Yin B

Written Oct 19 , 2022

Our trekking exceeded all expectations! The scenery, the accommodation, the food, and most important: the team DWT were so amazing! They made everything so much easier and did everything they could to help us!

 

Our guide Karan made sure we were safe all the time! Our porters Noveen and Bomb were great! Couldn’t imagine doing the trek without them! They took care of our stuff, but they also were our entertainers! Noveen is a great singer, one day he will be ‘Nepals Idole’!  Big boss Paul is a great man! We’ll come back to Nepal, and book our next trek with DWT!

Discovery World Trekking

Abraham

Feb 27 , 2024

My journey to Annapurna Base Camp with a side trip to Tilicho Lake was nothing short of extraordinary. This trek offers an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and cultural richness. The highlight, undoubtedly, is reaching the base camp itself, where the sheer grandeur of the surrounding peaks leaves you awe-struck.

Adding Tilicho Lake to the itinerary was a stroke of brilliance. The detour takes you off the beaten path, rewarding you with an azure gem nestled amidst towering mountains.

Throughout the trek, the hospitality of the locals and the expertise of our guides made the experience even more memorable. Their warmth and knowledge added depth to our journey. Thank you, Paul and Discovery World Trekking for this wonderful experience. 10/10 service.

Adrian

Feb 06 , 2024

Annapurna Base Camp with Tilicho Lake was like stepping into a dream. The adventure began in the quaint village of Pokhara, where our small group gathered, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Our guide greeted us with a warm smile and briefed us on the upcoming trek.

Tilicho Lake, a hidden jewel nestled at over 4,900 meters above sea level, was a sight to behold. We reached its shores just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp was the culmination of days of hard work and determination.

I can't thank my guide and the team enough for their guidance and support throughout the journey. Their knowledge of the terrain and unwavering positivity kept us motivated, even on the toughest days. Thank you Discovery World Trekking for this wonderful trip.

4.9

Based on the opinion of at least 158 people in the Travel & Vacation Category.

4.9 out of 5 reviews from tripadvisor brand

Nathan L

US

Apr 12, 2023

My partner and I trekked the Annapurna Circuit, with Discovery World Trekking. This was our first time in Nepal, and overall, we had a fantastic time. We were looked after very well by our guide, who served to direct us during the day and cared for our culinary and accommodation needs whilst not trekking.

 

He was a fantastically happy and dedicated guide, but we did find there was a language barrier that made things tricky at times. We had a fantastic time but would have got more out of a more challenging trek.

Stephie Mills

US

Jun 15, 2018

AMAZING! Highly recommended! Paul and his team went above and beyond with my trek to Annapurna. As a first-time trekker, I was a bit nervous starting out but Discovery assured me everything would be great and it was! The company organized every single detail that was needed for my adventure. My guide even helped me pick out some items that I was missing for my trek. Overall l was very content with Discovery World Trekking and will use them again when I come back to Nepal.

FAQ’s

Related Trips

Annapurna Trek - 20 Days
 of 103 reviews
from US$ 2000US$ 1230pp

Annapurna Trek - 20 Days

GradeChallenging
Duration20 Days
ActivityAnnapurna Treks

Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days

GradeChallenging
Duration14 Days
ActivityAnnapurna Treks

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 Days

GradeModerate
Duration11 Days
ActivityAnnapurna Treks

Our History in Service Excellence

WE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH:

Discovery World Trekking is the trademark name of Discovery World Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Our name, logo, and slogan are registered in Nepal. Our Nepal Tourism Board trekking and travel company license number is 1495.

Free Trip Planner →
paul gurungtravel expert

We’ll Plan You a Custom-Made Trip

Connect With Our Travel ExpertsLet Us Help You