Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

The most common accommodations you will get during the Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek are teahouses. The accommodation ranges from 760m to 4600m in a remote location. Thus, expecting the most luxurious and nicest services here is not recommended. But we guarantee the teahouses available offer you a comfortable stay. The rooms you get feature shared rooms with twin beds, bedding, and blankets.

​You will also get a communal dining area where you can relax and socialize. The friendly owner and fellow trekkers can make your stay in the teahouses memorable and adjustable. Also, most of them offer cozy sitting areas with wood stoves to keep warm. Depending on the location, teahouses offer shared toilets, which can be Western-style or squat toilets.

Shower facilities are also available, although they may be basic and often come with a small fee. In higher-altitude areas, hot showers might be less frequent, and you can choose to use wet wipes or sponge baths to freshen up. When you book with us, you will enjoy a 14-night stay in carefully selected tea houses that offer the best accommodations available along the route.

Note: The cost of accommodations is low during the off-season.

To get the most out of your trekking journey while enhancing your safety, it is essential for you to trek during the right season. But what is the best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek? The best time for Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek is spring and autumn. During these seasons, you will get clear skies, mild temperatures, and pleasant temperatures. Also, encountering the rainfall or clouds is also low. Thus, you can witness the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Aside from these two, the remaining two seasons, winter and summer, are quite challenging.

March to May (Spring)

Considered to be the perfect season for you to explore the beauty of the area, the spring season offers you beautiful views of surrounding landscapes. During this season, the temperature in higher altitudes ranges between 8°C to 0°C, which can be quite manageable. Also, during this season, you will see blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers, which add vibrant color to landscapes, enhancing the overall experience.

June to August (Summer)

Summer welcomes monsoon season; thus, trekking during this season can be quite difficult. Although the temperature in higher altitudes ranges between 5°C to 23°C, which is quite warmer, the heavy rainfall makes the trail slippery. There is also a huge chance for landslides, making your journey more risky. Also, the clouds appear in the afternoon, creating visibility problems. You will also get a large number of leaches throughout the trek, which can be quite challenging.

September to November (Autumn)

Another ideal season for trekking is autumn. You will get mild temperatures between 5°C to 20°C. Like spring, during this season, you will also get clear views of surrounding landscapes and mountains. The green fades, and you can witness the golden/amber colors through the trek, which can be quite overwhelming. Also, the two major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, fall during this season. Trekking during autumn will not only give you the chance to witness the natural beauty but also immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Nepal.

December to February (Winter)

The winter season is moderately popular. Trekking during this season, you will have to cope with the decreasing temperature, which can range below -10°C. This can be quite challenging for most people. Also, the heavy snowfall during winter makes the trial steep and difficult to navigate. Furthermore, higher altitude accommodations are closed, increasing the difficulty of finding a place to stay. Trekking in the winter season is only recommended if you have prior experience in higher altitude places.

Food on the Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek caters to every individual’s dietary preferences. Every teahouse’s menu offers traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and various noodle dishes. In some, you can also find international cuisines, such as pasta, pizza, and pancakes. The meals at the higher altitudes may be made with dried or preserved foods, as fresh vegetables are hard to find.

Similarly, purification tablets or water filters are generally recommended for drinking water. Many tea houses offer boiled water for a small fee, which is also a safer option. If you are getting towards a higher altitude, it is very essential for you to stay hydrated. We recommend you have about 3 to 4 liters of water daily. You can refill water bottles at various points, but ensuring the water is treated or boiled is crucial for health.

Our trekking package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD) at every stop, featuring a variety of traditional Nepali and Western meals to suit your taste. If you have special dietary preferences, from vegetarian or vegan meals, we also cater to you with this. Furthermore, we ensure you get access to safe drinking water through the boiled water options at the teahouses.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers approximately 160 to 230 kilometers (99 to 143 miles), depending on the route variations and side trips taken. It lasts about 15 to 20 days and allows for acclimatization and exploration of the stunning landscapes and local culture. The distance can vary based on personal choices if you option for Poon Hill or Tilicho Lake. The highest point is Throng La Pass, which is at 5,416 meters.

In addition to the Annapurna Circuit, the trek to Tilicho Lake adds an extra 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) round trip from Siri Kharka, making it one of the highest lakes in the world. The total trekking distance of Annapurna Circuit, along with a detour to Tilicho Lake, can reach up to 260 kilometers (162 miles). This trek offers a mix of challenging terrains along with breathtaking views and cultural experiences, making it a rewarding adventure for trekkers.

Starting off early, you will start your journey after having a morning breakfast, around 7 to 8 am. It is mainly determined by the duration and the nature of the walk. The first-morning section is relatively easy. After about 3 to 4 hours of walking, you will take a short break for lunch in a nearby teahouse. After a break of almost an hour, your trekking adventure starts again. Now, the section starts to get a bit steeper. Throughout the journey, it is generally recommended that you take frequent breaks and have meals and water to avoid altitude sickness.

With about 3 to 4 hours of hiking in the late afternoon, you will reach your destination. Upon reaching here, you will take a short rest. The meals are prepared early. You can have a meal in a communal space, chat with the local people, or travel with fellow travelers. After that, you will finally call it a day at about 7 to 8 pm. Or, as an alternative, if you are looking for a more fun adventure, you can indulge in reading books, playing Monopoly or cards, or watching mountaineering documents with other people.

If you are trekking towards the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, then it is very recommended that you hire a guide. Although it is possible to trek solo, it requires good planning and preparation. If you hire a guide, which can cost around $25 to $30 per day, it can increase the overall efficiency and safety of your journey. The guide is the one who looks after everything from your meals to accommodations and safety. As they are well trained and prepared, they will provide you with in-depth knowledge of the local culture and traditions.

Also, trekking with them, there is a low chance for you to miss out on any major places, as they are well aware of the local areas. Furthermore, they also know how to handle emergency situations, making you less worried about your overall journey. Hiring a guide means you are fully prepared. Traveling with us, we offer you a well-experienced guide, along with porters, to ease your overall journey. They are included in the 15-day package you choose with us. Our overall plan is to make your journey safe and memorable.

Considered to be a diverse and rewarding adventure, we will follow a route that encircles the Annapurna massif. The starting point of the trek is Besishar. Upon reaching there, we will either take a ride towards Chame or take a hike that lasts from 6 to 7 hours. While witnessing the lush greenery, alpine forests, and remote villages, we will finally reach Chame. Continuing our adventure, we will make our way through some other villages, such as Pisang and Manang. In Manang, we take an acclimatization day.

The challenges will increase in the upcoming days. We will now aim towards the Tilicho Lake. Overcoming the challenges and creating a memorable experience, we will finally reach Tilicho. Here, we will witness the beautiful turquoise lake reflecting the views of snow-capped mountains. Descending back, we will return to Siri Kharkha and prepare for upcoming challenges. We will pass through some other major places, such as Yak Kharkha and Thorang Phedi, before reaching Muktinath and moving towards the major highlight of the trek, Thorong La Pass.

Finally, upon reaching there, we now descend to Tadapani and Ghorepani while also taking a short hike to Poon Hill.  From Poon Hill, we will trek to Nayapul and take a scenic ride back to Pokhara. The next day, we will take a flight to Kathmandu and finally end our 15-day adventure toward the Himalayas.

The highest point of Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek is Thorong La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Most of the sections of this adventure are above 4,000 meters. The starting and ending point of the trek, Besishar, is at the lowest altitude, 760 meters. Gradually making our way through the trail, on the 6th day, we will reach an altitude of 4,000 meters. For the upcoming 5 days, our trail passes above 4,000 meters of journey. In the 12 days, the elevation started to decrease below as we started to descend back from Thorang La Pass.

Crossing Thorong La is physically demanding due to the thin air and steep inclines, requiring proper acclimatization and stamina. Upon reaching the point, you will witness the towering peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Aside from the Thorong La Pass, another high point is Tilicho Lake, which sits at 4,919 meters. It is one of the highest lakes in the world, offering a challenging ascent. You will pass through rugged terrain, but the breathtaking beauty of the pristine turquoise lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks makes the effort worthwhile.

Altitude sickness

As the Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit involve high-altitude passes, it is very likely for you to get altitude sickness. Also known as acute mountain sickness, altitude sickness will happen when your body struggles to adapt to the lower oxygen level at a higher altitude. As you ascend and climb over 3,000 meters, it is likely that you will get it. Some of its symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can also be life-threatening with some conditions like high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

To avoid altitude sickness, it is very important for your body to get proper sound acclimatization in your itinerary. A full day of rest will help your body adjust to the thinning air, thus making your body friendly with the higher altitude and low oxygen level. Proper acclimatization not only reduces the risk of AMS but also enhances your trekking experience. It allows you to feel more energized and capable of handling the physical demands of high-altitude trekking.

Tips To Protect From Altitude Sickness

• You should avoid rapid climbing. Ascend gradually. Your itinerary should include a proper acclimatization plan.
• Throughout the trek, stay hydrated. Drinking about 3 to 4 liters of water protects you from dehydration, which is important to avoid altitude sickness.
• Pay attention to your body. If you find any symptoms of altitude sickness, it is essential to take a rest. If the situation worsens, you should descend immediately.
• It is very recommended you avoid alcohol and caffeine as it dehydrates you.
• You should trek at a higher altitude and return to a lower altitude to sleep. This allows your body to acclimatize without overexertion.

To trek to the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, you need two permits: an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Getting these two permits is mandatory as it helps your safety and the conservation of the region’s natural resources.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

As the trekking trail lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, this permit is essential for you to make an entry. This permit helps fund the conservation of the region’s biodiversity and local communities. To obtain this permit, you can get to the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or you can also get it at the entry checkpoint of the Conservation Area.

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)

This permit card is issued to maintain the record of all trekkers. This enhances the safety of trekkers during the journey. You can get this card from either the Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Also, if not there, you can get it from the entry points in Besisahar. Mainly, there are two types of TIMS cards: green for independent trekkers and and blue for organized groups.

Cost

Documents Needed For Permits

• Two passport-sized photos
• Copy of your passport
• Travel insurance details
• Trek Itinerary
• Tourist visa for Nepal

The choice of a trekking route completely depends on your preferences. However, there are certain factors for you to make a consideration with. If you are looking for a longer and more thrilling adventure in the Annapurna Region, the Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake can be the better option for you. On the contrary, if you are looking for a more easy trek with short hiking days, the ABC trek awaits you. However, if your plan is to witness the Annapurna mountain with closer mountain views, then opt for ABC, as Circuit Trek offers little distant views of snow-capped mountains.

In terms of difficulty, the circuit trek, as merged with Tilicho Lake, is compared to ABC, which is more challenging. However, for the budget-friendly option, ABC can be the perfect choice for you. Circuit Trek is considered to be less popular than base camp treks. With a circuit route, you will witness slightly fewer crowds. This can be a huge advantage, as you will witness the beautiful surrounding views and do not have to worry about accommodations. To choose the perfect trekking option for you, you should consider all the factors before finalizing your trekking destination.

By booking with us, you will be able to experience many trekking adventures in the Annapurna Region. Some of our popular packages aside from Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake include:

Classic Annapurna Trek
Short Annapurna circuit trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek

On the Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek, electricity is available at most tea houses. This allows you to charge devices like cameras, phones, and power banks. However, as you ascend to higher altitudes, electricity may be solar-powered, and charging may come at an extra cost. It is advisable to carry a power bank to ensure backup power, especially in remote areas with limited or unavailable electricity.

Communication facilities like Wi-Fi are also available in several tea houses along the trek. However, the connection can be slow or unreliable, especially at higher altitudes. Mobile network coverage is generally good in lower regions but becomes patchy in more remote areas like Tilicho Base Camp. You should buy a local SIM card (NTC or Ncell) for better connectivity and to keep in touch with family or friends.

Getting travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is generally recommended. Travel insurance helps you provide financial security against unforeseen events such as accidents, illness, flight cancellations, and emergency evacuations. Since trekking at high altitudes involves potential risks like altitude sickness, injuries, or extreme weather conditions, having travel insurance ensures you are covered for medical treatments, helicopter evacuations, and hospitalization if necessary.

Choosing a policy that covers high-altitude trekking up to 5,400 meters is important, as standard travel insurance often has altitude limits. Ensure the insurance includes emergency evacuation by helicopter, as reaching remote areas for medical help can be difficult without it. Additionally, the insurance should cover trip cancellations or interruptions, loss of personal belongings, and delays. With comprehensive travel insurance, you can trek with peace of mind, knowing you are protected against potential risks.

The packing list and gears mainly depend on the trekking season. However, there is a list of things that you can include as an essential for your trekking adventure to the Himalayas. Although the porter is assigned to you, it is very recommended not to carry more than 9 to 10 kg, as he will also be carrying the luggage of other adventurers. Hence, based on the list we prepared, we recommend you make your packing list. This not only helps to make your trekking adventure safe but also makes the work of a porter easier.

Layering:

Base Layers: These will be your first line of insulation, so opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics. Bring at least:

2-3 thermal tops (long-sleeve)
2-3 thermal bottoms

Mid Layers: For warmth, especially at higher altitudes.

1-2 fleece jackets or wool sweaters
Insulated trekking pants

Outer Layers: Windproof and waterproof jackets and pants are essential to protect against rain, snow, and wind.

• A down jacket (preferably one that is packable and lightweight)
• Gore-Tex jacket (waterproof)
• Waterproof trekking pants
• Clothing Items
• Trekking T-Shirts (3-5 pairs)
• Trekking Shorts (1-2 pairs)
• Underwear (enough pairs for the trek duration)

Warm Hat made up of fleece or wool

• Sun Hat/Cap
• Waterproof Gloves
• Buff/Scarf

Footwear:

• Trekking Boots should be sturdy, waterproof, and broken-in with ankle support.
• Camp Shoes/Sandals (1 pair)
• Gaiter, especially the Thorong La Pass.
• Trekking socks (4-5 pairs)

Trekking Equipment:

• Trekking Poles
• Backpack (durable 30-40L daypack)
• Trekking companies provide a Duffle Bag (optional).
• Water Bottles (Two 1-liter bottles)
• Sleeping Bag: A high-quality, 4-season sleeping bag

Personal Accessories:
Headlamp/Flashlight
Sunglasses
Sunscreen & Lip Balm with high SPF (50+)
Trekking Towels

Toiletries:

• Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes
• Sanitizer Gel
• Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste

First Aid and Medication:

• Altitude Medication (Diamox)
• Blister Treatment: Moleskin, band-aids, and antiseptic cream for blister management.
• Painkillers: For headaches, muscle pain, or altitude sickness.
• Water Purification Tablets/Drops
• Personal Medication: Any prescribed medication you need during the trek.

Electronics and Gadgets:

• Camera/Phone
• Power Bank (20,000mAh or more)
• Portable Solar Charger (optional)
• Adapters
• Snacks and Supplements:
• Energy Bars, Nuts, Dried Fruits: Quick energy boosters during long trekking days.
• Electrolytes
• Protein Bars/Protein Powder
• Instant Coffee/Tea Pack

Documents and Essentials:

• Passport and Visa
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
• Insurance Documents
• Cash

Optional Items:

• Notebook and Pen
• Travel Pillow
• Reading Material
• Binoculars (optional)

Annapurna Circuit Sleeping Bag Rating

You will encounter a wide range of temperatures for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The temperatures in higher altitudes like Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) and Tilicho Lake (4,919 meters) can drop well below freezing. A sleeping bag with a comfort rating between -10°C to -15°C is ideal to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep in these colder regions. This rating allows you to stay warm even in the harshest conditions at higher elevations. Choosing a 4-season sleeping bag that is both lightweight and easily compressible is advisable, making it more convenient to pack and carry.

Packing Tips for Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek

Layering: Since the trek will take you through varied climates, it is essential to dress in layers. You can add or remove layers depending on the temperature.

Pack Light: Avoid overpacking. You should keep your backpack around 9-10 kg and let your porter carry any extra weight.

Break in New Gear: Make sure all new items, especially shoes and backpacks, are broken in before the trek to prevent discomfort and injuries.