26th Sep, 2024 • 12:45 PM
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek has long been considered one of the world’s great treks. Like the other best journey, Annapurna Circuit Trek reveals itself gradually, as it climbs through a subtropical forest...
Photo: Annapurna III, view from Manang
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek has long been considered one of the world’s great treks. Like the other best journey, Annapurna Circuit Trek reveals itself gradually, as it climbs through a subtropical forest, terrace rice field to a Tibetan-influenced Manang valley, and then over high Thorong-la (5,416m) to the deepest Kali-Gandaki Valley with a desert-like Trans-Himalayan region of Mustang. The cultural mix of ACT is very unique. At the beginning of the trek, we find a mix of Gurung villages with their unique way of lifestyle and beautiful Manslu and Annapurna ranges. As we ascend we find the different geographical terrain of Manange people and their way of life. After the high Throngla pass you are welcomed by unique Thakali people and their famous cousin ‘Thakali Kitchen’. At the end of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will experience the Magar People and their unique household and lifestyle.
This unique geographical diversity and cultural harmony only exists in the Annapurna Circuit trek. This Apple Pie Trek takes you on the journey of spirituality from Hindus at the beginning, Tibetan Buddhism, and Bonpo at the Manang and Mustang Valley. There are plenty of Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, and monasteries giving you a sense of spirituality and harmony of Nepali people. Nature and beauty are indescribable. This trek touches two big mountain ranges of the world Manaslu (8,163 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and circuits the whole Annapurna range.
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Days
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Itinerary
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Overnight Altitude
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Day 1
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Kathmandu | Pokhara to Chame
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2,740 m | 8,989 ft.
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Day 2
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Chame to Upper Pisang
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3,300 m | 10,826 ft.
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Day 3
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Upper Pisang to Nagwal
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3650 m | 11,975 ft.
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Day 4
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Nawal to Manang
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3,519 m | 11545 ft
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Day 5
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Acclimatization at Manang
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3,519 m | 11545 ft
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Day 6
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Manang to Yak Kharka
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4020 m | 13,189 ft.
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Day 7
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Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi
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4,540 m | 14,895 ft.
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Day 8
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Throng Phedi to Muktinath
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3,800 m| 12467 ft.
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Day 9
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Muktinath to Marpha via Lubra pass
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2650 m | 8694 ft.
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Day 10
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Jomsom |Marpha to Pokhara
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822 m | 2697 ft.
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This is the shortest itinerary for finishing the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This itinerary does not include other side trips such as Ice Lake, Milenerepa Cave, and Tilicho Lake. However, this ACT itinerary Includes the main attraction of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Photo: Ice Lake with Mt. Annapurna III and Mt. Gangapurna
|
Days
|
Itinerary
|
Overnight Altitude
|
|
Day 1
|
Kathmandu | Pokhara to Chame
|
2,740 m | 8,989 ft.
|
|
Day 2
|
Chame to Upper Pisang
|
3,300 m | 10,826 ft.
|
|
Day 3
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Upper Pisang to Ngawal
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3650 m | 11,975 ft.
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Day 4
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Nawal to Manang
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3,519 m | 11545 ft
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Day 5
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Acclimatization at Manang and hike to Ice Lake
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3,519 m | 11545 ft
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Day 6
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Manang to Tlicho Base Camp
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4200 m | 13780 ft.
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Day 7
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Tlicho Base camp to Tilicho Lake and Shree Kharka
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4080 m | 13,386 ft.
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Day 8
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Shree Kharka to Letder
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4,150 m | 13,615 ft.
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Day 9
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Letder to High Camp
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4,880 m | 16,010 ft.
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Day 10
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High Camp to Muktinath
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3,800 m| 12467 ft.
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Day 11
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Muktinath to Marpha via Lubra pass
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2650 m | 8694 ft.
|
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Day 12
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Jomsom |Marpha to Pokhara
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822 m | 2697 ft.
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Photo: Thilicho Lake 4919m
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Days
|
Itinerary
|
Overnight Altitude
|
|
Day 1
|
Kathmandu | Pokhara to Chame
|
2,740 m | 8,989 ft.
|
|
Day 2
|
Chame to Upper Pisang
|
3,300 m | 10,826 ft.
|
|
Day 3
|
Upper Pisang to Ngawal
|
3650 m | 11,975 ft.
|
|
Day 4
|
Nawal to Manang
|
3,519 m | 11545 ft
|
|
Day 5
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Acclimatization at Manag- Village Explore, and visit Gangapurna Lake and nearby View Point
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3,519 m | 11545 ft
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Day 6
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Acclimatization at Manang and hike to Ice Lake (4,600m | 15,092 ft.)
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3,519 m | 11545 ft
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Day 7
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Manang to Tlicho Base Camp
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4200 m | 13780 ft.
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Day 8
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Tlicho Base camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m | 16,138 ft.) and Shree Kharka
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4080 m | 13,386 ft.
|
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Day 9
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Shree Kharka to Letder
|
4,150 m | 13,615 ft.
|
|
Day 10
|
Letder to High Camp
|
4,880 m | 16,010 ft.
|
|
Day 11
|
High Camp to Muktinath
|
3,800 m| 12467 ft.
|
|
Day 12
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Muktinath to Marpha via Lubra pass
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2650 m | 8694 ft.
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Day 13
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Marpha to Tatopani
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1,243 m | 4049 ft.
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Day 14
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Tatopani to Ghorepani
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2,874 m | 9,429 ft.
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Day 15
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Ghore Pani to Poon Hill (3210m| 10,531 ft.) and Pokhara
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822 m | 2,697f ft.
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15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is considered the ideal itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trek. Going up slowly to the highest pass prevents risk from the high altitude and Mountain Sickness. Exploring the village and side trips are the jewel of the trek. Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake are perfect side trips of the 15 day itinerary trip. Sinking in the natural Hot spring at Tatopani is the perfect end and treat of the trek. Climbing up to the Ghorepani and enjoying the magnificent sunrise at himalaya is the perfect end of the trek.
In this schedule, if you want to join the side trip to see the snow leopard that is also possible in our extra day at Manang.
Photo: Mt Dhaulagiri 8167m from Lubra Pass Muktinath
Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a mid-priced trek in Nepal. The cost of Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 90 USD to 110 USD per day, according to the service you take, however, transportation(Land), Permits, accommodations, 3 times warm meals, guide, and Porters are mainly included.
Early autumn (August, September), autumn, summer, and spring seasons are the Best Time to Trek at Annapurna Circuit Trekking. The route is open all around a year. Different seasons allow us to experience different attractions and activities.
Most of the days of Annapurna Circuit lie in the trans-Himalayan region. So this region has less rain in summer. In summer all the agricultural and cultural activities awake. Less cold, less crowded, alpine flowers along with greenery and cultural activities are the extra highlights of the Summer Season. Sometimes the heavy rain may affect the lower part of trekking and transportation in summer.
Autumn is an ideal season to trek Annapurna Circuit Trekking, because of the less rain less cold, festive and harvesting time, and clear weather are the specialty of the Autumn. However, because of the high season autumn is often crowed.
The trans-Himalayan region is cold and dry in the winter season and also witnesses heavy snowfall. Trekking in the winter always comes with the risk of being affected by bad weather and heavy snowfall. The trekking route is always open and has an availability of hotels. If you are fascinated by adventure then winter might perfect time for you.
Note That:
For correct information always keep consulting with us and your guide about the situation of the route and places.
Photo: Muktinath temple at Muktinath
The Annapurna Range stands as the beacon of culture and spirituality. Mt. Annapurna itself is deeply rooted in Hindu and Buddhism for fulfilling the spiritual journey of the monks. Annapurna has a profound meaning derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Anna’ means grain or food and Purna means complete. It embodies the divine essence of the goddess of nourishment and abundance.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Mt. Gangapurna is believed as the adobe of Dakinis, a celestial being who guides the practitioner on the path to enlightenment. Monasteries, stupas, craving stones, and prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze, carrying the hope, blessing, peace, and aspirations of devotees seeking spiritual awakening. Mani wall and craving stones inscribed with sacred mantras, serve as a tangible testament to the unwavering faith of local people and communities.
The cultural context of the Annapurna region is rich and diverse, shaped by the Indigenous people who have called their home for centuries. Different ethnic groups and castes living together following their own culture, tradition, and belief system represent the cultural harmony of the Annapurna region.
Many ethnic groups reside in the Annapurna region, including Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Tibetans, Brahmins, Chhetris, and others who have lived there for centuries. Their primary occupations are animal husbandry and farming. Over time, many have transitioned to the tourism industry, running hotels and tea houses, while others continue their traditional practices. Historically, the Manage were involved in trade with Tibet, Burma, Singapore, and Malaysia. Gurungs from the lower region engage in various occupations, such as animal husbandry, farming, and serving in the army. Other castes and ethnic groups primarily focus on traditional farming and agriculture.
The history of the Annapurna Circuit trek dates back to 1950 when French climber Maurice Herzog successfully summited Annapurna I. The trek gained popularity after the 1970s, especially following the establishment of the Annapurna Conservation Area, which began promoting trekking internationally. Its stunning beauty and cultural diversity soon made it famous worldwide. In its early days, the trek started from Dumre and took nearly a month to complete.
Nepal's geographical diversity varies from 60m to 8848 m from sea level. This variation is divided into 4 regions: Terai Region, Hilly Region, Mountain Region, and Trans-Himalayan Region. The lowest point of Nepal is 59 m | Mukhiyapatti Musharniya and the highest point is 8848 m| the top of the world Mt. Everest.
Annapurna Circuit trek belongs to mainly 3 regions which are: the Hilly Region, the Mountain Region, and the Trans- Himalaya Region.
This region belongs to approx. 300 m to 2700m covering 68% of the land. The first day of Annapurna Circut Trek belongs to this region.
All the mountains and terrain ranges from 2700 m to 8848 m belong to this region. All high mountain belongs to this region. Most of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary belongs in the region.
The trans-Himalayan region is the land behind the main Himalayan Range. This is also part of the Mountain Range which is recognized as the Tibetan Plateau or Trans- Himalaya region. Almost 80 percent itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek belongs to the Trans- Himalayan Region. The Manang Valley and Mustang region are the Trans-Himalaya region.
Photo: Vulture at Tilicho Base Camp
In ACT, people's lifestyle and bio-diversity are two fascinating attractions other than amazing landscapes and mountain views. Here are some specialties of Annapurna Circuit Trekking.
Photo: Manang Valley from Ice Lake
There are different routes to take while doing Annapurna Circuit Trek. These are some scenic and photographic routes and destinations of the Annapurna Circuit trekking.
Photo: Throng La Pass 5416 m, world's highest pass
The Highest Point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Thorong La 5,416 m. Going up to that point is always challenging. The prevention of Altitude sickness and proper acclimatization are necessary. Every person has a different adapting capacity in High Altitude. Normally, high altitude sickness begins after 2500m from sea level. If you going higher than 2500 m then the following ideas help to prevent high altitude sickness.
To do Annapurna Circuit Trek trekkers need permit from ACAP and TIMS from Nepal Goverment.
The permit ACAP permit cost is 3000 rupees for foreigners and 1000 rupees for SAARC nationals. The TIMS from the Nepal government cost 2000 rupees for all countries.
Note that: This permit can be obtained from Go The Himalaya Treks and service charges will be added.
ACT with Tilicho Lake is a medium-difficulty trek. Longer duration, Thorong la Pass 5,416 m, freshwater and glacial lake, cold and dry weather make this trek difficult. However, trekking enthusiasts can do this trek even if they are a beginner. Normal fitness is very required for this trek and if you are a beginner then extra days are always required.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is quite facilitated. Room with attached bathrooms and warm hot meals are served all along the trek. In high season rooms with attached bathrooms may not be available due to occupancy.
The food items on the Western menu along with Nepali Dalvhat and Indian curry are available, however, as you need to trek long duration of the day we suggest you have Nepali Dal Bhat for Lunch and Dinner. Momo and Thukpas are local food in Annapurna Circuit Trek. Vegan and vegetarian options are available in all the places.
Ready to walk on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek?
Discover the breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and spiritual depth of one of the world’s most iconic treks with Go The Himalaya. Whether you're drawn to the serene Tilicho Lake, the towering Thorong-La Pass, or the harmony of diverse ethnic groups, this journey promises unforgettable memories.
Don't wait! Plan your Annapurna Circuit Trek today and explore the hidden gems of the Himalayas.
