12 Days
11 Nights
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is the all-time best trek in the world. Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is also known as ‘apple pie trekking’ or ACT. ACT trails pass through the rice fields and climb up through the deep gorge of Marsyandi River to the north of the Annapurna range in Manang Valley. This fascinating Himalayan village is inhabited by Manage people with Tibetan culture, and a thrilling high pass, along with freshwater high altitude lakes are the main attractions of Tilicho and Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The online briefing is possible via Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp, or any other medium with all the trekkers to clear up all the doubts such as what to pack, trekking trails and attractions, how are temperatures and weather, what services are included, available services, etc relating to the trek. We also let you know the booking procedure and practical knowledge about trekking and traveling in Nepal.
The first phase is from Pokhara Kathmandu to Manang:
The second phase is from Manang to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.
The third phase is from Muktinath to Pokhara or Kathmandu
From Kathmandu or Pokhara, we will take a local bus to Besisahar. It will take about 6 hours to arrive at Besisahar. After we arrive at Besisahar we will have our lunch and take a jeep to Chame.
This will be our exciting day. We will take a ride following the Marsyangdi River and continue our journey to witness Mt. Manaslu with its beautiful landscape and old villages.
We will also spend some time on the way for a view and in front of waterfalls villages. Finally, after a long off-road drive, we will be in Chame. Chame is the headquarters of the Manang district. It’s a beautiful little town with more facilities than our coming days.
After breakfast, we continue our trek to Upper Pisang. We head through the dense pine forest, along with the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail goes gradually up. During this walk, we will see the view of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II Annapurna IV, and the gigantic Haven’s Gate Dada. After 6 hours walk, we will reach Upper Pisang from where we can see a Majestic Annapurna range standing high on our south.
Today, we wake up early in the morning for the beautiful sunrise and the first golden rays on the Annapurna Range. After breakfast, we will continue our trek towards Ngawal. The trail to Ngawal is so beautiful and great opportunities to see high-altitude flora and fauna with beautiful valleys and high mountains like Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Khang and Pisang Peak. We stop at Ghryu for lunch and explore the old village. After lunch, we head to the Ngawal village.
After our nice breakfast at Ngawal, we start our trek to Manang. We will take the upper trial which is quite, beautiful and easy. It will take 5 hours. After we arrive at Manang, we spend our leisure days doing some walks around the village and monasteries. Manang is a big village having a long history from a long time. It has its cultural and spiritual importance with a unique lifestyle.
Manang is a big village. And this place has lots of things to do and side trips as well. On our leisure days, we can hike to Ice Lake Lake or a nearby viewpoint. Your guide brief you about the place and you will decide where to go.
After acclimatizing at Manang, we continue our adventure towards the Tilicho Lake, situated on the west end of Manang following the path down to the river. We continue from Khangsar on a large path, passing a Gompa (monastery). After the Shreekharka the route ahead goes on a recently constructed path through the landslide. We continue along this path and reach a main valley at the corner where the Tilicho base camp is located.
Our day starts early in the morning around 4 am. From the Base camp to the Tilicho lake, it takes 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place that is the highest-altitude lake in the world. After we spend some time at Tilicho Lake, we will return the same way to Base Camp. There are no accommodation facilities at Tilicho Lake. We will have lunch at Tilicho Base camp and head towards the Shirekharka with the same trials.
After breakfast, we continue our trekking towards Ledter. This trail is one of the most beautiful trails of our trek. You will enjoy marvelous mountain views, Marsayandi valley as well as some mountain animals like blue sheep, Himalayan thar and birds like Danfe, Monal, vulture, eagle, etc.
After an hour of ascent, the trail descends and crosses the river. We then climbed up to Thorong Phedi at 4,450 meters, where guesthouses have been built in recent years. We spent some time there with a cup of tea and fresh bakery items. After checking your health condition to ensure everything is fine, we will climb up to High Camp, spend the night there, and prepare for the next great day.
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise about 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am. Otherwise, weather conditions (strong winds) will greatly affect the journey, particularly at the Thorong La Pass. We climb steeply on a regular route which is quite easy to follow. However, some problems may arise due to altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by heavy snow. After 3 hours of climbing to the pass marked by the Chortens and prayer flags, we will be rewarded with stunning views from the top of the pass. Another four hours of walking will take us to the holy town of Muktinath.
Thorong La Pass
Thorong-La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters above sea level, is one of the highest passes in the world. From the pass, you can enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna Range, Mustang Valley, Thorong Peak, and Yakwa Kang. The pass lies between two peaks, Thorong Peak (6,144 m) and Yakwa Kang (6,482 m), connecting the Manang and Mustang districts. Historically, Thorong-La Pass served as a trade route between Mustang, Tibet, and the Manang Valley.
Muktinath Temple
Muktinath means place of Nirvana from the sin we have done and is home to the Muktinath Temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows we feel are relieved upon the visit to the Temple. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The prime pilgrimage month is September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple which has a gorgeous natural spring and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas.
We head along the trail up to the Lubra Pass which has a magnificent 360-degree view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other several Mountains. After we spent some pictures time we decent down to Lubra village have a short rest there. A walking an hour down along the Lubra stream from the village, we follow the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is a large town with many facilities. It is also the headquarters and official town for the whole Mustang district where all the district government offices are present.
We will proceed to the charming Thakali village of Marpha, renowned for its apples and apple-based products. It’s an excellent spot to spend the night in this historic village. There are two options to reach Marpha: we can either take a bus or choose a less crowded, more scenic route that passes through Thini Village and Dhumba Lake.
We will take the morning bus to Pokhara. It will take about 7 hours to arrive at Pokhara.
There is a direct bus from Muktinath to Pokhara. If are tired or do not want to walk this may be another option for you. You also can stop at Tatopani to enjoy the hot springs. The flight service is dependable. Sometimes, flights may be canceled due to mountain weather conditions or other technical problems.
This trek is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) and passes through five districts: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) goes around the Annapurna mountain range and touches the Manaslu and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek begins in the hilly region of Besisahar, climbs up to the mountainous area of Chame, and crosses the trans-Himalayan regions of Manang and Mustang, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as rich cultural experiences with the local people.
Nepal's trekking history dates back to the 1950s when the government opened the country to foreign travelers. Mountaineers traced routes and headed to Base Camp to conquer the top of the world. Trekking enthusiasts traveled from one place to another by plane, road, and on foot. Very few people visited the Annapurna Circuit in the 1960s. However, after the establishment of the Annapurna Conservation Area and significant promotion, the Annapurna Circuit trek became famous in the 1980s and 1990s.
This trek used to last a month, starting from Dumre and finishing in Pokhara. Today, it has been shortened to 12 days. Trekkers used to sleep in tents, verandas, or sheds provided by local people. Now, there are nice hotels with attached bathrooms and a variety of menu options available. This trek has always been one of the world's greatest treks.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek spans three mountain zones: hilly, mountainous, and trans-Himalayan. Each of these regions experiences different weather conditions. However, summer, autumn, and spring are always the best seasons to visit the Annapurna Circuit. The perfect trek depends on the weather. Here is an outline of the seasons.
The best times to visit Tilicho Lake are Summer, Autumn, and late Spring. In the winter the lake will freeze and cover by snow.
Autumn
The Autumn is first best season for trekking in Nepal. In this season weather and temperature are perfect, neither cold and freezing nor hot and wet. The green hilly region, high snowcapped mountains, crystal clear blue skies, local activities, terrace fields full of crops, and festivals are attractions of this season. High mountain valleys are still full of green lush shrubs and flowers. A bit chilly in the morning and evening and hot during the day is perfect for trekking weather in the Himalayas. Weather is predictable, reliable, and comfortable. The perfect time for lifetime experiences.
Spring
This is the second most popular season for trekking. The weather is mostly clear and predictable. Visibility in the mountains is perfect. It’s hot and dusty in May however mountain is cool, clear, and chilly. In the beginning of March still have a lot of snow at Trekking trials. However, the climate starts to get warmer. Nepal’s national flower Rhododendrons, mustard field, and green terrace field are the attraction of trekking. There is no other perfect season other than the spring.
Summer
This is known as the monsoon season in Nepal, which means rain every day. It brings landslides, slippery trails, and an abundance of leeches. Raging rivers and streams often wash away trails and bridges, making trekking difficult in the front Himalayan region. However, it is still possible to trek in the trans-Himalayan regions. The trans-Himalayan region, also known as the rain-shadow area, lies beyond the main Himalayan range and is part of the Tibetan Plateau. This region receives very little rain and has cool weather. During this time, people are active with planting and harvesting, and the landscape is lush and green.
For the Annapurna Circuit trek, this season is ideal if you prefer fewer people, a Tibetan lifestyle, wildflowers, greenery, and milder cold.
The Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit trek is considered moderately difficult. Its high altitude and extended duration add to the challenge, making it tough for complete beginners. Previous hiking experience and a decent level of fitness are necessary. However, if you're new to trekking in Nepal but have prior experience in hiking or backpacking elsewhere, you can still take on this trek. It's also recommended to allow a few additional days for the journey. If you like to try this trek even if you are a beginner then prepare extra more days for rest and acclimatize yourself.
This is a porter-supported tea house Trek. The season, geographical terrain, and trekking duration determines the trekking equipment. This trek needs proper trekking equipment than low altitude trekking. Please find the list of trekking equipment here and consult with us before you prepare.
The weight limit for the porter is 20 kg 10 kg for each client. So, we recommend you to pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff in the Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels or offices at Pokhara.
Note that you also can buy or hire each piece of equipment here in Pokhara and Kathmandu.
