Introduction
Tilicho Lake (4,919 metres) is one of the highest lakes in the world. Until recently, it has been surpassed by Kajin Sara Lake, considered the highest lake in Nepal at an elevation of 5,200 metres.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is an off-beaten path, high-altitude trek in Nepal. This 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake will take you to one of the highest passes in Nepal, along with the serene beauty of the lush valleys, terraced fields, incredible vistas of towering peaks, and the cultural tapestry of the unique indigenous communities. In each elevation, you will discover something new, and the villages have rich local traditions to show. The monasteries and temples, including Muktinath, a symbol of religious harmony and religious tolerance, put faith and spirituality over the differences of the Hindus and Buddhists; this journey becomes one of your insightful experiences in life. The remoteness of these mountain slopes will make such an adventurous journey for anyone who is are beginner in the domain of adventurous trekking. This is not just a destination to accomplish but to live through the challenges and create memories to tell generations.
What Makes This Trek Special for Beginners?
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake allows you to have gradual ascents because you can have more acclimatization days, making it suitable even for a beginner. You will start trekking at the lower elevations, so with the increasing altitudes, you can increase your confidence and endurance along the trails. If you have a moderate level of fitness or no prior trekking experience, you can still do this trek with the help of some physical regimen before embarking on the trek. Along with the manageable distances, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Gurung and Thakalis and savour their local cuisine with their great hospitality. Overall, it enriches your trekking experience along the Annapurna Circuit trails, even if you are a beginner. Check out the detailed Itinerary for beginners about the Annapurna Circuit trek.
The Allure of Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass
Tilicho Lake is an ethereal beauty and one of the highest lakes in the world. When you reach the azure waters, which reflect the stunning peaks accompanied by the quiet splendor of nature, you will be mesmerized by their beauty. But also, you will feel a sense of achievement as you make it to the shores because of all the challenges you faced along the way to finally see this natural wonder.
When you are in the zone of the serene and soothing Tilicho lake, the most challenging part of the trek awaits you, which is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/ 17,769 ft). This legend is the climax of this trek, from where you will get the panoramic views of breathtaking snow-capped peaks. The exhilaration you feel when you cross it is the celebration of your accomplishment. But Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass are the alluring highlights of the 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, with Tilicho Lake offering you excitement and thrill.
Is This Trek Right for You?
The adventure of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is appealing to beginners; however, you need to assess the suitability and difficulty of this trek, and it depends on your fitness and preparation to embrace the challenges.
Understanding the Difficulty Level
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is considered moderately difficult, but as you trek through various altitudes with diverse terrains reaching up to an elevation of 5416 meters of Thorong La Pass, Annapurna Circuit, it may become a significant challenge for a beginner. Although this trek allows you the gradual ascent, giving your body ample time to adjust to the change in altitudes and oxygen level makes you familiar with the long strain of walks, gradually increasing your strength and confidence along the trails.
The significant challenges you may face, apart from crossing Thorong La Pass, Annapurna Circuit are the high altitudes with a low oxygen level, where you will be walking for long hours daily. The fearful situations may arise as you will be trekking through the landslide-prone areas where you may get seriously injured from the falling of stones or succumb to death. Additionally, the cold temperatures in the high altitudes during winter may be really hard to bear, and the snow accumulation may be a significant challenge for you as a beginner. So, this trek needs a lot of preparation, not only with the physical training but a solid mental fortitude with cautiousness. And this can make your trekking experience suitable even if you are a beginner.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake requires hiking for 5 to 7 hours daily. The trails are not even but full of diverse terrains with rugged, rocky paths and with steep ascents and descents. So you need to engage yourself in a consistent physical regimen before embarking on the strenuous journey.
You should be focusing on building your stamina and endurance, increasing the strength in your legs, core, and muscles. For the whole body fitness regimen, you should be incorporating cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and going for short hikes to be familiar with the kind of exertion you may feel during the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, carrying a backpack. Also, you should not be missing out on taking good hydration, nutrition, and hydrating yourself to make this a rewarding experience for you, even as a beginner.
Essential Preparation Tips
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake requires not only your physical fitness but also your mental readiness. You should start your physical training 4 to 5 months before the trek. You can engage yourself in cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming. These exercises will help you build your endurance. You should be aiming to do these exercises for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Additionally, you should focus on strength training exercises that concern areas of your legs, core, and muscles for which you can do squats, planks, and lunges.
Furthermore, you should go for short hikes carrying a backpack that has the ideal weight of 15 to 20 kilograms, but you can start with less weight and gradually increase the weight of the backpack. Flexibility is also one of the key trainings that you need for a smooth trekking experience, for which you can engage yourself in yoga sessions, or you can do stretching exercises to keep your body flexible and agile.
As for your mental readiness, you can engage in practicing meditation every single day, and visualising incremental goals of accomplishment will also help you remain positive and strong to deal with the discomfort you may feel during the trek. Building camaraderie with other fellow trekkers by joining their group and interacting with them would also keep you motivated.
Planning Your Adventure
Best Times to Trek
The optimal seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These seasons have clear skies with moderate temperatures. You will find stable weather conditions in these seasons. The clear skies will let you witness the best views of the majestic peaks of the Annapurna region. While Spring will make your trekking experience more vibrant, as you can see the rhododendrons blooming along the trails. On the other hand, Autumn will offer the best weather conditions for the photography session and the two festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, fall during this season.
We recommend Spring and Autumn for you as the seasons of Summer and Winter are more challenging because of the heavy rains and snow accumulation on the trails. For more details, read our blog on the Best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Getting to the Starting Point
Your journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho lake begins from Kathmandu, and you will head towards Besisahar through a scenic drive of 8 to 9 hours along the bustling villages and lush landscapes. You can take a less expensive tourist bus, or you can take a shared jeep or a private car for your comfort. Although the road is generally well, you may get into sections that are under construction. You can choose your official start of the trek either from Besisahar or Dharapani. If you choose Dharapni, you will reach there in a few hours.
Necessary Permits and Documentation
You will need two Annapurna Circuit trekking permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. One is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the other is the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These two permits can be taken from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara or your agency can include this in the package.
Most importantly, you are required to have travel insurance that includes the coverage of mountain rescue service, medical expenses, and evacuation, especially the helicopter evacuation, as the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho lake can get you into unforeseen events of injury, illness, etc.
Understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Itinerary
Day-by-Day Trekking Schedule
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1860 m, 10 to 11 hrs)
You will take a long drive to Besisahar through a tourist bus, which will take 6 to 7 hours on a hillside road. To reach Besisahar, you will pass by a few charming valleys and towns. After you reach Jagat and and you will continue your journey to Dharapani. You will cross several waterfalls and terraced fields of barley, potatoes, etc. And then you will cross a suspension bridge before reaching Dharapani.
Day 02: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2650 m, 6 to 7 hrs)
You will start your official start of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. You will trek through the villages of Bagarchhap, Danaque, Thanchok, and Koto. You will also get to see the stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal, etc, as you trek through the lush valleys and terraced fields along the trails.
Day 03: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3300 m, 5 hrs)
You will be hiking to Upper Pisang through the village of Telekhu, and you will see the beautiful views of the peaks, Annapurna and Pisang. You will trek through the dense forests along the Marshyangdi river by crossing a suspension bridge and see the view of Paungda Danda Rock Face, and then you will reach the upper Manang before reaching Chame.
Day 04: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3519 m, 4 to 5 hrs)
From Pisang, you will be hiking through Humde, Munji, and Braka to reach Manang. As you ascend, you will see the clay-roofed houses in Manang, and you will feel the cold air. You will reach Manang in 4 to 5 hours from Pisang.
Day 05: Rest Day in Manang (3519 m)
This will be your rest day in Manang. You can do several things on this day, like you can explore the Manang village such including trying the bakery items. You can even hike to Gangapurna lake or Ice lake, from where you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains of Annapurna, Pisang, and Tilicho. Additionally, you can visit the monasteries and explore the old caves. But most importantly, your body needs time to adjust to the altitude, which this acclimatization in Manang will offer you.
Day 06: Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4160 m, 7 hrs)
You will head towards Siri Kharka through the path of coniferous forests along the river. In 2 to 3 hours, you will reach Khangsar village, featuring unique houses built of stone. You can see the majestic Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu while walking uphill before reaching Siri Kharka. Then, the path to Tilicho Base Camp is narrow, and you will be crossing the landslide-prone areas. You can witness rock formations in an impressive way.
Day 07: Hike to Tilicho Lake (4919 m) and trek back to Shree Kharka (4010 m, 8 hrs)
This day will take you to one of the highest lakes in the world, Tilicho Lake. You will find it difficult because of the steep ascent that you will be doing for 2 to 3 hours. You will enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Tilicho. After the enjoyment, you will return to Siri Kharka.
Day 08:Trek from Shree Kharka to Ledar (4200 m, 4 to 5 hrs)
You will do a gradual ascent till you reach Khangsar village. You will pass by the 1000 year old monastery, Tare Gumba. Then, you will cross a suspension bridge following the Annapurna Circuit Trekking route to finally reach Yak Kharka. You will see the panoramic views of the Mt. Annapurna range. In the next 45 minutes, you will reach Ledar as you cross a Mani wall, which is historic.
Day 09:Trek from Ledar to High Camp (4800 m) via Thorong Phedi (4500 m, 4 hrs)
You will trek in the rugged terrain by walking uphill. You will get to see Thorong Peak, including other mountains such as Gudang and Syagang. In around 4 hours, you will reach Thorong High Camp.
Day 10:Trek from High Camp to Muktinath (3710 m, 7 to 8 hrs) via Thorong La Pass (5416 m)
This will be your most challenging part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake because you will be crossing Thorong La Pass. You will start your journey really early in the morning to avoid the afternoon wind. The trek will be steep climbing, but it will be worth trekking because of the Yaks and sheep along the trails. With the possibility of strong winds, you will reach Thorong La Pass from where you can see the spectacular views of the peaks, Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Khatungkang.
After crossing the pass, you will start your descent towards Muktinath, a sacred temple for Hindus and Buddhists. This temple is visited by thousands of people. You can see the magical 108 waterspouts and the eternal flame of 2000 years old.
Day 11: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1190 m, 4 to 5 hrs)
You will take a long drive from Muktinath. You will pass through Rupse waterfall and along the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world. After you reach Jomsom, you will be taking another vehicle to drive to Tatopani. You will pass through Marpha and Ghasa village along the way to Tatopani. Tatopani means hot water in English, and the water is believed to be curative of aches and pains. You can relax here.
Day 12: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850 m, 7 to 8 hrs)
You will cross a suspension bridge, and you will cross through villages of Sikha and Chitre with terraced cultivated farms on the side. In Spring, you will get to see the rhododendrons blooming in abundance. You will also see the beautiful Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Tukuche. Now, after reaching Ghorepani, you can relax and have a rest.
Day 13: Hike to Poon Hill (3210 m), Trek to Birethanti (1025 m, 7 hrs) and Drive to Pokhara (820 m, 2 hrs)
You will wake up really early in the morning to catch the sunrise in Poon Hill which is one of the famous viewpoints in Nepal. You will be mesmerized by the glorious beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You can take pictures of the magical beauty, and then you will descend to reach Birethanti by trekking through Ulleri and Tikhedhunga. Finally, you will take a drive to Pokhara passing through Nayapul.
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1350 m, 7 to 8 hrs)
You can choose your transport, either a flight or road transport. You can take a tourist bus to reach Kathmandu, but if you choose an airway, which takes 25 minutes, you will have enough time on the day. You can go shopping and relax in your hotel. And here comes the end of your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, but you come back with unforgettable memories.
Must-See Highlights Along the Way
- Tilicho Lake (4,949m) (one of the highest lakes in the world)
- Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/ 17,769 ft)
- Thorong High Camp (4,925 m/ 16,158 ft)
- Muktinath pilgrimage site (3,760 m/ 12,623 ft), a popular sacred temple for Hindus and Buddhists
- Hike to Gangapurna Lake
- Passing the Kali Gandaki gorge (the world’s deepest gorge)
- Barge Monastery (the largest monastery in Manang)
- Tatopani hot springs (perfect spot for relaxation after trek)
- Breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, Chulu West and East, Tukuche Peak
- Blue sheep at Yak Kharka
Exploration of the rich cultural tapestry of the local communities - Local cuisine
Packing Smart for the Trek
Essential Gear You Can't Forget
- Hiking boots
- Trekking Poles
- Trekking Shoes
- Sleeping Bag
- Daypack
- Rucksack or Duffel Bag
- Windstopper
- Sun Hat
- Winter Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water Sandals
- Head Torch
- Crampons/Spikes
- Rain Covers
- Dry Packing Pouches
- First-aid kit
Toiletries
- Wet Napkins
- Moisturizer cream
- Lip Balm
- Sunscreen
- Sun Lotion
- Toilet paper
- Biodegradable Soap
- Travel-size shampoo
- Hand Sanitizer
- Dry towel
Additional items
- Camera
- Smartphone
- Portable charger
- Portable power bank
- Swiss army knife
- Binoculars
Clothing for Variable Weather
- Fleece jacket or down jacket
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
- Lightweight and breathable long-sleeve shirts
- Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
- Thermal base layer (for colder temperatures)
- Insulated pants (for colder temperatures)
- Thermal leggings (for colder temperatures)
- Quick-drying pants (convertible or full-length)
- Two pairs of thermal trekking trousers
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Raincoat
- Polypropylene underwear (6 to 10 is enough)
- Thermal trekking Socks (4 to 6 pairs)
- Thermal gloves
- Waterproof gloves
Health and First Aid Essentials
- Diamox or Acetazolamide (medicine for Altitude Sickness)
- Band-aids
- Antiseptic cream
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relievers
- Cough syrup
- Paracetamol
- Personal medications (inhalers, allergy medicines, etc.)
Also, here is the detailed packing list for the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Staying Healthy and Safe
Preventing and Managing Altitude Sickness
As the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake covers the high altitudes, altitude sickness is really common, and even more so for a beginner. So, understanding the symptoms of altitude sickness, including the different forms of it, is crucial. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the common form of altitude sickness when you get dizziness, headache, nausea and fatigue but if you do not treat it then these symptoms will more likely get worse and turn into High Altitude Cerebral Edema HACE and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) making the fluid accumulation in your lungs, confusion, unconscious, coma or even death.
So, acclimatization is necessary to prevent altitude sickness. You should give your body enough time to adjust to the lower oxygen. Also, you should not forget to take the medicine called Diamox or Acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness. You should take this medicine 1 to 2 days before you start trekking..
Other Safety Considerations
During the Monsoon season, the heavy rains make the trails muddy and slippery, making you more likely to fall and get injured. Apart from this, the most dangerous situation may occur in the landslide-prone areas that you will be trekking as the massive rocks may fall upon you is also a big concern. Additionally, snow accumulation along the trails in the Winter season may also make you slip and sprain your ankle. Therefore, you need to consider these things while doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.
Emergency Contacts and Rescue Options
If any emergency occurs during the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, then you will need emergency medical help. In such remote areas, helicopter evacuation is the best. So, you need to get an insurance policy covering helicopter evacuation, but the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) also provides rescue services. Additionally, you need to familiarize yourself with the nearest medical facilities available in the remote areas and get informed about their services in such remote areas. As the local medical facilities may be basic with their services, and you may need further medical services, you can get the nearest advanced medical facilities in Pokhara. Most importantly, you need to build a good rapport with the local people as they will help and assist you in emergency situations.
Embracing the Culture
Meeting the Locals
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake offers you the opportunity to engage in the unique local customs and practices of different communities, such as Gurung, Tamang, etc. You can engage in the local interactions with these communities as Gurungs have their distinct customs and traditions heavily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, and you can see their homes feature intricate woodwork and colourful prayer flags. You can witness their rich and unique traditions by engaging in their lively festivals and ceremonies. Similarly, Tamang, being the Tibetan descendants, will showcase their Buddhist faith through numerous chortens (stupas) and Mani walls. The Annapurna Circuit trek is very rich in its culture.
By engaging yourself with these local communities, you will get insight into their daily lifestyle, including their sustainable practices of animal husbandry and terraced farming. One of the best things you will gain out of these interactions is that you will get to share traditional meals. Moreover, you can get to see their handicraft works of weaving and carving. These local engagements with their daily lives will make your tracking experience so wonderful.
Respecting Customs and Etiquette
You need to be respectful by following the etiquette of the local communities. As you interact with the locals or you stroll around the villages, you need to wear appropriate clothes, not showing skin inappropriately. You should not be playing a fashion game there, but respect the locals’ sentiments. Also, whenever you take a visit to the monasteries and temples, you need to take your shoes off before entering and always ask for their permission or consent before you click pictures of the people themselves or anything that belongs to the holy places.
Engaging with Communities
You get to engage with the warm local communities during the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. Many local people will let you gain insight into their local lifestyle, and they will share their stories with eagerness. You can get to join their celebrations and enjoy music, dance, which are their age-old traditions. You can also have cultural evenings with shared meals at the tea houses and lodges, and fun conversations with the other fellow trekkers. This engagement with the communities fosters their tourism, preserving their local customs and traditions, and provides you opportunity to learn from each other. It will enhance your trekking experience even more.
Beginner's Guide to Trekking Success
Training Programs for First-Timers
As a beginner, you need to have a solid training program. You can train yourself with cardio workouts and take short hikes.
Cardio: You can start with cardio to enhance your lung capacity and heart health. Some exercises you can opt for are running, swimming, and cycling. And you need to do these exercises for at least 30 to 45 minutes every single day. These cardio sessions will help you with the high-altitude walks.
Strength: You should build strength in your legs, core, and muscles. For this, you can do lunges, squats, and planks at least 2 to 3 times a week. Deadlifts.
Hikes: Short hikes will aid you a lot in the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. You can start with taking short hikes in your locality and gradually increasing the length and elevation of the hike. You can start hiking about 10 to 15 miles a day, 2 times a week, and back to back on the days when you approach the trekking journey date. And you should be hiking with a weighted backpack.
Overcoming Common Challenges
You will get immensely tired due to the long walking hours daily during the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. To overcome fatigue, you should plan to walk 5 to 7 hours daily, not to overexert yourself. You should take regular breaks, and you need to keep hydrating yourself to maintain your energy. If you feel overly exhausted and your body does not feel like moving, then you need to slow down and take a rest.
Additionally, you will be more vulnerable if you get altitude sickness. To prevent it, you need to do a gradual ascent and acclimate properly. Manang will be one of your acclimatization points, and you should not miss out on that. Moreover, it's important that you know the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, etc. So, descend to a lower elevation if you get the symptoms and if they get worse, you need to seek medical help. Otherwise, you can somehow control the symptoms of AMS with the medicine Diamox or Acetazolamide.
Tips to Enhance Your Experience
The stunning landscapes, majestic towering peaks, and the lush valleys during the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake will provide you with many chances for photography sessions. So, it will be worth investing in a good camera or smartphone with good lighting. You can also take pictures of the cultural aspects of the Annapurna region, such as the local villagers and their daily lifestyles, and religious aspects, including the prayer flags, and during the festivities.
You can start journaling your everyday moments, including your challenges and good moments. You can write about your feelings and thoughts, and even reflect on them. You can pin down the observations and your exchanges with the local villagers. Also, you can record your first taste of the local cuisine.
Therefore, photography and journaling will enrich your trekking experience as you not only physically live the moments but also take those moments with you to cherish for life.
Conclusion: The Journey of a Lifetime
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a blend of adventure, discovery, and personal growth. As this trek offers you opportunities to immerse yourself deeply into the local lifestyle and rich cultural tapestry with the mesmerizing views of the mountains, you will feel the worth of embarking on this journey at the end. The crossing of Thorong La Pass will provide you with a sense of achievement as you will accomplish this challenging part, making your journey a rewarding experience. This trek will let you find stories in each path and humble you with the challenges. So, it is not about fitness only, but your love for the thrill and learning as you discover a new side of you, too, making memories for a lifetime. Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake gives you even more encouragement and motivation to aspire to future adventures, taking this trek as an inspiration.
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