Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is a popular and challenging Himalayan trek in Nepal that combines the standard Annapurna Circuit with a side trip to a high-altitude glacial lake called Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, offering stunning views and diverse landscapes.

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek typically takes around 14-18 days to complete, depending on specific itinerary, travel days, acclimatization, and trekking, and covers a distance of approximately 230 kilometers (145 miles). Our trekking itinerary also includes multiple rest days.

The best time to trek Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions with clear skies and mild temperatures.

For the Annapurna Circuit trek with a Tilicho Lake detour, you need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.

When applying for the permits, you'll need your passport, passport-sized photos, and the required fees. You can obtain these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara. These permits are mandatory for trekking in the Annapurna Circuit region and must be shown at entry, checkpoint, and exit points.

All the required permits are arranged by us and the cost of permits are also already included in the trip package.

The highest point on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), and Tilicho Lake itself is located at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet).

After spending one night in Kathmandu, we will drive you early in the morning by private vehicle (Jeep) on an 8-9-hour journey to Jagat Village. According to our itinerary, Jagat is the official starting point of your 16-day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek.

Booking with us is an easy, hassle-free process. Booking procedure for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek.

• To book your ACT with Tilicho Lake trekking with us, all you have to do is follow three simple steps.
• Explore the above 16-day itinerary or email us to find your best itinerary. Customization is also available.
• Once an itinerary is selected, contact us to ask about its availability or check our website's departure dates.

To confirm, send a 20 % deposit and a photocopy of your passport. The remaining payment can be paid upon arrival in Nepal (either by card or in cash).

To cancel your ACT with Tilicho Lake trip package, all you have to do is send us a trip cancellation request. And then we will proceed with your cancellation process.

As for the refunds, we apologize for informing you that 20% of the deposit made to confirm your booking will not be refunded. This amount will be considered a cancellation fee.

We strongly encourage our clients to postpone the trip rather than cancel it. Choose a convenient upcoming date, and please inform us 2 weeks before your trip departure date.

Once you have completed the required booking process and paid the deposit of your Trip, we will send you a confirmation letter via email. 

Along with the confirmation mail you will find the details of your Nepal trip, including the detailed day-to-day itinerary, included services, and other important information.

Yes, we do offer private trips to trekkers seeking a more personalized trekking experience with us in Nepal. If your trekking group consists of two or more people, there's no additional cost for booking a private trip. The private trips are available year-round and offer flexibility without following the fixed departure dates listed above.

For solo travelers requesting a private trip, additional costs will apply.

Yes, we do accept last-minute bookings. However, this depends on the availability of guides, accommodation around Annapurna Region, etc. During the peak seasons, the trails get busy and crowded and it is difficult to arrange accommodation.

According to the Nepal Government’s policy, citizens of the listed 12 countries, such as Afghanistan, Ghana, Cameroon, Iraq, Ethiopia, and others, must obtain a Tourist Visa from their respective countries before arriving in Nepal. The rest of the nationalities will have a visa-on-arrival. 

You will need to fill out an online form for the visa before arriving in Nepal. Please ensure your passport has at least six months of validity with blank pages for visa stamps. 

Check out our blog on Visa Information for further details.

Yes, we, Nepal Hiking Team, provide free airport-to-hotel transfer services on arrival. One of our NHT representatives will be there at the Airport (Tribhuvan International Airport), holding our Nepal Hiking Team pamphlet. They will welcome you with a garland and take you to your hotel (WoodApple Hotel & Spa or Similar) in a private vehicle.

After your trip ends, on the last day of your trip to Nepal and flight back to your home land, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Airport in a private vehicle.

Yes, we offer an online trek briefing before your arrival in Nepal via email or WhatsApp call if needed. Additionally, we will conduct an in-person meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu before the trek begins. During this session, we provide a detailed itinerary, discuss included services, meals, and transportation, and supply essential trekking equipment such as a duffel bag, sleeping bag, down jacket, and a map.

Yes, we can. Please send us your arrival details in advance so we can arrange airport pickup and hotel accommodation for you.

No, we do not arrange your international flights. You will have to book them yourself.

For your Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek, travel insurance is mandatory due to the remote, high-altitude environment, potential for unexpected events, and the need for efficient medical evacuation if required.

A good travel insurance policy should cover the cost of medical evacuation, potentially including helicopter transportation in high-altitude situations, trip cancellations, baggage coverage and others. Travel insurance may also cover unexpected situations that require you to cancel or interrupt your trip.

There is no mandatory vaccination to trek in Nepal. CDC highly recommends a few vaccinations: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and measles.

If you have any medical conditions, consult with a doctor and please inform us when booking.

Nepal’s two most popular carriers are Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. You can buy these sim cards by providing your passport and a passport-size photo for registration.

To tackle the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, you need a good level of fitness, focusing on endurance and stamina, as it involves long days of hiking, steep ascents, and high altitude.

The trek involves long days of hiking, so you need to be able to walk for 6-8 hours a day. The trek reaches high altitudes, including Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) and Tilicho Lake (4,919 meters), so proper acclimatization is crucial. Regular exercises like hiking with a loaded backpack, stair climbing or hill workouts, strength training, swimming, running, or cycling boost stamina.

While the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is challenging, it's achievable even without prior trekking experience but it requires careful planning, a good guide, and acclimatization to high altitudes.

To prepare physically for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake, focus on building stamina and strength through regular cardio and strength training, including hiking and stair climbing, for at least 2-3 months prior to your trek.

• Aim for 3-5 cardio workouts per week, including activities like running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking.
• Increase the duration of your workouts gradually, aiming for at least 45-60 minutes per session.
• Strength-train your legs with exercises like squats, lunges, leg presses, and uphill walks to build strength for the steep climbs and descents.
• If you have any concerns about your fitness level or training plan, consult with a doctor or fitness professional.

As of April 1, 2023, foreign trekkers are required to hire a licensed trekking guide for treks in Nepal. Hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek, especially for those less experienced, as they provide valuable navigation, safety, and cultural insights, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable.

However, we, Nepal Hiking Team, only organize guided treks and tours. If you book with us, it is already included in your trip package, and no additional cost needs to be paid for guides and porters.

The Annapurna Circuit trek, especially with the Tilicho Lake extension, involves significant altitude gains, reaching over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) at Thorong La Pass and 4,949 meters (16,238 feet) at Tilicho Lake. This necessitates careful consideration of altitude sickness prevention.

Our guides will have First Aid kits with all the necessary medicines and medical equipment for the trek. You can ask your trekking guide to provide a Diamox if you feel unwell at higher elevations. It will help overcome altitude sickness.

If prescribed Diamox, follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and timing, which typically involves starting the medication 24-48 hours before your ascent and continuing for the duration of the trek.

Our guides are government certified, holding licenses from the National Academy for Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), established by the Government of Nepal in 1972. They have also completed the compulsory first-aid training to obtain their licenses, thus becoming expert professionals with years of experience in their field.

For your Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake, pack for variable weather, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (like a fleece jacket), and a waterproof outer layer, along with sturdy hiking boots, a first-aid kit, and a comfortable backpack.

Do not forget to bring your reusable bottles, personal medical kits, water purifying tablets, and other toiletries, including lip balms and wet wipes. Energy bars and snacks are a must to replenish your energy levels on the trails.

Yes, you can buy a wide variety of trekking items in Kathmandu, particularly in the Thamel area, which is known for its abundance of shops offering hiking and trekking equipment.

You can get a range of quality trekking gear, from reusable water bottles, duffle bags, boots, down jackets, sleeping bags, etc, at excellent prices.

Yes, we have some essential trekking gear for our trekkers, which must be returned at the end of the trip. They are 4-season sleeping bags (-20ºC), Down jackets (-20ºC), and a duffel bag (70 liters).

We also have some gifts for you, including a cap, a t-shirt, an Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking map, and a trek completion certificate with the highest elevation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake trip mentioned. Please remember that we do not provide any other gear.

Porters typically carry a combined load of up to 25 kg (55 lbs) for two trekkers, meaning each trekker's luggage should ideally weigh around 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs) or less.

The 16-day trek includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and one night’s accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara. During the trek, you will stay in the best available twin-sharing rooms at teahouses in Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang (2 nights), Tilicho Base Camp, Siri Kharka (2 nights), Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi before crossing Thorong La Pass and reaching Muktinath.

The hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer attached bathrooms, TVs, 24-hour hot water, Wi-Fi, power, and other facilities. Full-board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea, are provided during the trek.

Our 16-day package includes a centrally located 3-star hotel in the Lakeside area of Pokhara. Whereas for Kathmandu, you will stay in a 3-star hotel, namely WoodApple and Spa or any similar hotel.

Yes, leave your extra bags at Kathmandu’s hotel and collect them when you return from your trek. This will make it easier for you and your porter. This service is free of cost for our esteemed guests.

You can extend your trip by having extra days in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We will arrange hotel stays for you accordingly. The hotel rates may vary depending on the location and facilities offered.

Many teahouses and lodges along the Annapurna Circuit route offer vegetarian and vegan options, with Dal Bhat (a staple Nepali dish of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables) being a common and nutritious choice. We also coordinate with teahouses, which are also able to accommodate gluten-free requests, so it's a good idea to communicate your needs in advance.

When booking your trek, it's crucial to inform us or guide about your dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) so they can make the necessary arrangements.

We, Nepal Hiking Team, ensure that you receive freshly made, nutritious and hygienic food throughout the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek. Trekkers can choose their meals from the provided menu according to their preferences.

Breakfast will be provided in Kathmandu (*2) and Pokhara (*1), while all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included during the trek. We select the best lodges at each destination that serve freshly cooked, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious food. 

The menu includes a mix of Nepali and Western dishes, featuring staples like dal bhat (rice and lentils), thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), and fried rice, along with options like pizza and Tibetan bread. For the Annapurna Circuit trek, it is best to focus on high-calorie, easily digestible foods such as dal bhat, momos, and fried rice, while staying hydrated with water, tea, and soup. It is recommended to avoid dairy products, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.

A typical day on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake (Tilicho Base Camp) Trek starts early in the morning with a hearty breakfast. Usually, we wake up around 6 AM, but on the main day of hiking to Thorong La Pass, we wake up at 4 AM for an early start. After breakfast, we begin our trek.

We hike for about 3-4 hours in the morning before stopping for lunch, usually around 12 or 1 PM. The afternoon walk is relatively shorter, lasting 2-3 hours, before reaching our destination at a teahouse or lodge for the night.

During peak season, teahouses are often packed, so we recommend ordering your food as soon as you arrive, as meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Since another day of trekking awaits, we encourage you to go to bed early, around 9 PM, to ensure a peaceful and restful sleep.

At dinner, your trekking guide will brief you about the next day's route and plan. In the evenings, you can also interact with locals, play cards, read, rest, or learn a few Nepalese words to enrich your experience.

Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (lunch and dinner) are not included, so trekkers need to cover these costs themselves. We recommend bringing enough personal expenses to cover meals in the cities, travel insurance, Nepal visa fees, additional snacks during the trek, drinks, tips for guides and porters, souvenirs, hot water, Wi-Fi, and electricity. For the trip, it’s advisable to carry around 25,000 to 30,000 Nepalese rupees as additional expenses.

Yes! If you have extra days in Nepal after completing your trek, you can explore various locations. We organize day tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other popular destinations like Chitwan and Nagarkot. If you are flexible and wish to extend your trip, we can easily arrange additional tours for you.

The primary difference is the inclusion of Tilicho Lake. In the standard 14 day Annapurna Circuit Trek, trekkers bypass the detour to Tilicho Lake, focusing mainly on Thorong La Pass and the surrounding areas. By including Tilicho Lake, this trek adds a more challenging route, more dramatic scenery, and additional altitude, making the experience more adventurous and rewarding.

Yes, you can book a private Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake with us, Nepal Hiking Team, and we offer customized itineraries to suit your needs.

Explore their pre-designed itineraries to get an idea of the typical Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek route and duration. Reach out to us directly via email ([email protected]) or our contact form to discuss your specific requirements and request a private, customized itinerary.
Unlike fixed group departures, private trips are available year-round, allowing you to set your own schedule and travel at leisure.

Private trips work best for couples, families, and elderly travelers. The itinerary is more flexible and relaxed, allowing you to walk at your own pace and enjoy a holiday tailored to your needs.

For solo travelers, additional costs will apply for a private tour.

While the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek offers mobile coverage in many areas, particularly in villages and at lower altitudes, network reception can be weak or non-existent in remote areas and higher altitudes, especially when crossing passes like Thorong La. 

Ncell and NTC sims provide good mobile coverage. These SIM cards cover almost every spot, but after Pisang, the reception gets sketchy. In remote areas, NTC has better coverage than Ncell.

Inform your loved one of your route and expected return date; this is important for safety, and it's good to have a backup plan in case of emergencies. 

Yes, while you can generally find Wi-Fi in teahouse lodges along the Annapurna Circuit, be aware that the connection speed and reliability can be slow and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes. 

The quality and speed of internet connections can be slow and unreliable, particularly in remote areas like Thorong Phedi and Tilicho Base Camp. 

Yes, there are ATMs in places like Chame, Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom. However, it's better not to rely on ATMs to withdraw cash as most of the time they are either out of cash or shut down due to technical issues.

It's better to get the local currency from Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can use your card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) to withdraw money from any of the ATM kiosks or exchange foreign currency for Nepalese rupees at one of the money exchange centers in Thamel.

For the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek in Nepal, you'll likely need a Type C, Type D, or Type M adapter as Nepal uses 230V with 50Hz power outlets, and these plugs are common there.