Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake

The Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake has long been one of Nepal’s most popular treks. Mostly due to being easy accessible and the allure of seeing some of the highest mountains in the world! Nobel Holidays takes you on an 18-day journey throughout Nepal across the Annapurna Himalayas and to the highest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Tilicho (4,949m/16,237ft)!

What can you expect?

During this incredible adventure in Nepal, you’ll be able to expect some of the best mountain views that the country has to offer. During clear seasons, March-April or September-November, you’ll be able to see over 100 different peaks and mountains! With Nobel Holidays, you’ll be sure to enjoy the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho as we specialize in the area, and use local guides that are more informative than others.

The trek starts as any other from Kathmandu; you won’t be staying here long and will depart by vehicle towards Besisahar as soon as your permits are in order. Driving to Besisahar is quite the adventure, and you’ll get to see a great part of the Nepalese highlands! It’s only from day 3 that the trek around the Annapurna Circuit will start.

A short drive to Dharapani by 4x4 jeep takes you directly to the start point of the trek, first up the village of Chame. As the first day of trekking, you can expect some strenuous parts but equally incredible scenery and lots of waterfalls. From Tal, the trek goes through Upper Pisang and into the Manang Valley.

The Manang Valley:

A beautiful Himalayan Valley filled with green hills, snowy mountains, rural towns and hidden monasteries! This is one of the major highlights during the Annapurna Circuit trek, with Tilicho Lake and, at its center, the town of Manang. As the largest town of the entire valley, Manang offers travelers a great place to rest and acclimatize. Serving as the perfect base for some exploring, Nobel Holidays makes sure to take you to the most prominent landmarks of the area.

There is the medieval town of Brage and its ancient monastery, or two-day hikes can be made up to the 100 Baba Gumba, from where incredible views of the Annapurna Range can be seen. Or a day hike up to Ice Lake at an altitude of 4,620 meters (15,157 feet). From here, a short excursion to the Bojo Gumba can be made as well. Having properly acclimatized to the higher altitude, the trek continues. Our target is the highest lake in the world, Lake Tilicho!

Tilicho Lake, the world’s highest fresh water lake:

Know to be the highest freshwater lake in the world, Tilicho Lake lays peacefully in the northern eastern part of the Annapurna Himalaya, and just below the impressive Tilicho Peak. With an altitude of 4,949m/16,237ft this trip will be unforgettable! It takes a few days to reach the lake, and Nobel Holidays will guide you safely there, as it can get adventurous.

First up is the small town of Siri Kharka, from where a trail leads up to Tilicho Base Camp. Serving as a temporary base, a hike is required to reach the lake. The trail is mostly rocks and climbs ever higher until winding around the mountain slope. From here, it opens up to Tilicho Lake with its perfect turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding Himalayas. Having explored around the lake and seen incredible views as well, it’s time to continue and head back for Siri Kharka.

It’s from here that we take a different trail leading north towards Yak Kharka. As you might have guessed, during this part of the trek you’ll likely meet up with the occasional yak herd! The trail leads on to Thorong Phedi and towards the Thorong La Pass, Nepal’s highest mountain pass.

The Thorong La Pass, the highest mountain pass in Nepal:

Connecting the Manang Valley with the Mustang Valley, this high-altitude mountain pass is the only way to cross the northern Annapurna Himalaya from East to West. It’s at a stunning 5,416m/17,764ft high! The climb up to the Thorong La Pass should be done as early as possible when the winds are still calm.

Nobel Holidays are experts in the area and take you up step by step. At the top of the pass, an iconic signboard and many colorful prayer flags await you for some incredible selfies! Expect views of multiple prominent mountains such as; Mt Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft), Mt Lamjung Himal (6,983m/22,910ft), Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft), Mt Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft), Mt Nilgiri (7,061m/23,166ft), Mt Hiunchuli (6,441m/ 21,132ft), as well as others. Descending down the pass, you’ll enter the Mustang Valley and the western side of the Annapurna region.

The Mustang Valley:

During the climb down the Thorong La Pass, you’ll quickly notice a great difference in the landscape. The Mustang valley, is known as one of the harshest places on earth to survive. Mostly barren and resembling the Wild West, this entire valley offers great trekking trails.  Known also as the ancient kingdom of Lo, the entire valley has a strong Buddhist influence. There are other treks that head deeper into the valley, such as the famous Upper Mustang trek.

You can combine the treks, but other permits are required to enter the valley deeper. Connected with the mighty Kali Gandaki River, the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake follows the eastern bank of the river. But first, after descending the Thorong La Pass, we stop overnight in the pilgrimage town of Muktinath.

Muktinath and the 108 water sprout temple:

Muktinath is absolutely amazing and incredibly spiritual. Located just above the town is a temple. Fitted with 2 small bathing ponds and 108 water spouts, creating a path around the main temple building. According to the myths and legends, it is said that if you make a tour under the spouts and end by fully submerging in one of the ponds, all of your negative karma will be washed away. Care to try? You can even hire a pony ride up to the temple! After having explored and enjoyed the sights at Muktinath, the trek continues by descending to the Kali Gandaki River and the apple town of Kagbeni.

Kagbeni and Jomsom:

Most of the villages in this area farm apples, and the sight is quite spectacular during the bloom season. Taking some time in Kagbeni before the last part of the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is exactly the plan. Connected by a stone bridge leading over the river and deeper into the Mustang valley, Kagbeni is also the starting point for the above-mentioned Upper Mustang trek.

Jomsom to Pokhara:

Jomsom is our destination; staying on the same side of the river, our trail leads south. Having its own airport and located just beneath the popular Mt. Nilgiri, Jomsom will be your last Himalayan town. A morning flight with incredible scenes takes you to Pokhara city. Known for its impeccable beauty and for being on the bank of Lake Phewa, Pokhara is truly one of Nepal’s marble cities. To fully enjoy all the activities here, you’ll need to book some extra days, as there is much to choose from.

Return to Kathmandu:

Options include paragliding, rafting, sightseeing, boating; the list goes on. Nobel Holidays can book some extra days for you, as well as activities; just let us know. To reach back at Kathmandu, the standard itinerary includes ground transportation, but you can also opt to fly back, saving you a lot of hours in travel time. Back in Kathmandu, an extra day is planned, as well as a special thank-you and farewell dinner with a live culture show.

Plan Your Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Book today with Nobel Holidays the amazing and popular Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake. Spend 18 days around the Himalayas, see the highest lake in the world as well as crossing the highest mountain pass in Nepal, all in one incredible trek!