Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake: 16 Days

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a breathtaking high-altitude journey that blends the classic Annapurna Circuit with a rewarding detour to Tilicho Lake (4,919m)—one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world. The trek’s pinnacle is the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416m), offering panoramic views of Himalayan giants such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.

This adventure takes you through an incredible range of landscapes, starting in subtropical valleys with lush forests and terraced farmland, then ascending into alpine meadows, and eventually into the stark, high-altitude Himalayan desert. The side trail to Tilicho Lake is both demanding and awe-inspiring, leading you to the lake’s pristine turquoise waters, set against a dramatic, windswept mountain backdrop.

The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, quickly immersing you in the heart of the Annapurna region. From there, the trail ascends through picturesque villages like Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang, showcasing changing scenery and rich cultural traditions. In Manang, a vital acclimatization day allows you to explore nearby trails, local monasteries, and adapt to the increasing altitude.

From Manang, you’ll head off the main circuit toward Tilicho Base Camp, navigating rugged ridges and glacial terrain. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, you’ll witness an unforgettable view—a surreal, still lake surrounded by towering peaks. After rejoining the main trail, the route climbs through Yak Kharka and Thorong High Camp, culminating in the ascent to Thorong La Pass—the highest point of the trek. A steep descent leads you to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,760m), signaling your arrival into warmer and more hospitable terrain.

The adventure continues through Tatopani, Ghorepani, and the famed Poon Hill, where you’ll catch one of Nepal’s most iconic sunrises over the Himalayas. Finally, the journey concludes with a scenic drive to Pokhara, and onward to Kathmandu, filled with unforgettable memories of snowcapped peaks, serene alpine lakes, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Important Notes for Trekkers

• The package includes a local bus ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar or Bhulbhule. Private transportation can be arranged at an additional cost.
  
• You may choose to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (optional, at your own expense).

Please plan to arrive in Kathmandu by 3 PM a day before the trek begins to allow for final preparations.

Online Trip Briefing

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll schedule a comprehensive online trek briefing to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. This session is designed to answer all your questions and cover essential topics such as:

• Detailed trek itinerary
  
• Essential equipment checklist

Important Notes

• Bring only necessary items because the luggage allowance is 9 kg per trekker.
  
• You will share a porter with another trekker.
  
• It’s advisable to pack together in a duffle bag with a capacity exceeding 60 liters.

Head 

• Broad-brimmed sun hat
• Warm beanie
  
• Neck gaiter or buff (for sun protection and warmth)
  
• Lightweight head torch (with adjustable brightness)
  
• High protection sunscreen
• Lip balm with sun protection
  
• UV-protective sunglasses
  
• Facial cleansing wipes

Upper Body 

• Quick-dry t-shirts (both short and long sleeves)
  
• Thermal base layers (for chilly weather)
  
• Fleece jacket and insulated down jacket
  
• Lightweight insulated jacket (for added warmth)
  
• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  
• Rain poncho or raincoat
  
• Light, breathable long-sleeved shirts
  
• Polypropylene underwear (four pairs)
  

Hands 

• Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold conditions)
  
• Waterproof gloves (for wet weather)
  

Lower Body 

• Quick-drying trekking pants (convertible or full-length)
  
• Insulated trousers (for cold climates)
  
• Lightweight cotton pants
  
• Thermal leggings or long underwear
  
• Two pairs of thermal trekking pants

Footwear 

• Thick wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks (4 pairs)
  
• Waterproof, ankle-supportive, well-broken-in hiking boots (with good grip)
  
• Sandals (for campsite use or river crossings)
  
• Gaiters (to guard against mud, water, and debris)
  
• Crampons or spikes (for icy terrain)
  

Toiletries 

• Biodegradable soap bar
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Medium-size quick-dry towel
  
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
• Toilet tissue (stored in Ziplock bag)
  
• Feminine hygiene supplies
  
• Travel-sized shampoo
  
• Nail clippers
  
• Small handheld mirror
  

Backpacks and Bags

• Duffle bag (capacity over 60 liters) for porters (shared between two trekkers)
  
• Personal daypack or backpack (20-30 liters capacity)

Personal Accessories

• Adjustable, lightweight trekking poles (preferably collapsible)
  
• Water container or hydration bladder (minimum 2 liters, insulated preferred)
  
• Water purification method (tablets, filter, or UV purifier)
• Sleeping bag (rated for -10 to -15 degrees Celsius)
  

Additional Items

• Camera or smartphone (with extra batteries and memory cards)
  
• Spare batteries or portable power bank
  
• Two-pin electrical adapter
  
• Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, Diamox)
  
• Personal medicines (inhalers, allergy medications, etc.)
  
• A few passport-sized photos
  
• Photocopies of passport
  
• Notebook and pen
  
• Binoculars
  
• Multi-tool or Swiss army knife (including scissors, can opener, etc.)
  

Provided by the Trek Operator (if you don’t bring your own)

• Used, non-waterproof duffle bag
  
• Used insulated down jacket
  
• Used sleeping bag

Free Airport Pickup
We provide free airport to hotel transfers on arrival and vice-versa on departure. Everest Destiny Trek representatives will be present at the Tribhuvan International Airport, holding a pamphlet with your name. As a welcome gesture, they will present you with a Marigold Garland or Khada and take you to your hotel on private transport. We provide this service so our clients do not feel alone in a new country.

Trek Briefing
We conduct an online trek briefing before you arrive in Nepal to provide essential information about the trek. Additionally, we will hold a brief in-person meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trip. During this meeting, we will check your luggage to ensure you have all the necessary clothing, gear, and equipment. If you missed the online briefing, this session will also serve as an opportunity to cover all important details about your journey.

Trek Start
Before starting Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport before 3 pm, one day earlier, for last-minute preparations. You will return to your hotel for the night. On the trip departure day, early in the morning, we will board you on a local bus for approximately 8-9 hours to reach Jagat Village – the starting point of our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek. Local transportation (Kathmandu to Besisahar, then to Jagat, Muktinath to Tatopani) is included in the package. A private jeep is available for an extra cost.

Accommodation
The 16-day trek includes fourteen nights of lodge-to-lodge stay at the best accommodations available in trekking regions and one night in a Pokhara hotel. We provide eight nights in rooms with an attached bathroom at Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang (2N), Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. You will spend six nights in standard rooms at Jagat, Siri Kharka (2N), Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi during the trek (Twin Sharing room). The package includes a one-night hotel stay in Pokhara in a room with an attached bathroom, TV, 24-hour hot water, power, and laundry facility.

You may require two nights’ hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek, but the package does not include this. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and tastes. Hot showers are available at an extra cost in trekking regions.

Meals
Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek takes place at high elevations near the world’s highest peaks. Hence, you will need nutritious food. We ensure you will get nutritious and hygienic food throughout the journey. However, the meal options are limited compared to cities. We will provide you with 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 14 dinners during the trek. All meals in the trek regions are on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner / main course).

We select lodges that offer fresh, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious food. Menu items include traditional, Asian, and Western cuisine, but as we go up, the menu gets shorter. We urge you to try famous Nepali foods, mainly Dal (lentils), Bhat (rice), Tarkari (curry), Momo (dumplings), and Chow Mein (noodles).

We highly recommend fresh vegetables and plenty of liquids like green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (must) at high altitudes. Though plenty of non-veg items will be available at trek regions, we do not recommend them for quality concerns. We also encourage you to avoid dairy items, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates.

All personal bills (alcoholic drinks, hot (tea, coffee), and cold drinks) in tea houses/lodges or cafes, except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package. Lunch and dinner in Pokhara are not included in the package.

Luggage
The package includes a 9 kg luggage weight limit for each trekker. We will assign one porter for two trekkers, and the porters will not carry more than 18kg of luggage. You might need to bring a backpack for your essentials. We recommend you store your extra luggage in your hotel or at the Everest Destiny Trek store (for free).

Typical Day
A typical day at Annapurna Circuit Trek starts early morning with a hot cup of tea/coffee. After breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk around 7 to 8 am, depending on the duration and nature of the walk. After trekking for three to four hours, we will stop for lunch, followed by an hour of rest, and then continue to our destination. The afternoon walk is generally shorter (about two to three hours). Once you reach the overnight lodge/tea house/tent, you can snack on the extra dietary food.

You can use your free time before dinner to explore nearby places. After dinner, you can indulge in friendly conversations and discuss the experience of that day. The expedition leader/guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, you can enjoy onboard games like Monopoly, cards, or watch mountaineering documentaries. Most foreigners learn common Nepali words from our crew or read books before going to bed.

Electricity and Water
Throughout the Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake trek regions, you will get electricity for a camera or mobile phone recharge at an extra cost. Similarly, you can buy packed mineral water from local lodges or en route shops or fill your water bottle with boiled water at an extra cost. Everest Destiny Trek can provide you with pills to make water drinkable. You should not drink water from the rivers, taps, or wells in trekking regions because the water may not be drinkable.

Communication
During the Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek, you can use internet service on lodges for an extra charge. However, at high altitudes, we will use a phone to communicate. The Everest Destiny Trek office will remain in contact with all trek groups at least once via team leader for safety. You can easily buy a local sim card in Kathmandu for better connectivity. However, mobile signals at high altitudes may not be strong enough. Wi-Fi is available in trek lodges for an extra cost.

Tipping
Nepali culture accepts tipping. Tipping is at the trekker’s discretion and should reflect the quality of service provided. We encourage you to pay tips as a group at the end of the trek.

Trek End
You will return to Kathmandu from Pokhara at the end of the trek. This package covers tourist bus transport from Pokhara to Kathmandu. However, you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu at an additional cost. Later in the evening, we will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

Feedback
After the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, we will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After dinner, we will present you with a company t-shirt and a trek achievement certificate. It is also a great time for you to provide us with your feedback.

Useful Info
Please note that the above itinerary is a general guideline. In rare cases, due to circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather, calamities, or landslides, we might need to modify the itinerary. In such a case, your trek leader will decide on the best alternative after consulting all team members. Similarly, we encourage you to add two extra days, so that even in case of trek delays, you will not miss your international flight back home.

Trip Extension
If you have extra days, after completing the Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake, you have many options. We can arrange Kathmandu Valley or Nagarkot sightseeing tours. Similarly, you can go on a Chitwan jungle safari trip, paragliding, rafting, canyoning, or another trek.

Departure
After the trek, on the day of your flight back to your home country, we will pick you up and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Nepal and will be back for more adventures.

Trek season
The weather is decisive for the Annapurna with the Tilicho Lake trek. Trekking is possible throughout the year, but some seasons are better. Spring and autumn seasons with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and no rain or clouds allow spectacular views. Everest Destiny Trek organizes Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake throughout the year.

The trek is challenging in winter due to cold temperatures and snowfalls in high altitudes. Similarly, Nepal experiences monsoons during summer, so the trails can be slippery. However, some trekkers are attracted to challenges and enjoy their Annapurna Circuit Trip in summer and winter. The exact temperature and weather conditions change from place to place, but here is a brief description of the weather in high elevations in the Annapurna Trekking regions.

March to May (Spring): Spring is a perfect time for Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake as the temperature is mild, the rainfall is low, and the skies are clear that allow great views. Thousands of people trek in the Annapurna region during this time. The mean daily temperature in the high elevation ranges from 8°C to 0°C. Lower regions are even warmer, making it comfortable for the trek.

June to August (Summer): June to August is a summer season in Nepal, but summer coincides with the monsoon (rainy season). The temperature is quite high and very favorable, but still, the trails will be wet and slippery.

Monsoon begins at the end of June and lasts till the second week of August. At high elevations, the temperature will be low and snowfalls can occur. The trails will be difficult and muddy due to monsoon rains.

September to November (Autumn): Autumn is the most popular trekking season as the weather is clear, sunny, and dry. The temperature is quite comfortable for trekking.

December to February (Winter): Winter in Nepal is cold and dry. Snowfalls and cold temperatures make trekking very difficult in high elevations. The temperature will drop to -10°C to -20°C at night, and the day temperature will be from -5°C to 5°C. Lower elevations will be warmer.

Visa
Citizens from most countries get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or in specific government offices along Indian or Tibetan borders. You can find more information about visas at www.immigration.gov.np.

For visa application, you will need a passport valid for at least six months, one passport-size photo, and a visa fee. The current visa fee is US$50 (to be paid in cash) for a 30-day stay. Children under the age of 10 will get a free visa. Indian citizens do not need a visa. Chinese citizens and citizens of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) get a free visa.

On-arrival visas might not be available for citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan. If you are a citizen of these countries, contact your local Nepalese embassy.

Travel Insurance
The Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek is a demanding expedition that poses risks such as altitude sickness and other unexpected incidents including injury, illness, floods, landslides, or sudden weather changes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory when booking the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. Every trekker must submit a copy of their valid travel insurance certificate to Everest Destiny Trekking. Your insurance must cover emergency medical treatment and evacuation, including helicopter rescue services at high elevations.

We can suggest trusted insurance providers based on our clients’ experiences, although we do not sell insurance policies directly.

We kindly ask all trekkers to share their detailed insurance documents upon booking. In the case of emergencies, we will rely on the provided insurance information to coordinate swift rescue operations, emergency medical transfers, and evacuations. Ensure that your insurance policy includes mountain rescue coverage at the trek’s highest altitudes along with full medical expense protection.

Please verify directly with your insurance company rather than relying solely on website information. Confirm that your policy covers helicopter evacuation up to altitudes of 6000 meters and all related medical costs.

Currency Exchange
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). (Current exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ NPR 130). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at authorized banks and licensed money changers throughout Kathmandu, especially in Thamel.

Exchange offices display their current rates openly. We recommend travelers carry major foreign currencies in cash to avoid delays and high commissions. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Thamel and generally operate 24/7. Foreign cards can withdraw up to NPR 35,000 with a service fee of NPR 500 per transaction. Banks and exchange services typically charge around 4% commission or more.

Please ensure your foreign currency notes are new and crisp, as many banks in Asia refuse old, torn, or faded bills.

Additional Personal Expenses
Meals and lodging in Kathmandu are not included and are the responsibility of travelers. Kathmandu offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses catering to various budgets and preferences. Clients should budget for personal expenses including accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, visa charges, travel insurance purchase, snacks, beverages (hot and cold drinks), tips for trekking staff, souvenirs, and other incidentals. We advise carrying cash in major currencies and exchanging it for Nepali Rupees, as trekking areas primarily accept local currency only.

Trekking Difficulty
The Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake involves strenuous hiking, typically lasting 4 to 7 hours daily with breaks to admire breathtaking mountain scenery. The route features long uphill climbs, steep descents, and well-marked trails. While previous trekking experience is advantageous, no advanced technical skills are required.

Hikers capable of walking 5 to 6 hours a day can complete this trek. Remember, high-altitude trekking is physically demanding compared to lowland hikes. Regular cardiovascular exercises like jogging and endurance training before the trek improve fitness and enjoyment. To participate in the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, trekkers must be in good health, possess average fitness levels, and maintain a positive mindset, determination, and self-confidence.

Anyone with existing health conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or blood disorders should consult a medical professional before enrolling.

Trek Safety
Everest Destiny Trekking conducts Annapurna with Tilicho Lake treks strictly following Nepal Tourism Board guidelines, emphasizing the highest standards of safety. Beyond geographical precautions, Everest Destiny Trekking prioritizes the wellbeing of all trekkers in the following ways.

• Our guides are trained in Intensive Wilderness First Aid
  
• Trek leaders and guides have extensive years of trekking experience
  
• We maintain strict hygiene with high-quality sanitizers, masks, and gloves
  
• Food and lodging are carefully inspected for cleanliness and safety

The Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary includes a rest day in Manang for proper acclimatization to help prevent altitude sickness, a common but avoidable risk in high-altitude trekking. We plan gradual and steady ascents so your body can adjust safely to increasing elevations. All our trekking leaders have completed rigorous first aid training and encourage trekkers to immediately report any symptoms of altitude sickness. Our crew members carry oximeters to monitor blood oxygen levels for early detection.

Your guide or trek leader will also provide safety advice throughout the trek. Staying hydrated and pacing yourself is crucial. The only effective treatment for severe altitude sickness is prompt descent. The trek leader has full authority to halt the climb for any group member’s safety.

Nepal Visa Requirements for Annapurna Circuit Trek

If you’re planning the iconic Annapurna Circuit trek, securing your Nepal visa is one of the first steps. All foreign nationals—except Indian citizens—require a visa to enter Nepal. Most trekkers conveniently obtain their visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at official land border checkpoints. To apply, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months, two recent passport-sized photos, and the visa fee. Currently, a 30-day tourist visa costs USD 50. For the latest information and visa options, visit the official Nepal Immigration website.

Mandatory Travel Insurance for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for trekking in the Annapurna region. Your policy must cover emergency medical treatment, including high-altitude helicopter evacuation up to 5,000 meters, in case of altitude sickness or injury. We strongly advise contacting your insurance provider before departure to confirm these specific coverages are included. Proper travel insurance ensures peace of mind on your high-altitude trek in Nepal.

Currency Exchange and Money Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The local currency in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR), with an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = 133 NPR (subject to fluctuation). We recommend exchanging your foreign currency at licensed exchange counters in Kathmandu’s popular tourist area, Thamel, for safety and competitive rates. While ATMs are available in Kathmandu and major towns like Pokhara, they may charge withdrawal fees, so plan accordingly. If you bring Indian Rupees (INR), be aware that only 100-rupee notes are accepted in Nepal.

Extra Expenses and Budgeting Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Prepare a daily budget of around USD 15 per day to cover personal expenses during your Annapurna Circuit trek. This amount typically includes additional meal courses, hot and cold beverages, snacks, souvenirs, phone calls, tips for guides and porters, laundry, and other incidental costs. Budgeting wisely ensures a comfortable and hassle-free trekking experience without unexpected financial surprises.

Including these essentials will help you stay prepared and focused on enjoying your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit trekking adventure through the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and vibrant Nepali culture.

Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek: What You Need to Know

Before embarking on the renowned Annapurna Circuit trek, securing the necessary permits is essential for legal entry and safety within Nepal’s trekking regions.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The ACAP grant is mandatory for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area known for its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant local cultures. This permit helps fund conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices across the region, including popular trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp. The fee varies depending on the season and nationality but is required year-round.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
The TIMS card is a government-issued document that records trekking activity in Nepal for safety and management purposes. This permit helps authorities track trekkers, ensuring emergency assistance and better management of trekking routes. It’s required for all independent and guided trekkers across popular routes, including the Annapurna Circuit.

Permit Acquisition Made Easy
To make your Annapurna Circuit trek stress-free, our trekking company will handle the application and acquisition of both the ACAP and TIMS permits on your behalf. This service saves you time and guarantees your permits are valid and ready before your trek begins.

With these essential permits secured, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, encounter diverse ethnic communities, and enjoy one of Nepal’s most iconic and rewarding trekking adventures without any hassle.