Tilicho Base camp Trek
Trip Overview
Tilicho Base Camp Trek
The Tilicho Base Camp Trek is a captivating journey that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the Annapurna region in Nepal. Spanning over approximately 10 to 14 days, this trek also offers an unforgettable experience of natural beauty, challenging terrains, and breathtaking mountain views. Starting from the village of Syange, the trek gradually ascends through lush green forests, crossing suspension bridges over rushing rivers. As you venture further, the landscape transitions into arid terrain, with scattered shrubs and rocky paths. The trail also leads you to the quaint village of Manang, where you can rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitude. From Manang, the route takes you to the Tilicho Lake Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) above sea level. The path to the base camp also offers awe-inspiring views of towering peaks, including Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri, draped in blankets of snow. The air becomes thinner, and you can feel the thrill of trekking in the high Himalayas. Upon reaching the Tilicho Lake Base Camp, you will also have the option to embark on a side trip to the breathtaking Tilicho Lake itself. The lake is also nestled amidst the rugged mountains and is known for its pristine beauty and tranquil ambiance. Standing at an elevation of approximately 4,919 meters (16,138 feet), the turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake create a captivating contrast against the surrounding snowy peaks.Cultural Experience and Hospitality of Tilicho Base Camp Trek
Throughout the trek, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, including the hospitable people of Manang. You can immerse yourself in their rich culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The lodges and teahouses along the trail also offer a warm and welcoming environment, providing a glimpse into the lives of the locals.Difficulty for Tilicho Base Camp Trek
The Tilicho Base Camp Trek is a moderately challenging adventure that requires a good level of fitness and proper acclimatization. It is recommended to undertake the trek during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is stable, offering clear skies and spectacular mountain vistas.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Tilicho Base Camp Trek promises an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes, high-altitude adventure, and close encounters with the majestic Himalayan peaks. It is an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment in the lap of nature's grandeur.Trip Highlight
- Kathmandu valley Sightseeing in UNESCO world cultural heritage sites.
- Scenic drive to Besishar
- Tilicho Lake: Mesokanta Pass Trek is an alternative trek to the Thorong La Pass trek.
- Explore lush forests, remote mountain villages, alpine lake, high pass & narrow verdant foothills
- Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
- Walking alongside the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki gorge
- Muktinath – a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Get blessings in Muktinath Temple
- Catch many gorgeous sunrises and sunsets while trekking, including the breathtaking one from Poon Hill
- Manang district and embrace the beauty of the place
- Spend nights in picturesque villages like Chame, Pisang, Manang, Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, Muktinath, Tatopani, Ghorepani, etc
- Barge Monastery – the largest monastery in the Manang district
- Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West and East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
- Come across many species of flora and fauna.
- Tilicho Lake (4,949m) – one of the highest lakes in the world
- Blue sheep at Yak Kharka
- Explore the cultural and natural beauty of the Annapurna massif.
- Crossing the world’s largest pass Throng-La 5416m
- Relaxing in Tatopani hot springs
- Witness mountain lifestyle and different cultural heritages
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, You will be welcomed by the ART staff and transferred to your hotel, overnight at the hotel
Overnight we will be accommodated at the best possible trekking lodge/ hotel with standards meals including breakfast ( B).
Today is a day of exploring the Heritage and Cultural sites of Kathmandu valley. Our guide will take you around the Kathmandu valley, Overnight at the hotel.
Overnight we will be accommodated at the best possible trekking lodge/ hotel with standard meals including breakfast ( B).
Driving Hours (175km / 108miles) 9-10 hrs
Highest Altitude 1,300m / 4,265ft
Early morning we drive from Kathmandu for about 6-7 hours (190 km) to the Besishar. On the way, you can see beautiful villages, farms, fast-flowing rivers, and glimpses of mountain ranges. As we will be taking a local bus, we might face some unplanned traffic, and there is a chance that we might not reach Besishar on time to catch a local bus to Jagat – our destination for the day. However, to avoid such delays, you can take a private car/jeep to Jagat for an extra cost.
- Overnight stay at Tilicho Hotel
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Today, after an early breakfast, we will drive for about 5 to 6 hours before reaching Besisahar – about 190 kilometers from Kathmandu. After reaching Besisahar we will head by jeep to Syange where you will have some incredible views of Mt. Annapurna II (7937m), Mt. Manaslu (8156m) and Mt Lamjung (6983m).
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Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a 7-8 hour public bus ride from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule. The Besishahar-Kathmandu roadway is a beautiful one. We will cross a suspension bridge before arriving at Bhulbhule and continue going through a captivating landscape to reach the Ngadi settlement. We’ll get views of Peak 29 (NadiChuli), Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and other mountains after a gravel road from Besishahar to Bhulbhule.
Trek Distance 15km / 9.3miles
Highest Altitude 1,860m / 6,200ft
Trek Duration 5 hrs
After breakfast, we begin the 2nd day of our trip. First, we leave Jagat, cross a suspension bridge, and reach Tal Village. At Tal, you can witness several waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. However, we will continue the journey that takes us through barley, rice, and potato fields leading us to Kodo – one of the biggest villages in Manang Valley. But, we will continue our trek, and after crossing a suspension bridge, we climb to stone Kani to finally reach Dharapani, where we will be spending the night.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Gorkha’s inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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The journey today takes us along a trail through a gorge with amazing waterfalls cascading down into it and with numerous views of snow-capped peaks along the way. The winding trail takes us from Syange and via Jagat village (1410m), and then reaches Chamje village. After crossing the bridge there is a steep climb before we reach the village of Tal (1700m), situated next to the Marsyangdi River. Leaving Tal we continue on before reaching today’s destination, Dharapani village where we will stay the night.
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From Bhulbhule, we will continue on the trail to Jagat village, which takes up to 5 hours. The Jagat village is home to Gurung and Tamang people. We will see the Marsyangdi valley’s V-shaped outline along the route. We will proceed with our walk along the river bank down the spiral trail that passes Syange. We’ll also descend to the Jagat settlement.
Trek Distance 15.5km / 9.6miles
Highest Altitude 2,610m / 8,890ft
Trek Duration 6 hrs
Today’s trek takes us through a forest with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees, eventually taking us to Chame, the district headquarter of Manang district. You will find yourself surrounded by the green forests, and over you, you will see remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We will also stop by small hot springs and relax for a while, and if you want, you can take a dip in these hot springs.
- Overnight stay at Four Season Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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The day starts with breakfast at Jagat. After leaving Jagat, we go over a suspension bridge to Tal Village. You may see multiple waterfalls in Tal forming a river beside the white sand beaches. To get to Kodo, one of the largest settlements in Manang Valley, we continue our trek, past fields of barley, rice, and potatoes. We first ascend Stone Kani, which we do after passing a suspension bridge before reaching Dharapani.
Trek Distance 13.2km / 8.2miles
Highest Altitude 3,115m / 10,200ft
Trek Duration 5 – 6 hrs
We walk through a steep and narrow valley to catch the views of Paungda Danda Rock Face – a curved rock face rising 1500m from the Marshyandi River. From here, you will also see clear views of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast.
After viewing the Paungda Danda Rock Face, we descend to the Manang Valley floor, eventually reaching Pisang- our destination for the day.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Our journey today passes through a forest of pines, oak, fir, and maple trees before arriving in Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. We will be in the middle of lush woods, with amusing views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna IV, and Annapurna II towering behind us. We will also take a break at some little hot springs, where you are welcome to have a dip if you like.
Trek Distance 17km / 10.6miles
Highest Altitude 3,540m / 11,300ft
Trek Duration 5 – 6 hrs
We leave Pisang behind and trek on the upper trails of Pisang via Geru. This path offers outstanding north face views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. Since we are ascending, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsh. Even in this harsh environment, you will find Tibetan-style settlements, and we will not miss visiting the Barge Monastery – the largest monastery in Manang.
- Overnight stay at Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Our destination for the day is Pisang, at an elevation of 3300m. The breathtaking vista of Lamjung Himal (6893m), along with the first sunrays touching the majestic peak, will be our first sight as we set out on our hike early in the morning. As we approach Brathang Village, a magnificent waterfall becomes evident. The views of Annapurna II and the northeast summit of Pisang are breathtaking to see en route. Before arriving in Pisang, we will also pass by the Mani wall near the bridge.
By reaching Manang, we will have gained a lot of elevation, and our body needs time to adjust to high altitudes, so we will stop at Manang for a day.
We will use this day to explore Manang. In the early morning, we hike up to Gangapurna Lake / Ice Lake, and during the day, we will enjoy the outstanding views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. Of course, you can also explore the Manang village. Most trekkers visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village to learn about Acute Mountain Sickness, its symptoms, and ways to prevent it.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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From here, your trek around the Annapurna Circuit starts. We will traverse one of the roughest and most scenic trails. The walk features tough ascents with breathtaking views of the Marshyangdi River valley, the Annapurna Massif, and other peaks. The environment is immensely dry (much like the Tibetan plateau). However, there are spots where pinewood forests are present. We will explore the picturesque communities of Ghyaru & Nawal. Although it is a difficult climb, the vistas are eye-catching. The path is visible from the triangular peak of Annapurna 3 and Tilicho, also known as Tent Peak. We will arrive in the historic village with Tibetan settlers’ traditional houses with one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist monasteries in the area, Braga, before arriving at Manang.
Trek Distance 12km / 7. 4miles
Highest Altitude 4,060m / 13,320ft
Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
The trek from Manang to Siri Kharka is an easier one. We take the upper route that leads down to a river, which we will cross, and then continue on a path that takes us through the coniferous forests. After walking for about three hours, we reach Tibetan settlement Khangsar, but we will continue our journey forward to reach Shiri Kharka. On the trails, we will get to see gorgeous views of Gungang Himal and Mt.Chulu.
- Overnight stay at Siri Kharka
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Leaving Manang we trek for 4 to 5 hours before reaching kangsar Village (3756m). The trail then goes uphill towards Siri Kharka, passing through a small religious village along the way. The trail is quite demanding physically, but once we reach higher altitudes the views will compensate, with amazing views of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. We have to be careful to avoid slips on the gravelly path and potential avalanches. Tonight we will stay at Tilicho Base Camp. Guest house accommodation. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
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Acclimation day in Manang. At the base of Annapurna III, the town of Manang has magnificent views of both Gangapurna and Annapurna. Today, you can visit Ice Lake for an acclimatization walk. The route to Ice Lake, locally recognized as Kicho Tal, meanders through Chulu East’s northern slopes. The lake, which drains from the hills of Chulu East, is fed by the Chulu River. Take some time to enjoy the peaceful and wonderful atmosphere. Before returning to Manang, stop to take some photos.
Trek Distance 8km / 4.9 miles
Highest Altitude 4,150m / 13,583ft
Trek Duration 5 hrs
On our tenth day, we will leave Siri Kharka in the morning and trek towards Tilicho Base Camp. The path should be easy, but it passes through landslide-prone areas. From the trails, we get to enjoy the impressive rock formations along with magnificent snow peaks – including Tilicho Peak.
- Overnight stay at a Lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Today the trail takes us from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake ( world’s highest lake 4,919m) and takes us about three to four hours from Base camp.
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Leaving Manang, we will travel uphill across the Manang River through a suspension bridge. Continuing the climb, we will eventually arrive at Khangsar village after a few hours of walking. Take the steep trail to Siri Kharka from Khangsar village. We will arrive in Siri Kharka village after walking for about an hour and a half. Take a well-earned break by going to a teahouse.
Trek Distance 11 km / 6.8miles
Highest Altitude 4,920m / 16,138ft
Trek Duration 5-6 hrs
This is one of the special days of the trek as we will be viewing Tilicho Lake itself. But we start our day early in the morning at Tilicho Base Camp to avoid afternoon wind. The path is quite steep, and after laboring for two to three hours, we will reach Tilicho Lake – one of the highest lakes in the world. A well-known French expedition team referred to Tilicho Lake as The Great Ice Lake. Tilicho lake sits surrounded by the majestic peaks – Tilicho Himal, Annapurna Range, and Nilgiri Himal. After enjoying the views of Tilicho Lake, we retrace our path back to Siri Kharka, where we will be spending our night.
- Overnight stay in Siri Kharka
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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An early start at around 4.30 a.m. sees us ascending 500 meters up and through the Mesokanta La Pass before heading down to Yak Kharka where we stay the night.
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The trail will lead you towards Tilicho Base Camp with only a few slight ascents along the way. However, take precautions in the landslide-prone areas before arriving at Tilicho Base Camp. You must be careful of the loose stones and gravel in the location till you arrive at Tilicho Base Camp. When we get to the base camp, we will go to the teahouse, where we have reservations for a room.
Trek Distance 8.4km / 5.2miles
Highest Altitude (4,060m / 13,020ft)
Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
From Siri Kharka, we descend to the uninhabited Khangsar Village. On the way, we pass Tare Gumba, a thousand-year-old monastery, but our journey continues following a rock wall that takes us out of Khangsar and leads us to Thorong Khola Valley and finally to Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, you can get glorious views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. If you are lucky, you may also get sight of blue sheep or even a snow leopard.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Gangapurna
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomson it takes about 6 hours all the way down each to Jomson is headquarter of Mustang District and overnight at Jomsom
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This is a special day since we will be at Tilicho Lake, Nepal’s second-highest lake at an altitude of 4919 meters. We will follow a track that keeps climbing until we reach the lake. You will undoubtedly be mesmerized by Tilicho Lake’s deep green waters, encircled by pristine white snow and ice. Before returning to Siri Kharkha, we will take photographs of the magnificent surroundings.
Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2miles
Highest Altitude 4,525m / 14,525ft
Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
You need to walk uphill from Yak Kharka to reach Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is the last village that comes before the Thorong La Pass. While walking uphill, you will get to see mesmerizing views of several mountains – including Gudang, Syagang, Khatungkan, and Throrug Peak.
- Overnight stay at Thorong High Camp Hotel
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20 minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal (lake), Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum and Devi’s Falls.
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The route descends from Siri Kharka and passes through farmlands and cultivated areas after coming to an abandoned village. There is a moderate elevation to a hill where one can glimpse Yak Kharka. As we reach near Yak Kharka, we will descend steeply, cross the river, and then slowly ascend once again. The Yak Kharka village is a yak herders’ grazing field. Few teahouses that provide both lodging and food are available.
Trek Distance 15.6km / 9.6miles
Highest Altitude 5,416m / 17,756ft
Trek Duration 9 hrs
Today’s trek will be the most challenging part of this trip, as we will be crossing Thorong La Pass – one of the highest passes in the world. It is also the highest point of the trek. To avoid the afternoon wind, we wake up at Thorong Phedi at 3 am and push ourselves against high altitude and icy air.
When you reach the Thorong La Pass, just by seeing the incredible scenery, you will feel that nature has paid back your efforts handsomely. From here, you can see the Himalayan peaks extending to Tibet in the north, and if you look back, you will see Annapurna standing proud and tall.
We descend from Thorong La Pass to reach Muktinath – a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. The Buddhist name for Muktinath is Chumig Ghasa which means Hundred Waters in Tibetan. And, of course, Muktinath hosts 108 stone sprouts through which flows the icy cold water of Kali Gandaki. In addition to the water sprouts, you will also see the eternal flame at Muktinath, which has been burning there for more than 2000 years.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Town House Muktinath (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Today we head back on a 6 to 7 hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!
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Walking at an elevation above 4,000 meters causes your body gradually adjust to the high altitude. The route to Thorong Phedi crosses through a lonely and isolated terrain. Enjoying the scenery and the silence, we will walk through the trails reaching a glacier valley called Thorong Phedi, bordered on three sides by snow-capped mountains.
Driving Hours (113km / 70miles) 6-7
Highest Altitude 3,760m / 12,623ft
After a holy visit to Muktinath Temple, we continue our journey, this time in a local bus that takes us to Tatopani. The drive is pretty rough, full of twists and turns, in a region that is home to the world’s deepest gorges. Our path will take us through the bustling Jomsom Bazaar and finally to Tatopani – known for natural hot springs. Before the night sets in, it would make great sense to enjoy a bath in these hot springs.
- Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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Friendship World Trek staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!
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Today’s walk is challenging. We will get up early and leave as soon as the sun rises. Although easy, the terrain is steep. The hardest part of the walk is typically the final 600 meters heading up to the highest point (5416m.|17769ft.). The stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas await you at the summit of Thorong La Pass. In all of its splendor, Dhaulagiri rises. Upper Mustang, a former kingdom, is seen in the distance. We will proceed to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage place descending from Thorong La Pass. Muktinath is a destination to find redemption and a temple for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Trek Distance 17km / 10.5miles
Highest Altitude 2,860m / 9,385ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
On our sixteenth day, we ascend to Ghorepani, through ethnic Sikha and Chitre village. We will be passing through the lush rhododendron, birch, and magnolia forests to reach Ghorepani, which sits on top of a ridge. During the blooming season, the rhododendrons add pink and bright red colors to the entire forest.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Snow Land (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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We will initially pass through the dry countryside as we travel from Muktinath towards the stunning Kali Gandaki valley. Along the way, we will enjoy the spectacular scenery of Nilgiri & Dhaulagiri and towns with distinctive Tibetan architecture like Khingar and Jharkot. Likewise, before arriving at Marpha, we’ll keep walking past apple orchards. Finally, we will reach Tatopani, wandering through a settlement of Marpha, Kokhethanti, and Ghasa.
| Trek Distance | 12.5km / 7.7miles |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude | 3,210m / 10,525ft |
| Trek Duration | 4-5 hrs |
| Driving Hours | 2 hrs |
Poon Hill is one of the most famous viewpoints in the world. So, early in the morning, we wake up at Ghorepani and climb up a steep trail for about an hour to see the magnificent views of dawn breaking on Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From here, you will also see Mustang and Pokhara in addition to over 20 high mountains. Poon Hill, with its glorious beauty, provides a favorite venue for photographers, and we will not miss the chance of clicking some pictures here. After spending some time at Poon Hill, we will descend to Birethanti, from where we will take a bus to Pokhara via Nayapul.
- Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch)
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We will leave the Kali Gandaki valley and begin our walk toward Ghar Khola valley. We will follow the route through a terraced field surrounded by mountains. Before arriving in a lovely rhododendron woodland, we go via the settlements of Shikha and Chitre. The forests can be seen full of red and pink rhododendrons. We continue walking until we reach the lovely town of Ghorepani, perched on a ridge.
| Driving Hours | (200km/ 124miles) – 6-7hrs |
|---|
On our eighteenth day, after breakfast, we will take a tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You may also choose to return by a 25-minute flight (not included in the package) for an extra cost. Our trek package completes at Kathmandu. Friendship World Trek will also host a farewell dinner at Kathmandu later in the day.
We hope, by completing this trek, you will have formed lifelong memories.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
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We will hike for approximately 45 minutes to the summit of Poon Hill (3210m) to see the stunning sunrise view over the snow-capped mountains. The overall Ghorepani Poon Hill walk is built around this vista, making the effort to get there worthwhile. We trek back to Pokhara after breakfast, which involves a day of descending high slopes. We left towards Hile through the Banthanti, settlements of Ulleri, Birethanti, and Tikhedunga. Then, we will drive to reach Pokhara city.
After breakfast, we wave goodbye to Pokhara, a city of lakes, and head to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, we have the rest of the time free to relax or go shopping. We shall enjoy a goodbye dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our adventure.
Today marks the conclusion of our trip to Nepal! A Friendship World Trek representative will drive you to the airport around three hours before takeoff. If you have enough time for another trip, we can organize that for you too.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
| Start Date | Price | Availability |
|---|
All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Public transportation from Kathmandu to Jagat or Bhulbhule or Syange (trek start) and Muktinath to Tatopani
- Private transport from Birethanti (trek end) to Pokhara
- Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist bus services
- Breakfast and a night accommodation (room with attached bathroom) at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara
- Total 14 nights of accommodation. Eight nights room with attached bathroom at Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang(2N) Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. Six nights standard room at Jagat, Siri Kharka(2N), Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, and Thorang Phedi during the trek
- All standard meals (15 Lunches, 14 Dinners, and 16 Breakfasts) during the trek
- Government licensed, experienced trek leader (guide), assistant trekking guide for 12 or more trekkers. Porters to carry luggage (One porter for 2 trekkers, 9 kg luggage weight limit for each trekker. One porter will carry no more than 18 kg.)
- Guides and porters expenses – meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and equipment costs.
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- All government taxes, local taxes, and official expenses
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir -a company’s T-shirt & cap
- Friendship World Trek Appreciation Certificate after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
Price Excludes
- International flight airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara and extra night hotel
- Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, hot drinks (tea, coffee), cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, extra porters, etc.
- Porter optional ( $300 for 1 porter) Recommended 1 porter between two trekkers
- Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Extra night accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- Personal clothing and gear
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances out of control like landscape, unfavorable weather conditions, itinerary modification for safety, illness, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, etc.
- All the costs and expenses not listed in “What is included in my Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek Package?” will be counted as excluded
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake & Poon Hill Sunrise difficulty
Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking is a demanding trek. It is a high-altitude trek that also involves offbeat walking and crossing a challenging Himalayan pass, Thorong La. The trekkers have to be physically fit with previous trekking experience because every day requires 7 to 8 hours of walking via rough trails.
The terrain is rough and has steep ascends & descends. You’ll trek through dense forests and glacial paths. Likewise, some parts of the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake get very isolated with zero teahouses or tea shops. The remoteness of the trekking route and limited facilities also contributes to the overall difficulty of the trek.
The Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek is not technical, but the long duration and environment demands fit individuals. To prepare for the trek, you can train your body. Do aerobic or cardiovascular activities like hiking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc. Similarly, you can train your body in the gym to build your core strength and endurance.
Altitude Sickness
Given the high altitude of this trek, there are possibilities of altitude sickness. At the same time, our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake itinerary has adequate rest days, and the trail ascends gradually, giving plenty of time to the trekkers to adjust to the elevation.
We cannot promise you an altitude sickness-free Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek because everybody reacts differently at high altitudes. However, we can guarantee you the best team who can properly deal with any adverse situation and give you full support on the way.
Be careful of these symptoms; bad headache, breathing issues, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. Keep yourself hydrated and eat nutritious food while trekking. Do not rush and take 8 hours of sleep to maintain your energy.
Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake route
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake & Poon Hill Sunrise begins with a long drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar. The trail from Dharapani ascends to Chame and continues to Pisang. We’ll be walking through lush forests. Following the Upper Pisang route, you ascend to Manang village, where we take the first acclimatization break.
You then ascend to Tilicho Base Camp, passing by Siri Kharka, and hike up to Tilicho Lake. This part of the trail is less crowded. Further, you descend to Yak Kharka and spend an overnight at Thorong Phedi before crossing the Thorong La pass. From the pass, the trail drops down to Muktinath Temple.
To make the journey a little easy, drive from Muktinath to Tatopani. It’s an off-road 4-5 hours long drive. You’ll get a chance to soak your body in the natural hot springs in Tatopani by paying a few extra bucks. Once again, you will explore the dense forests and small villages while trekking between Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Ulleri.
Last Minute Booking
To place a last-minute booking, call us at +977 9841380469 or +977 9843987606 (WhatsApp/Viber) for a quick response. You can also place a booking request through our site. Last-minute booking means placing a booking request last 3 days before the trip departure. We need 100% of the package cost for trip confirmation. You can book the lights once we send you a trip confirmation mail and look out for a visa.
What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek with Poon Hill?
This trek needs two kinds of permits; an Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card. Solo trekkers can obtain these permits on their own. The permit costs are like this;
ACAP permit costs for SAARC nationals: NPR 1000
ACAP permit costs for other nationals: NPR 3000
TIMS card costs: NPR 2000
*Note: Trekkers below age 10 do not need this permit
Best time to trek to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake
The best time to explore Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake is from March to May, spring season & Mid-September to November, and autumn season. These months are the peak time to travel in the Himalayas and enjoy a fabulous trek. The trail visibility is great, with good weather conditions most of the time. There can be some sudden rain, so do carry waterproof clothing/raincoats.
The temperature ranges from 23°C to 18°C in the lower part of the trail. Whereas the upper part of Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trail sees 15°C in the daytime to 0°C in the nights/mornings. The weather remains stable, and the climate is moderate in these two seasons. You cannot do this trek in winter, but it is possible in summer/monsoon as there will be less rainfall in the upper regions.
Accommodation
It is a teahouse/lodge trek. We provide twin shared rooms or single rooms on the trail. The accommodation is very basic, however, you can expect a goodnight’s sleep after a long walk each night on a clean, comfortable bed. The washroom is shared most of the time. You can get hot water for the shower by paying a few extra bucks.
The dining area is a common area and the warmest place in the lodge/teahouse where you can warm yourself & mingle with other trekkers. In Kathmandu & Pokhara, we book you nice three-star hotels that have all the modern amenities.
Food and Meals
During the trek, you get breakfast, lunch & dinner. The menu has quite a decent variety. There is a good mixture of Nepali, Indian, Continental, and Tibetan dishes on the menu while trekking. You get sandwiches, momo, noodles, burgers, pasta, porridge, Tibetan bread, thukpa, dhido, dal bhat, roti tarkari, mashed potatoes, fries, toast, and eggs, curries, soup, etc.
Boiled drinking water is available in the teahouses to refill your bottle. It’s good enough and does not give you an upset stomach. In Pokhara and Kathmandu, you get breakfasts with two dinners (welcome & farewell). Other times you are free to explore and have whatever you crave.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is necessary for Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek Poon Hill. It’s a high-altitude trek and carries the potential threat of altitude sickness and other unseen events. For safety purposes and to give you medical assistance immediately (if needed), we need well-covered travel insurance that includes emergency air evacuation & medical bills.
Travel Tips (electricity, internet, ATM, luggage, tipping, personal expenses)
- The charging stations are built in the reception area of the lodges. You may have to pay a few bucks to use the service. Spare batteries or a solar charger will save you some money.
- There is no ATM on the trekking route of Annapurna Circuit. You can withdraw money (Nepali currency) in Kathmandu for personal expenses during the trek.
- The WiFi facility is decent in the lower elevation. To use the internet on the upper part of the trail, carry a Nepali sim.
- The weight limit is 5 kgs for a daypack and 10 kgs for a duffel bag, for each trekker. If the weight increases this number, you’ll be liable for an additional charge.
- Our package cost does not cover the tip for the guide, porters, and drivers. You can tip them by yourself whatever you prefer. Tipping is the culture in Nepal’s travel industry, so better be prepared for it. Our on-field crew may approach you for it.
- Have an additional budget for personal expenses, international flights, tips, travel insurance, shopping, etc.
- You can rent/buy trekking gear in Thamel. No need to carry everything from your home. Make sure your trekking boots are not brand new.
Equipments
Head
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Sun hat or scarf
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Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
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Headlight with extra batteries
Face
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses with UV protection
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Face/body wipes
Hands
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Lightweight gloves
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Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
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Hiking shirts
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Long sleeved shirt
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Hooded rain jacket
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Fleece jacket
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Lightweight cotton pants
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T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
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Polypropylene underwear
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Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
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Sweater
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Waterproof jacket and pants
Footwear
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Hiking Boots that has been worn
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Thick wool socks (take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
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Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)
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Thermal bottle
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Water purification
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Trekking pole
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Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trekking)
Toiletries
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Medium size drying towel
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Deodorant/ floss
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Biodegradable bar soap
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Nail clippers
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Small mirror
Personal accessories
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Money
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Watch
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Cell phone
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Camera
Extra items
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First aid kit
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Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
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Notebook and pen
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Binoculars
Tilicho Base Camp Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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