Annapurna & Tilicho Lake Trek on a shoestring - 14 Days
ANNAPURNA & TILICHO LAKE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Beautiful combination: Annapurna Circuit with a side trip to Tilicho Lake.
- Tilicho Lake (4919m) is the highest lake for its size in the world.
- Visit Muktinath, a famous sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Enjoy the natural scenery of Manang.
- Cross Thorong La (5416m): highest point of the Annapurna Circuit.
- Wonderful region for birdwatching.
- Impressive suspension bridges swinging high over rivers.
- Breathtaking vistas and spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Day 01. DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO BESISAHAR BY TOURIST BUS
Early in the morning, we will drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via Dumre by tourist bus.
Accommodation: Guest house.
Day 02. DRIVE TO CHAME BY LOCAL JEEP (2710m)
We will drive from Besisahar to Chame (starting point of the trek).
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 03. TREK FROM CHAME TO UPPER PISANG (3310m) | ≈ 6 hours
We will start our trek from Chame to Upper Pisang. We will walk through the valley and witness the stunning view of the beautiful Paungda Danda rock face (the Gateway to Heaven). We will stop for lunch at Dhukur Pokhari before reaching Upper Pisang.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 04. TREK FROM UPPER PISANG TO MANANG (3540m) | ≈ 7 hours
It'll be a long trekking day. We will continue our trek through the upper part of the Manang District, from Upper Pisang to Manang. The landscape will change and we will see clear panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 05. MANANG - ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
The key to a successful trek is a proper acclimatization. Today, we will stay in Manang. Short hike to the Gangapurna Lake and visit of a Buddhist Gompa.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 06. TREK FROM MANANG TO KHANGSAR (3756m) | ≈ 3-4 hours
We will leave the Annapurna circuit trail and continue our trek up to the village of Khangsar.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 07. TREK FROM KHANGSAR TO TILICHO BASE CAMP (4140m) | ≈ 5 hours
Witness the stunning views of the valley as you trek up to the Tilicho Base Camp.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 08. TILICHO LAKE EXPLORATION (4919m) AND TREK BACK TO TILICHO BASE CAMP
Hike to the Tilicho Lake, the highest lake for its size in the world (4919m). Enjoy the spectacular views of Tilicho Lake and the surrounding peaks. Hike back to Tilicho Base Camp.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 09. TREK FROM TILICHO BASE CAMP TO YAK KHARKA (4020m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
We will trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka and join the Annapurna circuit trail. We will enter the Jarsang Khola Valley.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 10. TREK FROM YAK KHARKA TO THORONG PHEDI (4540m) | ≈ 3-4 hours
Short hike today (3-4 hours). We will trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi via Letdar. We will rest in the afternoon in order to be ready for tomorrow's challenge: crossing the "Thorong La Pass".
Accommodation: Tea house.
We will cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit (5416m) and the most challenging part of our trek. Exceptional vistas on the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and Mustang high altitude deserts.
Then, we will continue our trek down to Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. In Muktinath, if you have the courage to do so, you can follow Hindu devotees and take a holy bath under the 108 chilled fountains (Muktidhara).
Accommodation: Tea house.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 13. DRIVE FROM JOMSOM TO POKHARA BY LOCAL BUS
Scenic drive from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Accommodation: Guest house.
Day 14. DRIVE FROM POKHARA TO KATHMANDU BY TOURIST BUS - END OF THE TOUR
- Rucksack or duffle bag.
- Daypack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers.
- Trekking boots, trainers & sport sandals. Lightweight socks & med-heavy wool socks.
- Gaiters.
- Crampons.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder with Water Purification Tablets. We recommend LifeStraw, an advanced water filter bottle.
- Trekking pants & Shorts.
- Trekking shirts.
- Lightweight thermal pants.
- Breathable underwear.
- Fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- 1 waterproof jacket.
- Gloves.
- Scarf.
- Sun hat and knit cap.
- Balaclava.
- Trekking poles.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Flashlight.
- Sleeping bag.
- Wash kit & Travel towel.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Bandages/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance), air tickets & extra passport photos.
- Power adapters.
- Padlocks.
- Camera with extra cards and extra batteries.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- All ground transportation (local jeep, local bus and tourist buses).
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis (13 nights): tea houses during the trek and guest houses in Besisahar and Pokhara.
- Porter service (2 members : 1 porter).
- Trekking permits.
- First aid kit/s including a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen during your trek.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights and domestic flights.
- Meals.
- Tips for guide & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, nutri-bars, etc.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Health:
Excellent level of fitness.
Very active walker-climber in good health.
Experience:
You should be able to walk for 5 to 10 hours in a day.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
Please note: Before your arrival, we will send you a complete detailed brochure regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it. Please read this brochure carefully.
Our local trekking guides are highly experienced in preventing, recognizing and treating altitude sickness. They will monitor your health closely during your trek. A proper acclimatization is not only essential but also a necessary life-saving measure.
