Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho LakeAnnapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake

Naar Phu Tilicho Trek

Trip Facts
  • Duration14 Days
  • Max. Altitude 5416 m
  • Group Size 2-15
  • Trip Style Tea house
  • Best Season Autumn & Spring
Highlights

 

  • Enjoy stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountain views of the Annapurna region
  • Trek through dense forests, beautiful river valleys, and picturesque villages
  • Cross thrilling suspension bridges on the way and walk past lovely waterfalls
  • Come across a wide range of flora and fauna as the trail goes via Annapurna Conservation Area
  • Witness the stunning turquoise color of Tilicho Lake
  • Navigate through landslides debris and glacial paths
  • Cross Thorong La pass and Lubra pass
  • Visit Muktinath Temple and a Bonpo gompa in Lupra village
  • Enjoy jaw-dropping aerial mountain views while flying from Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Experience mountain lifestyle and get to see the tradition & culture of the natives

"Embark on an adventurous and immersive trekking expedition in Nepal's Himalayas with a professional team of mountain guides and porters. Witness stunning views of the seventh and tenth-highest mountains in the world. Test your endurance and rejuvenate as you trek from one village to another completing the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek."

Annapurna circuit and Tilicho lake are two high-altitude destinations in the western Himalayas of Nepal. This 14 days trek involves crossing the highest mountain pass in Nepal, Thorong La (5,416 m/17,756 ft), with an excursion to beautiful Tilicho lake (4,920 m/16,138 ft), which is known as one of the highest lakes in the world. The trek further takes you to the Muktinath Temple (3,760 m/12,623 ft) and crosses Lubra pass (3,772 m/12,375 ft) while descending to Jomsom (2,743 m/8,999 ft), where the trek ends.

Perfect for experienced trekkers, the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trekking is one of the best treks in the Annapurna region in Nepal. The trekking route goes through lush rhododendron and pine forests. You will spend nights in beautiful mountain villages and cross many thrilling hanging bridges along the way. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the snow-capped mountain views will keep you mesmerized throughout the trek.

The small interactions with the locals and the scattered stupas and prayer wheels along the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trekking route make the journey more meaningful. You will learn about the daily lifestyle of the mountain people and their customs, beliefs, and practices. As the trail is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you may come across wildlife and exotic birds.

From Kathmandu, you will take a long bus ride to Dharapani via Besisahar, from where the trek begins. Trekking along the Marsyangdi Khola, you will gradually ascend through dense forests and uneven cliffsides. The upper part of the trail involves walking on vast meadows and follows the Thorong Khola. And while trekking from Muktinath, you will take a different route via Lupra village to Jomsom, visiting Bonpo gompa on the way.

Mountains like Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Fishtail (6,26,795 993 m/22,943 ft), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,406 ft), and many others are seen on the way. The best time to do the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek is from March to May and September to November when the weather favors the trekking conditions.

Join us on our Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek 2023/2024 adventure. We offer the best Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek cost and an experienced crew to support you during your journey with us. You can also customize the itinerary as per your requirements. For more information, kindly contact us anytime.

Naar Phu Tilicho Trek Itinerary

Accueil à l’aéroport international de Katmandou, puis transfert en ville. Première immersion dans l’ambiance vivante et culturelle de la capitale népalaise.

Départ vers les contreforts de l’Himalaya en longeant les vallées verdoyantes du Népal central. Après Besisahar, montée progressive dans la vallée de la Marsyangdi jusqu’à Dharapani, point d’entrée sur le versant nord des Annapurnas.

  • Route: 8h, Nuit en Camp..

.

Marche le long de la rivière Marsyangdi à travers des paysages de rizières en terrasse et de forêts subtropicales. Traversée de petits villages gurungs jusqu’à Jagat, village caractéristique niché dans une gorge encaissée.

  • Marche: 6h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +860m -450m

Poursuite du chemin sur l’ancien sentier du tour des Annapurnas. Passage de ponts suspendus et de sections escarpées en montée avant d’atteindre Dharapani, village situé à la confluence des vallées de Manang et de Nar Phu.

  • Marche: 7h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +1300m -630m

Montée progressive en longeant la Marsyangdi. Traversée de forêts de pins et d’épicéas avec en toile de fond les sommets de l’Annapurna II et du Manaslu. Arrivée à Koto, porte d’entrée vers la vallée isolée de la Nar Phu.

  • Marche: 6h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +995m -290m

Départ en direction de la vallée de Phu, plus sauvage et peu fréquentée. Le sentier remonte la rivière Soti Khola, à travers une gorge étroite et boisée, jusqu’à Dharamshala, camp d’altitude situé dans un décor de plus en plus austère.

  • Marche: 6h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +1080m -400m

Montée en altitude marquée par le changement de décor. Forêts clairsemées, falaises abruptes et paysages rocheux dominent cette étape. Traversée de murs de mani et de chortens avant d’atteindre Kyang, hameau ancien aux ruines de monastères et panoramas ouverts.

  • Marche: 6h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +1125m -540m

Marche dans un décor spectaculaire, entre plateaux désertiques et falaises sculptées par le vent. Arrivée à Phu, l’un des villages les plus reculés et authentiques du Népal, dominé par les glaciers du Himlung Himal. Rencontre avec la culture tibétaine locale, encore préservée.

  • Marche: 4h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +560m -380m

Départ du village traditionnel de Naar et montée progressive vers le camp de base du Kang La Pass. Traversée de paysages d’altitude à la végétation clairsemée, dominés par les crêtes rocheuses et les sommets enneigés.

  • Marche: 9h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +1580m -1390m

Ascension matinale du Kang La, col spectaculaire offrant une vue époustouflante sur les Annapurnas. Longue descente ensuite vers Ngawal, charmant village situé sur le versant classique du tour des Annapurnas. Changement d’ambiance et retour vers des zones plus fréquentées.

  • Marche: 4h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +390m

Montée douce à travers forêts et alpages en direction de Khangsar, village typique en pierre, point d’entrée vers la haute vallée menant au Tilicho Lake.

  • Marche: 6h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +780m -1650m

Étape d’approche spectaculaire en balcon, sur des sentiers taillés à flanc de montagne. Arrivée au camp de base du Tilicho, dans un décor minéral grandiose sous les glaciers du Tilicho Peak.

  • Marche: 5h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +405m -330m

Montée progressive vers le lac Tilicho, l’un des plus hauts lacs du monde, entouré d’un amphithéâtre de sommets. Site sacré pour les hindous et les bouddhistes, il offre une atmosphère unique, entre silence et immensité.

  • Marche: 5h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +830m -550m

Journée exigeante avec la traversée de trois passages d’altitude. Décor glaciaire et sauvage dans une région rarement empruntée. Arrivée à Nama Phu, au cœur de vallées isolées.

  • Marche: 4h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +830m -100m

Longue descente vers la vallée de la Kali Gandaki. Arrivée à Marpha, village célèbre pour ses vergers de pommiers et son ambiance sereine, marquée par la culture thakali.

  • Marche: 9h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +580m -1440m

Poursuite de la descente à travers les gorges de la Kali Gandaki, en passant par des villages agricoles. Tatopani, signifiant "eau chaude", est connu pour ses sources thermales naturelles.

  • Marche: 5h, Nuit en Camp.
  • +180m -1550m

Dernière journée dans les contreforts himalayens avant le retour à Pokhara, ville paisible au bord du lac Phewa. Fin de l’aventure en montagne et retour à la douceur du climat subtropical.

  • Road: 5h, Night at Hotel.

Retour vers la capitale népalaise. Traversée de rivières, de cultures en terrasse et de collines verdoyantes. Fin de l’itinéraire itinérant à travers les plus beaux massifs du Népal.

  • Route: 7h ou en vol

Journée de repos ou de découvertes culturelles. Possibilité de visiter les grands sites historiques de la vallée ou de flâner dans les ruelles commerçantes pour quelques souvenirs artisanaux

Transfert à l’aéroport international en fonction de l’horaire de vol. Fin du voyage avec des souvenirs exceptionnels de cette traversée unique entre les vallées cachées et les hauts sommets himalayens.

What's Included
  • Transportation as described in the program: bus or 4x4.
  • Full board during the trek from lodge to lodge (Tea House) except the beverages.
  • An English-speaking guide and assistant guides (Sherpas) (French speaking guide when required).
  • One porter for 2 people.
  • Annapurna Conservation Fee & TIMS card.
  • 3 nights in the hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Nepali staff insurance.
What's Excluded
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu.
  • Any expenses caused by reason beyond our control such as roadblocks due to climate or accidents and unforeseen events, etc…
  • Personal insurance (medical / repatriation of the participants).
  • Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bags, etc.).
  • Airport Tax and tips for the staff during the trek.
  • Bottled water, alcohol, hot shower during the trek.
  • Visa fee.
Essential Info & Equipments

The package includes following meal system during the trek only. The trekkers should pay themselve if they would like to eat or drink other items which is not mentioned below list.

  • At Breakfast
  1. 2 cup of (Tea or Coffee) only
  2. Toast or Chapati or Tibetan bread or pancake with Omelette or fried egg
  3. Jam, honey and butter
  • Tea break around 10 am
  1. 1 cup (Tea or Coffee) only
  2. 1 Chocolate (Snicker or mars, or bounty) only
  • At Lunch
  1. 1 item main course only
  2. 1 cup of (Tea or Coffee)
  3. No Desert
  • Tea break around 4 pm
  1. 1 cup of (Tea or Coffee)
  2. 2 pieces of biscuit only
  • At Dinner
  1. 1 item main course only
  2. 1 item soup only
  3. 2 cup of (Tea or Coffee)
  4. Fresh desert provided

Clothing

Base Layers

  • Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms
  • Lightweight T-shirts (preferably synthetic or merino wool)
  • Insulation Layers
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Down or synthetic insulated jacket (packable and lightweight)

Outer Layers

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (with hood)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Trekking Pants and Shirts
  • Quick-dry trekking pants
  • Long-sleeved shirts for sun protection

Headwear

  • Wide-brim hat or cap for sun protection
  • Beanie or wool hat for warmth
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Gloves
  • Lightweight inner gloves
  • Insulated and waterproof outer gloves

Footwear

  • Waterproof trekking boots (well broken-in)
  • Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
  • Wool or synthetic trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Gaiters (for snow or muddy trails)

Backpacks

  • Large trekking backpack (50–70L)
  • Daypack (20–30L) for short hikes or daily essentials
  • Rain cover for backpacks

Sleeping Essentials

  • Sleeping bag (rated for the expected temperature range)
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional, for added warmth)
  • Inflatable or foam sleeping pad (if not provided by the trek operator)

Trekking Accessories

  • Trekking poles (adjustable and collapsible)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Sunglasses (UV protection)
  • Water bottles (at least 2 liters total) or a hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets or filter

Personal Items

  • Travel documents (passport, permits, and insurance)
  • Trekking map or guidebook
  • Cash (in local currency)
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm (with SPF), and moisturizer
  • Personal first aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, antiseptic, etc.)
  • Medication (prescriptions, altitude sickness tablets, etc.)

Other Essentials

  • Snacks and energy bars
  • Lightweight travel cutlery (optional)
  • Multi-tool or Swiss army knife
  • Camera or smartphone with power bank
  • Lightweight dry bags or zip-lock bags for waterproofing essentials
  • Duct tape or repair tape
  • Notebook and pen
  • Optional Items
  • Crampons or microspikes (if trekking in icy conditions)
  • Altimeter or GPS device
  • Portable solar charger
  • Lightweight book or e-reader for entertainment

Naar Phu Tilicho Trek FAQs

  • The toughest part of the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek is navigating through steep, rocky, and landslide debris to the lake and crossing the Thorong La pass. These two parts of the trail are very demanding and require proper guidance from mountain guides.

  • Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek can be a very challenging and exhausting venture for beginner trekkers. So, we only recommend this trek to individuals who have previous trekking experience or are very fit.

  • The trail to Tilicho lake is steep and rugged. The trail goes by landslide areas and steeply ascends via glacial paths and rocky terrain.

  • Yes, the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek is more difficult than the Everest base camp trek. The Annapurna circuit trail has more challenges and includes many steep ascents and descents than the EBC trail. Likewise, the trek also crosses the highest mountain pass of Nepal.

  • To join Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trekking, you have to be physically and mentally fit enough to walk 6 to 7 hours a day and adjust to limited facilities. Trek like this demands strong mental resilience and willpower.

  • Tilicho lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world at 4,920 meters (16,138 ft). It is a stunning lake with a breathtaking view, and the journey to this lake is very adventurous.

  • No, you cannot do the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek without a guide. Trekking alone in the Annapurna region is banned from April 1st, 2023.

  • The Tilicho lake is around 200 meters deep. Likewise, the lake is 4 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide.

  • Yes, you have to carry a sleeping bag during the trek. You can rent or buy one in Thamel, Kathmandu.