Tilicho Lake Trekking

Posted on by Nepal Footprint Holiday

The Tilicho lake trek is one of the accomplished and unexplored alternative treks in the Annapurna Circuit. It is the world’s highest glacial pond and one of the sub-glacial point of Himalayan River Marshnangdi. The trek initially traverses through the authentic villages, which lie on globally famed Annapurna Circuit Trail. Along the trip, visit villages and stay at teahouses. Before reaching Tilicho Base Camp, stop in Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Khangsar Village. After that, spend some time viewing Tilicho Lake and observe fascinating view of Himalayas.

The Annapurna definitely offers some of the best hiking trails in the world, with more variety in terms of both beauty and culture than any other region of equal size.

Main Features of Tilicho Lake Trekking are:

  • Trek to Tilicho, the highest lake in the world at an altitude of 4,949m – a lifetime experience
  • Excursions to villages such as Tal, Dalapani, Chame, Pisan and Manag. Learn about the culture and traditions of the locals in the area
  • From the highest lake in the world, Tilicho, you can observe the beautiful mountains of the region, such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri and Himchuli
  • It is packed with natural views, rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, and cultures of various ethnic groups
  • It offers breathtaking views of pristine rivers and canyons
  • Visit sacred temples, colorful monasteries, gompas

How to trek Tilicho Lake?

Kicking off the trek, we tread through the lush vegetation and rocky trails of Marsyangdi valley to Manang. Then we head towards Tilicho Base Camp. Enjoying the walk to the lake savoring the closest of the world’s highest lake that is surrounded by towering peaks, we trek back to the main trails of Annapurna Circuit Trek. After crossing the elevated Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, trekking slides down to the sacred temple of Muktinath.

The latter half of the trek winds through the deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki River and the Apple orchard of Nepal, Jomsom all the way down to Tatopani. Trekkers release the entire exhaustion at Tatopani with the refreshing bath at natural hot springs.

Best time to trek Tilicho Lake

The best time to visit and hike Lake Tilicho is September and November in the Fall season and February to May in the Spring season. The autumn season is perfect for hiking and enjoying the Himalayas. Autumn weather is usually very perfect. As in autumn, the weather is generally very sunny and the forests are full of different types of flowers, where you can enjoy the scenery and nature. The second best season is the spring season.

Fed by the glaciers originated at Mt. Tilicho and Thorong La peak, is a scenic lake in the highlands of Annapurna Region, Manang. Jam-packed with natural vistas, rich flora and fauna biodiversity, and cultures of different ethical tribes, Tilicho Lake Trek is a challenging trekking adventure in Nepal that has more than everything typical to offer.

Enjoy an offbeat destination on the most popular trekking trail of Nepal with the best trekking guides of Nepal Footprint Holiday.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Posted on by Nepal Footprint Holiday

Annapurna circuit is most popular trek within the mountain range of western Nepal. It holds the best trekking route among the backpackers and explorers. This incredibly beautiful trek entertains thousands of trekkers on every trekking season in Nepal. The lush vegetation of Annapurna Conservation Area Project, flora and fauna biodiversity and wildlife is the main attraction for the trekkers. The mesmerizing view of Marsyangdi Valley, rural lifestyle of people, monasteries and monastic culture are the authentic taste of the region. Most importantly the Himalayan panorama throughout the trek is great highlight of Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Main Features of Annapurna Circuit are:

  • One of the world’s most well-known circuit treks
  • Transverse the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
  • Discover the customs and friendliness of the inhabitants
  • Views of the Annapurna Massif, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchre are breathtaking
  • Amazing waterfalls along with magnificent lakes, glaciers, and deep canyons
  • Exploration of Muktinath temple – both Buddhists and Hindus
  • You can bathe in Tatopani’s natural hot springs
  • A breathtaking view of the Himalayas from Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210 m)

How to trek Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular hiking destination in the world. The trip passes through farms, canyons created by the Marsyangdi River. And forested areas before frequently emerging in villages with a diverse cultural heritage. Gains altitude while hiking, and the environment around it drastically alters. Trekkers encounter entirely different landscapes and cultures. The forest progressively transforms into low alpine tropical, and above 4,000 meters trees are not seen. A difficult adventure of this trek is the ascent from Manang to Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which is the highest summit of the Annapurna Circuit.

The walk descends to the revered Muktinath after the pass.

Places to visit in Annapurna Circuit Trek

Manang Village

Manang is a village in the corner of Annapurna circuit trek route located at 3,519 m along the Marshyangdi river bank. The village is culturally rich and it has few Buddhist temples, offer stunning view of Himalayas, glacial lakes, Yak farms and celebrate various Buddhist and Hindu festival. Manang is a gateway of Thorong La pass, Tilicho Lake, Chulu peak climb and hub of local business for Manang people and trekkers. Most of Annapurna explorers stop extra night in here to get acclimatize for high altitude and for a side/day trips around mountain side.

Thorong La Pass

Thorong-La pass 5,416 m is highest summit of Annapurna Trek and every tourists dream and local traders regularly use this pass to complete the whole circle of AC. The pass is located on a trail that connects the Manang village to the east with the Muktinath temple in the Mustang district to the west. However, a night spend in Thorong Phedi is recommended before attempting to hike Thorong-La pass. Due to bad weather some time Thorong La pass trek is a risk of avalanches, frostbite, and storm.

Muktinath Temple

Great Vishnu Temple in Muktinath is revered by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Probably most visit for attraction in Annapurna circuit route. Located in Mustang District at an altitude of 3,810 m.  The most suitable time to visit Muktinath is from March to May and September to November as the weather conditions are not safe in other months. It is one of the best view point to see the upper and lower section of Mustang and Mt.Dhaulagiri range.

Hot Spring – Tatopani

The natural hot spring is located at the bank of Kaligandaki River in Tatopani village. It is one of the most popular stop in the route of Annapurna circuit trek. Hot spring is popular for bathing and relaxing. Tatopani is also famous for organic orange and fresh juice and rural tourism.

Poon Hill – Sunrise View

Poon Hill is 3,210 m height hill station overlooking Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Massif in route of around Annapurna trekking. It is Nepal’s top and best short trek destination. Wanderers simply join 3 to 5 days trek from Pokhara. The hill provides an opportunity to witness the scenic mountain sunrise views over Mt. Annapurna and Mt.Dhaulagiri . Trekkers hike along stone stairs through the rhododendron forest for 1 hour to reach poon hill to enjoy the beautiful sunrise views. The area is quite crowded with the trekkers taking photographs during the peak season. And witnessing the views from the view tower, and taking coffee in the coffee shop. To go Poon Hill Hike tourist need to pay 50 Rupees as entrance fee.

Best time for Annapurna Circuit

September-December and February-May are the best times for Annapurna Circuit trekking. However, Nepal Footprint Holiday hosts this trek all year round. We guarantee all the logistic and check up on your safety, necessary equipment guides, weather information, hiking tips and suggest a total of detours by Annapurna Circuit Trek experts.

Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

TIMS

Trekkers Information Management System, is a need for any trekker who intends to travel in Nepal. This permit is accepted by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure the safety and security of any trekker wishing to trek in Nepal.

ANCAP

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ANCAP) referred to as an entry permit, is required for any hiker who wishes to access the Annapurna Conservation Area.