Complete Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary with Tilicho Lake side trip

Hello travelers across the globe, let’s know in detail about Nepal’s oldest trekking trail in today’s blog. We delve deeper into finding out the complete Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary with Tilicho Lake side trip. Nepal has always been the mountainous country full of lakes, passes, and mountains. The trail is an ideal destination to walk and witness the great combination of people and nature flourishing here in Nepal. The fact that the trail is one of the oldest trails of Nepal highlights the popularity and significance of the trail. So, writing a blog about such an enticing trekking route of Nepal is an honor for this blogger.

The trail was opened in 1976 and since then it has been the cornerstone of Nepalese trekking industry. Today, the trail has seen lots of changes from its original classical form. The construction of road has changed the face of the trekking. Nowadays, lots of quality tea houses and eateries are opened in the trail. It has made the Annapurna Circuit Trek route commercial and trekkers friendly. Surprisingly, the trail is still the favorite among trekkers from across the globe. The true essence of the trek is still intact. Trekkers can quench their thirst of exploring Himalayan valleys of Nepal in the trail.

Why Add Tilicho Lake to Your Itinerary?

On the outskirts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, there is the highest situated lake of Nepal, the Tilicho Lake. If you spend about 2 nights and 3 days more in the original Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, then you can reach the lake too. Moreover, adding the Tilicho Lake in the itinerary is the smart travel advice. A single trekking journey can encompass two iconic places of Nepal. You can cross the Thorong La Pass, explore Manang & Mustang Valley and also visit the highest situated lake of Nepal. So, it is a wise choice for any smart travelers.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview: Distance, Duration, and Highlights

The total trekking distance of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 130 kilometers to 230 kilometers. The distance depends upon the starting point and ending point of the trek. As mentioned above, the road construction has decreased the length of the trek significantly. Therefore, the classical route is longer and the contemporary route is shorter. Therefore, you can do the trek in about 9 days to 15 days. Major highlights of the trail are Thorong La Pass, Tilicho Lake, multi – ethnic villages of Manang and Mustang Valleys, Muktinath Temple, Monasteries, mountains, diverse landscapes, etc.

Complete Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary with Tilicho Lake side trip

Now, let’s talk about the complete Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary with Tilicho Lake side trip. During this process, we will talk about the route map, key stops or places in the trail, and the possibility of adding the Tilicho Lake in the itinerary.

Route Map and Key Stops along the Trail

Well, as mentioned above, there are different ways to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. One can also do the classical trek by adding the jeep or bus drive in between. For example, you can take the jeep from Muktinath after crossing the Thorong La Pass to Tatopani Village. From this village, you can restart the trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill. Key stops along the trail are Manang Village, Khangsar Village, Tilicho Lake, Thorong Phedi, Thorong La Pass, and Muktinath temple.  

Starting Points: Besisahar vs Chame

The classical Annapurna Circuit Trek used to start from Besisahar. After the construction of the road, lots of modern trekking itineraries have Chame as the trail head of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. Note down that the jeep can go up to Manang Village too during the dry seasons. Therefore, you can start the trek from Manang Village. However, this way of trekking is not highly recommended from the altitude sickness possibility point of view. It is better to trek gradually and get acclimatized before entering higher elevations. So, this blogger strongly suggests Chame as an ideal trail head for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Acclimatization Strategy for a Safe Trek

The risk of the altitude sickness is there in this trekking route too. Normally, the altitude sickness starts from the places above 2500 m. Therefore, you need to be meticulous in this journey too. The acclimatization rest activities in Manang Village are very important. Don’t skip the acclimatization activity. Furthermore, you should also hike to the Thorong High Camp from Leder and return back to Thorong Phedi for overnight stay. If you adopt this strategy, then the crossing of the Thorong La Pass (5416 m) becomes more comfortable. In fact, it is the best acclimatization strategy for a safe trek.

Crossing Thorong La Pass: What to Expect

Expect early morning hike start which is in about 3 am or 4 am in the morning. During morning time, the mountain weather becomes stable. You have to walk more hours and more distance during the Thorong La Pass crossing day. Therefore, expect to be exhausted and maintain the uniform pace throughout the day. The trail can be confusing if it is snowing. Heed the instructions of your trekking guide and always trek in a group.

Difficulty Level and Fitness Requirements

Build up the physical fitness level in such a way that you can walk continuously for about 6 to 7 hours each day for a week. Have strong cardio – vascular ability. The Tilicho Hike route from Yak Kharka and Thorong La Pass crossing sections are challenging but other parts are moderately comfortable to trek. Therefore, you can say it as moderate trekking trail of Nepal.

Get the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit before the trek. It costs NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. Don’t worry about accommodation and meals during the trek. There are quality tea houses and eateries along the trail. Choose months of spring season (March – May) and months of autumn season (September – November) for better trekking experiences.

Tips for a Successful and Enjoyable Trek

Buy the trekking package from the reliable trekking company. Ask for an experienced trekking guide and plan the itinerary according to your preferences. Talk with the travel planners and prepare your body physically and mentally. This blogger highly recommends the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. for an amazing trekking package. A complete Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary with Tilicho Lake side trip is possible in the best way with this travel company.