Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake 13 Days

Best Season

The best season to trek the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake are spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).These two season offers the most favorable weather conditions including stable temperatures,clear skies and visibility.Spring season features Blooming Rhododendron and vibrant greenery ,whereas autumn bring out the crisp and clear air and stunning mountain peaks views.These both season offers the great trekking experience.

In spring ,the weather is mild and the trails are covered with the blossoming rhododendrons making the landscapes colorful and vibrant.As the snow melts from winter,the trails becomes more accessible making your trek kind of easier and more pleasant trekking experience.The skies are generally clear providing the stunning views of surrounding mountains ranges including Annapurna,Dhauligiri ,Manasku and more.

Autumn(September to November)is another perfect season to trek as this season offers the cool and crisp air with dry,stable weather.As autumn season starts right after mon-soon season so,it ensures clear skies and stunning visibility of the snow-capped peaks,providing the stunning views.Both season offers a chance to immerse the trekkers in the rich culture and tradition of the region as key local festival falls under these seasons.

Accommodation :

Accommodation throughout the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is mostly on teahouses or lodges .Rooms are often twin bed with a mattress and blanket.Most rooms are small and basic,with wooden or stone floors and minimal Furniture. Shared rooms are common especially during peak trekking season.Bathrooms and toilets are shared and some teahouses offers hot showers,they might charge you additional cost for the facility.The teahouse staff are generally friendly and accommodation so,you will safe and support during your stay.As you rech to the higher altitude the facility will be limited there will be fewer option with basic facilities.So,its better to know about such thing so that you will be mentally prepare.

Overall ,Eventhough tea houses’ accommodation lacks luxury,it offers an authentic and immersive experience ,a chance to connect with the local culture and fellow travelers on the trails.

Insurance:

When embarking on the trek like Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake it is crucial to have the appropriate travel insurance which covers the risks associated with high altitude trekking .The coverage areas for the insurance should be Emergency medical Evacuation,Medical treatment,Trip cancellation and Interruption,Baggage and Personal Belonging,Search and Rescue etc.Having the right insurance coverage for your trek is essential for your safety and for your peace of mind during the trek.This Insurance will provide the protection against unexpected medical emergencies ,evacuation cost and other risk which are related to the high altitude. 

Route:

The trek to the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho lake typically starts in Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi River valley passing through various village like:Dharapani ,Chamee and Pisang

Key parts of trek are:

Manang: District located in the Annapurna region of Nepal standing at the elevation of 3,280m  and is home to different glacial lakes such as Tilicho Lake and Gangapurna Lake.

Tilicho Base Camp: It is a popular stop for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit Trek standing at an elevation of 4,140m(13,583 ft).From Tilicho base camp you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhauligiri ranges and Tilicho peak.

Thorong La Pass: Thorong La Pass is located between the two town which are Manang ad Muktinath,connecting the Marsyangdi Valley on the east with the Kali Gandaki valley to the west.It is the high mountain pass stands at elevation of 5,416m(17,769 ft).

Muktinath: Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist .Located at an altitude of approximately 3,800m(12,467 ft).Muktinath is one of the few places on earth where all five elements (earth,fire,air and sky)are found naturally.The eternal flame represent fire,the nearby water spouts and river represent water and the surrounding mountain and soil represent earth and the breeze that flows throughout the area represent air and open expansive sky above represent sky element.

Jomsom: It serves as the major hub in the Mustang region of Nepal.Suitated at an altitude of 2,700m(8858 ft)and is known for its stunning scenery,cultural richness.It is considered as the gateway to the Mustang and is home to small airport with flight connecting to Pokhara. 

Altitude sickness:

Altitude sickness ,also known as acute mountain sickness(AMS),can occur while ascending to high altitude too quickly.There is also potential risk for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho lake trek due to the high elevation which trekkers has to reach during the trek.The trek covers a range of altitude 1300m(4,265 ft)in kathmandu to over 5,400m(17,716 ft)at Thorong la pass.The risk of altitude sickness increases as you reach to the high altitude.The main reason for altitude sickness is when your body cannot adjust quickly enough to the reduced oxygen level and lower air pressure at high altitude.

Some of the symptoms of Altitude Sickness include: Headache,nausea,dizziness,fatigue,loss of appetite and difficulty in sleeping .In order to prevent Altitude sickness Trekkers should follow a well-planned itinerary with rest days at the higher altitude which will help to allow your body time to adjust ,avoiding the rapid ascents above 2500m.Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.Paying more attention to your body as you ascend don’t force yourself to hike more if you feel any difficulty then without hesitating tell your guide about your condition so that the guide can decide whether you should carry on going further or not.

Awareness of the altitude sickness and taking the preventive measures can help you ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience i  the Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek.Proper acclimatization,hydration and monitoring self health plays the vital role in avoiding the altitude sickness..

Trek Difficulty:

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is challenging trek as this trek combines the diverse terrain,varied altitudes and trekkers have to hike for like 6-7 hrs daily.The trek reaches high altitude,including Thorong La Pass at 5,416m and Tilicho Lake at around 4,919m so,proper acclimatization is essential to this trek to avoid altitude sickness.The trails for the trek varies from steep ascents to descents,rocky paths and high mountain passes concluding trekkers should have the good physical fitness .

Before embarking to the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek it is highly recommended to do some cardiovascular exercises and read article or blog about the trek so that trekkers will be physically and mentally prepared for the trek. Despite all of the challenges ,the trek offers the stunning natural beauty,cultural immersion and rewarding sense of achievement.

Gear and Equipments

• Hiking boots
• Down Jacket
• Thermal layers
• Socks
• Gloves
• Hiking shorts
• Fleece or woolpants.
• T-shirts
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Rainproof and windproof.
• Sleeping bag.
• Daypack
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses,sunscreen,and a hat for sun protection.
• First-aid kit
• Portable charger and extra batteries for electronics
• Toothbrush
• Small mirror
• Trail Map/Guide Book
• Journal and pen
• Binocular