Booking is open for 2024 and 2025 for all tours and trekking in Nepal.
Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek
5/5 based on 37 reviews
Booking is open for 2024 and 2025 for all tours and trekking in Nepal.
5/5 based on 37 reviews
Trip Duration
17 Days
Group Sizes
1 - 16 People
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4949M
Activities
Meals
Accommodation
For those who enjoy adventurous hiking, the Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek is among the most rewarding treks on earth. Along with providing access to what is considered one of the highest crossings in the globe, the Thorong La Pass (5416 m), this Trek also affords breathtaking views of snow-fed Himalayan giants and the dazzling turquoise-colored Tilicho Lake.
The trekkers’ experiences on this path are amazing, both in terms of the wildness and the adrenaline rush. Features of trekking the Annapurna Circuit include the breathtaking views of the high mountains, the Himalayan vegetation and wildlife, ancestral villages of many ethnic groups, incredible scenery, spectacular gushing waters, and sacred shrines.
From the capital of Nepal, it takes 8–9 hours by car to reach Besisahar, where the Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek hiking begins. The route then climbs beside the Marshyangdi River until coming to a finish at the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Green and pleasant terraced paddy fields, many dramatic waterfalls, subtropical woods, enormous cliffs, and several ancient towns are all visible along the walk. On this walk, the trekkers are amazed by the many ethnic communities and their distinctive ways of everyday life.
When trekking the Annapurna Circuit, the most breathtaking mountain vistas are seen which include the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I–IV), Machhapuchhre, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Paungda Danda. Many more peaks rising to an altitude of 6000-8000 meters originate in the Annapurna Himalayan range.
The Ice Lake Trek offers an exceptional chance to see breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains in addition to having the opportunity to see the 4600-meter-high Ice Lake.
The Ice Lake is typically frozen, with the exception of May through October, when it becomes a brilliant blue lake. Following a hike uphill past the yak grazing land and gorgeous towns with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, we will arrive at this amazing ice lake.
You will reach Kathmandu on the first day of your Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek. One of our reps will be ready to greet you at the arrivals area shortly after your flight touches down at Kathmandu’s international airport. We’ll greet you warmly and show you to the hotel where you’ll stay.
We’ll just let you relax for the day because we know that your journey to Nepal may have been exhausting. You could really need a day off because you have trekking days coming up.
The Nepali government issues tourist visas upon arrival, so as soon as you land, you must complete the application for a tourist visa and pay a cost based on the length of your stay. The Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek package will not cover this expense as it is your personal expense.
Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek hike on our fifth day will take us further deeper into the Himalayas. We’re going to visit an apple farming operation, stroll alongside the river, and ascend into pine forests. We’ll go from Chame to Bhratang, then to Dhukur Pokhari, and lastly to Lower Pisang on today’s itinerary.
By the conclusion of the day, we will have climbed from 2670 meters to 3200 meters. Walking from Chame to Lower Pisang is around 15 kilometers and takes about 4 hours total, including pauses. We’ll visit Upper Pisang in the evening and go on an acclimatization stroll as well.
Our last destination for the day, Lower Pisang, is marked by signs as we walk the trail toward the bottom of the valley from Dhukur Pokhari. As the river flows between Lower and Upper Pisang, we will cross lakes, grasslands, and snow-covered peaks.
We will go quickly and easily through the simplest portion of the day, which is the last one. Dhukur Pokhari and Lower Pisang are about 45 minutes apart, and the route is nearly all descending.
Even though we will be arriving in Lower Pisang in the late afternoon, we will have enough time to discover the neighborhood. There will be a good selection of lodging choices in addition to a few little stands offering amenities and food.
You may buy your necessities here, but since Manang is now nearby, you might want to wait because it’s larger and contains real retailers.
This is where your Annapurna Circuit Trek begins. You’ll be hiking down one of the trail’s more difficult yet gorgeous sections today. The trip includes hard ascents that offer breathtaking scenes of the basin of the Marshyangdi River, the Annapurna Massif, and numerous other mountains. Some parts of the terrain are blanketed with pinewood forest, while others are parched, resembling the Tibetan plateau.
We will explore the charming communities of Ghyaru and Ngawal. The vistas are amazing, but the climb is difficult. The path is overlooked by Tilicho, also known as Tent Peak, and the sharp peak of Annapurna III. Braga is a historic community with traditional homes constructed by Tibetan immigrants. One of the nation’s oldest Buddhist monasteries is located in this village.
We’ll walk a little distance to get to Manang from Braga. The path is simple and level. It will just take you forty minutes to get to this historic village. When we get there, we’ll go to a teahouse to relax and have a much-needed break.
It’s crucial to schedule an acclimatization day in Manang regardless of whether you have any high altitude sickness signs. People might be affected at various elevations, thus you could be healthy at 3500 meters but get ill at 4000 meters. It’s all about getting ready for the traversal of Thorong-La Pass (5416m) at this stage in the hike. It’s critical to get your body and mind as ready as possible for the following three days of climbing, which will involve an altitude rise of about 2000 meters.
In Manang, you will never run out of things to enjoy on your day off. But before we get into the free time, we will first hike to Ice Lake.
Starting off, we will take the trek to Braga, a town on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Beyond the Buddhist temple, we will find the trail entry indicated by the well-known blue and white signs. We will then make our way through a tangle of passageways and emerge above the town.
The trail will rise swiftly, and soon we will be rewarded with an expansive panorama of Manang and the Himalayas overlooking the valley. For a time, the track will zigzag up and we will see gorgeous birds circling overhead, searching for food. Spots of white will begin to appear as we ascend higher, shortly thereafter the route will be covered with a layer of muck and snow.
As the trail winds through steep sections of the slope, it will get increasingly slick, which will not be helpful. We may occasionally have virtually zero grip on the path and have a few moments of losing our footing.
After passing such a difficult section, we’re going to pass a little tea establishment where we can unwind with hot tea and nosh on our boxed meals. Finally, after three hours of hiking, we will arrive at the Ice Lake.
From Manang, we will hike down to a Chorten, head to the northwest, and go downhill to the riverbed. Before long, we will come to a 3560-meter-high crossing, and Jarsang Khola is located beneath it. After walking for a while, we will arrive at the location where we will be able to take in the panoramas of Manang and Pisang.
We pass the Jarsang Khola on a suspended bridge and then ascend sharply onto a wooden walkway. Then, on a broad route, we continue to follow the electrical cables along the slope as we cross it on its southern side, passing through fields of wheat and blue pine trees. We arrive at Chauri Kharka (4,070 m) after a little ascent. Chauri Kharka is a huge, square-shaped town surrounded by a collection of medieval stone structures.
Heading towards the base camp, we will first pass a small Chorten. Following that, we will traverse little creeks and arrive at the remote Thare Gompa (3939 m). We will find our route to Yak Kharka following a short trekking session. We are getting nearer to the Tilicho Peak Hotel with each step we take. From there, we cross into an opposite valley and ascend sharply to the other side, where we will come to a confluence.
From here, it’s a 650-meter trek down a slope to the Tilicho Base Camp lodge. The path then descends steeply to a crossing, climbs to a point at 4230 meters, and then takes us on a little descent that passes by streams before crossing a large, steep slope that leads to Tilicho Base Camp.
Situated at an elevation of 5,000 meters in the Annapurna area, this lake is acknowledged as one of the most elevated lakes in the world. In 2000, it also served as the location of one of the highest underwater scuba dives ever made. The glacier melt from Annapurna and Thorung’s whole northern slopes is collected in Tilicho Lake, which is the primary source of its waters.
The path leading to Tilicho begins on an angled valley and climbs steadily to 4710 meters by passing across a moraine. The views of Khangsar Kang, Tarke Ghyang, and Gangapurna, are breathtaking.
At 4920 meters, Tilicho Lake offers a very striking show. Its azure water occasionally reflects the peaks around it, but most of the time it’s frozen solid. Following our wonderful experience at Tilicho Lake, we will hike the same distance to Tilicho Base Camp, where we will spend the night.
The Tilicho mountain, at 7134 meters, is the highest point in this area. The glaciers end in a 70-meter-tall vertical block of ice that defines the lake’s western side. By Tilicho Lake, there isn’t any place to stay. We will thus return to Tilicho Base Camp following our excursion to the lake in order to stay for the night at a guest home.
We will depart early in the morning when the hill and soil will still be frozen because we will need to traverse the landslide region to Shree Kharka. The route will continue crazily downhill to the valley bottom, where a stream feeds into the Marsyangdi River. We will have crossed this stream two days earlier on a suspended footbridge located far above. Although the creek is not very broad, it will need to be crossed with the help of a few supporting rocks.
The river current is strong and the riverbank will be iced. We will cross the river unscathed, relying heavily on our hiking sticks for support. After that, we will go up the same slope again, which will be rather taxing.
We will follow a left-hand branch from Shree Kharka to Upper Khangsar, which is situated high on a slope. Aside from scrub pine and not much more, we will follow the blue-and-white path signs that are posted beyond the rock wall.
All of this descent eventually leads us to the Thorung River suspended bridge. The route ascends steeply from there and ultimately emerges from the valley below. It passes between rocky boulders and leads to a grassy meadow with small plants and rocks.
From there, we will have to climb a little steep track to re-enter the primary hiking trail from the town of Manang. It will be a reasonably simple hike into Yak Kharka from where we will join the main route.
As we make our way through the boulders, the terrain eventually flattens out, revealing Letdar (4200m/13,780ft), a modest group of lodges situated just past a tiny suspended crossing.
Today is the final section of the trek before the strenuous hike up to Thorong La Pass. As you stroll over 4,000 meters above sea level, your body slowly adjusts to the elevated altitude. You have to really careful to go slowly and drink plenty of water. If you think that the elevation is getting you, take a pill.
The Thorong Phedi trek winds through a lonely and remote area. Savor the peace and the scenery. Three sides of Thorong Phedi’s glacier valley are covered in snow-capped mountains. As soon as you arrive at this rest break, make your way to a teahouse to make yourself warm. You have a hard day tomorrow, so we suggest to get to bed early.
This trek is hard today. You get up early and leave as soon as the sun comes up. Although easy, the terrain is steep. The hardest part of the walk is usually the final six hundred meters to the summit peak. Upon ultimately ascending Thorong La Pass, breathtaking vistas of the Alps welcome you. The Tibetan plateau and the old empire of Upper Mustang are visible on the faraway horizon.
Together with those around you, capture this amazing occasion with photos. After that, we will proceed to Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage place. Muktinath, which gets its name from a temple that is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, is said to be a location where one might find redemption.
Countless devotees visit this holy site every year, seeking a tranquil and spiritually rejuvenating experience from this ancient temple perched at a height of 3,710 meters. Muktinath Temple is a special location for spiritual searchers. It is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is an embodiment of the spiritual and peaceful coexistence of two great religions.
For Hindus, Muktinath is a site of enormous significance, a sanctuary of redemption where they feel a visit helps free one’s spirit from the cyclical process of being born and passing away. Muktinath is regarded as a significant pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, especially those who practice Vajrayana Buddhism, as it is among the 24 Tantric sites in the area.
You can cutomize this trip as per your requirements if met the proper guidelines.
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek is a difficult and strenuous journey. The average day’s hike lasts between four and seven hours, with several pauses to take in the breathtaking vistas of the mountains. Trekking paths in Annapurna consist of straight paths, sharp descents, and lengthy climbs. While prior hiking history would be advantageous, neither technical expertise nor experience is mandatory.
Hikers who can manage five to six hours of hiking each day can finish the Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek. Please keep in mind that hiking at higher elevations requires greater physical effort than hiking at lower elevations. Your endurance will be improved if you work out and jog often for a few weeks prior to the trek; the healthier and more active you are, the better the trekking experience you’ll have.
The most popular time of year to hike the Annapurna Circuit is in the fall. This time of year offers perfectly clean vistas because the rainy monsoon season is coming to a conclusion, clearing the hazy sky and other pollutants. If you plan your walk for late September or early October, you’ll be able to witness the two most significant Nepalese festivities, Dashain and Tihar. Hindus commemorate these holidays over a few days. At every town along the path, you can anticipate delicious food, conviviality, dancing, and music.
The route is carpeted with wildflowers in the height of springtime. On mountainous grasslands, musk deer and blue sheep emerge to feed, you might see them if you are lucky enough. It would feel beautiful to stroll over the hillsides carpeted with vibrant flowers amid the majestic background of the snow-capped Himalayas.
The world-famous Annapurna Circuit hike is something you have to undertake. It is going to be the greatest option for beginners as well as avid travelers. The Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek merges the classic Annapurna Circuit trek with highland lakes making it even more appealing. It’s hard since there are few steep passages, but the views are amazing all along the way.
Trekking Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek demands an extreme degree of physical fitness. It is not necessary to have prior hiking experience, though. We can guarantee that you will be completely secure the entire time on the journey thanks to the expertise of our staff.
Discovering the tallest lakes, icy lakes, and breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna Himalayas will certainly delight beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. They go across high passes to pilgrimage places for Buddhists and Hindus.
The Thorong La pass, which is the highest point of this journey, is among the globe’s highest passes that you will traverse while hiking beneath the base of 7,000-meter summits. There is a lesser amount of oxygen in this atmosphere, which makes breathing harder.
You must walk gradually and stay hydrated to give your body time to adjust to the thin air. It’s possible that you get altitude sickness if you try to hurry and walk quickly to get where you’re going faster.
Taking a break at a lower altitude prior to climbing higher will give your body the time it needs to adjust to the thin air. A day has been allotted in the Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary for acclimatization by our specialists.
The 17-day journey consists of one night in Pokhara, three nights in Kathmandu, and 12 nights spent in guest houses at the top lodgings during the trekking days.
On the summit, there are basic tea houses and trekking lodges for lodging. The views from the lodgings of guest houses are breathtaking, and the bedrooms are often suited for two people with a hardwood bed, coverings, mattresses, cushions, with attached bathrooms (but not always).
Throughout the hike, we’ll make sure you stay in the nicest lodges that are accessible, offering breathtaking views of the mountainside and surrounding landscapes.
Although we will stay in some remote villages, there will be a lot of options for food. The eateries are owned and operated by the local villagers which means that our little stop at their place will support them greatly. People in the Himalayan region depend heavily on tourism as their main income source.
As per our expertise, we recommend you stick to a vegetarian diet while in the mountains. There will be non-veg options on the menu but these meaty delights can give you food poisoning which can make you quit the trek on the spot.
However, this trek package does not cover drinking water expenses.
The Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek package will cover all your land transportation and flights as required by our itinerary. You will not have to pay for them separately. This includes pick up and drop off at the airport in Kathmandu and Pokhara, drive to the starting point of the trek, and flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
To travel this itinerary, you are required to have a Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System). As a part of the package, we will cover the expenses related to these permits and our guide will help you get them.
Trekkers can charge their gadgets on the lodges we stay at, and they can also access the Internet using the WiFi of those lodges. But you must note that, those lodges might charge you a couple of dollars as a service fee for those amenities. The trek package does not cover these expenses.
Your extra expenses include personal medical and travel insurance, visa fees, additional accommodation expenses, hot shower, WiFi, and gadget charging expense in lodges, tips for the crew members, and emergency services.
This 17-day Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek takes you to the famous Annapurna Ciruit trek with an added twist for optimum adventure. You can expect to see views that you have never seen and experience something very beautiful that you will not be able to forget.
One of the best things about this trek is the fact that you do not have to have prior experience. So, you can expect a simple trek with a few difficult passages. You will be staying at Himalayan villages, far away from bustling cities. While on the route, you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime trekking journey.
In case you require emergency evacuation or medical attention, we will call the emergency services for air evacuation. This emergency service expense will be covered by your travel insurance. In case you do not have travel insurance, we will not be responsible for covering this expense.
Our Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek is priced at $1590 per person. This package covers all your accommodations, 3 meals per day, daily wages for porters and guide, transportations, and more.
There is no age limit for the Annapurna Circuit with Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake Trek but we recommend you not to bring along kids under the age of 10.
The food in this region mainly consists of Dal-Bhat, Tibetan breads, oatmeal, eggs, along with some modern foods like pizza, momo, spaghetti, etc. However, this depends on the eateries we stop at, some eateries only offer Nepalese and Tibetan foods while a few offer wester food.
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