Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Cost
The 20-day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake costs USD 1350 per person. This package includes all the essential services—accommodation, transportation, meals, permits, etc.—to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trekking experience.
The standard package includes 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara (BB basis) and mid-range teahouses during the trek. The hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are well-facilitated, and the teahouses provide limited facilities. In addition, the package cost includes local transportation to and from the trailheads.
However, you can upgrade your accommodation on the trek from mid-range teahouses to luxury lodges for an extra few hundred dollars. These luxury lodges include added amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, in-room charging facilities, heated blankets, and high-speed internet.
Likewise, you can upgrade your transportation from a public bus to a private car or commercial flight for more comfort. It’ll cost an extra USD 200 per person for a private vehicle and USD 200 to 250 per person for the flight option.
A major part of the cost goes to the guides, porters, and crew members. This includes their salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, daily allowance, insurance, and emergency support planning. As part of the package, we will also arrange the necessary permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake (ACAP and TIMS).
If you’re trekking with friends or family, you can enjoy group discounts ranging from USD 60 to 120 per person, depending on the group size. Contact us today to customize your trek and include necessary upgrades tailored to your preferences!
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Autumn (September to November)
If the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake had a peak performance season, it would undoubtedly be autumn. The trails are in their best condition as the monsoon rain washes the dirt and debris away. The weather is usually dry and stable, with warm days and cool nights.
During autumn, the air has a different crispness, and the skies breathe a beautiful shade of blue. Besides that, the mountains are at their absolute best, offering unobstructed views of peaks from the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges.
However, popularity attracts crowds. Teahouses fill up quickly, especially in the upper regions, such as Shree Kharka, Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi. So, we recommend booking ahead or starting your day early to ensure you don’t miss out on rooms.
Pro Tip: Consider doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake in late September or mid-November to avoid the peak crowds while still enjoying the best of autumn.
Spring (March to May)
Spring breathes a different life into the Annapurna region, painting the entire trails with rich hues of rhododendrons, orchids, and other wildflowers. This is a season of rebirth, where the mountains echo with liveliness and the biodiversity with vibrancy.
Spring mornings are usually warm and visible in the lower altitudes, while afternoons bring thick cloud cover. The weather in the higher altitudes often remains warm, and the skies remain clear, offering breathtaking views of the mountains.
This is the second busiest season for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake after autumn. Although less crowded than autumn, you should still be prepared for crammed trails and teahouses. Additionally, the weather in spring can change rapidly, especially in early March.
Pro Tip: April is the sweet spot for spring. It offers the perfect balance of stable weather, clear skies, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
Winter (December to February)
Winter offers a remarkable experience for those seeking solitude and raw beauty. The cold, crisp air and snow-covered trails add an adrenaline rush to every step. The trails are often quiet, with only a few determined trekkers making their way to the Annapurna region. Hence, it is the best time to spot rare wildlife, including Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, and snow leopards.
Although the daytime temperatures are tolerable, the days are relatively shorter. The nighttime temperature can drop below 20°C, especially above 3,000 meters. Winter can often bring extreme weather conditions, frequent snowfalls, and even snowstorms at high altitudes. The trails to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass can be covered in thick snow, sometimes making it impassable.
Moreover, the risk of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and snow blindness is relatively higher during winter. Hence, this season is not recommended for beginners.
Pro Tip: Layer up! We recommend investing in high-quality thermal clothing, sleeping bags, down jackets, and waterproof boots. Additionally, you should check weather updates frequently.
Monsoon (June to August)
During the monsoon, the arid landscapes of the Annapurna region transform into a lush, green paradise. The trails are usually empty, with only a handful of determined trekkers taking the risk.
Hence, the monsoon season offers a rare opportunity to experience solitude and calmness along the trail. Fewer trekkers also enhance cultural encounters, making the experience more personal with the locals. If you schedule the trip at the right time, you can also witness the Grand Yartung Festival in Manang and Mustang regions.
However, the monsoon season brings constant downpours, making the trail slippery and prone to landslides. The skies are usually cloudy, obscuring the mountain views. Additionally, the leeches tend to thrive in wet conditions, so be prepared to deal with them!
Pro Tip: Pack high-quality waterproof gear, dry bag, and bug repellent.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake Permit
You’ll need two permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. One is the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
The TIMS Card, issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and TAAN, is a mandatory trekking permit introduced to help authorities regulate trekking operations and track visitors along the route. It ensures the safety of the trekkers and manages their flow.
Cost: NPR 2,000 for foreigners; NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or TAAN in Kathmandu.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
The ACAP is a park entry permit that allows visitors into the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). The permit fees help support conservation, tourism suitability, and local infrastructure development.
Cost: NPR 3,000 for foreigners; NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office or the entry gate at Besisahar.
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a strenuous journey due to its remote location, rugged terrain, and high-altitude trails. While the trek does not involve technical climbing in any section, the route involves narrow ridges, steep ascends, rocky paths, and glacial moraines.
It requires walking 5 to 7 hours, with an average daily ascent of 600 meters. This demands a decent level of physical fitness and endurance. While the initial days include gradual and manageable walks, the steep and high-altitude sections above Manang bring a grueling challenge.
Over the course of 20 days, you’ll spend nine consecutive nights above 3,000 meters. The oxygen levels and air pressure drop significantly at such elevation, increasing the risk of altitude sickness.
The most challenging section of the trek is crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. This high mountain pass includes a steep and rocky climb to the summit via High Camp. After crossing over, you’ll have to deal with the steep, knee-breaking descents towards Muktinath. You’ll also visit the world’s highest lake—Tilicho Lake—at 4,919 meters.
If you plan to trek in winter, you’ll have to prepare for extra setbacks. During this time of the year, the upper sections of the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake can become treacherous due to extreme cold, strong winds, heavy snowfall, and occasional snowstorms.
Training for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake demands meticulous preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable expedition. Its high altitude, challenging terrain, and long-day trekking require solid physical fitness, mental resilience, and a structured training plan.
Conditioning Hikes
The best way to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is to practice hiking on terrain similar to the trek. Look for hiking trails with uneven paths and elevation gains around your hometown, and make a habit of hiking.
We recommend starting with short 3 to 5 kilometer hikes with a small weighted pack. Once you get used to it, you can increase the distance, intensity, and weight. For proper adaptability, aim for weekly or bi-weekly hikes. If there are no decent hiking trails nearby, you can simulate the physical needs of the trek by climbing up and down the home stairs with a weighted pack.
Cardio Training
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a strenuous, high-altitude trek that requires decent lung capacity and overall endurance. That’s where cardio workouts come in handy! They are quite effective for building stamina, improving heart health, and enhancing the body’s ability to cope with reduced oxygen at high elevations.
Therefore, we recommend incorporating four to five steady-state cardio exercise sessions into your training regimen. These sessions can be as simple as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, running, or jump roping. Start with 30-minute workouts and gradually progress to more intense, hour-long sessions.
Strength Training
You must have strong legs, a core, and an upper body to comfortably do the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. Building strength in these areas helps to improve your body stability, refine balance, and prevent fatigue while trekking.
- Leg Strength: To strengthen your legs for steep sections and uneven terrain, we recommend adding exercises like squats, step-ups, calf raises, and lunges to your training routine.
- Core Strength: Workouts like Russian twists, leg raises, deadlifts, and planks help improve your muscles and body posture to carry a backpack.
- Upper Body Strength: Add exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and shoulder presses to stabilize and strengthen your upper body so you can easily carry your backpack over long distances.
You should add three to four sessions of strength training to your routine. For each exercise, we recommend doing three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions.
Stretching and Flexibility
Navigating the uneven trails of Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake requires good flexibility and joint mobility. To prepare your body for the trek, you should add a few dynamic stretches, yoga, and balance exercises.
Dynamic stretches and flexibility exercises improve blood circulation, build speed and agility, and boost muscle recovery. Therefore, you should add at least four sessions of these workouts, such as pigeon poses, hamstring stretches, single-leg stands, leg swings, and side stepovers.
Altitude Preparation
Training for high altitude can be challenging as you can’t replicate high-altitude conditions unless you live near the mountains. However, you can improve your body’s ability to adapt to such situations by practicing breathing techniques and aerobic workouts.
Aerobic workouts help your body cope with long days of walking, and deep breathing exercises optimize your oxygen intake. Besides that, we recommend spending a few days at moderate altitudes (around Kathmandu) before starting the trek to acclimate gradually.
Rest and Recovery
We cannot stress this enough! Most people often neglect rest and recovery. However, it is just as essential to your body as any other physical training. The more you work out, the more time your body needs to self-repair, self-heal, and self-strengthen.
So, consider taking some days off from heavy activities and just relaxing! On the day of rest and recovery, you can indulge in light activities such as walking, yoga, or even meditation to keep you focused. Additionally, we recommend prioritizing 7+ hours of sound sleep and following a balanced diet to fuel your training and recovery.
Acclimatization and Safety
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake takes you through the high Himalayas of Nepal, where you’ll spend consecutive nights above 3,000 meters. Besides that, you’ll reach 4,919 meters at Tilicho Lake and 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass. But with great heights come great challenges!
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) becomes a genuine concern above 3,000 meters. At this elevation, almost every trekker will likely experience mild symptoms like headache, shortness of breath, or difficulty sleeping.
But don’t worry! You can minimize the risks with proper preparation and acclimatization. Here’s how you can keep yourself safe and comfortable at high altitudes:
Things You Should Do to Acclimatize
- Take It Slow And Steady: This trek isn’t a sprint race—it’s more like a marathon. So, take your time, walk at a comfortable pace, and allow your body to acclimate to the increasing elevation naturally.
- Hydration Is Key: We can not stress this enough! Drink at least 3 liters of fluids every day and keep yourself hydrated. If drinking 3 liters of water every day seems a lot, supplement it with hot tea, soup, and lentils.
- Pack Light, But Pack Smart: Keeping your body warm, dry, and protected is crucial, especially at high altitudes. So, pack your bags for the right season. Some essentials include a down jacket, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, and hiking boots.
- Limit Your Daily Altitude Gain: As a rule of thumb, you should not exceed an altitude gain of 500 meters per day. Try to follow this rule whenever possible. On shorter days, go for evening hikes to a slightly higher elevation to help your body acclimate faster.
- Utilize Acclimatization Day In Manang: Make the most of acclimatization day with short hikes around the valley to stay active and adjust your body to the thin air. You should also make time to rest and recover for the days ahead.
- Avoid Alcohol And Other Stimulants: Alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants are known to affect blood pressure, increase heart rate, and worsen dehydration. We recommend staying clear of these substances throughout the trek and keeping your body in full control.
- Eat Well, Even If You Don’t Feel Hungry: Although it is common to lose appetite at high elevations, your body needs proper nutrition. So, consume calorie-rich meals every day and keep your favorite snacks within reach to fuel your body in small breaks.
- Communicate Symptoms Immediately: Remember that acute mountain sickness usually begins with mild symptoms. If you notice any symptoms, no matter how mild, inform your guide or crew member immediately. Early detection and quick action can prevent the condition from worsening and save your entire trek.
Accommodation
Kathmandu and Pokhara offer accommodation options for every budget. Our package includes accommodations in comfortable 3-star hotels in the vibrant streets of Thamel in Kathmandu. We include a standard-category hotel at Lakeside in Pokhara.
These luxury hotels offer top-notch amenities, including air-conditioned rooms and en-suite bathrooms. You will get solar-heated hot showers, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi.
While on the trek, you’ll spend every night in the local trekking lodges or teahouses. Compared to other high-altitude treks, the teahouses in the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake are well-established. The teahouses are somewhat extravagant at lower altitudes, offering a wide range of rooms with en-suite bathrooms. In recent years, many new teahouses have been built in the region with pavement cafes, large dining areas, and sunrooms.
At higher altitudes, the teahouses usually have dorm-style rooms or basic cell rooms separated with plywood. These rooms include twin or triple beds, foam mattresses, mink blankets, and cotton pillows. Bathrooms are often shared in the upper regions.
The teahouses do not provide in-room heating facilities. However, they have a cozy communal dining area, often set around a stove-heated or yak-dung fireplace. The dining rooms are usually the most happening spots, packed with trekkers gathered for relaxation, meals, and socializing.
Note: The rooms in all accommodations (including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and during the trek) are twin-shared. If you prefer to stay alone without sharing the rooms, we can arrange a single supplement for an additional cost. However, this arrangement may not be possible in the upper section during peak seasons due to the limited number of teahouses and excessive demand.
Meals
The Annapurna region has a reputation for serving delicious food compared to other trekking areas. You can expect a wide range of food options in the Annapurna trekking route. Teahouses usually combine Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian influences with specialities from several ethnic groups. Moreover, this region offers an extensive range of foreign cuisines.
Teahouses commonly serve carb-heavy foods such as dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, pasta, momo, chowmein, thukpa, and spring rolls. Dal bhat is a staple in many teahouses because it is filling and offers free refills.
A few cafes and bakeries in towns like Bhratang, Ngawal, Manang, and Muktinath specialize in apple pies. Besides these items, you will get other baked goods, such as bread, cookies, rolls, and doughnuts. Most cafes in these towns also serve espresso coffee.
The menu also has a variety of beverages, including teas. You will get milk, black, masala, ginger, and lemon teas. You will get instant coffee, soft drinks, hot juice, hot chocolate, hot lemon, and bottled water.
Drinking Water
The teahouses in Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake generally provide tap and boiled water. The locals often drink directly from the tap and claim it is safe to drink from the source. However, we do not recommend doing so. Untreated and unfiltered water is the number one cause of diarrhoea while trekking in the Himalayas.
Therefore, we recommend buying a reusable water bottle with a straw filter to remove bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics from the tap water. Additionally, you should carry chlorine or iodine-based water purification tablets or drops to purify the water for extra safety.
If you prefer to drink boiled water, the teahouses often charge a nominal fee on a per-cup or per-pot basis for boiled drinking water. Bottled water is available in almost every teahouse and local shop in the Annapurna region. However, we recommend not buying bottled water to minimize plastic waste in remote areas and promote sustainability.
Hot Shower
Hot showers are available in almost all teahouses in the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake. Most teahouses at lower altitudes (from Chamje to Manang) now have en-suite bathrooms with gas—or solar-powered hot showers.
As you trek to higher altitudes, the teahouses often provide shared bathrooms. Due to the region’s remoteness, running hot water is usually unavailable. Instead, the teahouse owners will give a bucket of stove-heated water for hot showers. The cost of a hot shower along the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake can range from USD 5 to USD 10.
Electricity
Electricity is available in almost every teahouse along the route of Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake. In the lower regions, most teahouses have charging sockets in the rooms so you can plug your mobile phone, camera, and other electronic devices without extra hassle.
However, at higher altitudes, teahouses rely on solar panels for electricity, which means power is limited. Instead of in-room sockets, teahouses usually have shared charging stations in the dining or reception area. During the busy seasons, these charging stations can get crowded.
While most teahouses in the lower regions provide free charging, you’ll have to pay a nominal fee of USD 2 to USD 3 to charge your phone and camera. Although the entire trek has access to electricity, we recommend not relying solely on it, as bad weather and technical issues can often disrupt it.
It is best to carry high-capacity alternative power sources, such as power banks or solar chargers. These small devices can be lifesavers, keeping your phone and camera ready for incredible shots.
Mobile Network and Internet Connectivity
Mobile network coverage on the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake is surprisingly good compared to other trekking regions in Nepal. Both Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell provide decent coverage across most of the trail. Only a few remote settlements at higher altitudes experience weak or no signal.
In case of emergencies, some teahouses in the Annapurna region also offer satellite phone service for an additional charge. For mobile data, you can expect 3G service in the lower section of the trek. However, as you ascend higher to the remote settlements, the connectivity becomes limited or unavailable.
Wi-Fi is widely available at the teahouses and restaurants along the trail. The teahouses in the lower section may include Wi-Fi in their room rates. However, in the upper section, the teahouses charge a small fee of USD 2 to USD 5 per device.
ATMs and Money Exchange
Always carry cash for extra expenses on the trek. Although a few teahouses and restaurants accept international currencies, particularly in the main towns, we recommend not relying on them.
Instead, exchange your foreign currency for Nepali Rupees while in Kathmandu. Exchange rates fluctuate regularly, but most money changers around Thamel offer identical rates. You can also find a few exchange centers at Besisahar, but they will likely bargain at the exchange rates.
It is pretty easy to find 24-hour ATMs in bigger cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. But it is hard to come by in most villages along the trek. You’ll find a few in towns like Besisahar, Manang, and Muktinath on the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake.
But do not depend on them, as mechanical issues, power outages, and lack of cash can keep them out of action for several days. So, it is best to withdraw some money for the trek in Kathmandu.
Note: Although ATMs display Mastercard or Visa Card signs outside, most do not accept international cards. Himalayan Bank, Standard Chartered, and Nabil Bank are usually safe bets for international cards.
Travel Insurance
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a high-altitude trek in the remote Himalayas. It involves spending several nights above 3,000 meters and crossing a mountain pass above 5,000 meters. At Nepal Gateway Trekking, we prioritize the safety of our clients, which is why a valid travel insurance policy is mandatory when trekking with us.
Here are a few things you should consider while buying an insurance policy for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake:
- Nowadays, most policies impose altitude limits, so choosing one that covers an altitude of at least 5,500 meters for this trek is crucial.
- Rescue insurance is critical, as emergency helicopter rescues often cost a fortune in Nepal. Therefore, it is advisable to buy a policy covering the cost of helicopter and ambulance rescues.
- Your travel insurance policy must cover medical emergencies and hospital bills for altitude sickness, accidents, and physical injuries.
- Bad weather conditions, health issues, and unforeseen events can often cause trek delays or cancellations. Therefore, it is recommended that you buy an insurance policy that compensates for extra costs, such as rescheduling flights, rearranging travel plans, or canceling trips.
Guide and Porter Information
At Nepal Gateway Trekking, our guides and porters are the unsung heroes. With over a decade of experience leading high-altitude treks, they have an intimate understanding of the trails, ecosystems, and local communities. They ensure your trek is safe, prosperous, enjoyable, and unforgettable, with insights into the region’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty.
Our guides are also trained in first aid, altitude sickness management, and responsible trekking practices. They’re well-equipped to provide critical first-aid treatments, monitor your health regularly, and handle minor injuries. Likewise, our porters are equally invaluable. Strong, reliable, and highly skilled, they ensure smooth operations by managing logistics and carrying equipment with unmatched dedication.
At Nepal Gateway Trekking, we treat our guides and porters with the utmost respect and fairness they deserve. We pay them above industry standards, equip them with high-quality gear and supplies, and provide proper working conditions. By trekking with us, you also contribute to the well-being of their families and local communities.
Gratitude to the Trekking Crew
Trekking in the Himalayas is a transformative experience for many travelers, but behind every journey are the unsung heroes—your guides, porters, and support crew. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure your safety and enrich your experience with their expertise, warmth, and resilience.
If you’re satisfied with their support and services during the trek, expressing gratitude is a meaningful way to give back. Expressing gratitude is more than a kind gesture—it’s a way to connect with people and their culture, honouring their hard work to make your trek successful.
Here are some thoughtful ways to show your appreciation:
Leave a Tip, Leave a Smile
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Nepal. But, it is an established culture that goes a long way toward acknowledging the trekking crew’s efforts. You can choose the tip amount based on the level of service and trek duration. Although small, this effort can make a significant difference in their lives, showing them how much you value their hard work.
Donate Gear, Share Stories
Trekking gear often carries a weight of story behind it. Passing on your trekking jacket, boots, or poles to the crew members is not only practical but deeply personal. They warmly welcome gently used items and treasure them for future treks. If you do not prefer to share your personal items, you can purchase new gear from the outdoor shops in Thamel.
Share a Meal, Share a Moment
What better way to express gratitude than by breaking bread together? After the trek, invite your crew members to a celebratory meal in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can host a small farewell gathering on the final day of your adventure at Tadapani. These small moments of connection go beyond words and leave lasting memories for you and the crew.
Amplify Their Stories
While your trek may have ended, your appreciation can echo far beyond. Share your positive experiences in reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews. Be honest and highlight their skills, helping them gain recognition and future opportunities. You can also make a simple recommendation to friends and family planning a trek in Nepal.
