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The Annapurna Circuit Trek including Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal's most popular and hardest treks, lasting around 19 days. The trek combines the traditional Annapurna Circuit walk with a visit to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes. The trip begins at Besishahar and continues through beautiful woods, terraced farms, and traditional villages along the Marsyangdi River valley. The environment changes as you ascend, and you will meet more difficult terrain and lovely alpine woods. The path also provides breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna II, III, and IV, as well as Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. You will travel to Tilicho Lake at a height of 4,919m/16,138ft after traversing the difficult Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft), the highest point of the expedition. The lake is revered by Hindus and Buddhists for its pure beauty and breathtaking mountain vistas.
The trek then continues to Jomsom, where you can take in the breathtaking vistas of the Kali Gandaki valley and explore the old settlement of Kagbeni. From Jomsom, you may either hike to Muktinath, a Hindu and Buddhist holy place or take a vehicle to Jomsom. The trek ends with a drive to Pokhara, where you may rest and enjoy the gorgeous lakeside city. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is a difficult journey that needs a high degree of physical fitness and acclimatization. It's critical to have the right gear and equipment for the expedition, as well as a trustworthy guide and porter, to ensure your safety and pleasure of the adventure.
The Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit treks introduce you to charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, all while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Our itinerary has been tailored to match the Annapurna Circuit route, with a slight variation. Instead of heading north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka from Manang, this route veers westward through the main valley. It takes you through the captivating Khanshar Village, which marks the last settlement in Nepal. Continuing onwards, the trek ascends to the stunning Tilicho Lake. From there, the journey proceeds to Yak Kharka and eventually culminates at the Thorung La pass, towering at an elevation of 5,416 meters.
Difficulties of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek presents significant challenges. Trekkers are required to hike for approximately 7-8 hours on average each day, enduring high-altitude conditions for over two weeks. Mitigating the risk of altitude sickness involves acclimatization, hydration, and gradual ascent.
The trekking route encompasses steep ascents and descents, leading through various natural terrains like alpine forests, glacial lakes, mountain passes, and deep gorges. The demanding terrain, along with the constant elevation changes, poses challenges for trekkers of all levels of experience.
This remarkable journey demands both physical and mental readiness, considering its extended duration. Accommodations and food are basic, necessitating some compromises. While technical skills are not imperative, the trek demands a considerable amount of physical strength and endurance.
Trekkers must possess good physical fitness and stamina, with prior hiking experience being advantageous. Adequate training and exercise, undertaken for two to three months or at least two weeks before the trek, are essential. This training regimen should encompass aerobic activities such as hiking, swimming, jogging, cycling, etc., to enhance your preparedness for the trek.
In conclusion, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is undoubtedly challenging, but proper preparation and planning can ensure a more comfortable completion of the journey.
Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek
When packing for the Annapurna Trek, aim for practicality and minimize weight. In colder months, anticipate needing additional warm clothing. Crampons might be necessary if encountering icy or snowy conditions on the pass. If utilizing a porter, ensure not to overload them. Remember, it's common to store excess baggage in Kathmandu's accommodations.
Cold Weather:
- Long-sleeved shirts or sweaters
- Scarf
- Warm gloves
- Insulated hat
- Layered warm clothing
Modest Attire:
- Attire covering knees and shoulders for cultural sensitivity (long pants, skirts, shoulder-covered shirts)
- Shawl or scarf for temple visits
Documentation:
- Flight details (printouts for border crossings)
- Insurance information (with photocopies)
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Essential visas or vaccination certificates (with photocopies)
Necessities:
- Optional binoculars
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Cash, credit, and debit cards
- Day pack for daily outings
- Earplugs
- Comprehensive first-aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Fleece top or sweater
- Hat
- Locks for bags
- Long pants or jeans
- Money belt
- Outlet adapter
- Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle
- Shirts and T-shirts
- Sleepwear
- Compact travel towel
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable)
- Watch and alarm clock
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Windproof rain jacket
Health and Safety:
- Face masks (required)
- Hand sanitizer (required)
- Pen for paperwork
- Rubber gloves
High Altitude Trekking:
- Down jacket (recommended in winter)
- Well-worn hiking boots
- Waterproof pack liners
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre)
- Camp sandals for evenings
- 4-season sleeping bag and liner
- Spare boot laces
- Thermal base layer
- Waterproof gloves
- Whistle
- Windproof rain gear
- Wool socks
Staying Hydrated:
- Drinking ample water is vital during the physically demanding Annapurna Circuit. Aim for at least three liters daily.
- Use effective water sterilization methods like purification tablets or the Steripen.
- Bottled and hot water is available for purchase along the trek at varying costs.
Adapt this list to your needs and preferences, ensuring a well-prepared and enjoyable Annapurna Trek experience.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is mandatory for Annapurna Circuit trekking due to the potential health risks, altitude-related issues, and trail hazards. High altitudes can lead to various health problems and trekkers may become vulnerable or make errors in judgment. Additionally, the trails entail risks of falls, avalanches, and accidents. When selecting travel insurance, ensure it includes medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for emergency rescue and repatriation. It's advised to opt for a policy covering personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, as well as loss of luggage and personal belongings.
For those embarking on the Annapurna Circuit trek, tourist visas can be acquired upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, as well as at various land border crossings accessible to foreign travelers. While most individuals can obtain visas on arrival, some countries' citizens must secure a visa beforehand. SAARC country citizens can obtain visas free of charge. The visa options and costs include Multiple Entry 15 Days (30 USD), 30 Days (50 USD), and 90 Days (125 USD). To obtain a visa on arrival, you'll require:
1. One passport-sized photo
2. A passport with at least six months' validity
3. At least one blank passport page
4. The visa fee in cash (preferably in US Dollars)
Altitude Sickness- duringAnnapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek - 19 days:
Travelers venturing to altitudes exceeding 2,500 meters face the risk of altitude sickness, also termed acute mountain sickness (AMS). This condition can be severe and is not limited to individuals lacking physical fitness. Even those in good shape can be affected. The risk escalates for those with prior history of altitude sickness, those engaging in physical activity or consuming alcohol before acclimatization, and individuals with respiratory health issues. If your journey involves high altitudes, consult your doctor prior to departure for personalized guidance.
Recognizing and Understanding Normal Altitude Symptoms:
1. Intermittent Sleep Patterns
2. Occasional Decreased Appetite
3. Vivid Dreams at Elevations of 2500-3800 meters
4. Short-lived Breathlessness, Day and Night
5. Periodic Waking Due to Breathing Patterns
6. Nasal Congestion
7. Dry Cough
8. Mild Headache
Should you experience nausea, dizziness, or other symptoms, promptly inform your guide for constant monitoring. It's vital to note that if your guide perceives trekking to be unsafe for you at any point, arrangements will be made for your descent to lower altitudes.
Prior awareness and vigilance regarding altitude symptoms ensure a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.
