Trekkers often book their dream trek with us at least 5-6 months in advance as well. However, on average, trekkers book the trip 2-3 months before the start date.

If you want to book Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake with us, we suggest you book it at least 2 months before the date you want to embark on. With this, we’ll get adequate preparation time to allocate guides, book the tea houses, buy the trek permits, and more.

However, at times, trekkers even book this trek a few days before their intended date. Mostly, those who’re already in Nepal make last-minute bookings.

Our suggestion: Booking the trek at least two months before the date you want to start gives ample trek preparation time for you and us.

Once you find this trek right for you, you can proceed to book this trek with us. For this, you must contact our trek manager. You can email us at mailtoneptrek@gmail.com or send an instant message on WhatsApp (+977-9818553880).

Once you contact our manager, you’ll get the necessary trek booking information. Moreover, you can request itinerary customization, add-ons, if any, personal preferences, trek cost and details, and more.

And with all things clear, you can proceed to book the trek. We’ll send you our bank account details for the trip confirmation payment.

The advance trek booking confirmation fee is 50% of the total trek cost.

To book your spot on 15 15-day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, you must deposit at least USD 675 (unless specified).

This advance payment will be used to purchase trek permits, reserve the hotel in Pokhara, and tea houses along the trek, appoint the trek guide, manage the transportation, and more.

After paying this amount, you’ll get a confirmation email or message regarding the payment.

We respect your trek cancelation decision. However, we have a refund policy regarding the trek cancelation. We hope you’ll be clear with our policy listed below.

–  50% refund on confirmation payment upon canceling the trek a month before
–  25% refund on confirmation payment upon canceling the trek a week before
–  No refund on confirmation payment upon canceling the trek within a week of the trek
–  No refund on confirmation payment upon canceling the trek after starting it for reasons

Note: The deductions include the administrative fees, hotel reservations, and trekking permits (if we purchase before you cancel the trek).

Usually, you can plan your Nepal flight to reach Kathmandu two days before the trek. Arriving early gives you ample time to adjust to the new environment, enjoy the local heritage site visit, and know your trek guide in advance.

However, if you have plans for early arrivals, you can plan 2 day Kathmandu City Tour with us or go on a hike around the valley as a trek preparation.

Yes. Our representative will greet you upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport. Following, you’ll get a taxi or a private vehicle transfer to the hotel you’ll stay in Kathmandu.

If you want us to book the hotel in Kathmandu, kindly inform us about your plans. However, in Pokhara, you’ll get a three-star hotel, included in Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake cost.

Nepali visa (on-arrival visa mostly) is accessible at the immigration in Kathmandu airport. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you’ll get an arrival visa from the immigration department. For this, you must fill out the visa forms with the specified period of stay, purpose of visit, and pay the visa fee accordingly.

For more details, read our On Arrival Nepali Visa blog.

Yes. You can buy affordable yet quality trekking gear in Kathmandu. If you need assistance, your trek guide will accompany you.

Down jackets wind-proof and water-resistant jackets, and trekking boots are available at the best prices in Thamel. For thermal layers and mid-layers, we recommend using premium yet affordable gear from Gorkha Athletics.

Yes. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll get an airport pickup on a private vehicle. Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu airport and transfer you to the hotel.

You’ll see our representative holding NepTrek’s banner for easy identification.

We usually provide private transportation for groups of five or more. However, for individual trekkers, private vehicle transfer is expensive.

In this trek, you’ll drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Besisahar to Dharapani, and Muktinath to Pokhara. It’s all road transport and no flights involved.

For an individual, following ad-ons is a must when opting a private transport.

–  Kathmandu-Dharapani: USD 350
–  Kathmandu-Besisahar: USD 200
–  Muktinath-Pokhara: USD 300

Note: A group of five or more gets a private vehicle transport.

Yes. Horse rides are popular and available, even at Thorong Phedi.

Suppose you get tired and want a horse ride to Thorong La Pass, you’ll get a horse, sit back, and conquer Thorong La Pass.

Mind you, the horse ride fares are expensive.

Yes. You can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu instead of taking an 8-hour long bus drive.

The Pokhara to Kathmandu flight ticket is USD 100 (subject to change).

Note: The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake doesn’t include the return to Katmandu from Pokhara (Flight or Bus). Thus, it’s an add-on.

If you prefer to fly out to Kathmandu, let us know. We’ll get the flight tickets for you.

The number of trek guides depends on the number of trekkers or group size.

We employ one trek guide for a group of at least four trekkers. However, for groups over five pax, we send additional guides to assist the trek leader. And, for groups of 8-10 trekkers, we typically employ three trek guides.

Two trekkers share one porter. Thus, a porter carries a combined weight of 25 kilograms, max. For any additional luggage or private porter, a USD 200 add-on is a must.

Note: For individual trekkers, Trek Porter is available as a USD 250 add-on.

You’ll get an experienced trek guide for 15 days at Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek. We’ll send you a trek guide who’s completed this trek on multiple occasions.

All the guides at NepTrek Adventures are experienced, with extensive trekking over Nepal.

Obviously. We understand the comfort of female trekkers when they embark on a trek with a female guide.

If you prefer a female trek guide over a male trek guide for Annapurna Circuit Trek and Tilicho Lake Trek combined, we’ll send you our female trek guide. We have some of the finest female trek guides with extensive trekking experience in Annapurna and Everest.

Note: Since this is a special requirement, we recommend you contact us at least two months before the trek start date. Female trek guides are often in demand, and thus, we may not allocate one to you in a short period. With adequate time, we can find the right female trek guide for you.

Yes. You’ll get a legally licensed trekking guide for this trek. We employ licensed trekking guides to ensure 100% trek safety, comply with regulations, and complete the trek on a good note.

Moreover, all our guides are certified wilderness first-aid responders. It ensures your utmost safety throughout the trek.

No. You don’t have to pay for the salary and trek expenses for trek guide and porter.

We pay our guides and porters salary, including expenses incurred during, before, and after the trek.

Yes. You’re highly recommended to tip your trek guide and porter once you complete the trek and reach Pokhara.

Tipping to the trek guide and porter is a way of expressing gratitude for the efforts they put into the trekking to make your dream adventure wholesome.

How much you want to tip is up to you. However, in practice, trekkers tip at least USD 8-10 per day or Rs. 1000. In this way, for 15-day trek, you’re highly recommended to tip at least Nepali rupees 10,000 for trek guide and porter.

During this 15-day trek, you’ll get 15 x breakfast, 15 x lunch, and 14 x dinner.

During your Kathmandu stay, you’ll get breakfast only. However, in Pokhara, you’ll get a farewell dinner with a trek guide and porter.

Your meals along the trek will be at the tea houses, which are locally owned lodges.

You’ll be surprised by the variety of meal choices, even at higher elevations like Thorong Phedi and Ledar.

As mentioned, the meal choices you’ll get on this trek are extensive, fresh, and savory.

Toast, omelet, pancakes, pies, muesli, oatmeals, porridge, potatoes, tea, coffee, and yak milk (seasonal) are the most common breakfast items. You can enjoy seasonal, fresh fruits and juice at the tea houses, which feature locally grown apples.

Other than these, you’ll have noodle soup, Tibetan bread, and more.

You’ll get a meal menu at the tea house to choose lunch and dinner item(s). Since these are the heavy meals of the day, the choices can be similar, but you can opt for different meals.

Typical lunch and dinner meals are:

Dal Bhat, a staple Nepali dish consisting of lentil soup and rice, is highly recommended for adequate energy replenishment.

Pizza, burgers, sandwiches with fries, spaghetti, macaroni, fried noodles with egg veg, Thendek (local dish), and Sherpa stew, are popular meals.

You’ll have dessert options at a USD 200 add-on for the entire trek.

Yes. All the tea houses along the trek provide hygienic and nutritious meals to trekkers. They get fresh supplies every day during the trekking season.

Manang and Khangsar are connected by motor road. Thus, every jeep from Besisahar to Manang carries the supplies for tea houses regularly. From Khangsar, the tea houses use mules to transport goods to Tilicho Base Camp. So are the tea houses in Thorong Phedi, Yak Kharka, and Ledar.

With fresh supplies, you can have healthy and nutritious meals each day.

You can eat meat at lower elevations. However, we don’t recommend you to eat meat on the trek at higher elevations for reasons.

The primary reason is that you may get food poisoning by eating meat, as the tea houses in higher elevations don’t use refrigerators.

Moreover, digesting meat at altitude can be a problem. Due to digestion problems, eat easy-to-digest meals, and if possible, avoid cheese and butter for 2-3 days at higher elevations.

Another reason is that the entire trekking region is a Buddhist area. And in Buddhist areas, the locals don’t kill animals for meat. Instead, they import meat from lower elevations. Thus, it’s advised not to eat meat during the trek.

Our recommendation: Avoid meat at all costs to prevent food poisoning and digestion issues, and respect the local culture.

You’ll be accommodated at the tea houses along the trek for 14 days. And on the 15th day, you’ll get a hotel in Pokhara for accommodation.

You’ll get a twin-sharing room throughout the trek. The rooms with attached toilets are subject to availability. But at most places, the tea houses provide the attached bathrooms.

You’ll get a tidy room with clean and warm blankets, a pillow, and a mattress.

No. You won’t get heated rooms anywhere on the trek. However, in Manang, some tea houses provide heated blankets, but this is not guaranteed.

The tea houses light fire ovens in the dining halls. It is where you can get warm.

As the tea houses are not heated, you need to carry a sleeping bag with a -20˚C rating. If you have your sleeping bag, bring it. Otherwise, we’ll help you to rent one in Kathmandu.

Yes. If you’re an individual on Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake with us, you’ll get a room. However, if you’re trekking with the group, you’ll have a private room accommodation upon availability.

Note: Private room while trekking in a group subject to USD 200 add-on. For individual trekkers, there’s no add-ons.

It’s best to understand that during the trekking season, the tea houses get flooded with trekkers. Thus, at such times, the tea houses get fully occupied and are left with no private rooms.

Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek combined isn’t an easy trek. This trek is easy at times, moderate on most occasions, and tests your limits at the most happening times.

On average, it’s a moderate trek with few demanding sections that even a novice trekker with physical fitness can embark on.

Here’s a breakdown of the trek’s easy, moderate, and demanding sections.

Easy: Trek from Dharapani-Koto, Koto-Pisang, Pisang-Ngawal, Ngawal-Manang, Manang-Sri Kharka, Sri Kharka-Ledar, Ledar-Thorong Phedi, Ghorepani-Banthanti

Moderate: Sri Kharka-Tilicho Base Camp, Tilicho Lake-Tilicho Base Camp, Thorong La Pass-Muktinath, Banthanti-Tadapani, Ghorepani-Poon Hill

Demanding: Tilicho Base Camp-Tilicho Lake, Tilicho Base Camp-Sri Kharka, Green Lake-Ghyaru, Thorong Phedi-Thorong High Camp-Thorong La Pass

A physically fit novice trekker can complete this 15-day trek. However, without adequate physical fitness, this trek can get extremely difficult at times. The extreme altitude landmarks, long walking days, and unpredictable weather often challenge the trekkers.

A novice trekker can find this trek demanding at times. Precisely, the walk from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake and Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass is demanding. However, for the rest of the trek, for those who can walk well, the trek should be comfortable.

Trekking is mostly about efficient walking and breathing. Hence, physical fitness for a trek essentially means building up strength, endurance, and efficient breathing.

Walking and hiking on the slope for at least 4-5 kilometers a day builds strength in your legs. For cardio, swimming, cycling, and jogging are the best ways.

We recommend you do these exercises for at least two months before joining the trek. The ample preparation builds your fitness and makes you ready for the trek.

Yes. You’ll get one rest day in Manang as an acclimatization stop. On this day, you’ll visit Gangapurna Lake and nearby viewpoints for sightseeing and acclimatization.

The purpose of acclimating in Manang is to adapt to altitude before leaving for Tilicho Lake.

Said this, for some, one day of acclimatization won’t be adequate. Thus, assessing your situation on the trek, you’ll stop for acclimatization at places like Manang and Yak Kharka.

We can’t guarantee that you’ll not get altitude sickness during the trek. But we assure you that we’ll do our best to keep you safe and complete the trek without getting altitude sickness. You’ll get adequate acclimatization, anexperienced trek guide, good tea house accommodation, and an ideal trek itinerary.

Few elements play a significant role in getting altitude sickness.

First, lack of acclimatization can cause altitude sickness. That is why we’ve included an acclimatization in Manang. This acclimatization prepares you for the Tilicho Lake Trek. And by the time you complete Tilicho Lake Trek, your body gets well acclimated for the Thorong La Pass crossing. However, if you need additional rest days, we’ll provide them accordingly.

Second, inadequate physical fitness and existing health concerns cause altitude sickness. Inefficient breathing and extreme fatigue can cause altitude sickness. Moreover, the existing health issues like blood pressure, heart disease, and lung issues cause severe altitude sickness forms like HAPE and HACE.

Moreover, inadequate diet, lack of sleep, and consumption of alcohol and caffeine (coffee, coke, etc) can result in altitude sickness.

Here are some ways that help you to dodge altitude sickness on the trek. However, not guaranteed.

Acclimatization is a must. On this trek, you have one acclimatization stop in Manang. However, if you need additional rest days, it’s better to acclimate extra days at Manang or in Yak Kharka.

Rehydrate more. Dehydration also causes altitude sickness. With low fluid in the body, the blood becomes thick, and oxygen transportation in cells and tissues gets impacted. Rehydration with oral salt solutions is highly recommended.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol cause dehydration, which contributes to altitude sickness. Thus, you must avoid caffeine and alcohol some months before and on the trek.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is the permit you’ll need to trek to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake.

If you’re planning this trek with us, we’ll buy these permits for you. The trek cost you pay to us includes the trek permit.

However, for solo trekkers, an ACAP Permit is available at the Tourist Counter at Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. For documentation, price, and other details, read this blog.

Yes. Travel insurance is highly recommended for extreme elevation treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.

Trekkers often get altitude sickness at around 4,000 meters elevation on the trek. During such situations, they need a rapid descent. In the mountains, only a helicopter evacuation to Pokhara or Kathmandu is a fast descent.

Thus, travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage can provide you with an on-time helicopter to the remote location of the Annapurna Conservation Area, located in Manang.

Travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage has many benefits. Here are some:

• Emergency Evacuation: The primary reason for getting travel insurance with helicopter rescue is for emergency evacuation. If you get altitude sickness anywhere on the trek, with valid travel insurance proof, you’ll get a helicopter rescue.
• Insurance pays for the helicopter rescue: High-altitude helicopter rescue are expensive. But, with travel insurance, you don’t need to pay a single penny, unless your insurance policy is strong. When your travel insurance partner pays for the rescue fee, you’ll be flying back to the hospital in Kathmandu safe and sound.
• Compensation: The travel insurance policy compensates for various things like loss and damage of personal stuffon the trek, flight cancelations, dental fees, etc.

No. We don’t provide or sell travel insurance to our clients. But, on request, we often recommend the best travel insurance policy to our clients.

Also, the cost you’ll pay for this trek doesn’t include or get you travel insurance. You must get one before embarking on the trek.

Note: The trek guides and porters at NepTrek are insured.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost, including the Tilicho Lake visit, is USD 1350 for individual (solo) trekkers. It means that if you’re embarking on this trek alone, guided by our experienced trek guide, you must pay USD 1350.

The amount mentioned here is a one-time payment and is all-inclusive. It means that you’ll receive all the benefits mentioned in the ‘Cost Includes’ section.

Be assured that there are no hidden charges included.

For more in-depth information, please refer to the Cost Details section.

It’s up to you.

If you want to embark on this 15-day adventure solo, we’ll organize a solo trek. However, if you prefer trekking in a group, we’ll accommodate you accordingly.

The group trekking depends on availability. If you prefer to group and we don’t get any at the time you decide to trek, then you have to do it solo.

It’s better to trek with your group if you have friends tagging along on this adventure.

Yes. The tea houses along the trek provide quality toilets and bathrooms.

You’ll get flush toilets at every place on the trek except at Thorong Phedi and High Camp. The attached toilets will be available only till Yak Kharka and Ledar.

Every tea house provides a hot shower. The hot showers are not in the attached toilet but in a separate shower room.

Note: You must pay for every hot water shower you take along the trek.

Your per-day expense on the trek can be USD 10-15. Thus, for the 15-day trek, USD 150 for personal expenses should be okay.

Here’s what you’ll spend these money on:

–  Mineral drinking water
–  Drinking water (Hot)
–  Hot drinks (Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolates, etc.)
–  Cold drinks (Coke, Sprite, or juice)
–  Hot shower
–  Wifi

Note: You’re not allowed to drink alcohol during the trek. However, you can drink beer and other alcoholic beverages after returning to Pokhara.

Yes. A sleeping bag and down jacket are essential trekking gear.

When you’re trekking in October, November, March, and April, you’ll need a sleeping bag and a down jacket.

A down jacket is essential for every season. However, a sleeping bag comes in handy during the cold days in October, November, March, and April. Also, if you plan to trek in December and January, you’ll need a sleeping bag of at least -20˚C rating.

If you have and want to bring these, you’re welcome. However, should you consider renting these in Kathmandu, we’ll help you.

Yes. You can leave extra luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu and collect it after the trek.

The hotels you’ll stay in Kathmandu will store the luggage safely and for free.

Note: Don’t forget to collect the luggage tag, which you’ll need as proof of storage.

Yes. You must for the usage of WiFi, a hot shower, drinking water (boiled and bottled), and battery recharge.

Unlike other treks in Nepal, in Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, the tea houses charge minimal fees for these amenities.

If you’re buying boiled drinking water, we suggest a liter (one thermos) because hot water per cup can is expensive. And the boiled drinking water, per liter, costs USD 5-6. For bottled drinking water, you need to pay at least USD 2-3.

WiFi costs USD 3-5, which is the same for the battery charge as well. However, some tea houses let trekkers use wifi and electricity recharge for free.

The hot shower costs around USD 3-4 at every place.

We usually provide one porter for two trekkers, and on the trek, each trekker is allowed to bring one luggage weighing 10-12 kilograms.

However, if you want to bring additional luggage for the trek, we’ll provide you with a duffle bag to put your stuff in.

When you bring two luggage for the trek, you’ll need a trek porter. Thus, you must pay an additional USD 200 if you want to bring additional luggage and hire a trekking porter.

Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek combined are doable throughout the year. However, for the best mountain views, cheerful weather, and rain-free days, March to May and September to November are best. Trekkers trek here in December-February as the weather remains fair. However, it will be very cold at higher elevations.

March, April, and May are three Spring months, the best time in the year for trekking. The clear weather, rain-free days, and snow-filled mountain view makes the trek one of a kind. The surreal view of mountains each day on the trek leaves you in awe.

Note: In March and April, Tilicho Lake freezes. Thus, you may not see the turquoise blue Tilicho in these two months.

Autumn is one of the best times in the year for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. September to November are the trekker’s favorite time for this trek. Thus, if you’re planning to embark on the Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek in Autumn, expect a crowd of trekkers.

It rains till mid-September. However, after that, the weather clears, landscapes come to life with fresh greenery, and mountains are full of snow. What makes these months best is the cheerful weather all day.

Tilicho Lake doesn’t freeze in Autumn. Thus, you’ll get the picturesque sight of turquoise Tilicho throughout the Autumn months. Moreover, you’ll cross Thorong La Pass on the best weather morning, viewing a surreal sunrise over the Annapurna mountains.

The weather in March and April around Annapurna Circuit remains clear, with no rain. Mid-May can bring overcast and occasional rain.

The lower elevations remain warmer as the month progresses from March to May. The higher elevations remain cold in March and April but start getting warmer in May. Still, the temperature sits around freezing point.

The average daytime temperature in March will be 3-4˚C at higher elevations such as Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi. The places like Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake remain at -5 to -10˚C. The nighttime temperature in March at higher elevations will be -10˚C.

The daytime temperature in April averages 7-8˚C. The nighttime temperature remains below freezing. The lower elevations get very warm in April.

In May, even the higher elevations feel less cold, with a daytime temperature of 15-16˚C. The nighttime temperature averages around 2-3˚C.

The weather, until mid-September, can be rainy, sunny, and cloudy. However, after that, the weather clears and becomes cheerful.

Despite the lower regions being warm in September, the higher elevations start getting colder with temperatures decreasing.

The average daytime temperature at higher elevations in September is 7-8˚C. The nighttime temperature freezes with an average of -5 to -8˚C.

October is the first cold month, and thus, the temperature lowers. The average daytime temperature at higher elevations in October is 1-2˚C. The average nighttime temperature will be -10˚C.

November is cold, with daytime temperatures averaging -2 to -3˚C. The night freezes with temperatures dropping below -15˚C.

You’ll experience cold but clear weather and a good mountain view in November.

Practically, you can embark on this trek in Summer. Temperature-wise, it’s warm and ideal for this trek. However, it rains, gets cloudy, and landslides in places, resulting in a poor trek experience.

Our recommendation is you embark on this trek in September, right after the rainy season.

Yes. You’re welcome to extend the trek itinerary for as many days as you’d like.

Here are some ideas on which the itinerary extension fits better.

–  additional acclimatization when needed
–  avoid long walking days
–  hike to Ice Lake from Manang for extra acclimatization
–  option to embark on 10 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Poon Hill

There are loads of tours you can do after completing the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek.

If you prefer wildlife, we have a 2-night 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour package. We usually recommend this tour to our clients who trek with us in October, November, and March. As Chitwan is a hot and humid place, a short escapade on the wildlife right after completing the trekking offers the utmost relaxation. Moreover, you’ll see exotic wildlife including tigers, leopards, bears, elephants, rhinos, hornbills, deer, and a lot of wild animals.

If you prefer ancient culture and heritage, we have an amazing 2 days Kathmandu City Tour package. This tour takes you to the most happening heritage sites around three major cities in Kathmandu Valley. All the heritage sites you’ll visit are UNESCO-listed sites.

Staying at Bandipur for one or two nights while returning to Kathmandu can be another relaxing escapade. Nestled in the lush landscape and overlooking the hilltop, Bandipur offers a timeless cultural and natural experience.

If you have other preferences, let us know. We’ll curate the best holiday for you.