17-Day Tilicho Lake Thorong La and Poon Hill Trek Overview
The 17-Day Tilicho Lake Thorong La and Poon Hill Trek is truly a remarkable adventure. It certainly offers breathtaking natural beauty and a unique spiritual experience. The itinerary of this extended trek is designed in such a way that you can enjoy the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek within a short time duration.
If you have a limited time but fancy doing the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek with a side excursion to Tilicho Lake then this will be an ideal choice. This trek is renowned for its stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, unique cultural encounters, and exceptional trekking experience.
This Epic 17-Day Tilicho Lake Thorong La and Poon Hill Trek covers a distance of approximately 160-230 kilometers (100-145 miles). The terrain variation is remarkable and will take you from lush green valleys to high-altitude deserts and snow-covered passes.
Tilicho Lake is one of the highlights of this trek, which is at a height of of 4,919 meters / 16,138 feet. It is the highest glacial lake in the world. The Trek to Tilicho Lake offers a serene off-the-beaten track into the gorgeous blue lake mirroring the surrounding mountains.
The Full Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is certainly a spiritual journey offering you a heavenly experience. It delivers you the solitude and tranquility of the Himalayas, combined with the raw beauty of the surroundings.
This trip is an adventure that challenges your limit but at the same time leaves you with memories that last a lifetime. However, the 17-Day Tilicho Lake Thorong La and Poon Hill Trek is indeed an epic trek. It gives you an experience not found elsewhere.
The Highlights of the 17-Day Tilicho Lake Thorong La and Poon Hill Trek:
This Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill takes you to the most significant highlights of the Entire Annapurna Region.
The Highlights are:
- Manang Village (3,519 m/11,545 feet) - the paradise-like town in Annapurna.
- Tilicho Lake (4,919 m/16,138 feet) - the world's highest glacial lake.
- Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,764 feet) - the world's highest navigable mountain pass.
- Muktinath Temple (3,800 m/12,467 feet) - a true place for salvation.
- Tatopani (Natural Hot Spring) (1,200 m/3,937 feet) - relax your tired muscles on the hottest natural hot spring.
- Poon Hill (3193m / 10,475 feet) - the most famous vantage point.
- Pokhara - the famed Lake city of Nepal.
Manang Village - (3,519 m/11,545 feet):
Manang Village is a charming and picturesque settlement on the Annapurna Circuit trail. It serves as a gateway to the majestic Himalayas, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La, Chulu Peak, and many other attractive destinations. This stunning town of Manang is situated at an altitude of 3,519 meters and it is a crucial place for acclimatization.
This traditional village is a popular stopover for trekkers while doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek. On your rest day at Manang, you can do side excursions like hiking to Ice Lake, an afternoon hike to Gangapurna glacier, or visiting the 100 Lama (the Buddhist monk) for his blessing on the high ridge.
The majestic snow-capped peaks surround the Village including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and many more. No wonder it is popularly termed the Paradise-like place on Earth.
Manang is a prosperous town with colorful teahouses, cafes, shopping shops, video parlors, health posts, museums, etc. Furthermore, it also gives a traditional touch with traditional stone houses, narrow alleyways, prayer walls, and prayer flags. The town provides a typical traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyle.
Maurice Herzog at Tilicho Lake in 1950:
Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal's journey to the summit of Annapurna I stands as a human breakthrough in the history of mountaineering. On June 3rd, 1950, they became the first human beings to reach the formidable height of 8000 meters.
Legends speak that both Herzog and Lachenal on their quest to Annapurna One camped in Tilicho Lake. During this 1950 French Annapurna Expedition to climb the 10th-highest mountain in the world, Maurice ventured to Manang in search of food. Since they were running short of food supplies they decided to head further down to the village for supplies.
However, it is said that, since Manang was so remote and isolated the local communities had just enough resources to sustain themselves. So Maurice Herzog had to head back to Tilicho camp nearly starving. It was during this journey that they found Tilicho Lake to be the most fascinating place, with serenity and solitude.
Tilicho Lake (4,919 m/16,138 feet):
Tilicho Lake is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes that sit at the lap of the stunning Tilicho Peak. This gorgeous lake sits at an elevation of 4,919 meters which is 16,138 feet. It is known for being one of the highest glacial lakes in the world.
Walk to Tilicho Lake offers an off-the-beaten-track experience with a mesmerizing and serene setting at the backdrop. As you walk this untouched Himalayan alpine trail you will experience the real trekking thrill. The turquoise blue water of Tilicho Lake certainly creates a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain.
Its remote location and pristine beauty are remarkable and the memory of its beauty will stay with you forever. The lake mirrors the surrounding peaks especially the Tilicho Peak is really fascinating. You simply want to sit, relax, meditate, and watch the surroundings in silence. Trekkers are sure to sense the genuine connection with nature here which is something bewildering.
Trekking to Tilicho Lake allows visitors to witness the genuine beauty of the Annapurna Region. It allows people to realize what the real peacefulness in life is and what solitude means to us when we are away from our everyday lives. It is a place where we connect with nature and discover ourselves in the midst of nature's magnificence.
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 feet):
Thorong La is prominent as one of the world's legendary mountain passes. It is the world's highest navigable pass at a height of 5,416 meters / 17,769 feet. The name 'Thorong La' translates to "Pass of the Yak" in the local language. This mountain pass has historical significance and served as a crucial route during the Salt Trade Era.
It is said that the Tibetans with their caravan of YAKS used to transport salt from Tibet to Nepal. In return, they would barter food grains from Nepal to Tibet. During this Barter System Era, Thorong La served as a bridge between traders from two different areas. Due to its elevation, it was only the yaks that could go over this formidable pass that's why it was named 'Pass of the Yaks'.
Besides, this, it has also been used for centuries as a trading route between the regions of Manang and Mustang.
Trekking across Thorong La is a remarkable and challenging experience. The trail to the pass offers breathtaking views of towering snow-capped peaks. As trekkers ascend the pass, they navigate through difficult rocky terrain but their efforts are rewarded with spectacular views.
Once you go over the pass, you will be transferred from the alpine region to the arid, dry desert of Mustang, a different district. Thorong La remains an iconic and legendary pass, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world.
Poon Hill (3,193m / 10,475 feet)
Poon Hill is the final attraction of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. After all the stunning settings and beautiful experiences, this 17-Day Tilicho Lake Thorong La and Poon Hill Trek concludes with a hike to Poon Hill. Located high up on the ridge above the beautiful town of Ghorepani, Poon Hill is a highlight.
It is a spectacular vantage point that captivates visitors with its breathtaking vistas and serene surroundings. Be it sunrise or sunset, Poon Hill is remarkable for both which paints the majestic Himalayas making a picture-perfect moment.
The mountain view you witness from Poon Hill includes Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche (6920m), Dhampus (6012m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna Fang (7647m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Gangapurna (7454m), and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6993m). Besides, you will also have a grandiose view of Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge.
The trek to Poon Hill takes you through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and dramatic forest setting adding beauty to your journey. Standing atop Poon Hill is certainly a marvelous experience where one cannot help but be in peace.
All these make this 17-Day Tilicho Lake Thorong La and Poon Hill Trek one of the best trekking destinations.
