Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Highlights
The Annapurna Circuit with a side trip to Tilicho Lake is a trending trek in the Annapurna region. It is very well known for its stunning landscapes, off-the-beaten-track experience, and pristine beauty.
- It offers a diverse terrain experience, from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and high mountain deserts.
- Opportunity to witness the majestic Annapurna Range, including Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and many other peaks.
- Trek through the picturesque and traditional settlements of Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, Muktinath, Ghorepani, etc.
- Hike to Tilicho Lake, the highest glacial lake in the world at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet).
- Crossing the formidable mountain pass of Thorong La 5,416 meters / 17,769 feet (the highest navigable pass in the world).
- Visit ancient monasteries and temples including the iconic Muktinath - the place of salvation, the temple is known for its eternal flame and 108 water spouts.
- Explore the ancient city of Kagbeni and the stone village of Marpha, the Apple Village.
- Overnight at Jomsom, the windy valley of Nepal.
- Scenic flight to Pokhara through the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is undeniably an epic trek. It provides anyone with a genuine trekking experience that can't be compared. It takes us to the most stunning topographic setting of the Annapurna region. Annapurna Circuit Trek with a side trip to the world's highest glacial lake of Tilicho is getting really trendy these days.
With the establishment of teahouses along the route of Tilicho Lake, it is not becoming a trending destination. Now, thousands of trekkers and domestic tourists take a side excursion to this stunning lake every year. Though it is a challenging hike to the lake, the reward it offers for your efforts is marvelous. The lake can be seen as turquoise during certain times of year and it stays frozen during the winter season.
So there are trekkers who would come to visit the lake to either see it mirroring the surrounding mountains or when it is in its frozen state.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake will take you to the legendary route which once was the Number 1 trekking destination in the world. This route has a historic significance where it served as the ancient salt trading route between Tibet and Nepal. Once you get to the stunning town of Manang you will leave the enchanting trail of the Annapurna circuit and gradually take the different valleys of Tilicho.
The new valley section of Tilicho Lake takes you into the very untouched terrain which is absolutely out of the world. Trekkers will get an off-the-beaten-path experience into the pristine beauty of Nature. Soon the valley brings us to the stunning place showing the world's highest lake, located at the base of the majestic Tilicho peak.
History of 1950 Annapurna French Expedition and Tilicho Lake:
Maurice Herzog, a French mountaineer was certainly the first human being to summit the 8000 m peak. He summited Mt. Annapurna I (one), the 10th highest mountain in the world on 3rd June 1950. Legend has it that Herzog camped in Tilicho Lake on his quest to the Annapurna Expedition.
Conversely, in their quest to climb the 10th highest peak in the world, Maurice came down to Manang in search of food. But then, Manang was extremely remote and undeveloped. It was a small secluded village that was isolated from the rest of the world. Being dry and having desert-like terrain the food supplies were limited, and local communities had just enough resources to sustain themselves. Maurice, however, had to return back to Tilicho camp nearly starving.
Tilicho Lake (4,919 m/16,138 feet):
Tilicho Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake located in the Annapurna mountain range at the base of the stunning Tilicho Peak. It is at an elevation of 4,919 meters which is 16,138 feet making it one of the highest glacial lake in the world.
The lake is formed by the melting of glaciers from the surrounding mountains. Tilicho Peak which rises to the height of 7,134 meters / 23,406 feet is the main source of this turquoise-blue waters.
This stunning high-altitude glacial lake is considered a sacred place to both Hindus and Buddhists. Many pilgrims from around the world especially India visit this place for spiritual purposes. The lake can be reached by a 2-3 day trek with acclimatization from the stunning town of Manang. Once you get to the final point of the lake you will be stunned by the views most picturesque view that it has to offer.
Some of the trekkers camp at Tilicho Lake making it the base before crossing the Mesokanta La Pass. There is a remote mountain pass called Mesokanta La Pass which connects Tilicho Lake in the Manang district with Jomsom in the Mustang district. There is a challenging trek that includes Mesokanta La Pass via Tilicho Lake which is extreme but gives you re genuine trekking experience.
Due to the remote location and high altitude, trekking to Tilicho Lake can be physically demanding. This is the reason why we highly recommend careful preparation and proper acclimatization. However, the breathtaking scenery and spiritual significance of the lake make it a popular destination for adventurous travelers.
Going over the Legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 feet):
After we are done with Tilicho Lake we will retrace our trail back through the Tilicho Valley. Shortly after, once again our trail connects with the main Annapurna circuit trail. It ultimately leads us to the most daring Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 feet).
Before summiting this formidable high mountain pass we will stay overnight at the base camp or the high camp. More significantly it is the highest navigable pass in the world and served as the main route during the salt trade era. Besides trading, Thorong La Pass has also played a crucial role in connecting the people of Mustang and Manang.
With the advent of tourism and the opening of routes to the outside world, Thorong La became a prominent highlight of the trip. With time Annapurna Circuit Trek gained so much popularity that it became the world's number one trekking destination offering the most significant diversity experience.
From the summit of Thorong La, you will have the most deserving landscape views. The sense of accomplishment over conquering the Thorong La is immense. Gradually we descend down to the other side of the pass, which lands us at Muktinath. Eventually, we are in a different district of Mustang which is remarkable.
Muktinath Temple (3,800 m/12,467 feet):
Mukti Nath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the major deities in the Hindu religion, and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. The word Muktinath is taken from two different Sanskrit words MUKTI and NATH, here Mukti means 'Salvation of Liberation' and Nath means 'Lord'. So it literally means 'The Lord of Salvation or Liberation'
The significance of Mukti Nath Temple lies in its spiritual and religious importance. There is a belief that a visit to the temple and a dip in the nearby holy pond can bring salvation and liberation. Many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the temple to offer prayers and perform rituals. These pilgrims hope to attain spiritual enlightenment by performing rituals and praying to lord Vishnu.
The most significant aspect of the temple is the beautiful combination of both Hindu and Buddhist elements. The temple complex includes a pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as well as a Buddhist monastery and other shrines. The presence of both Hindu and Buddhist elements reflects the harmony and coexistence of different religions and cultures in Nepal.
If you are looking for a trip to this sacred place of Muktinath without going over the Thorong La Pass then look for Lower Mustang Trek.
Ancient city of Kagbeni and Jomsom:
After Muktinath, we walk the established Mustang trail towards Kagbeni. Being at Kagbeni the gateway to the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang is another attraction. After exploring Kagbeni, we will have lunch or we will further drive to the stone-built town of Marpha. We will explore yet another ancient town of Marpha, popularly known as the 'Valley of Apples'.
As you drive from Kagbeni further towards Marpha you will experience the change in vegetation and the landscape. You will witness the arid and sunbaked landscapes since you are now in the Mustang district. Mustang is actually the desert of Nepal where you will enjoy the serenity while being in the company of the glorious Himalayas.
After exploring the white stone village of Marpha we will hike back to Jomsom. It will be a short hike but the fun of walking the Kali Gandaki Gorge below the shimmering Nilgiri mountain range is exceptional. we will spend our lat night at Jomsom, The Windy Valley of Nepal.
This evening at JOMSOM holds a special place in our hearts, not only because it marks the conclusion of our remarkable journey but also because it's an opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation. Over a shared dinner table, we enjoy our dinner together.
It's a time for gratitude, as we present well-deserved tips to our guides and porters who have been our pillars of support throughout this adventure. Laughter and music fill the air.
Finally flying over through the world's deepest gorge with the view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range is simply sensational. All these delightful adventures through the eternal valleys make the Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake the most exquisite one.
