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  • Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Overview

Tilicho Lake is one of those places that have had mythic connotations. The Annapurna undoubtedly provides some of the world's best trekking routes, including as it does a greater variety of scenery and culture than can be found in any other comparable area. The route via Tilicho Lake and the two passes (Masokanto La 5099m and Tilicho Pass 5230m) that guard it from the Kaligandaki Valley beyond is still used and offers the adventurous and fit trekker high mountain scenery at its very best.

Tilicho Lake situated at the highest altitude in the world at 4919 meters, scenic Manang valley attached with Annapurna and Thorong Peak. Tilicho is not a prohibited area but virtue of its remoteness and altitude, few tourists takes off the popular Annapurna circuit to hike up to the lake Annapurna Region. The most popular trail Annapurna circuit attaches the area. The rugged and picturesque trails show you crystal-clear lake Tilicho, dotted wild flowers, close and superb giant Himalayan panorama.


Trip highlights

  • Stunning glimpse of the beautiful mountains of the region such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri and Himchuli
  • Visit Tilicho Lake (4290m) - one of the highest altitude lakes in the world
  • Colorful monasteries and Gompas
  • Cross Thorong La pass at an altitude of 5400m.
  • Visit Muktinath – a religious site for the Hindus and Buddhist at 3710m

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.

Day 02: Fully day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

Today after the breakfast we will proceed for sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar Square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chhorten ever made around the world. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m) and further to Jagat (1100m) – approx. 9/10 hours

You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar (823m.). Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. This headquarter is the centre from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns.

Further we drive from Beshisahar to Syange. This section of the drive passes through the villages of Ngadi and Lampata the trail leads to Bahundanda and continuing high above the river eventually western side of the Marsyangdi at Syange.

From here you start your trek. The trail becomes steep to reach the old village of Jagat. You can see the magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) on the way. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860m.) – approx. 7/8 hours.

The trail from Jagat descends until it almost reaches the river and then begins to climb again through a forest. The sheer cliff on the opposite bank plunges downward but this side is also steep. When the climb ends, you follow a level track to Chyamje, which is marked by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal before you. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani, and you stay for the night. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m.) – approx. 5/6 hours.

As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further, the Marsyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the path consists of steep stone steps. Pausing for breath, you can look back for views of Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, you follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering a pine forest. You then cut across a loose hillside to the hamlet of Kotho from where you can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a sight convincing you that you are deep in the Himalayan mountains! From here the trail climbs through a fir and pine forest to Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3155m.) – approx. 5/6 hours.

With Lamjung Himal [6893m] sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bratang. In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remained of that era. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before you. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m.) – approx. 4/5 hours

Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge, which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak. Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde, you come to a level area from where the northeast face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV [7525m] also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, you can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large chorten and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before you - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak [7134m]. After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. You stay here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags that adorn the houses. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 08: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization

It requires an important rest and acclimatization day before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit.

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Khangsar

Trek from Manang to Khangsar which takes approximately five hours. The path is gradual descent and you cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream). You trek through dry land though you can see shrubs on the both sides. The panoramic views of Annapurna range completely mesmerize you. Khangsar is a Gurung village. There you find a small monastery, chorten, mani walls and prayer flags. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4100 m.) – approx. 3/4 hours

Today we will head on to Tilicho Base Camp. The trail is steep; passing through the small Chortens on the way, we continue through Juniper and sea buckthorns bushes. After crossing through few streams we reach a crest with prayer flags and further continuing the zigzag trail down the slope, we reach Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 11: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4970 m.) – approx. 7/8 hours

Ascend, for an hour up a side valley on a firm trail before climbing onto a gravel moraine and continuing upwards for another hour to 4700m with increasing views of Tarke Kang, Gangapurna and Khangsar Kang (its black slopes too steep and smooth to hold snow) plus the Manang Valley behind. Steep gravel zigzags complete the climb to a cairn at 5010m. This is followed by 3 hours of gentle walk to flags and the first views overlooking the lake at 5005m. The sandy edge of the lake is 90m below and easily reached. The lake is 4km long, 1,2km wide and ~85m deep: and is not the highest of lakes. (There are 15 over 5555m which is Nepal’s highest: Panch Pokhari below Baruntse in the Everest Region.)

Walk back, for 1½ hr to Tilicho BC, for lunch. The return trek to Khangsar will take 3½ -4 hrs. Overnight in Khangsar. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 12: Trek from Khangsar to Yak Kharka ((4 020m) – approx. 5/6 hours

An easier day. Climb above the village to meet the Tilicho Tal – Yak Kharka trail. Ascend before dropping to cross the Thorung Khola over a wooden bridge. Then climb to meet the trail from Manang below Ghyanchang (which is above the trail). After crossing the Ghyanchang Khola the trail rises gently through kharkas of grazing horses and yaks. Later, a wooden bridge heads towards an ancient mani wall and the small village of Yak Kharka for lunch and great views. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 13: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) – approx. 3/4 hours

After a two-hour ascent, the trail descends to cross the river at 4,310 m. We then climb up to Thorong Phedi at 4,450 m where decent guesthouses have been built in the recent years. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 14: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,802 m) – approx. 7/8 hours

Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am. Otherwise weather conditions (strong winds) will greatly affect the journey, particularly at the Thorong La Pass. We climb steeply on a regular route which is quite easy to follow. However, some problems may arise due to altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by heavy snow. After four hours of climbing to the pass marked by the chortens and prayer flags, we will be rewarded with stunning views from the top of the pass. Another four hours of walking will take us to the holy town of Muktinath.

Muktinath means place of nirvana and is home to the Muktinath Temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows we feel are relieved when visiting the Temple. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The prime pilgrimage month is September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple which has a gorgeous natural spring and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 15: Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.)

It takes about approximately six hours. You now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here there are fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. You continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge and Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 16: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani – approx. 6/7 hours

After breakfast, we head out to Kalopani, crossing the river and walking through Tibetan Refugee camp at Chairoto Tukuche. From Tukuche, the trail is undulating and passing through small villages of Sauru, Kobang and Larjungon the way, making our way down to Kalopani. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 17: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1200m) – approx. 6/7 hours

From Kalo Pani, we follow the standard trail until we reach Ghasa. From Ghasa the trail descends steeply up to RupseChhahara (Waterfall). From Rupse, the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani. The word “Tatopani” is also known as the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Take a dip into the hot spring to relax your sore muscles after long walks. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 18: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.) – approx. 6/7 hours

Your trail passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different caste and agricultural land. The majority of the people here serve Gorkha Regiment and Indian Regiment as well. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki river with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across the wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) is a small pass and the village of Deorali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that we can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you can see from here is probably the best view in the world. Not only this, Poon Hill is crowded by different visitors to enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped mountain. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 19: Morning visit Poonhill (3150m) then trek to Tikhedhunga (1350m) – approx. 5/6 hours

Early morning take a short hike to Poon Hill (3210m.) to enjoy the panoramic sunrise views over the peaks of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri amongst others. Afterward, we return to Ghorepani for a breakfast before descending to Tikhedhunga. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 20: Trek from Tirkhedhunga to Hille – approx. 2 hours and drive to Pokhara (900m)

Today we will trek down to Hille which takes approx. 2 hrs walk. Our vehicle will be waiting for you and will transfer you to the hotel.

Pokhara is Nepal's second largest town and is far more relaxed than Kathmandu. It’s beautiful lakeside setting beneath the imposing shadow of the stunning Annapurna Range, make it the perfect ending point for our trek. Overnight in Hotel

Day 21: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu – approx. 7 hours.

We drive back to Kathmandu on the same highway we took to Pokhara earlier. Another seven hours on the highway will give us time to observe the villages and towns on the way from a different angle. After reaching Kathmandu and checking into the hotel, we will have some free time to wander around the streets of Thamel. Overnight in Hotel

Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu.

As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM. Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Mountain Biking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.

  • Trip facts

  • Trip duration : 23 days
  • Grade : Moderate to fairly challenging
  • Activity : Cultural sightseeing tour and trekking
  • Starts in : Kathmandu
  • End in : Kathmandu
  • Trek Type : Tea House
  • Accomodation : Hotel & lodge (tea house)
  • Max Altitude : 4420m

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop off services by private A/C vehicle
  • 4 nights accommodation in Kathmandu on twin /double sharing basis with breakfast only
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English Speaking local Tour Guide and entry fees
  • All meals during the trek to Tilicho Lake
  • Accommodation during the trek in Tea House
  • English speaking local expert guide, porters (ratio:2 members=1 porter) during the trek (per member max 12-13kg weight)
  • Transfer from Kathmandu to Jagat and from Pokhara to Kathmandu by private land transportation
  • Transfer from Hille to Pokhara by private land transportation
  • 1 night accommodation in Pokhara on twin/double sharing basis with breakfast only
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Equipment clothing for porter & staffs for the trek
  • Insurance for all staff & porters
  • Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. For this, we recommend you to have your own travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost in case required.)
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
  • All tax, VAT and company service charge

Cost Excludes

  • International flight & any other airfares
  • Nepal visa
  • Extra baggage charge if any (weight allowance 12kg+3 kg in domestic flight)
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips for Guide, porters, drivers etc
  • Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason
  • Personal expenses such as table drinks, snacks while walking, hot water/shower, internet, telephone etc during the Everest Base Camp trek.
  • Clients insurance and Medical expenses
  • Any other tours, transfers and hotel accommodations other than mentioned above
  • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara


Extension Tours

Paragliding
Jungle Safari
Pokhara Tour
Rafting

Necessary Information

1. Visa to Nepal

You can obtain the Nepalese visa from Nepalese consulate in your country easily or upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For that, you require a valid passport with 2 copies of passport size photos. Similarly, A visa for Nepal can be obtained at Nepal India border entry point at Birgunj, Nepalgunj, Kakadvitta, Bhairahawa, Gaddachowki and Kodari on the Nepal China border. A15/30/90 day multiple entries Nepalese visa can be obtained by paying USD 30/50/125 or equivalent foreign currency respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

2. Welcoming upon your arrival in Nepal

We will be at the airport to welcome you upon your arrival to Nepal. We will be carrying the Raj BalaTreks & Expedition placard with your name underneath. From airport you will escorted to your hotel and we help you to check-in.

3. Health Issues and Vaccinations Requirement for Tilicho Lake Trek

As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

 The main health consideration during ATilicho Lake Trek is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and handle the low oxygen rate.

If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you to consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.

4. Difficulty Level of the trek

Tilicho Lake Trek is a moderate to fairly challenging trek that does not require any technical expertise of mountaineering. It is basically a long hike up to the altitude of 5416 m. The trek is only grueling because of its duration of 19 days hike up and down the hill across diverse terrains (23 days including arrival and departure).

5. Trekking Type

Tilicho Lake Trek is a tea house trek. A Nepalese tea house is a lodge or guest house located in one of the trekking regions in the Nepal Himalayas. At the end of the day’s trekking you pitch up and have a room and food provided. Teahouse trekking in Nepal is an incredible experience.

6. Accommodation on the trek

There are plenty of basic, clean and friendly lodges along the trail. You often have to share rooms but you can also stay in single rooms where possible. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric blanket, hot bags (luxury lodges) and all have a spacious dining room-lounge.

We will accommodate you and your group in a comfortable local lodge each day. The Guide coordinates with the local lodge owners and a porter is sent ahead to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot always be booked in advance).

7. Food on the Trek

On trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.

To get an idea about your meals on the go, breakfast comprises a hot beverage, toasts, pancakes, eggs, etc. while lunch will include rice items, noodles, potato varieties, pizza, pasta, burger, meat items, and so on. The starters in dinnertime are soup varieties while the main course includes more or less similar items as that of lunch menu, including a dessert item and a hot beverage.

8. A Typical Day on a Tea House Trek in Nepal

We provide a comfortable experience on our teahouse lodge-style treks. Our team works hard to support you so that you can relax and enjoy trekking in Nepal. The lodges provide your meals in a communal dining room. There is a range in standard and service in teahouse lodges depending on location. i.e. lodges at higher altitude and places with fewer trekkers tend to have more basic facilities.

The day starts with getting up in your room shared with another trekker in our group. Before heading for breakfast you pack your overnight gear into your duffel bag. You would have given your breakfast orders to the guide to pass onto the kitchen last night. At the designated time the group will assemble in the dining room to eat breakfast. The menu has a range of items to choose from such as porridge, cereals, chapattis, and a choice of egg dishes. There is also the choice of tea or coffee plus other hot drinks like the popular ginger, lemon honey drink.

While the group is having breakfast the porters arrange their loads and set off in the cool of the morning. After breakfast, between 7am and 8am, we start trekking. The pace of the trek is moderate as there is plenty of time in the itinerary to reach the lodge for tonight. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around midday at a teahouse lodge by the side of the trail.

After lunch, we continue the trek and on most days we arrive at the lodge by mid-afternoon. For dinner, you get a two-course dinner (soup and main meal). The menus are quite standard with a range of dishes such as dal bhat, momos and the famous Sherpa stew. Dal bhat is a Nepalese dish of rice and lentils with vegetable curry. It is also possible to order spaghetti and pasta; pizzas; vegetable burgers and chips and fried rice.

After the meal, the leaders will discuss the plan for the next day. Afterwards, people might stay in the dining room chatting about the day’s events or playing cards. After a tiring day, most people head to their rooms quite early for the night. Tomorrow is likely to be very similar to today!

We cater for a variety of dietary requirements. There are always meals that are suitable for vegetarians. During booking, we find out if you have any dietary needs and agree upon meal plans before departure. If you have any questions about the food provided please get in touch with us to discuss further.

9. Land Transfers

We drive from Kathmandu to Jagat by private land transportation. After the completion of the trek you will be transferred to Pokhara by private transportation. For Pokhara to Kathmandu there will be private land transportation. We will also arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu).

10. Personal Expenses – Approximate money you should carry on the trek

Our 19 days Annapurna Circuit Trek cost is all inclusive of your accommodation, meals, permits and other official expenses.(See price includes and excludes section for more detail). Besides, other expenses depend on your spending habits. A USD 10-15 is sufficient to buy bottled water, snacks, chocolate bars, hot and cold drinks, and showers during the EBC Trek besides your included meals and accommodation.

11. Money Exchange

You can exchange money at a Bank or the money exchange counter in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Many Tourist class Hotels have money exchange facilities. For Trekking, there are Banks and exchange counters at major Tourist hubs like Namche and Lukla. These days, there are availability of ATMs everywhere in Kathmandu and some in Lukla and Namche.

12. Tips

Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trekking in Nepal. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips. It is recommended that you talk to the members and hand it over individually as per the hierarchy on the last day of the trek.

13. Facility of communication available on trek

Communication during Tilicho Lake Trek is not challenging but there are certain things to be considered. Phone reception is available in most of the places during the trek. Likewise, WIFI services are also available on the trail. To use WIFI services, you are expected to pay a fee. These fees increase as you scale up the higher altitude. Usually, the cost of WIFI services ranges about NPR 400-500 each depending upon the location you are staying in. And another option to stay connected with your family back home is by using an internet data package if you have a local SIM card. You can buy a SIM card around the street of your trip hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara or ask your guide to arrange it one for you. However, we must inform you that internet service may not be strong in all places.

14. Luggage while trekking

During Annapurna trekking, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kgs for travel safety and porter welfare as per IPPG standard. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel in Kathmandu while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel's safekeeping.

15. Trekking Gears and Equipments

You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. Comprehensive list of equipment will be provided once you book your trip. It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu.

16. Climate & best time to do the trek

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.

Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.

Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.

Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.

Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

17. First Aid Kit

We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s manual. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.

18. Rescue /Evacuation

Your safety and security are our top priority, and we always make sure that nothing untoward happen to you. However, if anything serious like sickness or a casualty occurs, we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. As you are responsible for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it.

19. Insurance

Before joining the Tilicho Lake Trek, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Our staff will collect your insurance details before you leave for the trek.

20. All our guides are certified guides

All our guides are certified and trained trekking leaders. Our guides are certified by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Nepal. They have years of experience working in this line of work and know the different trekking trails of Nepal, mountain ranges, culture, and mountain sickness.

21. Booking Procedure

Your booking of this Tilicho Lake Trekking will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of 20% of the total trip and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.

22. Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply:

  • 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (20% of the total trip)
  • 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost
  • 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost
  • Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost

Additional Information