Very attractive excellent trekking in Nepal offers Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trail. It is a journey of mountains and people and it involves many different cultures along the trail. In this trek, you will have a unique experience that other people can’t get. The entire track array that is marvelous in addition to the personal touch feeds the intere
This short 10-day hiking is quite suitable for people who are long walk ers but don’t have much time. It briefly gives the impression of the places a person can visit in the Annapurna area. Not a simple trek, but it is the highlight of the region and the major points of interest are indicated.
About the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is a high route in the mountains of Nepal which lies on the land around Annapurna mountain range. The whole route takes 18-21 days. It has a contrasting climate: from deep tropical forests to icy, snowy hilly areas, an Andean topogr…
This involves crossing the Thorong La Pass and visiting the Tilicho Lake. A shorter period does not mean it, though, beauty of local culture and wildlife cannot be seen in an area.
Best Parts of the Trek
Tilicho Lake: A high lake of 15,977 feet at 16134 feet. And big mountains are covered with thick snow and ice.
Thorong La Pass: It is very hard to hike with an altitude of 17,769 feet from sea level. The view of many mountains is very refreshing.
Different People: We can talk with Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali tribes. Everyone has their custom and house structure.
Annapurna Mountain Views: These large mountains such as Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak & Dhaulagiri and more are all in the Himalayas.
Old Temples: Go to the top religious places of Manang and Muktinath.
Many Land Types: You see green valleys and dry mountain areas as well.
Trek Route and Main Stops
The 10-day trek starts in the Marsyangdi Valley and ends in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Seldom does it help in changing the people’s taste and getting familiar with the new things of the high places and the nice look of the mountain ranges in the very short time.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Chame (2,670 m)
Take a road trip from Kathmandu to Chame. On the way, one can see rivers, hills, and little bitty villages. As a matter of fact, Chame is cold and is set at the foot of Annapurna region.
Day 2: Chame to Pisang (3,200 m)
Lumber through the pine forest. The bridge crosses the river this time. Are We Able to look up and see which are and Annapurna Peak?
Day 3: Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
Make a choice, you can take an easy low path or a hard high path. Manang consists of temples and nice areas to chill.
Day 4: Stay in Manang
This is the day off where you rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. Walk to two small ponds and a temple and be back in an hour or two.
Day 5: Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m)
Let the empty west path guide you through the village. It is a grueling journey to Tilicho Base Camp. Look at the mountains and glaciers.
Day 6: Visit Tilicho Lake, go to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
Hike to the east coast of Tilicho Lake. You should be able to see a light blue colored water behind snow-encrusted rocks. Keep walking to Yak Kharka.
Day 7: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)
Ascend to Thorong Phedi or High Camp. Start with some stretches and let the sheep graze around you. Stay at the camp for the rest period.
Day 8: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), go to Muktinath (3,800 m)
Your most difficult day yet. And keep high the Muktinath. Pay attention to the heavy traffic along the road.
Day 9: Go to Jomsom (2,720 m)
Travel through desert by foot or car to reach Jomsom. Watch the old rocks and debris on the cliffs. Experience the apple tree valley winds hell-bent on the fight.
Day 10: Fly or Drive to Pokhara
You will either fly over the mountains or terraced between the valleys to the town of Pokhara in the north.
Land and Height Facts
Chame that is 2,670 meters high is the point where the fastest trek starts
- The highest point is Thorong La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,416 meters
- Tilicho is a lake that is 4919 meters high in summer
- Jomsom, the trek end, is 2,720 meters and 12°C
- Total climb: over 3,000 meters
- One of the difficulties is the frequent variations in the height of the trails
- Avoid altitude sickness by ascending slowly
Weather and Best Times to Trek
Fall offering Ideal weather (September-November): Best Request. Several days of sunny weather are there. It will be a sky like the crystal clear glass that will be above your head. Beauty all around.
- Spring (March-May): Sunny. Various flowers will blossom. The places are of amazing beauty.
- Winter (December-February): Very cold but no snow. There will be less people. The trails will be covered with snow.
- Rainy time (June-August): The rainy season results in muddy tracks. Look out for leeches. Surprisingly, it doesn’t rain much after Manang.
Plants, Animals, and Land Types
Low areas (up to 1-2,500 m): Terraced farmlands. Temperate forests. Diverse villages with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
- Middle areas (2,500-4,000 m): Pines and alpenglow trees. Yak fields.
- High areas (Above 4,000 m): Land that is cold and dry. Ice fields.
There are the spots where you might see blue sheep and big birds. On the other hand, you sometimes find snow leopards in far places.
People and Beliefs
The Annapurna circuit is a showcase of many cultures. People of the lower areas belong to different ethnic groups like Gurung and Tamang. While the followers of Tibetan Buddhism are in the upper areas of there. Apart from this, travelers come across unique metal drums and iconic religious places. Muktinath is holy to both Hindu and Buddhist religions.
How to Prepare
Work out. Take long walks a week before your trip.
- Leave Manang and spend a day just breathing to let your body acclimatize to the thin air up there.
- Drink water. Eat healthy food.
- Cloak yourself in something warm and wear good shoes.
Most important are to get a trekking permit either Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) or Trekker Information Management System (TIMS) card. Be safe.
End Note
This is a 10-day trip that brings you everything, culture, and nature. You will have such a kick riding green valleys, visiting ancient temples, and Tilicho Lake with your friends. A holiday in Nepal is wonderful for those who like the high mountains and have interactions with other cultures.