Overview:

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal offers stunning landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Whether trekking to Everest Base Camp in the Khumbu Valley or tackling challenging mountain expeditions like Mount Ama Dablam, Nepal is an adventurer’s paradise. Among the most popular treks are Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Mardi Himal, and the Manaslu Circuit. But beyond these well-known routes, a growing number of trekkers are exploring lesser-known, yet equally breathtaking, trails. One such trail that has gained increasing attention is the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.

About the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

This iconic trek reaches an elevation of 5,416 meters, guiding you through some of the most scenic landscapes, towering mountains, and the world’s deepest gorge. Widely regarded as one of the best long-distance trails on the planet, the Annapurna Circuit offers an unforgettable adventure.

As you journey beneath the mighty Mount Annapurna (8,091 meters) and Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), you’ll pass through alpine forests, orchards of apple trees, and villages inhabited by the Gurung and Magar communities of Manang District.

Best Season to Trek the Annapurna Circuit:

The best times to trek the Annapurna Circuit are during the pre- and post-monsoon periods, specifically from March to May and from October to early December. These seasons provide the most favorable weather conditions.

During spring (March to May), you’ll not only experience clear skies and breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range and surrounding peaks, but you’ll also have the chance to witness the Rhododendron flowers in full bloom. The entire valley transforms into a magical place with shades of red, white, and pink.

In the post-monsoon/autumn season (October to early December), the skies remain clear and the views are equally majestic, but the temperatures drop slightly. You can expect temperatures to be 4 to 5 degrees lower than during the spring season. While the Rhododendrons may not be in full bloom, nonetheless the valley is at its stunning best in Autumn.

Itinerary:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu (Hotel)
• Day 2 – Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (Kathmandu 1,300m / 4,265ft – Besisahar 830m / 2,723ft)
• Day 3 – Drive from Besisahar to Manang (Chame 2,725m / 8,940ft – Manang 3,500m / 11,482ft)
• Day 4 – Rest in Manang for Acclimatization (Manang 3,500m / 11,482ft)
• Day 5 – Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (Manang 3,500m / 11,482ft – Tilicho Base Camp 4,150m / 13,583ft)
• Day 6 – Trek to Tilicho Lake and back to Tilicho Base Camp (Tilicho Lake 4,920m / 16,138ft – Tilicho Base Camp 4,150m / 13,583ft)
• Day 7 – Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (Tilicho Base Camp 4,150m / 13,583ft – Yak Kharka 4,090m / 13,418ft)
• Day 8 – Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (Yak Kharka 4,090m / 13,418ft – Thorong Phedi 4,441m / 14,570ft)
• Day 9 – Cross Thorong La Pass and trek to Muktinath (Thorong La Pass 5,416m / 17,769ft – Muktinath 3,800m / 12,467ft)
• Day 10 – Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom, explore Jomsom Valley (Muktinath 3,800m / 12,467ft – Jomsom 2,720m / 8,924ft)
• Day 11 – Morning flight to Pokhara
• Day 12 – Fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara
• Day 13 – Departure from Kathmandu

Accommodation Options:

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you’ll be staying in tea houses. These tea houses are mountain lodges built to accommodate trekkers. Tea houses vary in size and structure, but most have multiple storeys. Local families operating them, often relocate to higher altitudes during the trekking season.

The rooms usually feature twin-sharing beds with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Some tea houses offer rooms with attached bathrooms, though most provide common bathrooms on each floor. In addition, each tea house has a fully functional kitchen where fresh meals are prepared daily. The dining rooms are equipped with a Bukhari (a traditional heater) to keep the area warm and cozy. The hospitality of the Nepalese adds a personal touch, making your experience even more memorable.

Experiencing the tea house culture is one of the most talked-about and beloved aspects of the trek.

Network and Communication During the Trek:

Wi-Fi and internet facilities are available in some tea houses and lodges, but they can be slow, unreliable, and intermittent due to weather conditions, technical issues, and limited bandwidth.

When Wi-Fi is available, expect a slower connection than you would find in cities. The cost for internet access varies by tea house and is usually charged on an hourly or per-device basis, ranging from 500 to 1,500 Nepali Rupees for 24 hours.

Additionally, you can also choose to buy a local sim-card in Nepal. NTC and N-Cell are two network providers that cover the Annapurna region well. On most days you will be connected through these networks, though they can be slow too. However, on 2/3 days of the trek, there will be no sim network and you will be completely dependent on wi-fi availability.

Accessibility:

The Annapurna Circuit Trek can be accessed from various starting points, including Besisahar, Bhulbule, Ngadi, Manang, and Chame. We recommend starting in Besisahar, one of the oldest trekking routes in the region. Most trekkers follow an anti-clockwise route for safety when crossing Thorong La Pass.

The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar takes about seven hours. From there, you’ll begin your trek, following the Marshyangdi River Valley with beautiful views along the way.

Upon completing the trek, you’ll conclude your journey in Pokhara, where you can catch a quick 20-25 minute flight back to Kathmandu.

What a Typical Day Looks Like:

A typical day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek follows this routine:

• Wake-up call: Typically around 6 AM, with breakfast served by the tea house at 7 AM. We usually aim to leave by 8 AM.
• Daily trekking time: Expect to walk between 5 and 7 hours, with multiple breaks for tea, snacks, or photo opportunities at stunning locations.
• Some days may require an earlier start, especially on days like the Thorong La Pass crossing, which is best done early to avoid weather risks.
• After a day’s trek, we usually reach our next tea house by 3 or 4 PM.

What Will I Be Carrying on the Trek?

At Adventure Pulse, we offer a backpack offloading service with all our packages, so you won’t need to carry your heavy rucksack. Porters will handle your duffel bags, delivering them to the next tea house before you arrive. You’ll only need to carry a small daypack with essentials such as a light jacket, raincoat, water bottle, and snacks.

For a complete list of items to pack, refer to our recommended checklist.

Who is this Trek For?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 13-day itinerary that includes 8 days of trekking. It’s graded as moderate to difficult, depending on your fitness level.

Can a Beginner Do This Trek?

Yes, even beginners can undertake the Annapurna Circuit Trek, provided they have adequate preparation. Prior trekking experience isn’t necessary with Adventure Pulse’s support. Our experienced team of guides and assistant guides will ensure your journey is comfortable. With proper physical fitness, a good level of preparation, and our services like backpack offloading, you’ll find the trek manageable, even if it’s your first adventure.

Reasons Why You Should Do the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• Scenery: The Annapurna Conservation Area offers raw, untamed beauty. Snow-capped peaks, tranquil valleys, and the towering Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains make the landscape every adventurer’s dream.
• Peace and Solitude: Compared to other Nepalese treks, the Annapurna Circuit attracts fewer trekkers, providing a more peaceful and solitary experience to connect deeply with nature.
• Cultural Experience: The Annapurna valley is rich in local culture. As you trek through the region, you’ll interact with the Gurung and Magar communities, learning about their heritage and traditions.

Final thoughts :

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a great choice for trekkers who want to experience the best of Nepal. It combines physical challenge, cultural exploration, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re new to trekking or an experienced hiker, this trail offers something special. Its untouched beauty and amazing views make it a must-do for many adventure lovers.