Annapurna Circuit

Overview

Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake is a beautiful and most explored destination of Nepal. This trek takes us through one of the highest Lakes along with the highest mountain pass. Tilicho Lake is the world’s highest lake which lies at an altitude of 4919m and is formed by the glacial melt of the Northern slope of Annapurna Mountain and Thorung peak. Similarly, Thorang La pass is the highest altitude of this trek situated at 5416m. The trail passes through deep gorges, high mountain passes like Thorang La pass, Buddhist and Hindu temples, Rhododendron forests, and beautiful villages. Annapurna circuit itself offers a panoramic view of Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchre, Manaslu, and Tukuche. Being highly protected by Annapurna Conservation Area, you get to witness some rare animals like snow leopard, Jackal, Himalayan Tahr, blue sheep, birds, etc along with many flora. This trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar and all the way through Manag valley, you reach the beautiful Tilicho Lake. Again, passing through Yak Kharka, and Thorang phedi you reach the Thorang La pass. Crossing Thorang La pass is the difficult part of this trek. 

Temperature and weather- 

During the autumn season (September-November), the average daytime temperature is around 15⁰C while it can fall to 7-8⁰C at night. Spring season (March–May) has anaverage temperature of 20⁰C during the daytime but nights can be cooler. During the summer/monsoon (June- August) the average temperature in this region is 15-25⁰C making the days warmer. The winter season is certainly the coldest month and temperature in lower altitudes in the Annapurna circuit remains around 5-10⁰C. The average temperature in higher altitudes might get as low as -20⁰C

The temperature in Tilicho Lake is quite moderately cold. In summer the night temperature on upper altitudes ranges from 0-5⁰C and in winter it can be around -5 to -20⁰C. There is warmer in lower altitudes. The temperature ranges from 25-10⁰C in summer whereas it can be around 5 to -5⁰C in winter. 

Food and accommodation– This trek is a complete teahouse trek. No camping is necessary unless you want to experience it. Enough teahouses are available throughout the way to the Tilicho Lake and Thorang La pass. In fact, you can also find a teahouse very near to the lake area itself. The teahouses are very basic with a single room but twin sharing beds. The toilets and bathroom have to be shared. They have facilities of electricity, telephones, or internet in teahouses. You might have to pay extra for those facilities. 

Traditional food Dal, Bhat, and vegetables are available in every teahouse. Besides this, in the Annapurna circuit, you will also get Garlic soup which is said to be very healthy for altitude sickness, spaghetti, fried potatoes, soft drinks, and Annapurna’s famous apple pie. It is a dessert made of the apple due to apple orchards growing in many villages .

Transportation– The gateway of this trek is Besishahar, to which a bus is available from Kathmandu. It takes around 7 hours to reach Besishahar. From there, you need to change a bus to Jagat and hike to Dharapani, Chame, and further. 

Electronics and communication 

There is a very good facility for electricity, and phone coverages along with the internet. There is no problem with charging your phones or other electronics. You can also talk to your family and friends. Even though not very speed, the internet certainly helps you to be connected and updated. Both the Tilicho Lake area and Thorang La have all kinds of facilities. 

Permits and fees- 

Annapurna Conservation Area 

NON-SAARC countries- 3000 NRS (30$), excluding VAT. 

SAARC countries- 1500 NRS (15$), excluding VAT  

TIMS-2000 NRS (10$)

You can get these permits in advance from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. 

 Guides and porters- 

Being a very popular destination you can meet many people on the way who can help you with the journey. You don’t really need a guide unless you start traveling offbeat and chose alternative ways. However, if you have any medical conditions and feel like you need someone to talk to, you can always hire a guide. Guides usually charge 12-15 $ per day. Porters are more than happy to serve you by carrying all your belongings. They may charge you 10-12 $ per day. If you don’t have many belongings you will not need a porter or you can share your porter with someone. 

Difficulties and safety 

Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake is a slightly challenging trek. This is a moderately difficult trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on your physical and mental fitness. But you can build your muscle strength, make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging. The trek to the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is all about walking 5-6 hours per day for at least 17 days. This reason solely is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, maybe snowy in off-seasons. The maximum height in this trek is Thorang La pass, 5416m with other high passes on the way. Crossing Thorang La pass is the most difficult part of this trek. There is a high risk of mountain sickness. You need proper acclimatization and itinerary for this trek. 

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea)  

Other requirements

Travel insurance– Trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you have provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

 Visas/passports– If you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.