Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trekking – 15 Days

Trip Duration

15 days

Trip Grade

Difficult

Highest Altitude

5,416m/17,769ft

Accommodation

Lodge/Tea House

Transportation

Overland & flight

Group Size

2 to 12 (maximum)

Best Season

Spring & Autumn

Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trekking – 15 Days Overview

Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trekking is Nepal’s most beautiful and explored destination. This trek takes us through one of the highest Lakes along with the highest mountain pass. Above all, Tilicho Lake is the world’s highest lake at an altitude of 4919m.

The glacial melt of the Northern slope of Annapurna Mountain and Thorong Peak formed Tilicho Lake. Thorong La Pass is the highest altitude of this trek at 5416m. The trail passes through deep gorges and high mountain passes like Thorong La Pass. You will also visit Buddhist and Hindu temples, Rhododendron forests, and beautiful villages.

In addition, the Annapurna circuit offers a panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchre, Manaslu, and Tukuche. Also, Being highly protected by Annapurna Conservation Area, you can witness rare animals like snow leopards, Jackals, Himalayan Tahr, blue sheep, birds, and many florae.

Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trekking start with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar. After that traveling through Manang Valley, you reach the beautiful Tilicho Lake. Again, passing through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, you reach the Thorong La pass. Crossing Thorong La pass is the difficult part of this trek.

This is the standard route of the Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake and might take 18-20 days if you take proper rest and days off.

Highlights of Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trekking – 15 Days

  • Cross one of the highest passes, Thorong La pass
  • Explore the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake
  • Experience the local culture and lifestyle of Tibetan people
  • Explore several monasteries, Gompa, and Temples
  • Amazing view of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Manaslu 
  • Diverse flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area

Trip Map

Before You Go

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)

Equipment List

Woolen t-shirts/shirts/thick sweaters. Backpack/Duffle bag
Thermal top/bottoms Passport
Jackets (Fiber or down) Passport size photographs
Raincoat Permit and travel insurance
Pair of sandals Suns cream and lip balm
Underwear Travel towel
Trekking trousers Wash kit
Sleeping trousers First aid kit
Hiking shorts Power bank
Waterproof pants Summer/winter hat
Daypack Buff/bandana
Sleeping bag/Sleeping bag liner Water bottles and water purifiers
Hiking boots Trekking poles
Hiking shocks Charger/adapter
Camp shoes Money/cash
Gloves and beanies Camera
Snow glasses and sunglasses trekking map
Down jacket/Gore-Tex Toiletries
Neck gaiter Water purification
Sun hat/woolen hat Water bottles

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 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 Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.

Guided Package Information

Temperature and weather

During the autumn season (Sep-Nov), the average daytime temperature is around 15⁰C while it can fall to 7-8⁰C at night. Spring season (Mar–May) has an average temperature of 20⁰C during the daytime but nights can be cooler.

During the summer/monsoon (Jun-Aug) 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

Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trek is a complete teahouse trek. No camping is necessary unless you want to experience it. Enough teahouses are available throughout the way to Tilicho Lake and Thorong 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 for 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

Payment and Cancellation

Policy regarding Payment and Cancellation Payment:

Payment:

1) A deposit equal to 30% of the total price is required to confirm a reservation.
2) If the payment is made online, the remaining balance is due 10 days before the Tour, Trekking, Peak Climbing, or Expedition begins. If the payment is made in cash, it can be made after arrival.
3) If the booking is made within 30 days of the expedition beginning, full payment must be made at the time of booking.

Cancellation:

1) A full refund of the deposit will be given if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled more than 60 days before the start date.
2) The deposit will not be refunded if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled within 30 days of its start date.
3) A tour, trek, peak climbing, or expedition will not be refunded if it is canceled prior to or on the start date.
4) All participants should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations or other occurrences.

Note: We reserve the right to modify or cancel any trek in the event of a natural disaster, political unrest, or any other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. A full refund or an alternative option will be provided in such cases.

Dates of Trip

PRICE
DEPARTURE DATE
TRIP STATUS

-
Guaranteed

Group Discount Prices

No. of Persons
Price per Person
1 Person
2 Persons
3-5 Persons
6-9 Persons
10-14 Persons
15-17 Persons
17-25 Persons

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Thorong 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 Thorong 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 Thorong La pass, 5416m with other high passes on the way. Crossing Thorong 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.

Booking Details


Price: US$640 per person
  • A detailed certificate from Marvel Treks and Expedition (after accomplishment)
  • A complimentary raincoat to shed you during the rainy season. (returnable)
  • A Complimentary Duffel Bag throughout the trek from our company. (returnable)
  • A warm complimentary Down Jacket during the entire trek on behalf of Marvel Treks. (returnable)
  • A complimentary sleeping bag for your icy trek. (returnable)
  • The essential climbing gear like mountain axe, trekking sticks, etc, for your need throughout the trek. (returnable)
  • Delightful complimentary Authentic Nepali cuisine as dinner to embark on your arrival and departure
  • Critical complimentary First Aid Service (in times of need)
  • An informative trekking map for you to cherish on behalf of our company
  • Trendy Sunhat and t-shirt as souvenirs on behalf of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the crucial services about airport transfer to and from the hotel via a private tourist vehicle ($40)
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems )($10)
  • National park entry fees / ACAP permits / Conservation entry fees. ( $30)
  • All essential local tax and, office service charges Gov tax ($100 )
  • Miscellaneous ($20)
  • 2 nights accommodation in a Kathmandu (Kathmandu hotel or similar) ($40)
  •  Porter Guide ($375)

  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for all the Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra nights in any city that’s not accommodated in the itinerary of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the International flight checks and airfares.
  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for alcoholic/ non-alcoholic liquors.
  • Additional porter fees along with tips for guides and porters.
  • Electronic gadgets like chargers, and headphones.
  • Individual costs like a hot shower, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs.
  • Travel coverage and emergency evacuations.
  • Tips for our staff’s drivers.

Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake Trekking – 15 Days

$640.00 $640.00,

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