Frequently Asked Questions
About the Tilicho Lake trek
What is the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek?
A 16-day version of the circuit that adds a detour from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest lakes in the world, before Thorong La (5,416m).
How is it different from the 18-day circuit?
It uses jeeps for the lower sections (Besisahar to Chame and Jomsom to Pokhara) and adds the Tilicho side trip, so it is shorter but harder.
What is the route?
Besisahar, Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang (two nights), Siri Kharka, Tilicho Base Camp, Siri Kharka, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Jomsom, Pokhara and Kathmandu.
What is the highest point?
Thorong La at 5,416m is the highest. The facts box lists 4,920m, which is the Tilicho base camp altitude.
Tilicho and Thorong La
How hard is the Tilicho trail?
Steep and exposed in places, with landslide risk. The last section is above 4,500m, and you stay at Tilicho Base Camp at 4,920m.
How is Thorong La crossed?
From Thorong Phedi (4,450m) you start before dawn for the pass at 5,416m and descend to Muktinath. It is a long day of 9 to 10 hours.
What if the pass is closed?
Snow can close Thorong La and Tilicho. Your guide decides, and the plan may change. Extra days cost INR 6,000 each.
How is acclimatisation handled?
Two nights at Manang and gradual stages afterwards. Despite that, the Tilicho and pass days are tough.
Logistics and season
What are the transport arrangements?
Jeep from Kathmandu to Besisahar and onward to Chame, a jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara (8 to 9 hours) and a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
When is the best time?
September to December and February to May.
Is it a teahouse trek?
Yes, based on the itinerary and inclusions. The facts box also lists camping.
What is included?
Accommodation, airport transfers, private transfers, permits, TIMS, a guide, porters, taxes, the return flight, a first aid kit and a farewell dinner.
Insurance, safety and team
What insurance do I need before I pay the balance?
Insurance is mandatory and we ask for proof before you arrive. Check the altitude clause first, because many standard policies stop at 4,000m and this route goes to 5,500m. The insurance section of our terms has the details.
Who organises a rescue, and who pays?
The guide raises the alarm and our Kathmandu team arranges the helicopter with your insurer. The cost, which can pass USD 5,000, is yours to claim back. Rescue is never delayed over payment.
Who employs the people on my trip?
Himalayan Wonders Adventure Pvt. Ltd. in Nepal employs your guide and porters. You can meet the team on our team page.
Money, booking and changes
How and when do I pay?
A deposit secures your place and the rest is due when you reach our Kathmandu office. Indian guests send the deposit by bank transfer or UPI, and guests abroad may use a transfer or an online card with a 4.5% fee. Pay the balance in INR, USD, EUR, GBP or another major currency. Cash saves you the 13% charged on cards in Nepal.
What happens to my deposit if my plans change?
For the first 30 days half of it can be refunded. After that it is not refundable, but it remains valid for a year on any trek or climb we run. A no-show without contact forfeits it.
How flexible are the dates?
Very. You can move your departure as often as you like at no charge if you give 6 weeks' notice, and never less than 14 days. If the new date costs more, you pay the difference.
Do I get money back if I finish early?
No. Our staff and bookings are paid for the whole schedule, so unused days are not refunded. We will help you get home, and any extra hotel, meals or flights are yours to pay. Your insurer may cover some of it.
Is there a single supplement?
There is no single supplement when you join a group. If you are the only booking on a fixed departure, a Solo Support Fee of INR 1,500 per day covers a dedicated porter, and it is waived if other guests join. We tell you at booking or as soon as it arises.
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