Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek 12 days

The primary accommodation is lodges and tea houses, which are run by local people. Here, you can get simple but comfortable lodges costing according to the place and altitude. You can get single-bed rooms, double-bed rooms, or even dormitory rooms.

If you are staying in a lower altitude location, then you will get better lodges with electricity, wi-fi, and water facilities. However, at higher altitudes, the lodging provides fewer facilities with limited services and resources.

Teahouses and lodges sell a variety of foods, especially Nepali, Tibetan, and basic Western food. The most popular meal is “Dal Bhat and Tarkari,” which is a highly recommended comfort meal by guides, and it also makes trekkers more energetic.

Some other dishes like momos, Thukpa, pasta, Chowmein, etc, are also served. But as you trek onward to higher altitudes, the variety of dishes decreases with limited food options because the supply of products is difficult. As a result, the food becomes more expensive.

Recommendation: Carry snacks, water, and drinks, and avoid eating meat at higher altitudes.

You can get drinking water from different sources, such as teahouses, and water taps. You should avoid dirty and polluted tap and river water because it can cause infections. The best options for drinking water are mineral water bottles and filtered water. Most of the tea houses sell hot water, which is safe and helps to keep the body warm. You can carry water purification tablets or portable water filters. At high altitudes, water bottles are more expensive because of a lack of transportation. To decrease plastic wastage, carry your water bottles because you need to stay hydrated at higher altitudes, and to avoid dehydration. 

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, electricity and internet are available in places and at certain altitudes. In lower altitudes, you can easily get access to electricity, and tea houses offer charging facilities for free or at a low cost. However, in higher altitudes, electricity and charging electronic devices become expensive because the power is generated through solar. Though Many tea houses provide wifi facilities, it is slow and insecure. You can carry a power bank and purchase Everest or Annapurna internet cards, which provide data connection, but at high altitudes, there is no access. You can also purchase NTC or Ncell sim cards for data connection, but in rural areas, there is no signal.

Due to high altitude, trekkers should be careful of altitude sickness and know about acclimatization. Acute mountain sickness(AMS), which is known as altitude sickness, can happen if your body cannot adjust to a lower oxygen level. The chance of altitude sickness increases as you reach 3000 meters, especially at Thorong la Pass. 

Acclimatization is needed to prevent AMS. Trekkers are suggested to take a slow walk, which helps their body to adjust to the heavy air. Taking a day’s rest in Manang helps in acclimatization. Trekkers should stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. 

The best group size for the Annapurna Circuit Trek differs according to expertise level and personal interests. Trekking groups range from 2 to 15 people in one group. For a balanced journey, it is better to have 6 to 12 people in one group. However, smaller groups may cost a higher price per person, such as guide charge, porter, meals, and other expenses. The group size for Annapurna Circuit Trek depends on trekkers’ choice requirements on costs and comforts.

The difficulty in the Annapurna circuit trek is medium to highly difficult level, depending on the experience and physical fitness of trekkers. At Thorong La Pass, the altitude is 5,416 m, which is the highest altitude. Proper acclimatization is necessary due to the high risk of altitude sickness. Throughout the trek, you can walk through dense forests, dry fields, and difficult paths with cold temperatures at higher altitudes. This trek needs both physical and mental strength.

To complete the Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake, you must have the following permits:

• Annapurna Conservation Area permit(ACAP): This permit is required for all trekkers who visit the Annapurna Conservation Area. It helps promote conservation efforts and sustainable development.
• Trekkers’ information management system card(TIMS): The TIMS card was created to protect the security and safety of trekkers in Nepal. It keeps track of Trekkers in the country, such as rescue operations if required.

Required Documents for Permits

• Original and copies of valid passports.
• Valid tourist visa of Nepal.
• Passport-sized photos at least 2-6 for permits.
• Copy of Travel Insurance.
• Copy of ACAP and TIMS card.

You can easily exchange foreign currency in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Though there are ATMs, they charge for service and the withdrawals are limited. Most of the teahouses do not accept foreign currencies or credit cards so you must carry Nepalese currency. You may exchange money in places like Manang, but the prices are not very good. It will be better to exchange your money before starting the trek. You must have enough Nepalese money for meals, lodging, and other expenses.

Every trekker should have their Travel insurance because it includes medical costs, altitude sickness, and lost things. Travel insurance is necessary for Annapurna Circuit Trek as there are few and limited medical services in remote places. You must carry a copy of travel insurance in case of an emergency.

Essential trekking equipment and things for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are:

• Clothes:Base layer, jacket, windproof jackets and pants, trekking pants, Fleece jacket, sleeve t-shirts, hand gloves, scarf, socks.
• Footwear: Trekking boots, comfortable shoes, camp shoes, gaiters.
• Sleeping equipment: Sleeping bag, Travel pillow, sleeping pad, Earplugs(for windy sound)
• Accessories: Water bottles(3-5l bottles), Trekking poles, flashlight, raincoat, snacks, map, sun hat, sunglasses, backpack(for daily use things during trekking)
• Personal belongings : Nepalese currency, Power bank, suncream, first aid(pain killers, altitude sickness medicine, vomiting tablets), toiletries(brush, sanitizer, soap), travel documents, Camera, snacks (chocolate, nuts, energy drinks)

We understand that unforeseen situations may require trip cancellations. Below is our cancellation policy for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek:

1. Cancellation by the Guest

• 30 days before departure: Full refund (except bank transfer fee)
• 10 days before departure: 30% refund of the total trip cost
• Less than 5 days before departure: 50% refund of the total trip cost
• If you postpone your trip at the last minute: No extra charge or postponement cost
• After the trek begins: No refund will be made for any reason (e.g., personal illness, injury, or early return)

2. Cancellation by the Company

If we cancel the trek due to political instability, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances, you can choose to:

• Receive a full refund of the trip cost
• Reschedule your trek to a later date

3. Cancellation Due to Weather or Flight Delays

• If your Lukla flight is canceled or delayed due to bad weather:
• We will try to reschedule your trek at no extra cost
• We may change your trekking region as per your convenience
• If you decide to cancel: A full refund will be provided, excluding service fees (permits, hotel bookings, transportation), which is 30% of your trip cost

4. No-Show Policy

• If a guest fails to show up on the scheduled departure date without prior notice, no refund will be issued

5. Travel Insurance Requirement

• We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuation, and high-altitude risks

We aim to make the booking process smooth and flexible for our guests. Below are the details of our booking policy for Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek:

1. Advance Payment & Booking Confirmation

• A 30% advance deposit of the total trip cost is required to confirm your booking
• The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu before the trek begins
• You may also choose to pay the full amount in advance if preferred
• To proceed with the booking, please send:
• The booking amount
• A soft copy of your passport
• Additional details (emergency contact, travel insurance info, etc.)

2. Payment Methods

We offer multiple payment options for your convenience:

• Online Payment: Secure payment through our website’s gateway
• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, etc. (4% bank service charge applies)
• Wire/Bank Transfers: Direct transfer to our bank account (transaction fees applicable)
• Cash or Cheque: Accepted in Kathmandu

3. Final Payment

• The remaining 70% of the trip cost must be paid before departure
• Payment can be made in cash, card, or bank transfer upon arrival

4. Booking Modifications & Rescheduling

• If you need to change your trek date, please inform us at least 30 days in advance
• Date changes are subject to availability and additional costs, depending on the situation

5. Travel Insurance Requirement

• All trekkers must have comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude medical emergencies, evacuation, cancellations, and delays

6. Last-Minute Booking

• We accept last-minute bookings (up to 48 hours before departure) but availability cannot be guaranteed