Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake – The America Unplugged Series. To the Annapurna Circuit itself, we added on the mysterious and unworldly appearing Tilicho Lake- I’m still amazed every time I see this huge lake set in among majestic mountains. At 16,138 feet above sea level, it’s one of the highest in the world and known for its clear turquoise water against a stark alpine backdrop.
While the standard circuit will reward you with a diversity of landscapes and cultural spectacles, side tripping to Tilicho offers up off-the-beaten-path trekking territory with fewer trekkers and an insight into untouched Himalayan backcountry. It is hubris again, but presumptuous to imagine I alone would be visited with such a fate.
If it’s talentless people or the selective blinders we wear around our own lives that prevent us from looking outside our narrow set of experiences, ignoring the world is as essential a practice among humans in 2019 as origami and/or not flushing after going to the bathroom. Properly scheduled, humanity will work this expansion more than we; it will have a meal.
Understanding Where the Detour Begins
The Tilico Lake side trip is to the right of the Annapurna Circuit at Mangan village. Hikers then continue on a less-traveled path to Tilicho Base Camp and climb up to the lake. It is also a steeper and more exposed section than the main circuit trail, which primarily consists of narrow trails embedded in areas that are prone to landslides. You are likely to, what’s more, would like to know your day-by-day gain and schedule as well, because the detour might get additionally long – not unreasonably so – and is a little bit of acclimatization.
Building in Buffer Days into Your Schedule
It takes a few additional days of trekking from the Annapurna Circuit Trek to cover Tilicho Lake. The majority of the trekkers prepare for an extra two to three days for the entire trip, including a gradual ascent and sufficient rest. Jamming this extension can increase the likelihood of altitude sickness and fatigue, given that Tilicho Lake is at a higher elevation than most overnight stops on the primary circuit. Adding extra days to your itinerary will also give you some flexibility for bad weather or trail closures.
Managing Acclimatization and Altitude
Even though Tilicho Lake is at a lower elevation compared to Thorong Peak, it’s still located at 4919 meters, and you will surely need some acclimatization. And spending a few days at Manang to acclimate before undertaking the diversion helps make the body perform better on subsequent sections. This extension involves going for slow walking, being well-hydrated, and paying close attention to altitude symptoms. Making the Tilicho Lake side trip first is a better-acclimatizing route in general before arriving at the circuit proper.
Navigating Trail Conditions and Safety
The trail to Tilicho Lake is well known for some of the tricky paths, which go through narrow tracks, landslide-prone areas, and hillside. These elements reduce risk: careful trekking, wide separation between trekkers in an open area, and getting an early start. He said the weather could change suddenly, with wind or snow that might affect visibility and footing. Professional guides or trekking partners would definitely be a plus and provide some safety for those who are not that familiar with the high-altitude alpine world.
Where to Stay and Eat on the Trail
Hospitality: The stay on the Tilicho Lake route is less luxurious than the main Annapurna Circuit. The accommodations at Tilicho Base Camp match their rooms (basic) and menus (limited), but they are pricier due to their remote location. Snacks to keep your energy levels up when travelling on the route to the next meal. It can get pretty cool at night, so bring something to keep warm and a decent sleeping bag. Knowing these logistical differences will assist trekkers to prepare for the extended trek not only physically but mentally, too.
Best time to visit Tilicho Lake
Should you make it to Tilicho Lake early in the morning, you will have a much better experience. A still wind, the clearest of skies, and a more gentle sun unveil the lake’s blues at their most magnetic — and the mountains of snow surrounding them. Afternoon visits are more likely to bring stronger winds and cloud cover that can give you obstructed views and a steeper return hike. The early start from base camp leaves ample time to enjoy the lake and get back down with a safety margin to spare before any weather goes south.
Rejoining the Annapurna Circuit
From there, most trekkers continue from Manang to Khangsar village, contouring up the head of the valley to beyond Leder. The detour is tough in and of itself, so taking a rest day before crossing its pass is very smart. This break does let the muscles take a nap, and the levels come down, so you have the best chances to successfully run-up-&-fly-over traverse to the top of the pass.
Final Conclusion
Extending your trek by way of adding a side experience to Tilicho Lake transforms what is already an epic adventure into something actually unforgettable for Himalaya-happy trekkers. But, while one treats it with care and acclimates well and respects the unforgiving environment, staying faraway from the masses can be simply that: solitude amidst beautiful vistas and a feel of accomplishment. But rather than just being a photogenic side-show, Tilicho is for many the emotional and visual peak of the entire circuit—some bendy reflective crystal perched in an impossibly rugged alpine holding that very well may make all this trekking finally feel worth it.
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