Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek

Additional Information:

Permits and Visa
To embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you’ll need a couple of permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is essential for entering the conservation area, and the TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) is a must for all trekkers. You can easily obtain both permits through a registered trekking agency like ours. Most nationalities are able to secure a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For quicker processing, an online visa can also be applied for through the official Nepal Immigration website. The required documents include a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity), passport-sized photos, and the visa fee paid in cash (USD).

Transportation
Getting from Kathmandu to Beshisahae typically involves a local bus or a private jeep. While private jeeps are faster, they come with a higher price tag; local buses are more budget-friendly but can be slower. After completing your trek, you can return from Jomsom to Pokhara by flight, jeep, or bus. From Pokhara, you’ll have the option to head back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. It’s wise to check weather updates, as flights from Jomsom can often face delays due to strong mountain winds.

Accommodation and Services
Along the trek route up to Thorong Phedi, you’ll find lodges and tea houses available. Standard rooms generally offer twin-sharing arrangements with basic beds; attached bathrooms are mainly found in the lower regions. Meal choices include traditional dishes like Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, Tibetan bread, omelettes, and porridge. Hot showers are available for an additional fee and may be bucket-heated at higher altitudes. Due to limited accommodation at Tilicho Base Camp, booking in advance is highly recommended during peak season.

Best Season
– Autumn (Sept–Nov): This is when you’ll enjoy clear skies, stable weather, and the best visibility of the mountains.
– Spring (Mar–May): Experience mild temperatures along with blooming rhododendrons, making it ideal for photography.
– Winter (Dec–Feb): Expect possible heavy snowfall; the Tilicho Lake trail and Thorong La Pass may be closed during this time.
– Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Trails can be slippery with frequent landslides, making this season best avoided.

Booking Policy and Required Documents
It’s highly advisable to book your trip during the peak trekking season to ensure accommodation availability. When booking, you’ll need to provide a valid passport copy, travel insurance (which must cover emergency helicopter evacuation), and passport-sized photos for the trekking permits. A deposit of 20–30% is required to confirm your trek, with the remaining balance due upon your arrival in Nepal.

Cancellation Policy
Details regarding cancellations may be specified by the trekking agency.

Emergency Evacuation and Safety Tips
Altitude sickness can occur above 3,000 meters, so it’s crucial to acclimatize properly and stay well-hydrated. Keep the contact numbers of local guides and travel agencies handy. In emergencies, helicopter evacuation is available from Gorakshep, Pheriche, and Lukla, but is only covered if included in your travel insurance. Ensure your travel insurance includes high-altitude trekking (up to 4,500 m) and emergency evacuation coverage. Basic health posts can be found in villages, while advanced hospitals are available in Kathmandu for more serious cases. If you experience any symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness, inform your guide immediately.