Annapurna Circuit Trek Without Tilicho is a well-known trekking destination in Nepal. It is a bucket of an awesome and beautiful journey through the lush array of landscapes, cultures, and breathtaking Himalayan views. The trek usually begins from the little town of Besisahar and goes on to complete the full circle around the Annapurna Circuit through dense forests, high alpine meadows, and multi-ethnic settlements, finally reaching the flourishing city of Pokhara.
This is one of the most exciting things about the Annapurna Circuit Trek Without Tilicho Lake: the diversity of different ethnic groups. The trekkers are now exposed to the Gurung, the Thakali, and the Manangi cultures. Each keeps a distinct tradition of life heavily influenced by Tibetan customs. The top areas of the journey are inhabited mainly by the Manangis, evoking interesting pictures from their Tibetan Buddhist life. The lower parts are mainly Gurung areas, famous for their bravery and hospitality. The trek is thus not only a physical journey but also an exploration of culture through rich tapestries of traditions, languages, and customs related to this cultural diversity.
Life along the Annapurna Circuit trek without Tilicho Lake changes rapidly, from lush subtropical forests down low, teeming with rhododendron trees and bamboo, to temperate zones populated by oaks and pines at higher elevations, then changing smoothly into an upper alpine scrub where the landscape turns hard and rocky. Still, moss and alpine flowers thrive in very inhospitable conditions. These places also offer wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the snow leopard, the Himalayan tahr, and several bird species, including the colorful Himalayan monal, Nepal’s national bird.
Walking through Thorong La Pass is one of the most exciting moments for many trekkers not including travelling to Tilicho Lake on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This highest point of the trek, up to 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), offers excellent views of surrounding peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The thrilling part of this trek is that though it is difficult, one feels satisfied to have achieved it on completion of the pass. The beauty of the Himalayas plus the physical toughness of the pass makes this a gem of trekking experience.
The Manang Valley since it is popular with trekkers as a place they acclimatize before attempting the Thorong La pass is yet another major feature of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Without Tilicho Lake. The valley is famous for its lovely villages, splendid vistas of mountains, and Tibetan Buddhist temples. Another special place is a tiny, remote settlement called Muktinath, which boasts a famous Buddhist-Hindu temple. Thus, Muktinath has become a source of a spiritually uplifting experience, as pilgrims from both faiths visit and bathe in this temple.
Explore Tilicho Lake Trek
The trek begins with a dreamy journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar on the first day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake. Roughly between 6 and 8 hours, the journey will pass through flat areas of farms, tiny settlements, and hillsides covered in vibrant green. It goes along the course of the rapidly flowing Marsyangdi River. The river flows ever under the peaks of the Annapurna Range, seemingly touchable, at times looking almost close to grasp. Once you reach Besisahar, you have time to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s trek forward to Bahundanda.
On day two, we get to the actual trekking with the short but lovely hike from Besisahar to Bahundanda. The highest altitude we will reach today is 1,310 meters and the trail climbs over terraced farms, the few inhabited hills, and magnificent subtropical forests. During the hike, the first glimpses of the Annapurna peaks will be given to the hiker. The journey lasts about five to six hours. Bahundanda is a beautiful settlement on a hilltop, offering views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The third day is cleared for a trip from Bahundanda to Chamje. Chamje is a small village built on the banks of the Marsyangdi River. The trail leads down into a wild river valley and winds its way up through the extensive massive vegetation to cross the river below. After about five to six hours of hiking in this Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake, Chamje is now reached, where the refreshing solitude can be enjoyed.
The next stop for us is Bagarchhap. It is the first substantial settlement of the Manang District and set about traveling there on the fourth day from Chamje. The trails rise steadily, through more traditional villages and woods, from the beginning, to near the end. The new things you will notice are the Tibetan-related cultural influences on the architecture along the road. Bagarchhap, the cute little village that faces the snow-capped peaks after a long hiking day, is a beautiful place for relaxation from an exhausting day of trekking.
The road to the Manang district headquarters, Chame, is followed on Day 5 and carries on from Bagarchhap. The Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake continues alongside the Marsyangdi River and through wonderful pine forests and suspension bridges. You will also gradually begin to see the very unique Himalayan scenery as you keep hiking upwards. Chame is an excellent acclimatization center, boasting awesome views of surrounding mountains, particularly Annapurna II.
On the sixth day of the trek to Annapurna, Circuit Without Tilicho Lake, you begin your journey from Chame to a little hamlet named Pisang, which is famed for the breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. The trails of the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake go through small villages and monasteries along its twisting route amongst the popular alpine woodlands. Famous for its Pisang Peak, it offers astonishing panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. Pisang is the perfect place to relax and get used to the altitude after this sort of five to six-hour trek.
On the seventh day of the adventure you have in store for you the trek from Pisang to Manang, whose name in English directly translates to “the place at the center of Manang Valley”. This trail of the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake will lead you through really nice villages such as Upper Pisang, where the influence of Tibetan Buddhism is a lot bigger, while the trail continues to ascend at a gentle slope. Beautiful views can be seen of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and other peaks nearby from the Manang Valley. After about five to six hours of walking, upon your arrival at Manang, you can relax and enjoy the area, including its monasteries and little shops.
Today we will be completing the half of the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake. We will be acclimatizing today to the higher altitude of Manang. Resting for trekkers, visiting some close monasteries, or short hikes around the valley are all possible on this day. Hiking up to the adjacent viewpoint at Gunung Himal, where the beautiful views of the nearby peaks and glaciers will make one spellbound, is a favorite option. The day’s program is to minimize the risk of altitude sickness before the following stages of ascent.
The ninth day will take you from Manang to Letdar, a small settlement at a very high altitude. The trail climbs increasingly rocky terrain and alpine meadows while the magnificent peaks of Gangapurna and Annapurna II keep getting closer but are still far in the distance. Letdar is quiet and serene, truly a good place to recuperate before making the challenge over the Thorong La Pass. The hike lasts about four to five hours.
The tenth day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake is the beginning of the last leg of the journey. Moving from Letdar to High Camp, the last settlement before the Thorong La Pass, on the distance to higher altitudes. The scenery comes to an end to be green and becomes uncultivated, unclear, and ill-defined road begins to be encountered. This scenery will be accompanied by the occasional sighting of shelters erected by yak herders while taking a four-to-five-hour walk. This difficult Thorong La Pass climb awaits the next morning for most hikers spending the night at High Camp a fairly small cluster of guesthouses.
The hardest day, but also the day with the most reward for completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake is Day 11. Trekkers wake before dawn to begin the hard trek toward Thorong La Pass, the highest point of their journey. After hours of climbing, you will reach the summit and be met with splendid views of the neighboring snow-capped peaks. After crossing the pass, the trail descends steeply to Muktinath, a sacred place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus alike.
The next day is day 12 and it is a very easy descent from Muktinath and Jomsom, neck of the district Mustang. As the trail winds along the Kali Gandaki River, it travels to a semi-desert terrain. Jomsom provides a flavor of the local culture and, a nice taste of some apple-based delicacies, and relaxes in preparation for the next section of the journey.
Day Trekking Trip Jomsom-Tatopani, a small village famous for its natural hot springs, is visited on Day 13 by trekkers. The walk takes you along the Kali Gandaki River with beautiful terraced farms and pretty villages you pass. On the trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake, this hike, you will be away for six to seven hours, and Tatopani is worth visiting for some relaxing time soaking in the hot springs with time to reflect on your journey up to that point.
On Day 14, there is an exhausting climb from Tatopani to Ghorepani, which is one of the most famous places on the journey. It is possible to see some local wildlife, like monkeys and several types of birds while walking through the beautiful dense forests and rhododendron trees. The hike lasts about six to seven hours. Ghorepani is famous for its dazzling views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and some other peaks. It is another beautiful place where one can stay overnight and enjoy a typical Nepali dinner.
You will trek from Ghorepani to Nayapul on the last day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Without Tilicho Lake, passing through charming towns and terraced farms. The hike takes about five to six hours. You will then drive towards Pokhara, which would be the way back after getting to Nayapul, where you can rest and think about the whole experience in the Annapurna region.
The best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake are considered the Spring season (March to May) and the fall season (September to November). These months carry a bright sky, moderate temperatures, and less rain or snow. The spring offers a plethora of blooming rhododendron groves, and after subsequent rain, the fall offers jaw-dropping mountain views. In this back-to-back contrast, most trekkers will unquestionably find the hike a leisurely yet enjoyable one due to the harsh temperature conditions in either season.
The Annapurna Circuit without a detour to Tilicho Lake covers total distances that range between 160 and 230 kilometers, depending on the choice of trails. The pass at Thorong La, the highest on this trek, tops out at 5,416 m (17,769 ft), and the trek passes through various terrain, from alpine meadows to subtropical forests, providing superb all-around views of the towering peaks.
Trekking at high altitudes can be termed as one of the key hazards, particularly in the rugged Annapurna region, where people hike above 5,000 meters almost every day. Setting one’s body with proper rest is a must for acclimatization through the upcoming days near Manang and Yak Kharka. Altitude sickness can range from headaches to illnesses like acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
The Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake requires difficult walking days, steep climbs, and challenges due to high altitudes. The toughest environment will be after crossing the Thorong La Pass, as it lies at the highest elevation with severe walking terrain. The scenario of thinning of the air and diminishing oxygen content is very typical for elevations over 3500 meters with altitude sickness. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and weakness. The hiking have to keep an eye on their body and stick to acclimatization standards to reduce these risks. If the hiker has health issues while climbing up the rising altitudes, then the hiker should descend.
Trekkers typically walk 5 to 8 hours a day on Annapurna Circuit, covering a distance of between 10 to 20 kilometers per day depending on the terrain. While some days are more relaxing and shorter, others require more hours of walking to reach the next high altitude. The hike gets harder with each passing day once the hiker nears the Thorong La Pass, especially on the very last day on the trekking side.
Despite it being moderate to difficult, the Annapurna Circuit calls for fitness but not competent mountaineering. If you have been able to practice walking or hiking plenty at the higher elevation then this Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake will not be very hard for you. There could be a few basic low-impact exercises for your body to be more ready for hiking. More beneficially, trekking in rough conditions or even higher altitudes. Develop a relevant mental attitude and get your body ready for the whole trek; if you can balance these things, this would be a fine hike for you.
Accommodation options extend from basic teahouses to cozy resorts on this trek. Teahouses offer simple twin-bed rooms with shared bathrooms. Conventional Nepalese food, including dal bhat (lentil soup and rice), momos (dumplings), noodles, and potato curry, is usually served at these places. Delicious as it is, the diet might become beneficial as the food and drinks are served in novelty series or main dishes by several teahouses. You should drink loads of water; water is available in places, but play safe. Bottled water is the safest, or other purifying tablets can be obtained in the market. Food and drink costs, as expected, rise with the heights and elevation during the trek.
Guided assistance is highly recommended but not required. It is especially necessary for first-time trekkers. Assists from guides and porters in navigating through the trail while passing information regarding both terrain and culture can be very helpful in the Annapurna circuit trek without Tilicho. Meanwhile, porters can ease the stress and make the physical act of trekking much more enjoyable by carrying a section of your load. Both guides and porters can be hired; nevertheless, it is very important to choose one from very reliable organizations or careful individuals to ensure professionalism and safety.
Most trekkers prefer to fly into Kathmandu, followed by a trip by bus or vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar or Bhulbhule, where the Annapurna Circuit starts. Up to the beginning of the circuit, plenty of local transportation options such as buses, jeeps, minibusses, and taxis are accessible. Travel insurance for all trips in Nepal is always recommended. For the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake at high altitudes in particular, it is a must-have. Included in the policy are; medical bills, lost property, trip delays, and emergency evacuations. It’s important to understand the conditions of your policy before departure.
The hiker has several trails and variations to explore different terrain, even though the classic Annapurna Circuit route is still immensely popular. One significant option is the Lower Annapurna Circuit, which omits the highest view of Thorong La Pass but provides many differing views. Another possibility awaits those who decide to stay in the Annapurna region but would prefer a completely new outlook that provides views of the Annapurna: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
You will need a tourist visa to enter Nepal, which you can apply for while in Nepal or at a Nepali embassy in your home country. The cost of the visa will depend on the duration of your stay. For certain trekkers opting for Annapurna, it is necessary to possess an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card- both obtained, in addition to your visa, if you intend to trek in the Annapurna region. You can easily get permission for trekking in the area either in Pokhara or in Kathmandu.
With breathtaking views of the highest pinnacles in this world, Annapurna Circuit promises to provide an extraordinary trek through diverse landscapes ranging from lush subtropical forests to dry, high-altitude alpine deserts. The trip itself will be both mentally and physically challenging, principally in crossing the high Thorong La Pass. Upon returning home, you will look back and find it one of your greatest accomplishments, and spare not a thought for the living proof and realities that you have experienced en route in Nepal. A test for the strength of your body is sure to come; however, the memories and beauty come out as priceless.
Depending on the pace and itinerary, the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake will take 14-15 days.
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake is 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) which is Thorong La Pass.
The best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek without Tilicho Lake are from March to May which is around spring time and September to November which is around autumn, when the weather is clear, and the views are spectacular.
The trek is considered moderately difficult, depending on the trekker’s physical fitness and walking strength. Acclimatization is a must as it gradually leads to an altitude of 5000+ meters.
There are 3 star hotels, lodges and teashops houses found in this trek offering basic services and shared facilities. Such as 3 course meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner), warm water, and basic amenities.