The word Nepal itself stands as a country of mountains and lakes. There are hundreds of lakes and mountains that come as a beauty of the nation. They have become the primal attraction of many internal and external tourists throughout the decades.
When it comes to lakes in Nepal, the country has hundreds of lakes, including Phewa, Rupa, Begnas, Gokyo, Bish Hajari, Rara, Tilicho, Shey-Phoksundo, and many others. Every year, these lakes have been the destinations of thousands of tourists for sightseeing, bird-watching, and many other adventurous activities.
But have you thought of trekking to the highest lake in the world? If yes, then Tilicho Lake is the only option – it stands at the highest altitude in the world (in terms of Lake in high altitude).
Tilicho Lake does not need a definition when it comes to adventurous trekking in Nepal. The lake is at the highest altitude, which sits at 4,919 meters. Trekking to this lake will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience since it has so much to offer, from natural beauty to all the other experiences you are looking for.
You might be prepared with all the stuff needed for Tilicho Lake Trek. But have you thought of the budget required for this trek? Have you allotted the needed money? We have prepared this draft discussing the required budget for the trek. Let’s dive into this article to learn about the cost required for the Tilicho lake trek.
Overview of Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake is the highest lake on the planet earth – it is located in the Manang District of Nepal at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) above sea level.
The lake is located in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas and is surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. Needless to say, Tilicho Lake has been home to a variety of wildlife, including yaks, Himalayan tahr, and others.
In recent years, Tilicho Lake has become a popular destination for adventure lovers, and if you have noticed it is included in trekking itineraries in the Annapurna region.
Budgeting for a Tilicho Lake Trek
If you’re seeking to trek to Tilicho Lake, your budget must be carefully considered to ensure everything gets covered. Some factors to consider when budgeting for a trip to Tilicho Lake includes the following:
Transportation costs
You’ll need to budget for the transportation cost. Getting to and from Tilicho Lake needs to be financially well-planned. It may include the cost for various mediums like flight, bus tickets, and any other transportation.
Accommodation
There are several options for accommodation around Tilicho Lake, ranging from budget guesthouses and teahouses. You should keep in mind what type of accommodation facility you want. Also, determine how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation and look for options that fit your budget.
Food and drink
While in Tilicho Lake, you’ll need money for meals and drinks. Prices for food and beverages vary depending on where you eat and what you order. so it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of how much you’re willing to spend on these items.
Activities
There are several activities to enjoy while at Tilicho Lake, such as hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the local culture. You need to allocate enough budget for any activities you’re interested in participating in.
Accessibility and Transportation Costs
You will need to fly to Kathmandu and then take a bus or jeep to the town of Besishahar. It costs anywhere from 900 to 1500 NPR on a bus – if you opt for renting a private vehicle, the price can go higher, around 15,000 to 25,000. If you are traveling in a luxurious vehicle, the cost can even go higher.
From Besisahar, you can hire a jeep or take a local bus to the village of Chame, which is the starting point of the trek. The cost of transportation will depend on your mode of travel and the time of year you visit. But you are expected to allot around 3000 to 5000 NPR after you start your journey from Besisahar.
S.NTransportationCost
1Flight to Nepal (US-Nepal)$1000-$2000
2Kathmandu to Besisahar(Public Bus)$10
3Kathmandu to Besisahar(Jeep)$100-$150
4Kathmandu to Besisahar(Car)$100
6Besisahar to Bulbule$10-$20
7Jhomsom to Pokhara(Flight)$100-$150
8Jhomsom to Pokhara(bus)$12-$20
9Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Optional)$30-$50
10Pokhara to Bulbule$5-$15
Transportation cost of Tilicho Lake trekAs for accessibility, the trek can be quite challenging due to the high altitude and the rugged terrain. It is recommended that you have some prior trekking experience and be in good physical condition before attempting this trek.
Accommodation Costs of Tilicho Lake Trek
It is common for travelers to stay in guest houses or lodges while visiting Tilicho Lake. These accommodations may offer basic amenities such as a bed, electricity, and shared bathroom facilities.
Prices for a room in a guesthouse or lodge near Tilicho Lake may range from 500 to 1000 NPR ($3.7 to $7.5) per night, depending on the level of comfort and facilities provided.
It is worth noting that the region around Tilicho Lake is quite remote and may have a different level of tourism infrastructure than other parts of Nepal. As such, it is important to be prepared for a more rustic and basic level of accommodation.
Living in homestay facilities might be a cheaper one for the trekkers. Similarly, throughout the routes, you can find multiple teahouses where you can stay overnight.
Food Cost For Tilicho Lake Trek
It is generally possible to find various food options at different prices along the route. Mainly, you will find local Nepali dishes in this region but the Tibetan dishes and international cuisine also have made their space for some years.
The local dishes around Tilicho Lake will cost you around 200 to 500 NPR ($1.5 to $3.7). Similarly, you can find your meals, breakfast, and snacks at the same price.
If you are staying in homestays, then your cost might be cheaper.
In addition, you can also bring your food and snacks with you, which can help to save money.
Permits And Entry Fees For Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake involves traveling through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which requires a permit. The cost of the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is NPR 3,000 (approximately $25) for foreign tourists and NPR 1000 (roughly $7) for SAARC nationals. The ACAP permit is valid for a single entry and is suitable for one week.
For Other Nations:
S.NPermitCost (NPR)
1Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)3000
2Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS)2000
Permit Cost for other nationsFor SAARC Nations:
S.NPermitCost (NPR)
1Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)1000
2Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS)600
Permit Cost of SAARC NationIf you plan to stay longer than a week, you must purchase an additional permit. In addition to the ACAP permit, trekkers must purchase a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. A TIMS card costs NPR 2,000 (approximately $17) for foreign tourists and NPR 600 (roughly $4) for SAARC nationals. The TIMS card is a tracking system that helps to manage the number of trekkers in the region and ensure their safety.
It is important to note that the cost of the ACAP and TIMS permits is subject to change. You should check with the Nepal Tourism Board or a local trekking agency for the most up-to-date information on permit fees.
Gears And Equipment And Their Cost
Gear can be of several brands and quality, and the cost may vary on which quality products you purchase and where you make your purchases. Some general items for the trek include a good pair of hiking boots, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a tent, warm layers of clothing, and a first aid kit. It is also a good idea to bring along some basic camping equipment such as a stove, pots, and utensils for cooking.
It is always best to invest in high-quality gear, as it can make a big difference in your overall comfort and safety on the trek. Additionally, be sure to check the weather forecast for the region and pack accordingly.
S.NNecessary Gear and EquipmentCost
1Rucksack (Hiking bag)$30-above
2Hiking boots$50-above
3Clothes$300-above
4Flashlight$10-above
6Trekking poles$20-above
7Toiletries and medication$100-above
8Sleeping Bag$20-above
Necessary Gear and Equipment costConclusion
Overall, Tilicho Lake can be the optimum destination if you are looking for an adventurous trek. If you talk about the cost of Tilicho lake trek, be prepared with around $800 to $1000 per person. If you are looking for a luxurious trek, then be sure to increase your budget to over $1000 so that every activity in your checklist goes with a tick mark.
