Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek - 18 Days

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At a Glance
Duration18 Days
CountryNepal
Trip GradeStrenuous
i
Maximum Altitude5416 Meter
Group Size2+ Pax
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Travel StyleTrekking
MealB/L/D
AccomodationTea House accommodation in Mountain and 3 Star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Best TimeMar-May, Sep-Dec

Highlights:

  • A fantastic adventurous trek in Nepal if you are in search of a long trip in the Himalayas
  • Explore the wonders of the beautiful Annapurna region while you traverse different climatic zones
  • Get to see jaw-dropping mountain vistas of the western Himalayan range
  • Walking through lush forests and picturesque Nepali villages, ascend to the alpine zone
  • Meet with many Nepali communities and witness their simple mountain lifestyle
  • Get to see different perspectives of nature as the landscapes vary throughout the trail
  • Navigate rocky, steep, and glacial tracks to reach the stunning Tilicho Lake
  • Ascend to the top of the Thorong La pass, the most epic part of the journey
  • Visit an important pilgrimage site in Nepal, Muktinath Temple
  • Drive via the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge
  • Enjoy hot springs in Tatopani

Overview

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is a fantastic adventure trek in Nepal. On this trek, you will explore the wonders of the beautiful Annapurna region and witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalayas. The journey is long but incredible. The Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is definitely challenging but also offers a life-changing experience.

Starting the trek from lush forests and picturesque Nepali villages, you will ascend to a high elevation. The higher trails are steep and rugged. The landscapes and climate vary with the increase in altitude. Once you leave the tree line behind, you will find yourself surrounded by tall mountains, barren hills, vast meadows, and cold Himalayan air.

The Himalayas are more than mountains. On the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking, you will explore a small part of it. However, in this small section, you will uncover nature beyond your imagination. The encounters with locals and fellow travelers add a touch of socialization to your trip. Even though you will travel far away from any established city or town during this trek, you will feel at home.

Annapurna Circuit itself is a popular trek in Nepal. By combining the Tilicho Lake excursion with your trek, the expedition becomes more adventurous. The Tilicho Lake route diverts from Manang village. You can hike to the lake and return to the main Annapurna Circuit trail in just 3 to 4 days.

What to expect during the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek in Nepal?

The lower part of the trail ascends and descends through mist-shrouded valleys and rhododendron forests. You will cross streams, rivers, and landslide areas. Every now and then, you will also come across narrow and rocky tracks. Rice paddies, terraced fields, and waterfalls add more dimension to the trek in the first few days of walking.

While on the way to Tilicho Lake, you will navigate rocky, steep, and glacial terrain. The route may be covered with snow as well. After Tilicho Lake, you will head to Thorong La pass. The lush greenery slowly goes out of the picture, and now all you enjoy is true Himalayan bareness.

One thing that stays with you from the start to the end of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek 18 days is the company of the locals and their rich cultural heritage. You can see stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, and prayer flags throughout the trail.

The locals have even marked the Thorong La pass (5,416 m/17,769 ft) with colorful prayer flags, which are supposed to protect and bless the trekkers. Gurung, Magar, Rai, Thakali, etc, are some of the communities you will meet with during trekking. You can see both Hinduism and Buddhism faiths.

The mountain views and landscapes are heavenly during the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek. You will get to see Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Chulu Peak (6,584 m/21,601 ft), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), and numerous others.

The more adventurous this trek sounds, the more demanding it is. Trekkers have to be physically and mentally strong to do the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking. You are going to push your mind and body to its full capacity. The wilderness and remoteness of the region let you unwind and rejuvenate.

All you will hear are the sounds of birds, rivers, winds, and villages. The trekking route is within the boundaries of the Annapurna Conservation Area. As the trail is spread in different climatic zones, you will see a wide variety of vegetation. Once you cross the Thorong La pass, the trail takes you to Muktinath Temple (3,760 m/12,623 ft).

It is a significant pilgrimage site in Nepal. From here, you will drive to Tatopani, following the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge. This part of the route offers arid landscapes in the starting and gradually turns into lush valleys.

Tatopani is your last stop before your trip back to Pokhara. Here, you can enjoy natural hot springs, which is quite good for your skin and muscles. The final ride involves a scenic highway back to Kathmandu.

How to prepare for this trek?

If you are an active individual with good fitness, then you do not have to do a lot to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking. Walk regularly and do cardiovascular activities to improve your stamina and endurance.

If you are not that active on a day to day basis, then you have to exercise to build core strength and stamina before joining the trek. A 2 to 4 months of preparation time will be ideal. You can spend 2 to 3 hours daily to get your body in shape for the journey.


Who can do the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek 18 days?

Anyone with high altitude and outdoor sports experience can do the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking. The main requirement for this trek is good health and fitness. If you can walk 6 hours a day at minimum and endure the basic services along the trail, you can most likely complete this trek.

Solo trekkers, female trekkers, group trekkers, families, and students can do the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek 18 das. We offer both private and group departures. The private trek provides much more flexibility to choose your departure date, customize the itinerary, etc.

Benefits of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek with Trekking Guide Team Adventure:

  • We are a Nepali trekking company with more than 20 years of experience in the field. Our team is an expert. Trekking with us makes your trip hassle-free, professional, and smooth.
  • You will get the best Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake cost with us. All of our prices are transparent. You will pay a genuine price for this trek.
  • Airport pick-ups and drop-offs as per the itinerary
  • Freely customize Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek itinerary
  • Native guide and porter
  • Easy booking system

 

Itinerary
Tour PlanExpand All

To make sure you have a smooth start to your trip in Nepal, our team will be at the airport on your arrival day. They will pick you up from there and escort you to the hotel in a private four-wheeler. You will get help with your luggage as well. Once you check in at the hotel, get some rest and later explore your surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, a tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will visit some tourist sites like Monkey Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhant Stupa. Get to know about Nepali culture, art, and history during the tour. After that, you will have a two to three hour break for rest and lunch.

Later in the day, we will meet in our office. You will say hello to your mountain guide and pack a duffel bag. As the journey starts quite early the following day, do any last-minute shopping today. Pack your favorite snacks, withdraw some Nepali cash, and double-check everything.

Meals: Breakfast onlyAccommodation: Hotel

Begin the day early with a big breakfast. You will leave Kathmandu and start driving, following winding hills. For the first 4-5 hours, you will enjoy a very smooth ride. Once you reach Dumre, the road gets bumpy. Drive to Besisahar and continue from here to Jagat. We may change our vehicle in Besisahar. The scenery and mountain views along the way are phenomenal.

Max Altitude: 1,290 m/4,232 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 8-9 hoursDistance: 213 km/132 miles

Moving ahead from Jagat, you will trek along the rugged hillsides and gradually ascend to Danakyu. On the way, trek past a settlement called Bagarchhap and forests of rhododendrons, pine, and fir. The view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 are superb from Danakyu.

Max Altitude: 2,300 m/7,546 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5 hoursDistance: 12 km/7.4 miles

From Danakyu, the trail follows the Dudh Khola and Marsyangdi rivers. The views of Annapurna II and Mt. Manaslu is fantastic. You will trek through dense forests and come across beautiful waterfalls on the way to Chame.

Max Altitude: 2,740 m/8,989 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 10.4 km/6.5 miles

Chame onwards, you will continue trekking along the Marsyangdi River. The trail gradually ascends via forests of pine and fir, providing a glimpse of snow-capped mountains occasionally. Soon, you will come across a large rock called Paungda Danda, which stands 1,500 meters from a river. Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak while trekking.

Max Altitude: 3,115 m/10,200 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 13.2 km/8.2 miles

Leaving Pisang village, you will follow the upper trail that goes via Gyaru village and offers jaw-dropping mountain panoramas. On the way, visit a 900-year-old monastery called Braga. You will cross a wooden bridge and gradually ascend to Ngawal village. From here, follow an uphill scenic route to Manang.

Max Altitude: 3,540 m/11,300 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 17 km/10.6 miles

Today is your last day in Manang village. Spend the day hiking to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake. Both of these lakes are isolated and offer breathtaking views. Spend the remaining day in Manang resting and recovering.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

The trail separates from Manang to Tilicho Lake. Instead of continuing on the Annapurna Circuit route, we will take another route that leads to Tilicho Lake. Trekking via coniferous forests, we will gradually ascend to Khangsar. From here, we will trek further to Siri Kharka to spend the night. The views of Mt. Chulu and Gungang Himal are superb on the way. 

Max Altitude: 4,060 m/13,320 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 12 km/7.4 miles

From Siri Kharka, we will trek to Tilicho Base Camp. The trail is steep and rugged. We will also walk on the glacial path. As per the weather, there can be snow as well. The route is quite isolated, and the scenery is jaw-dropping. There are not many tea houses available at the base camp, so we will adjust to whatever is available.

Max Altitude: 4,150 m/13,583 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5 hoursDistance: 8 km/4.9 miles

Today, we will wake up early in the morning and hike to Tilicho Lake. The surreal beauty of Tilicho Lake and the heavenly landscape around the lake will amaze you. You will see mountains like Annapurna Range, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Peak. After exploring Tilicho Lake, follow the same trail back to Siri Kharka for the night stay.

Max Altitude: 4,920 m/16,138 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 11 km/6.8 miles

Continuing the journey from Siri Kharka, we will once again join the Annapurna Circuit route and gradually ascend towards Thorong La pass. First of all, descend to Khangsar village and trek from here to Yak Kharka. On the way, we will come across an ancient monastery called Tare Gumba. Further, we will walk on a rocky trail and meadows to Yak Kharka.

Max Altitude: 4,060 m/13,020 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 8.4 km/5.2 miles

On this day, you will ascend to Thorong Phedi. The trail from Yak Kharka ascends to Ledar following a narrow, steep path. We will see outstanding views of Annapurna II, Taboche Peak, Chulu Peak, Mt. Gangapurna, etc along the way. Many trekkers spend the night at Thorong Phedi before crossing the Thorong La pass, but you also have the option to stay at High Camp.

 

Max Altitude: 4,525 m/14,525 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5 hoursDistance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles

This is the big day. We will cross the Thorong La pass on this day. The day will start quite early, and we will trek from Thorong Phedi to the top of the pass. The route is rugged and steep. So, we have to be careful while ascending.

Upon reaching the top of the pass, we will see a wonderful mountain panorama. Enjoy the view and later descend to Muktinath Temple. The trail goes via steep slopes. You will cross landslide debris. The view of Mt. Dhaulagiri is fantastic in this part of the trail.

Max Altitude: 5,416 m/17,756 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 8-9 hoursDistance: 15.6 km/9.6 miles

In the morning, we will get a blessing at the Muktinath Temple. From here, we will start driving to Tatopani in a local sharing bus. Following the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge, we will drive past small villages on the way to Tatopani. The mountain views and landscapes are fantastic on the way. In Tatopani, you can enjoy natural hot springs.

Max Altitude: 1,200 m/3,940 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 113 km/70 miles

After a delicious breakfast, we will drive from Tatopani to Pokhara. It will be a long, exhausting ride. In Pokhara, you have the rest of the free time to relax.

Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ftMeals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: HotelDuration: 8-9 hoursDistance: 192 km/119 miles

Leave Pokhara after breakfast and drive to Kathmandu. The ride will be comfortable because the road is well-made. You will enjoy beautiful scenery while driving. Spend the remaining day in Kathmandu as you wish. In the late evening, meet us for a farewell dinner.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ftMeals: Breakfast& Farewell DinnerAccommodation: HotelDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 200 km/124 miles

You will leave your hotel as per your flight departure time. Our team will help you with your luggage and drop you at the international airport on time.

Meals: Breakfast only
Route Map
Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek - 18 Days
Cost Details
Included
  • Hotel in Kathmandu with 3 Stars Bed & Breakfast. for 3 night Hotel at Nivas Boutique Home sharing basis or similar category.
  • Hotel in Pokhara 3 star bed & breakfast 1 night at Splendid view twin sharing basis.
  • Your daily breakfast, lunch, dinner- during the trek as per itinerary.
  • One experience English speaking trekking guide & one porter for each two tourist. If you are only 1, it is not including porter in our package it is additional cost you have to pay extra.
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Jagat trekking starting point by private jeep or Scorpio & Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus your trekking ending point.
  • Annapurna Conservation Permit.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Insurance for Guide & Porters.
  • All accommodation During the Trek Available Lodge /Tea Houses. (run by Nepali families).
  • Airport - Hotel - Airport transfer.
  • Muktinath to Tatopani to Pokhara by Local sharing Bus.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner typical Nepali cultural dance program.
Excluded
  • Nepal visa which is open arrival in Kathmandu per person $30 USD.
  • Personal Equipment for Trekking: sleeping bag, down jacket, Trekking shoes, gloves, sunscreen, sun glass, hat. Trekking stick, some pair socks, hiking shirt , hiking pant.
  • Personal Insurance for travel to Nepal covers helicopter rescue, accidents
  • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara per item $3-7 USD choose from menu.
  • Emergency Rescue evacuation.
  • Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee $26.
  • Tipping (Tips) for guide & porter according to your main interest.
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. (Tea, coffee, mineral water, hot water, soup)
  • Sweet things like chocolate and desert.
  • Hot shower during the trekking $2 USD.
  • Personal expenses, personal hygiene.
  • Laundry, internet call, phone.
  • All that are not included in cost include.
  • WIFI, internet, phone calls, battery charging.
Add-ons & Options
  • Extra Night Accomodation: If you plan to arrive early or depart late please make sure you make extra hotel arrangement.You can mail us at info@nepalguidetrekking.com It is available by adding extra cost.
     
  • Extra Programs: If you want extra programs like taking a flight Kathmandu to Pokhara  to Kathmandu and want travel  by private a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara or 2 night/ 3 days Chitwan  Jungle safari package or 1 Day River Rafting or 1 Day hiking in Kathmandu valley Please contact us on What's App 977-9851229400. It is available by adding extra cost. We will organize it as per your wish and requirement. 
     
  • Porter: For solo travellers porter is not included. If you want porter it can be available in additional cost of USD 250
     
  • Single Supplementary charge: On our holidays tour/trek packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room/tent with according to your trip. When you are traveling alone, single supplementary charge must be paid.
     
  • Upgrade the transportation to flight: You can upgrade your bus ride to flight at a minimal cost. It will provide you with extra time in the city to explore and rest.
Dates & Availability
StartsDecember 25, 2024
EndsJanuary 11, 2025
AvailabilityGuaranteed
US$1199
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StartsDecember 27, 2024
EndsJanuary 13, 2025
AvailabilityGuaranteed
US$1199
Book Now
StartsDecember 31, 2024
EndsJanuary 17, 2025
AvailabilityGuaranteed
US$1199
Book Now

We have everyday departure. We will organize this trek as per your time schedule. 

Additional Info

Consult-With-Trekking-Expert

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

It is a challenging trek. We recommend the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek to trekkers who have previous trekking experience. Without experience, the challenges of this trek will be very high for you both physically and mentally.

The limitations, terrain, high altitude, and long walking duration, every aspect will be new for you, which is not easy to accept on the first try. However, trekkers with good fitness and knowledge about Himalayan trails can enjoy the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek much more.

Crossing the Thorong La pass is the most difficult part of the trek. Likewise, pushing yourself mentally to walk 6 to 7 hours a day is also quite challenging. The terrain is offbeat and steep. There are many long uphill and downhill walks. Therefore, make sure your legs are ready to handle it.

Additionally, you will also experience rising elevation throughout the trek. Once you are above 2,500 meters, the risk of altitude sickness increases. Therefore, keeping yourself hydrated, getting enough rest, having good food, and listening to your body is crucial.

Our guides are trained to give first aid to trekkers if they see symptoms of altitude sickness or feel ill during the trek. We highly recommend you listen to their advice. These are the symptoms of altitude sickness: headache, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, etc.

Guide and Porter on the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek

The guide and porter are the pillars of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek. They ensure your safety in the mountains, make sure you get the best service, and help you interact with the locals. Likewise, you will get to know the region closely.

Without a guide and porter, this trek gets even more demanding. You will be guided by a native of the Annapurna region. The extensive knowledge, many years of expertise, and multilingual tongue of the guides make trekking in the Himalayas much more accessible and bearable for foreigners.

Similarly, porters carry your duffel bag. Trust us, the Himalayan terrain is not like usual hiking or trekking routes around the world. It is much more uneven, with many steep, rocky tracks. Navigating these trails requires much more than strength.

You need to pay attention and balance yourself, and carrying a heavy load on top of that is too much for trekkers. So, our porters are there to help you with the duffel bag and allow you to explore and enjoy the journey freely.

Accommodation and Food along the Annapurna Circuit Trail

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek has tea house accommodation. It is a very basic kind of accommodation, so please keep your expectations low. We will do our best to reserve the finest tea house for you all the way.

Twin-shared and triple-bed rooms are common. Single rooms cost additional money, and you have to let us know during booking if you need a single room during the trek. The rooms are small in the tea houses, and washrooms are common. Sleeping bags are highly recommended because the blankets provided in the tea houses may not be enough to keep you warm throughout the night.

The meals on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek are decent. You can choose any dish from the menu as you wish. There are many options, from typical dal bat, thukpa, noodles, and momo to pasta, pizza, sandwiches, fried rice, curries, etc.

Buy snacks in Kathmandu for the journey. The price of anything is high in the mountains because of a lack of transportation. Clean drinking water is widely available. We recommend getting boiled drinking water in the lodges and using a water purification tablet for more safety. In beverages, you will get teas, coffee, juice, etc.

The WiFi, hot showers, and charging cost additional money in the lodges. Our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake cost does not cover the expenses of these services. For a long trek like this, we recommend carrying a solar power bank. Likewise, the network is not stable along the trail.

Travel Insurance

Foreigners cannot join the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek without travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation and medical bills. Travel insurance with these two coverages are must. We need the insurance documents before the trek starts.

We use it in case of an emergency. Our team does its best to keep you safe during your trip with us in Nepal, however we cannot predict unseen situations. In case of emergency, a travel insurance with adequate coverage will provide you with a safety net to rely on.

The Best time to Embark on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking

The best time to go on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking is March to April and late September to November. Thorong La pass is open in these months, and the trail conditions are also best. The Himalayas have unpredictable weather throughout the year, however these months see more stable weather than June, July, August, December, January, and February.

So, trekkers mostly traverse the Annapurna Circuit between March to May and September to November. You will get to explore seasonal flowers and vegetation. The mountain views and landscapes are clear and stunning. Rivers, streams, and waterfalls are in the best state as well. Likewise, you may get to see some Nepalese festivals up close.


 

FAQs

 The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek falls under the toughest treks in Nepal. This trek is not for beginner trekkers until they are extremely fit. Trekkers are exposed to offbeat terrain, high altitude, and long trekking duration every day. So, we only recommend this trek to individuals who are in good shape and willing to push themselves.

No, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is not for beginners. Beginners can do these treks with us- Langtang Valley trek, Everest View trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Mohare Danda trek, Khopra Danda trek, etc.

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is way harder than the Everest Base Camp trek in every aspect. EBC trek is considered one of the beginner-friendly trekking programs in Nepal, but not the Annapurna Circuit.

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking is 100% worth doing for anyone. This trek offers beautiful nature, adventure, wilderness, lovely villages, stunning mountain landscapes, the jaw-dropping beauty of Tilicho Lake, a visit to the most important pilgrimage site in Nepal, natural hot springs, and whatnot. Trekkers are bound to love every bit of the journey

 Yes, you will need a sleeping bag for this trek that is rated around -6º or -10ºC. You can buy or rent a sleeping bag in Kathmandu.

No, Mt. Everest is not visible from the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trail. However, you will get to see the seventh, eighth, and tenth highest mountains in the world on this trek.

The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek package costs around USD 1,450 per person and can go up to USD 2,250 per person.

On the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek, you will walk approximately 160 to 200 kilometers. The total distance may differ as per your itinerary.

Yes, you will need a porter for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking. Doing this trek without a porter is even more challenging. You can navigate the trails much more safely and freely with porters as they carry the heavy duffel bags.

Yes, you can start the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek from Pokhara. To start the trek from Pokhara, get in touch with us.

Expert Consultation