Tilicho Lake Trek 4,949m: The Ultimate Side-Trip from Annapurna Circuit
Tilicho Lake trek is a journey to the world’s highest glacial lake, Tilicho, with an altitude of 4949 meters. Tlicho Lake is part of Annapurna Circuit Trek and one of the best additional hikes. Often trekkers do it when they are doing Annapurna circuit trek and most of the trekkers cross Thorong la pass after they do the Tilicho lake trek.
What to see on the Tilicho Lake trek?
There are a lot of things to see on the Tilicho Lake trek, which is more than you expect. Most of the trekkers don’t know that the Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) is the most rewarding trek trail on earth. What else do you expect if you add some more days to see the world’s highest-elevation glacial lake? The combination of the ACT and Tilicho Lake offers a vivid experience of lowland lifestyles and cultures alongside Highland lifestyles and cultures on the trek. The diverse landscapes from the beginning to the end of the trek make you wonder where you are. Towering peaks like Mt.Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt.Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt.Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt.Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and many other peaks are the things that you would see.
Tilicho lake
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest-elevation lakes in the world. The Tilicho Lake is elevated to a height of 4,949 meters, but some other sources say it is 4,919 Meters. Lake Tilicho, with an area of 1.853 mi², is just in front of Tilicho Peak. The way to Tilicho is amazing because you can see an amazing view of Mt Himlung and Mt Manaslu together with many other small peaks located on the border between the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. The Lake is filled with blue glacier waters, and there is no place where you can see the water discharge. Many hikers visit Tilicho Lake, which takes about 3-4 days from the Annapurna circuit trek, to see the Immense beauty of Tilicho Lake.
Why Tilicho Lake Trek?
- It offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna and Mt Manaslu range mountains with colourful landscapes among the trails.
- Trekkers can achieve an altitude of 4960 Meters which is really great to do the thorong la pass.
- You will see the officially highest lake in Nepal which is just in front of the Tilicho Peak.
- Local people and their cultures among the trails are other things that you will enjoy here.
- Annapurna II 7940 Meters, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, tilicho peak, Mt Manaslu 8153 Meters, Chulu east and west, Thorong peak, Mt Dhaulagiri 8,167 Meters and many other peaks you can see on this tilicho lake trek
Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu 1,350m (4,429ft)
We will pick you up from Kathmandu airport and transfer you to your hotel. Later, we will hold a comprehensive trip briefing and assist with trek preparation.
Day 02: Drive to Dharapani 1,900m (6,234ft)
Nepal Trek Hub will pick you up from your hotel to meet the team and begin the drive to Besisahar. The route to Besisahar follows a paved highway along the scenic Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, offering views of green hills, terraced fields, and river rafting spots. After stopping for lunch in Besisahar, we switch to a 4WD jeep for the off-road stretch to Dharapani, taking around 4-5 hours to reach the village.
Day 03: Dharapani to Chame 2,630m (8,629ft)
Today’s trail connects with the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, starting with a permit check at the checkpost. The walk is steady and comfortable. Passing through Timang, you will enjoy splendid views of the Manaslu Range and Mt. Manaslu itself. The trail then levels out through Thanchowk and Koto before arriving in Chame.
Koto serves as the entry point for the Nar Phu Valley Trek, a restricted hidden valley that rejoins the main circuit at Ngwal. In Chame, you can relax in the natural hot springs along the riverbank.
Day 04: Chame to Pisang 3,300m (10,827ft)
Clear views of Lamjung Himal greet you at the start of the day. The trek from Chame to Dhukur Pokhari is an enjoyable walk through dense pine and oak forests, passing one of Nepal’s largest commercial apple orchards at Breatang. During lunch at Dhukur Pokhari, you can take in panoramic views of Annapurna II and the massive curved rock wall of Paungda Danda before continuing to Pisang for an overnight stay.
Day 05: Lower Pisang to Manang via Gyaru 3,540m (11,614ft)
We strongly recommend taking the upper route via Gyaru for superior mountain panoramas. After crossing the river, a steep 1.5-hour climb leads up to Gyaru village. From this elevated viewpoint, you can take in breathtaking vistas of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
The trail then follows a scenic high contour through forests to Ngwal for lunch. Afterwards, the path descends back into the main valley floor, passing the ancient monastery village of Braga before arriving in Manang.
Day 06: Acclimatization Day in Manang 3,540m (11,614ft)
Today is dedicated to essential altitude acclimatization. To help your body adapt to higher elevations, your guide will arrange a day hike—either a steep side excursion to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal, 4,600m) for experienced trekkers or a shorter walk to Gangapurna Lake and the nearby viewpoint. In the afternoon, you can explore Manang village or attend the daily altitude safety lecture held by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA).
Day 07: Manang to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150m (13,615ft)
Leaving Manang near Tanki Manang, the trail branches off from the main Thorong La route. We take the lower path toward Khangsar, walking through pine woods and open pastures where yaks and blue sheep (Bharal) are frequently spotted. Beyond Shree Kharka, the terrain transitions into a dramatic landscape. The final stretch to Tilicho Base Camp traverses the famous landslide zone along narrow paths cut into steep, scree slopes, requiring steady footwork and caution regarding falling rocks.
Day 08: Tilicho Lake Excursion 4,949m & Return to Base Camp
We start very early in the morning to climb up to Tilicho Lake (4,949m) before mid-day winds pick up. The steep, switchbacking ascent offers sweeping views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and the surrounding peaks. Upon reaching the shore, you are greeted by the striking turquoise waters of one of the highest lakes in the world, backed by the immense Tilicho Peak wall.
After taking photos and enjoying the setting, we descend back to Tilicho Base Camp for an overnight stay, as continuing further late in the day carries increased risk from rockfall.
Day 09: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka 4,000m (13,123ft)
We depart early to pass through the landslide area safely. Upon reaching Shree Kharka, where the trail splits, we take the upper high route toward Yak Kharka. The path contours high above the Marshyangdi valley with undulating ups and downs, passing open alpine grazing lands populated by yaks and mountain sheep before reaching Yak Kharka for the night.
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp 4,850m (15,912ft)
The trail climbs gradually along the ridge from Yak Kharka toward Thorong Phedi (4,450m), passing through areas exposed to occasional rockfall where extra awareness is needed. After resting or having tea at Phedi, we begin the steep 1.5-hour ascent up glacial moraine to Thorong High Camp. Arriving early allows extra rest to prepare for the pass crossing early the following morning.
Day 11: Thorong High Camp to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass 5,416m
This is the most challenging day of the trip. We start between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM to beat the high-altitude winds near the pass. The trail climbs steadily up snowy and rocky moraine for about 3 hours until reaching Thorong La Pass (5,416m), marked by prayer flags and a small teahouse.
After celebrating at the top and enjoying views of the Mustang peaks, a long, steep descent of over 1,600 meters leads down to the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath for a well-earned rest.
Day 12: Muktinath to Pokhara 800m (2,625ft)
After visiting the Muktinath Temple in the morning, we take ground transportation (local bus or private jeep) down through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The route passes key Himalayan villages including Jomsom, Marpha, Kalopani, Ghasa, and Tatopani before connecting to Beni and continuing on to Pokhara.
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 1,350m (4,429ft)
In the morning, we take a tourist bus or private transport back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, enjoying final views of Nepal’s river valleys and hills. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu
According to your flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight home.
Tilicho Lake Trek cost
Tilicho Lake Trek costs/price 510$, 1050$ and 1160$ on Budget, Standard and Comfort prices schemes respectively. The costs we mentioned here are based on the plan that we have made here. The cost may be up and down with the transportation you want to use. trek cost also depends on the duration and mode of transportation. On this route, we have made a 16-day trek itinerary which ends at the Nayapul of Kaski. We have not put any transportation on the cost and provide this with the request of the Trekkers. For further cost information please let us know.
Group Discount costs
No of people | Price P.P |
|---|---|
| 1 Solo | US$ 999 |
| 2 – 3 | US$ 780 |
| 4 – 6 | US$ 760 |
| 7 – 9 | US$ 740 |
| 10 – 12 | US$ 700 |
Budget Price 510$ | Standard Price 770$ | Comfort Price 900$ |
|---|---|---|
IncludesGuide, Porter, ACCAP Permits, Agency charges and goverment service charge, Local TransportaionsExcludesFood and Accommodations, Transportations, Drinks, Tea, Coffee, Drinking water, Desert and all others which not in Includes above | IncludesGuide, Porter, ACCAP Permits, Food and Accommodations, Manaslu Special permits, MCCAP Permits, Agency charges and goverment service chargeExcludesAlchoholic Drinks, Tea, Coffee, Transportations, Drinking water, Desert and all others which not in Includes above | IncludesGuide, Porter, ACCAP Permits, Food and Accommodations, Tea, Coffee, Manaslu Special permits, MCCAP Permits, Agency charges and goverment service chargeExcludesAlchoholic Drinks, Transportations, Drinking water, Desert and all others which not in Includes above |
Quick Inquiry
Tilicho lake trek cost includes
- Airport Pick up and drop service
- Meals on full board: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day during the trekking days
- tea house basis trekking accommodation while on trekking days
- Fully escorted trek with fluent English speaking license holder local guide and each 2 guest 1 Porter basis
- ACCAP Permits
- Kathmandu to Beisisahar Local Bus
- Pokhara to Kathmandu tourist Bus transfer
- Duffle Bag for the use in trek
- All government taxes
- First Aid Box
- TIMS Permit
- Domestic airport pick up and drop off itinerary
- Food and accommodation and salary of Nepali trekking staffs
Cost excludes
- Any meal in Kathmandu
- Any kinds of battery charges, wifi charge, laundry service, phone calls and hot shower during the trekking.
- Personal trekking equipment and Clothing.
- Transportaion from Muktinath to Tatopani
- Transportaion from Hile to Pokahara
- Personal nature expenses, any drinks and bar bills.(tea, coffe, water, beer, alcohol, wine)
- Your travel insurance (it is mandatory in case of emergency).
- Any donation and monuments entrance fees.
- Tips for the crew (Note : TIPS is not compulsory but highly expected)
- Any other things which are not mentioned above
Tilicho lake trek map
There are so many types of Tilicho lake trek map which is attached with the Annapurna circuit trek map mostly. Tilicho is part of the Annapurna circuit and also known as a further hike destination. These maps are published by different publishers of Nepal. The map may be different, Some Tlicho lake trekking map has much information while others may have less. Which you can find on the time if you buy the map.
If you want to buy the map in Kathmandu there are the Himalayan Map, Nepal map house maps everywhere in Thamel, you can buy it from there. If you want to get the big scale with details map which cost is more than the normal map. You can choose as per your wish but make sure that the proper information you seek is on the map, Such as distance in KM, Time in Hours. We advise you to take the float-able map which can go anywhere in the bag or even in a pocket. We will give you a map as a complimentary service.
Tilicho lake trek facts
Trek Fact: | Tilicho Lake Trek Specifications |
|---|---|
| Location: | Manang District, Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), Nepal |
| Tilicho Lake Altitude: | 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) |
| Highest Sleeping Point: | Tilicho Base Camp at 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) |
| Trek Duration: | 3–4 additional days (as a detour from Manang) or 10–12 days (standalone trek) |
| Trek Distance: | Approx. 40–45 km (Round-trip detour from Manang Village) |
| Difficulty: | Strenuous / Challenging (Requires navigating landslide scree zones) |
| Key Highlights: | One of the world’s highest glacial lakes, Tilicho Peak (7,134m), Blue Sheep spotting |
| Best Time: | Autumn (September–November) & Spring (March–May) |
| Permits: | ACAP Permit and TIMS Card |
| Accommodation: | Tea House / Lodge trekking (Pre-booking Base Camp rooms recommended) |
Tilicho lake trek highlights
- World most popular trekking trails trek
- Excursions of villages like Tal, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manag. You will know the cultures and traditions of the local people around the area.
- Trek through the bank of the Marshyangdi river where you would see the most dramatic changes from beginning to end.
- Mountain views of Mountains like the Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Tilicho peak, Chulu east and west, and many other mountains around the trails.
- Trek to the World highest lake Tilicho which is elevated at the Altitude of 4949 Meters.
- Cross the Thorong la pass 5416 Meters to Arrive the Muktinath.
- Trek on the Lower Mustang of Nepal or ride a bus to Tatopani.
- Amazing trek to Ghorepani Poon hill to see the 360 Degree views of the Himalayas from where you can see Mt Annapurna 8,091 Meters and Mt Dhaulagiri 8,167 Meters from the same place.
- Sightseeing in Pokhara then back to kathmandu.
Best time to visit tilicho lake
Best time to visit/trek Tilicho lake is in October, November of the Autumn season, and March, April of the spring seasons. The Autumn season is the very best to trek and enjoys the Himalayas. Usually, the weather is very perfect in the Autumn season. The second best season is the Spring season. Like autumn, the weather generally remains very clear and the forest gets different kinds of flowers so you can enjoy the scenery and nature. See below on the picture and know which months suit you
Autumn season
It starts from the end of September and lasts till the first week of December. After the monsoon, the landscape is covered with green fields and different types of crops. Trekking in Nepal is very good during this time. Weather in autumn is perfect to do the hike/trek in Nepal Himalayas. Trekkers can see the crystal clear view of the tallest Himalayas for the whole day and there is less chance of the clouds and fogs. The visibility is really good in Autumn plus you will get the best temperature of the year for trekking that is the reason Autumn is the best season to do the trek in Nepal as Tilicho lake too.
Spring season
The second best season to trek in Nepal is the Spring season. The spring season starts from the beginning of March till the end of May. With suitable weather and clear visibility, you can enjoy the trek in Nepal Himalayas. The lower parts of the Himalayas get colorful flowers. You will be amazed to see the colorful rhododendron forests in front of the Himalayas. Trekkers will get the best view of the Himalayas and the very suitable weather. Trekkers can take maximum enjoyment if they do the Tilicho lake in the spring season.
3. Monsoon seasons
The monsoon season starts in June and lasts till September. Trekkers still do the trekking in the Monsoon season but there is no guarantee that they can enjoy it because of the rainfalls and clouds on the Himalayas. Landslides and floods are other problems that trekkers can face. We do not recommend trekkers to trek in the Monsoon season if they can postpone their trek.
4. Winter season
December, January, and February are the months that get very cold weather in Nepal. Snowfalls in the Himalayas are very common and often the mountains get covered with clouds. We do not recommend trekkers to trek to Tilicho Lake in the Winter season.
Tilicho lake trek difficulty
Tilicho lake trek with ACT is quite difficult to do. There are many reasons why trekkers should consider Tilicho Lake trek difficulty on the mind before they trek because it can be fetal too. The first reason is it is one of the Highest elevated lakes and the Thorong La pass also goes around 5416 Meters. Trekkers may feel altitude mountain sickness if they do not care about their health properly. With the experienced guide, you may reduce that chance of getting AMS. The second reason is the difficulty of trek trails and stone falling areas where stone falls a lot. The final reason is the weather uncertainty in the trek may cause heavy snowfalls and snowstorms which happened in 2014 where many people died because of the lack of knowledge. Many other reasons are there which makes the Tilicho lake trek quite a difficult trek.
Solutions and precautions for tilicho lake trek
Most of the trekkers may wonder how difficult is the Tilicho lake or Tilicho Lake trek difficulty then here are the things that you should know. Trekkers are required to walk around 6-7 hours each day on the mountain’s terrain at a high altitude around 4000 Meters to 5000 Meters. The trail is wider but full of ups and downs. You need to walk 15-18 KM per day which means the trek is not that easy to do. If you wish to do this trek you do not need to do pre-exercise before your arrival. When you start the trek, you will just be enough to do this trek. There are some technical trails where stone falls often. You should be very knowledgeable to avoid accidents or should go with an experienced guide.
Tilicho lake trek tips
For the trekkers, It is always good to have some knowledge/tips before commencing the trek. For such a high-altitude trek Tilicho Lake trek requires physical and mental preparations. For your preparations, we have given some tips for the Tilicho Lake trek.
Do not drive to Manag
Nowadays, there is a roadway up to the village of Manag. Manag is elevated at an altitude of 3500 Meters. For such a high altitude there is a risk of Altitude mountain sickness. There is an even greater chance of getting it if you gain altitude fast by driving to Manag, which is very risky in terms of Mountain sickness. The Altitude mountain sickness may be fetal too and you have to abort the trek so you should be careful. It is very wise to drive up to Dharapani or Maximum Chame for the safe trekking.
Hydrate yourself
Trekkers must be hydrate enough while trekking. Drinking enough water is beneficial to avoid the AMS. Due to the hard physical work, you need to hydrate a lot.
Pack warm and light clothes
Trekkers must pack light enough clothes for the trekking. It is better to avoid fancy dresses which may increase the weight of the rucksacks and not warm while wearing. You are advised to have down things and lightweight trousers and fleece.
Tilicho lake trek route
There are multiple routes to do the Tilicho Lake trek. The Tlicho lake trek route starts from the small village Manag. Before the Manag, there is an Annapurna circuit trekking trail route. Trekkers need to trek on the Annapurna circuit then trek to Tilicho Lake and finally need to back again in Annapurna circuit trekking trails Yak Kharka. Here are some Tilicho Lake trek routes.
Route | Details |
|---|---|
| Annapurna circuit, Tilicho Lake then to Thorong la pass route. | This is the normal and usual trek route to explore Tilicho Lake and most of the trekkers do it. It only needs a few more days on your Annapurna circuit trek. You can explore the beauty of Tilicho Lake including the massiv annapurna ranges if you follow this route. |
| Narphu Valley, Tilicho Lake then to Thorong la pass route. | This is another attractive but less crowded trek route as compared to the first one. The trek goes to the Nar Phu Valley which is a very unique and undiscovered trekking trail on Annapurna Regions. After finishing the Nar Phu Valley you will join the Annapurna circuit trekking trails and complete the tilicho lake before the final accent to the Thorong la pass. |
| Tilicho Lake trek short route. | Tilicho Lake short route starts from the Chame. Chame is accessible by a whole day driving from kathmandu. The next day you would trek to Manag then to Shreekharka. It is very suitable for the Nepali Hikers. You would need less than 1 week to complete this trek. |
Tilicho lake trek for Nepali Trekkers
Tilicho Lake trek is a prime destination for Nepali Trekkers. The Tilicho Lake trek can be done throughout the year for Nepali Trekkers. Still, it is very popular when there is a festival like Dashain and Tihar because the trek is absolutely gorgeous from many aspects, from scenery to temperature, and many other things.
For the Nepali Trekkers, the trek has one of the best destinations, and it can be done even in 4-5 days from Besisahar to Tilicho Lake, then back to Besisahar. The Jeep available from Besisahar to Manag, which is located at 3500 meters and be cautious of Altitude Mountain Sickness as well. Consider taking the medicine before you drive to Manag.
From Manang, the trek starts, and you can reach Tilicho Base Camp in just one day. You can see beautiful peaks and surroundings during the trek, and the next day, early in the morning, you can hike to Tilicho Lake, which takes about 6-7 hours ascent trails and spend some of the best time and enjoy around the world’s highest peaks.
Back to base camp and having lunch there, you can go back to Khangsar and stay overnight there before you take the jeep back to Besisahar, then to your own destinations.
You can also do the Thorong La Pass instead of driving back to Besishahar, too. If you want to cross the Thorong La Pass, then you need to have 2-3 days extra, and you will reach Muktinath. From Muktinath, 1 full day is needed to go to Pokhara. The road from Muktinath to Beni is very bumpy, and from Beni to Pokhara, the road is pretty good.
Tilicho lake trek cost/price for Nepali
Tilicho Lake trek cost for Nepali ranges from NPR24,000-NPR30,000 for a 4-5 day trek. The cost covers your food and accommodations, drinks for 4-5 days and a Jeep from Besisahar to Manag, then back to Besisahar from Khangsar. For the local Nepali trekkers, it takes a short time compared to the foreign trekkers. Nepali can start their trek from Manang to Tilicho Lake and return back or can do the Thorong La pass. Tilicho Lake trek cost for Nepali depends on the itinerary they choose. Here are two Tilicho Lake trek itineraries for Nepali, with estimated costs as follows.
- Day 01: Besi Sahar to Manang Drive with the Jeep.
- Day 02: Manang to Tilicho Lake base camp
- Day 03: Tilicho Lake base camp to Tilicho Lake then return to Khangsar
- Day 04: Khangsar to Besisahar drive by Jeep
Tilicho Lake from Manang and cross the Thororng la pass which ends at Muktinath
This is another itinerary which also crosses the Thorong La pass, that Nepali trekkers can do. With this, the Tilicho Lake trek cost for Nepali is NPR 34,000 More or less.
- Day 01: Besi Sahar to Manang Drive with the Jeep.
- Day 02: Manang to Tilicho Lake base camp
- Day 03: Tilicho Lake base camp to Tilicho Lake then return to Shree kharka
- Day 04: Shree Kharka to Thorong Phedi
- Day 05: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
- Day 06: Muktinath to Pokhara
Tilicho Lake Trek during Dashain Tihar Festival
During the Dashain and Tihar festivals, there will be a significant influx of local Nepali tourists as well as foreign tourists. So you may find it difficult to get rooms, and it is always better to book the room in advance, as there are phone networks available or even WIFI works all along the Tilicho trek routes.