Duration
11 days
Max. Elevation
4916m
Group size
2+ Above
Tilicho Lake Trek is best renowned for being the lake located at the highest altitude in the world. This heavenly place is situated in the Manang district of Nepal, below the lap of the Annapurna range. Tilicho Lake can be believed as a pin attraction for the Annapurna Circuit trek, located at the height of 4919 meters.
This magnificent lake is formed out of the glacial activity of Tilicho peak and is famous among many Hindu pilgrims as it has huge importance from a religious point too. According to the Hindu holy book Ramayana, Tilicho Lake is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake. It is believed near this lake sage Kak Bhusundi first told the happenings of Ramayana to the King of birds, Garuda.
Tilicho Lake trek offers you 360 degrees of the Annapurna circuit range including the giant Annapurna peak, Muktinath peak, Khangsar peak, and Nilgiri and Tilicho peak including a variety of cultural diversity.
Tilicho Lake Trek's starting point is Besisahar a small city located in the central part of Nepal on the bay of Marsyangi River Valley. From Besisahar you would be blessed with a mesmerizing view of Himal Chuli and Manaslu Himal.
On the way to Tilicho Lake, you will get the opportunity to see wild animals and birds, Blue Sheep and Himalayan Thar are among the common animals that you can see during your trek. Feel lucky if you got a glimpse of the Snow leopard, which is very rare to less than 10,000 mature individuals in number.
After conquering Tilicho Lake, you can go beyond Mesokanta La Pass which ends at Jomsom or can get back to Yak Kharka for another route via Thorang La Pass which also ends in the Himalayan city Jomson. Thorong La Pass is located at the height of 5416 and is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit. Trekking on this route will give you the experience of greenery vegetation harsh semi-desert to finally highest trekking passes in the world.
If you don't take good care of your health, hikers may feel like a mountain six. With an experienced guide, you can reduce the chances of getting AMS. The second reason is the difficulty of the trek trail and the place where a lot of rocks fall.
The final reason is that the uncertainty of the weather on the trek could lead to heavy snowfall and snowfall which happened in 2014 when many people died due to a lack of knowledge. There are many other reasons why trekking to Lake Tilicho is so difficult.
Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksacks covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you on trekking.
Important Note
Day
1On arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport via various international airlines, received our guide and staff for a short transfer to the heart of Kathmandu city.
Where is your hotel located, after checking into your rooms, and then meeting other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for a briefing? The briefing includes important information regarding Tilicho Lake Trek, to make your holiday in Nepal more enjoyable.
The evening group welcomes dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to the culture of Nepal with folk dance and music.
Meals: Breakfast, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu, Distance: 5 kilometers From Airport to Thamel
Day
2In the morning get breakfast and leave the hotel room for sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley, you can travel on a local bus/ taxi/ hotel vehicle.
Here in Kathmandu, the remarkable place to visit is Pashupatinath Temple (the center of attraction for Hindus around the world), Swyambhunath Temple (pilgrimage for Buddist), and Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath, Lalitpur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
There are other places around Kathmandu to visit that are enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage sites are Changunarayan Temple and Budanilkantha Temple. If you are staying in Thamel, you can take a look around Narayanhiti Palace (Palace of Shah Dynasty Kings) and the famous Garden of Dreams.
Meals: Breakfast, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu
Day
3Get a private vehicle or tourist bus; you can get a direct bus to Besisahar from Kathmandu. You will have about a 6-hour drive to reach Besi Sahar. After having lunch at Besi Sahar, take a jeep which takes you to Chame after a drive of around 5 hours.
In this ride, you will travel on the left side of the Marsyangdi River, and at the top, you will get a glimpse of snow-capped mountains.
You have to cross the small village of Syange, Dharapani before getting to Chame, which is also the starting place of the Manage district. Stay overnight at Chame which is located at a height of 2603 meters. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Chame, Distance: 249.9 Kilometers
Day
4You can have a very fine view of Annapurna Mountain in the early morning. After having breakfast, get a jeep to Manag, a drive of around 6 hours will let you to Manang. Stay hydrated to get rid of altitude sickness. In Manang, you find a luxury hotel, or you may stay in a camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Manang, Distance: 31.9 Kilometers
Day
5As you are at a height of about 3500 meters, stay hydrated to get rid of altitude sickness. Manang is a small village, also popularly known as the village beyond the mountains. Here in Manang, you will find, traditional stone buildings. From here you will get a close view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna mountains.
During a stay here, visit Kicho Lake also known as Ice Lake, according to myth it is believed in this lake several miracles have been seen. Other places you can visit are Kicho Lake also known as Ice Lake, Khangsur Village, and Milare Cave.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Manang, Distance: 3-4 Kilometers
Day
6Departure from Manang village, you have to pass over Jharsings Khola through a suspension bridge. The higher you move, the trail appears close to us.
A walk of around four hours will take you to Khangsar village from where a wider view of the Himalayas opens to you. Here you will find Mani Walls, Chorten, and a few Monastery. Stay hydrated to get rid of altitude sickness, and stay at a camp or hotel in Khangsar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Khangsar village, Distance: 6.5 Kilometers
Day
7Start the trek with breakfast, and move as soon as possible from Khangsar Village you will pass through chortens and Gompa. You will have a dangerous steep landslide area which you have to cross before noon, an afternoon there is the chance of huge wind.
You will cross the landslide area after a walk of an hour. And after a series of zigzags ups and down you will get to Tilicho Base Camp. Here are a few hotels, so it will be better to book a hotel on the previous day before being at Tilicho Base Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Tilicho Base Camp, Distance: 6.6 Kilometers
Day
8This toughest day on the whole trek so gets ready for a long day trek. Get breakfast and move as soon as possible before 5 am so that you can catch a wonderful sunrise view. Tilicho base camp elevates you to the height of 1000 meters before getting to the lake, so stay hydrated.
This day offers you a top-class top view of Gangarpurna, Khangsar Kang, and Tarkeghyand. After a trek of around 5 hours you will get to Tilicho Lake, it is the lake located at the highest point above sea level at the height of 4919 meters.
Lake is fully frozen from December to March and appears frozen solid white. In October the Lake is seen as deep blue reflecting the surrounding peaks. Get back to Tilicho Base camp and stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Tilicho Base camp, Distance: 6.3 Kilometers
Day
9While returning from Tilicho base camp, you will have smooth down ways to Manang, it will be easy for you to trek. Be on time as you have to cross the Landslide area before noon.
On the way, you will get pedestrians moving for Tilicho Lake, you will be encountered lots of questions from those people. After a walk of around four hours, you will get to Manang Village. Stay overnight at Manang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Siri Kharka, Distance: 14.2 Kilometers
Day
10today early morning take your breakfast with the mountain scenic after breakfast Get a jeep from Manang which will lead you to Besisahar. It will take you around 7 hours from Manang to Besisahar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Guesthouse Besisahar, Distance: 97.6 Kilometers
Day
11You can get to Kathmandu after a drive of around four hours, you can depart on the same day or stay overnight in Kathmandu having a chilled beer at local pubs at Thamel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and farewell Dinner, Accommodation: Three-star category hotel in Kathmandu, Distance: 186.9 Kilometers
Day
12On your last day in Nepal, enjoy a memorable adventure and experience on Annapurna Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill Trek, as time for your international flight our staff transfer you to the airport for homeward bound.
We trust you made some incredible memories with us. Thank you, and have a safe journey home.
Meal: Breakfast Included.
| Start Date | End Date | Offer Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th Mar, 2023 | 21st Mar, 2023 |
USD 735 |
Guarenteed | Book now |
| 21st Mar, 2023 | 31st Mar, 2023 |
USD 735 |
Guarenteed | Book now |
| 8th Apr, 2023 | 18th Apr, 2023 |
USD 735 |
Guarenteed | Book now |
| 20th Apr, 2023 | 30th Apr, 2023 |
USD 735 |
Guarenteed | Book now |
| 7th May, 2023 | 17th May, 2023 |
USD 735 |
Guarenteed | Book now |
| 21st May, 2023 | 31st May, 2023 |
USD 735 |
Guarenteed | Book now |
| 4th Jun, 2023 | 14th Jun, 2023 |
USD 735 |
Guarenteed | Book now |
The trek starts with a gradual climb with some easy sections of gradual walks, it is not overall difficult, except some days with short steep-ups. Once around Manang valley, the walk is pleasant as well on route to Tilicho Lake.
The only tough and hard is the high altitude where a walk takes you above 3,000 and 4,000 m high. But taking slow with rest in between will overcome the difficulties as well as having enough rest days for acclimatization at certain heights.
Starts with a gentle up with some level winding path but an interesting walk from one village to another, where you can stop with chances to witness local life and culture. As you reach higher with a short climb towards scenic Manang valley, where the trail is easy with slow short up. The trail all along Tilicho Lake is well defined as the local villagers maintain the path every season of the year. Walk lead to climbing downhill all the way to Tilicho Lake, were few areas with narrow paths but safe for walking.
It is important to obtain Travel and Medical Insurance before leaving for the trek to Nepal for any treks around the Himalayas. Where anyone can get sick or unseen accidents, for safety precaution one needs to purchase Medical and Travel Insurance.
All along the trek, the lodge accommodation is nice and cozy with twin sharing rooms having twin beds. In larger villages one can find a choice of standard, budget to luxury lodges and Inns, only remote temporary settlements away from main villages. Where lodges are simple and basic, but clean with nice rooms but most places have common bath and toilets, due to high cold terrain.
Foods are of good quality, where small lodges have limited food menu bigger villages with nice lodges provides a long list of food menu. Where one can choose from set meals to La Carte, from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Mexican, Tibetan and Nepalese. Some lodge restaurants have fresh bakeries also, all meals are cooked safely and hygienic.
Nearly all lodges on routes do have hydroelectricity power whereas remote areas have solar power, where all can re-charge electronic items where one has to pay fees for per item an hour basis. The price differs from one place to another for charging your gadgets.
The best time is in spring from March to May, days are longer with sun-light hours with fine days for pleasant walk and views of high snow peaks. The other time is autumn, from September to November months most days are clear and fine but cold morning and nighttime. Chances of snow sometimes on higher areas but days are fine with the clear starry night sky.
Tilicho Lake is located around Manang district within North Mid-West Nepal Himalaya of Gandaki Province.
The area on route Manang and Tilicho Lake, facing spectacular scenery of beautiful country landscapes with breathtaking views of Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar Himalaya range of peaks. The villages on route enriched with the immense culture of age-old heritage, visiting the monastery of great religious interest.
Walking uphill and overlooking grand dramatic views of grand Himalayan peaks on daily walks, enchanting forest with scenic views of rolling hills and valleys.
