Overview
Tilicho Lake Trekking is visit the world highest Altitude lake (4919m) with full of incredible view of breath-taking Himalayas, lush green hills, wide meadows, and traditional villages of the Buddhist
The adventurous Tilicho Lake Trek to the glistening lake Tilicho is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Located at an altitude of 4919m, the Tilicho lake will enchant you with its magnificent beauty. The mystical lake lies at the foot of the majestic Tilicho peak in the Manang District.
Along with its immaculate natural beauty, Tilicho lake also holds great religious significance. The lake attracts hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist devotees every year. The trail of this outstanding trek passes through the natural landscapes of the Annapurna region.
You will get to witness the extraordinary views of the high mountain valleys, and the dry, barren hills of the region. You can also observe the 360-degree panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Our journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar. We will start the trek from Chame towards Pisang on a scenic trail.
Moreover, the magical views of snow-capped mountains including Manaslu and Himal Chuli in the backdrop will spellbind you. The hiking route pass through various settlements as the climate changes from subtropical to Trans Himalayan. We will move along the trail arriving at Manang where we spend a day acclimatizing. We then continue our trek to Siri Kharka and finally arrive at Tilicho Base Camp.
From the Base Camp, we trek for a day to arrive at the mystical waters of Lake Tilicho. We acclimatize along the trail to avoid altitude sickness. We then trek back to Siri Kharka and then head to Manang. Our trek comes to an end in Manang as we drive back to Besisahar. Finally, we drive back to Kathmandu where our trip officially ends.
The exquisite beauty and the incredible hospitality of local people will make you fall in love with the place. Read on to know more about Tilicho Lake Treks and other relevant information in detail.
Highlights of the Tilicho Lake Trekking
- Observing the entire Annapurna Himalayan range, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), and Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
- Visiting and exploring the turquoise blue Tilicho lake (4,919m)
- Exploring the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Tibetan, Gurung and Magar community
- Observing the desert like hilly landscapes of Manang
- Passing by traditional settlements, and natural landscapes of the region
- Incredible hospitality of the Nepalese people
- Tasting the delicious local cuisine
Best time for Tilicho Lake Trekking
Tilicho Lake trek has unpredictable weather due to the high altitude conditions. Hence, you should trek in favorable seasons to avoid any potential risks and dangers. Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May) are the best time for Tilicho Lake Trekking.
Autumn (September-November)
The skies are clear with awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped mountains in Autumn. Similarly, there are many cultural festivals around the region as well. The stable weather conditions and favourable temperatures make it the ideal time for Tilicho Lake trek.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is another best time for trekking the Tilicho Lake. There are favorable temperatures for trekking in the daytime. Many wildlife animals come out of their hibernation during this season. You will get a great experience trekking in the natural beauty of the region.
Moreover, the monsoon season brings heavy rainfalls in the region. There are slippery and leech infested trails in the monsoon season. The temperatures drop to sub zero levels in the winter season. Hence, you should trek in Autumn and Spring for a great trekking experience.
Main Attractions of Tilicho Lake Trekking
Manang Valley with Surrounding Mountain Views
Manang Valley is one of the most picturesque destinations of the Tilicho Lake Trek route. It is located at an elevation of 3,540 meters. The landscape of Manang is unique. Here, you can see dry valleys and fascinating cliffs.
From Manang and its nearby viewpoints, you will get to see stunning views of some of the most beautiful peaks of the Annapurna region such as Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Annapurna III and Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak and Khangsar Kang.
These awe inspiring views of the snow clad peaks make Manang a notable highlight of the Tilicho Lake Trek. In addition to beautiful views, Manang also presents insights into the local culture. While exploring the valley, you can see stone-built houses, monasteries, prayer flags, and also get to observe Tibetan influenced culture.
Manang is also an important acclimatization point before traveling to higher altitudes. Trekkers stay here an additional day to undertake short hikes to either Gangapurna Lake, Chongkor Viewpoint, Praken Gompa or Ice Lake while enjoying beautiful views of the mountains. The wonderful scenery, varied options for short hikes and culture make Manang one of the main attractions of this trek.
Visit the World’s Highest Altitude Lake
Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) is one of the highest glacial lakes in the world. By exploring this lake, trekkers can feel the thrill of high altitude trekking and also admire the beautiful surrounding snow clad mountains. It is undoubtedly among the major attractions in the Annapurna area. The lake is surrounded by beautiful peaks such as Gangapurna, Nilgiri Himal, and Tilicho Peak.
In addition, the distant sights of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Annapurna IV can also be seen from the shores of Tilicho Lake. This lake rests amidst an incredible and tranquil environment that seems untouched and isolated.
Tilicho Lake is also considered a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindus consider it the holy lake of Kak Bhusundi mentioned in the Ramayana, while Buddhists believe this lake is the sacred site where Saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated.
Visit Local Villages Upper Pisang and Khangsar and Shri Kharka Village
During the Tilicho Lake trek, you will get to explore beautiful villages of the Annapurna region, which include Upper Pisang, Khagsar and Shri Kharka.
The Upper Pisang village is situated at 3,300 meters in the Annapurna region. From this village the magnificent views of Annapurna II and other surrounding mountains can be seen. It is also known for traditional stone houses, an ancient monastery, a peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality of the riendly locals.
The Khangsar Village (3,756 m) is a remote traditional village that lies on a scenic trekking path that leads toward Tilicho Lake. Here, trekkers will get a chance to witness panoramic views of the valley as well as Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna. In addition, they can also experience a peaceful environment and observe the traditional way of life in the Himalayas.
Siri Kharka (4,060 m) lies within the Manang District of Nepal along the Tilicho Lake route. The village features beautiful mountain terrain, sharp ridges, and alpine meadows. It stands out as one of the most memorable and serene spots for trekkers heading to Tilicho Lake. From this village, you can see beautiful open valleys, ridges, cliffs and awe inspring Annapurna massifs.
Tilicho Lake Trekking Difficulties
The Tilicho Lake trek is a moderate to challenging journey. It requires adequate fitness, acclimatization and determination. This trek does not require any technical expertise but the trekkers need to traverse the tough and high altitude terrain in order to reach the lake.
The lake’s elevation is 4,919 meters. At such an altitude, there is a probability of altitude sickness if trekkers are not acclimatized. In addition, the long trekking hours and changing weather conditions can also add to the challenge. The route from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp goes through a very narrow portion that is prone to landslides, requiring caution.
Like every other high altitude journey, this trek also presents notable challenges like thin air, long hiking days, rugged path terrain, quick weather changes, and altitude sickness. But with proper precautions and right preparation, most of the trekkers can successfully conclude the journey.
Tilicho Lake Routes and Trails
A standard Tilicho Lake Trek starts with a road journey from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar. From there, it follows the classic Annapurna Circuit route that includes stops at Pisang and Manang, and an extra day for acclimatization in Manang to get used to the altitude.
Moving further from Manang, the trek takes you towards Siri Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp. The next morning, you will undertake a steep hike in order to reach Tilicho Lake. Afterwards, you will come back to Manang passing through Siri Kharka.
You will stay overnight in Manang and undertake the road journey to Besisahar, stay for the night and enjoy another road trip to Kathmandu on the next morning.
The second option for travelers who can dedicate more time is combining the Tilicho Lake with the Annapurna Circuit Trek. They can explore Tilicho Lake first and continue to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi before crossing the Thorong La Pass.
For those who prefer adventure and want something challenging then they may opt for the Nar Phu Valley Tilicho Lake Thorong La trek. This less crowded route lets trekkers explore the remote Nar and Phu villages. Afterwards, they can join Annapurna Circuit trail, visit Tilicho Lake and cross the famous Thorong La Pass.
Tilicho Lake Trek Cost & Package
The Tilicho Lake Trek cost starts from US$ 950 per person. At Adventure Great Himalaya Treks & Expedition, we have designed a 12 day Tilicho Lake trek package including all major highlights of the region. This 12 day trek package covers all the services that are necessary for a smooth journey in the serene Annapurna Region.
The package includes the cost of ground transportation, accommodation in Kathmandu and on the trekking trail, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), all needed permits, and support of an experienced trekking guide and porters, guaranteeing a secure, comfortable and organized trekking journey in the Himalayas.
We provide an adventure certificate after our clients successfully complete the Tilicho Lake trek. All government taxes and services are also covered by the trek package. We recommend you to book the package early in peak seasons, so that we cans secure the best available accommodation for you.
Meals & Accommodation Available
The accommodation and food options during the Tilicho Lake Trek are quite basic, but well-maintained, where trekkers can stay comfortably. At different stops after a long day of trekking, you will stay in teahouses that offer you simple twin rooms with a bed, pillow, and blanket.
Rooms at most of the teahouses especilly at high altitude areas, are generally not heated. So, it is wise to take a sleeping bag along as you ascend. In popular villages like Manang, can get to stay at more comfortable accommodation with attached bathrooms but facilities become simpler as you move to higher sections near Tilicho Base Camp.
Meals served along the route are freshly prepared and focused on providing you with the energy required for long hikes ahead of you. The majority of people prefer dal bhat as it is filling and nutrient-rich.
Other popular food options include noodles, veggie soup, Tibetan bread, fried noodles, potatoes, pancakes, momo, porridge, sandwich, toast, eggs and pizza. Hot drinks include tea, coffee, and ginger lemon tea, which is quite common in teahouses of Nepal.
Although the facilities are basic at higher sections, they are quite reliable and offer everything that is needed for successful trekking in the Himalayas.
Tilicho Lake Trekking Distance
The total distance covered during the trekking portion of the Tilicho Lake is around 71 kilometers. It covers some of the most beautiful areas of the Annapurna region. The hike begins from Chame, passes through Pisang, Manang, Siri Kharka, Tilicho Base Camp, and finally takes trekkers to Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m.
The distance trekkers cover on the return journey from Siri Kharka to Manang is also included in the total distance of the trek. The total distance covered by the driving section from and to the trailhead is about 511 km. It involves the lengthy road journey to Chame from Kathmandu via Besisahar and the drive back to Besisahar from Manang and finally to Kathmandu.
7 days are allocated for the journey on foot and 3 days for road travel, maintaining a good balance between trekking adventures and overland trips.
Tilicho Lake Trekking Booking
You can book the Tilicho Lake Trek package dirfecty on our official website. You may also reserve the package by emailing us at info@adventuregreathimalaya.com or aghtrek@gmail.com. To secure your booking, you need to send us a filled-out booking form, 20% payment of the entire cost of the trek along with your passport copy via email.
The rest of the amount can be settled in cash (USD or Nepalese Rupees) at our office prior to your departure. For more information, you can call us on +977-9841273869, 977-1-4701262, +977-1-4701263. Likewise, you may reach out by sending a text through WhatsApp or Viber at +977-9841273869.
Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary
Cost Include / Exclude
What’s include
- Airport/ Hotel/ Airport Transportation
- Two Nights Standard Hotel in Kathmandu including Breakfast.
- Meals during the Trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) including Tea / Coffee
- All Permit and Company necessary paper works
- Transportation by 4*4 Wheel Jeep from Kathmandu to Chame and Manang to Beshishar / Kathmandu.
- All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
- An experienced, helpful, friendly and English speaking Trekking guide , everything for him like his
- Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance.
- One Trekking porter between 2 guest. their food, accommodation and well paid salary.
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Trekking equipment: Sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag and walking stick, if necessary.
- Adventure Certificate.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- All government taxes.
- Service charge.
What’s excluded
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal Travel insurance. Emergency rescue Evacuation
- Lunch Dinner in Kathmandu
- All the bar bills like coke, beer, bottle of water, hot water etc.
- Tips for the guide and porter.
Packing List
Gear
- Sleeping bag
- Day pack
- Duffel bag
- Trekking pole
- Flashlights
Clothing
- Sun Hats
- Scarf
- Trekking t-shirts
- Wind proof jackets
- Flexibles pants
- Undergarments
- Gloves
- Down jackets
- Beanies
- Shorts
- Sweaters
- Fleece jacket
- Rain jackets
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Flipflops
- Slippers
- Socks
- Trekking sandals
Personal hygiene items to carry
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mirror
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Wet wipes
- Dental floss
- Hand sanitizer
- Sun screen
- Moisturizer
- Towel
- Comb
- Hair ties and clips
- Menstural Hygiene products for women trekkers
- First aid kit and basic medicines
Other items
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Power bank
- Solar charger
- Ear plugs
- Dry Bags
- Map
Documents
- Passport
- Cash
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Permits
- Passport-size photographs