Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal’s highest lakes in the world. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) above sea level inside the Annapurna Conservation Area in the Manang Valley. The Tilicho Lake is formed from the melting glaciers of the Tilicho Peak, Annapurna, and other surrounding peaks. It also plays an important role in the Hindu sculptures, as it is believed to be Kak Bhusundi Lake, as it is believed that the sage named Kak Bhusundi took the transformation of the crow and narrated the Ramayana to the Garud dev, who is the mount of Lord Vishnu, on the shores of the lake.
Due to the natural and spiritual belief that great sages and yogis in ancient times meditated near Tilicho Lake due to its remote and peaceful environment. After years and years, it is still a top destination for Hindu pilgrims and spiritual seekers who consider Tilicho Lake a sacred and purifying place, despite its difficult access.
The Tilicho Lake is located at a high altitude, making it difficult to reach by vehicle, due to which people need to trek for days and acclimatize before reaching here. It lies in the part of the Annapurna circuit trek due to which, if you are trekking in the Tilicho Lake, then you can also cross the Thorong La Pass, located at an altitude of 5416 meters.
You will need to trek via the remote terrain of the Manang district from Chame to Tilicho and trek back or cross the Thorong La Pass. You will be trekking through the lush green bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests along with the beautiful lush green hill views to the high-altitude desert and fully alpine meadow.
Every part of the trek will offer you something unique and make your trek a more adventurous and unique experience. You will be trekking via the small settlements of Gurung and managing people who are native here and also are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. You will be trekking via the water streams and rivers following you all around the trek. Upon reaching Tilicho base camp, you might need to trek via steep ascents and narrow paths leading you to the beautiful destination.
Tilicho Lake is known for its pristine and untouched beauty with clean, visible waters. From Tilicho Lake, you can witness many Himalayan ranges like Tilicho Peak (7,134 m / 23,406 ft), the Nilgiri Himal Range, Khangsar Kang (a.k.a. Roc Noir) – 7,485 m, Gangapurna (7,455 m / 24,457 ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m / 26,040 ft), Annapurna III, and Annapurna IV. These mighty ranges add beauty to the trek by offering breathtaking views and sunrise and sunset views.
Tilicho Lake is a peaceful place where you will feel peace and soak in nature. In peak times the lake might be a little crowded, but still, it offers a peaceful environment. You can visit Tilicho Lake Shoreline, the trail from Tilicho Base Camp, Viewpoint Ridge above the lake, and other viewpoints to witness the majestic ranges.
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Best time to visit Tilicho Lake
The best time to visit Tilicho is from September to November and February to May, as this is the peak season to visit Nepal. During this time, the flowers bloom, and the trees get new leaves; the weather is moderate, the days are longer, and everything seems fresh and new, making it the perfect time to visit. However, you can also visit Toilicho Lake in the winter months when the lake is completely frozen, which gives the experience of the snowy wonderland. If you are aware of the icy steps, snowfall, harsh weather, and extra gear requirements, you can do the trek in winter as well.
How to reach the Tilicho Lake?
If you are in Kathmandu, then you can rent a vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar or Chame itself and drive there. The drive from Kathmandu to Besishar will take around 8 hours, depending upon the road conditions via the lush green highways while exploring the local culture. However, if you want, you can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, rent a Jeep or Scorpio, and drive to Besisahar. The drive from Pokhara to Besisahar is around 4/5 hours.
After reaching Besisahar, you can start your trek from Besisahar to Chame, Chame to Pisang, Pisang to Manang, Manang to Khangsar, Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp, Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake, and return which is known as the Tilicho Lake trek package. If you want, you can also include your Tilicho Lake with the Annapurna Circuit, it is highly suggested as well, and you can cross the Thorong La Pass and visit Muktinath Temple and end your trek in Pokhara.
Accommodation in Tilicho Lake
Accommodation in Tilicho Lake is not available as it is at a very high altitude, due to which you will need to stay in Tilicho Base Camp and then trek to Tilicho Lake and return to the Tilicho Base Camp. The tea houses and accommodations in Tilicho are comfortable and it is the resting point before the visit. The tea houses have shared basic rooms, and some might provide attached bathrooms; some may not. They have common dining rooms. If you want, you can opt for the solo room, but you will need to book in advance.
Permits required for Tilicho Lake
Permits required for Tilicho are Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Both permits can be taken from the tourism board office in Kathmandu or in Besi Sahar. You will need the passport and the 2 passport-size photographs to obtain the permits. The permit is 30 USD per person. However, if you have taken the itinerary from the registered trekking agency, like us, we include the permits in our package.
Is Tilicho Lake the highest in the world?
No, Tilicho Lake was one of the highest lakes in the world. Later it was found that Kajin Sara Lake, in Chame, holds the record for the highest lake in the world, with 5200 meters in altitude.
Is the Tilicho Lake trek difficult?
No, Tilicho Lake is not difficult if you are prepared mentally and physically for the trek and follow the acclimation process during the trek. Read our blog on the topic, How to Trek in Higher Altitudes, for more details.
How to reach Tilicho from Pokhara?
You can reach Tilicho Lake from Pokhara by renting a vehicle from Pokhara to Besi Sahar to Chame and then starting your trek.
Which is the new highest lake in the world?
Kajin Sara Lake is the new highest lake in the world at an altitude of 5200 meters.
Which is the highest lake in Nepal?
Kajin Sara Lake is the highest lake in Nepal.
