The Tilicho Lake trek takes you to the heart of the Himalayas at an altitude of 4919 meters above sea level, making it extremely beautiful and adventurous. Tilicho Lake was one of the highest lakes located at such altitude before 2019 after the Kyanjin Sara Lake was founded in the Manang district of Nepal at an altitude of 5200 meter
| Day | Acitivity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1398M) |
| Day 2 | Early morning Drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2650M) |
| Day 3 | Trek from Chame to Pisang (3250M) |
| Day 4 | Trek from Pisang to Manang (3519M) |
| Day 5 | Exploration day at Manang (3518M) |
| Day 6 | Drive from Manang to Khangsar and trek to Tilicho base camp. (3900M) |
| Day 7 | Trek from Tilicho base camp to Tilicho Lake and trek down to Khangsar (4919M) |
| Day 8 | Drive from Khangsar to Kathmandu (1400M) |
| Day 9 | Departure |
Tilicho Lake is formed by the melting glaciers of the surrounding peaks. It gives the pristine beauty of the untouched and adventurous spot. It also plays a significant role in Buddhism and Hinduism, as it is believed to be the sacred Kak Bhusundi Lake, as Kak Bhusundi narrated the story of Ramayan to the Garud Dev, who was the king of the birds and was also the mount (vahana) of Lord Bishnu, who is the protector of the world.
The Tilicho Lake Trek is a beautiful trekking destination known for its magnificent views of the lake and mountain views. You can witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the peaks like Tilicho Peak (7,134 m / 23,406 ft), Nilgiri Himal (7,061 m / 23,166 ft), Khangsar Kang (a.k.a. Tilicho Himal South Face), Gangapurna (7,455 m / 24,457 ft), Annapurna Range (Annapurna II, III, IV), and other surrounding peaks. There are viewpoints during the trail from where you can witness the beautiful views of the mountains.
During the trek, you will be passing through the Gurung and Magar villages that are inhabited by the Annapurna region. They are known for their warm welcome and friendly behavior. Along the way, you will be passing via the wooden crossing bridges, newly built swinging bridges, river crossings, water streams, waterfalls, rivers, and the traditional stone houses situated away in the middle of the tropical forests and the alpine meadow. As you will be trekking, you will feel the peaceful vibe of the environment.
When passing through the lush green forests, you will be witnessing the flora and fauna that are specialized to the region. You will be trekking through the rhododendron, oak, and pine forests where you can witness animals and birds. You can also spot wild animals like bears, pandas, tigers, and snow leopards in the higher altitudes.
When you start your trek from Chame, you will see everyone was lush green forests and Gurung villages, and there are trekkers all over the place, but as you ascend, the temperature becomes colder, the trails become steep, the air becomes thin, the forests end, and alpine meadows start, which offers the beautiful sunrise and sunset over the umlauts.
There are many reasons why you should do the Tilicho Lake trek, as it is one of the highest lakes in the world after Kyanjin Sara. The Manang district is known as a dream destination for locals and visitors from all over the world. You will witness the beautiful mountain views of the Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri. The trek to Tilicho Lake is adventurous and off the beaten path, making it the perfect place for trekking here. If you want to cross one of the highest passes, like the Larkya La Pass in the Manaslu Circuit or the Thorong La Pass in the Annapurna Circuit, you can combine that as well. It’s the best place to test your physical and mental health. You will be walking via authentic villages like Manang, Khangsar, and Shree Kharka. You will be visiting one of the sacred places in Nepal. The Tilicho Lake is considered the sacred lake in Buddhism and Hinduism. It’s the perfect place for peaceful solitude, which connects you to nature by taking you away from the city. It is the best destination that is accessible yet offers the experience of the wild.
The best time to visit Tilicho Lake is during the months of spring and autumn. During this time everything seems perfect and awesome to witness and explore. During this time, the weather favors the trekkers, as the skies are clear, the temperature is warm, and the days are long. Let's discuss this in detail:
Spring (March to May) is the best time to do the Tilicho Lake trek. During the month of the spring, the temperatures are mild and stable. The trees get their fresh leaves after the winter, and the flowers, like rhododendrons, bloom all over the hills, making it the perfect view of the hills with a combination of green and red. The Himalayan peaks are visible due to the clear skies. In the nighttime, you can also witness the visible stars. The daytime temperature is 10°C to 15°C, which is perfect for trekking. There is no risk of snowfall, and wild animals can be seen during the trek as well. s
Autumn (September to November) is another best season to do the Tilicho Lake trek. The weather is crisp, dry, and stable after the monsoon. The hills can be seen fresh as, due to the heavy rainfall in Monson, the leaves and dirt are washed away and the path looks fresh and aromatic. The sky is clear, giving unobstructed views of the beautiful mountain views. The day temperature is 5°C to 10°C, which is stable for trekking, and the days are long, allowing you to witness the place in more time, and you can spend more time in a day in nature.
Monsoon (June to August) is the month of the monsoon. During this time, the mornings and evenings are cold, and the country faces water showers for weeks and days nonstop, making it extremely difficult to travel to any place. The trails are muddy, and the water stream overflows, which can result in a flood and landslide due to which the teahouses and the paths may be damaged, which may risk the lives of the trekkers. Your starting may be different.
Winter, December to February, is another season when it is not suggested to trek. As during the month of the winter, the Tilicho Lake is frozen and the trails are covered with the dense snow, making it extremely difficult to trek. The tea houses can also be closed if there is heavy snowfall in the mountain region. The nights and days are colder, the trails are slippery, and there is always a risk of AMS.
The difficulty level of the Tilicho Lake trek is moderate to hard, which will depend upon your previous hiking and trekking experiences and your mental and physical health as well. You will be trekking to the highest altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 ft) above sea level. As the Tilicho lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, you need good fitness. Your trek will start from Chame, a beautiful lush green village in the Manang district. After that, you will be trekking via the forests and alpine meadows. You will be trekking via the landslide-prone area and the stairs are made for the trekkers' safety. You will be having ascents and descents during your trek, and the path may be slippery sometimes. Each day you will be walking for 6 to 8 hours according to your pace.
There are 2 permits required for the Tilicho Lake trek, which are the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS), which can be obtained in the Torus Board office of Kathmandu Thamel, or they can also be purchased from the trekking agencies that sell the silica lake trek package. The ACAP permit is used for the conservation of the Annapurna region, and the TIMS card is used for keeping track of the trekkers and their safety. The cost for the permits is 30 USD, and you will need a passport to obtain the permits.
Packing properly and adequately is very important for trekking in Tilicho Lake. As Tilicho Lake is situated at the highest altitude of 4919 m, you will need to pack everything properly. The packing list is
Namaste and welcome to Nepal's capital city "Kathmandu." Your arrival will be at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team members will be waiting for you in the arrivals section. Upon arrival, we will drive to Thamel, Nepal's tourism hub for national and international cuisines. Restaurants, star-to-normal hotels, traditional handicrafts, and busy streets provide hikers with the most calm surroundings. When you arrive at the hotel, you will relax and spend the evening at one of the traditional cuisine restaurants for a warm welcome supper.
| Food | Welcome dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 3 Star Hotel |
| Elevation | 1398 |
After a hearty breakfast, we will gather at the hotel lobby to pack the bags and place them on top of the car we will be taking to travel to Chame. Following that, we travel to Chame, a picturesque village in the Annapurna region that is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city and serves as the beginning point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The distance between Kathmandu and Chame is 238 km, which may be traveled in 6 to 8 hours depending on road conditions. We will pass through lovely spots along the journey, like Dhading, Mugling, Dumre, Besisahar, and many more. We'll eat lunch on the way and enjoy the drive.
| Food | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 2650 |
Early in the morning, we will meet our guide and porter, who will accompany us on the trek. Following that, we will have breakfast and proceed to our next stop, Pisang. The distance between Chame and Pisang is 13 kilometers, which can be covered in 5-6 hours. It may need a bit more time to rest and stroll at a steady pace. We'll eat lunch and rest along the way before continuing our adventure. We shall ascend through the Marshyangdi River. On the route, we will see the stunning Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. On the route, we'll pass by the Paungda Danda, which the people believe is the gateway to heaven. There are two settlements in Pisang: lower Pisang and upper Pisang. We will trek to upper Pisang and relax for the day.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 3250 |
After meeting in the lobby and hearing the day's brief, we'll have breakfast, pack our luggage, and proceed to Manang, our next stop. The distance between Pisang and Manang is 17 kilometers, which takes 7/9 hours to cover. So we'll be prepared and begin our journey. Manang is one of the top locations to visit in Nepal. There are two main routes from Pisang to Manang: the lower and upper routes. The top route is longer and more difficult, but it provides trekkers with breathtaking panoramic vistas and a deeper understanding of Tibetan-influenced mountain culture. We will choose a route based on your decision.
On the way, we'll stop by Barga, a stunning monastery that's almost 500 years old. When you arrive at Manang, you will feel as if you have entered a traditional city nestled in the mountains. Manang has bakeries, internet cafés, gear shops, and even a Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) facility. When we arrive, we'll check into our tea houses and relax. In the evening, we will take a trip to the Manang Valley and enjoy nature.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 3519 |
After two days of trekking, we will acclimate to the picturesque Manang village, which is 3550 meters above sea level. Because higher elevations require more acclimatization and healing, today will be spent leisurely and as a buffer. We will spend the entire day visiting the Manang Valley, chitchatting with the villagers, and enjoying the cool breeze from the neighboring hills. We'll visit Bhojo or Praken Gompa, hike to Ice Lake, and explore Manang Village. We will travel through traditional homes, prayer wheels, mani walls, and local tea places.
We will Visit the Braga Monastery, the region's oldest monastery, which is carved into the cliffside and houses antique statues and treasures. We will also attend an altitude lecture presented by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). If you wish, we can explore Gangapurna Lake, which is only an hour's climb from Manang Valley, or you can relax in Manang and enjoy the scenery, watch movies in the movie hall, or eat some bakery items in German bakeries. You can also buy last-minute hiking equipment.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Guest House |
| Elevation | 3518 |
Early in the morning, we will drive to Khangsar. The distance between Manang and Khangsar is 10 to 12 km, depending upon the road conditions, which can be reached in 2/3 hours. We will be passing through beautiful villages like Letdar and Gyabrag. We will be driving along the Marshyangdi River, and upon reaching Khangsar, we will get our bags and then start our trek to Tilicho base camp. As we will be having a whole day during the trek, we will utilize trekking to base camp. The Tilicho base camp is the final rest stop before exploring Tilicho Lake. Tilicho base camp is the only spot where we can acclimatize and finish our Tilicho Lake trek. We will be passing through unusual alpine vegetation and possibly observing mountain birds in the skies.
The trail is marked with small prayer flags and chortens, giving it a spiritual atmosphere. The route offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, including the Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri peaks. The base camp offers nice lodgings, stunning landscapes, breathtaking mountain views, and a tranquil environment. Upon reaching the base camp, we will relax and immerse ourselves in the peaceful environment of the base camp and interact with the local people and fellow trekkers as well.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 3900 |
We will get up before 3 a.m., put our gear, headlights, and important items into the daypack, and begin our trek. We'll keep our breakfast in the bag and eat it when we reach the Tilicho lake. We'll need to be careful walking at 3 a.m. before daylight because the trail will be dark. On the way, we'll see the stars shining and making the sky look perfect. We will be trekking through snow trails, so please walk safely. We will arrive at Tilicho Lake within 5 hours of starting the trek. On the way, we'll be trekking through a place called 7 Ghumti, which means you'll be walking in the same spot seven times, crossing one hill. When we stand at the edge of Tilicho Lake, we are overcome by a deep sensation of wonder and calm
The crystal-clear turquoise lake spreads before us like a big mirror, perfectly reflecting the majestic snow-capped hills that surround this hidden Himalayan gem. The air is thin and crisp, with a profound calm that feels almost sacred, punctuated only by the whisper of the mountain breeze and distant calls of alpine birds. At over 5,000 meters, every breath is precious, and the faraway beauty surrounding us makes us feel both insignificant and deeply linked to nature. The glistening lake, changing colors in the sunlight, encourages us to halt, ponder, and absorb this unique moment of peace and grandeur, which will stay with us long after we have left.
If you want to cross the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5416 meters, we will rise to the pass, cross it, visit the Muktinath temple, and drive back to Pokhara.
However, if you only want to visit the Tilicho lake and return, we will trek down to Khangsar from the base camp. You'll be familiar with everything as we walk down. You'll observe trekkers ascending and descending the routes. When we get to Khangsar, we will meet the locals, interact with them, and enjoy ourselves.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 4919 |
After breakfast, we'll drive to Kathmandu. The travel from Khangsar to Kathmandu is around 185 to 200 kilometers and takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Beginning in the quiet alpine hamlet ofKhangsar, the route descends along the magnificent Marsyangdi River valley, passing through charming villages such as Dharapani and Besisahar, where the view changes from harsh Himalayan peaks to lush green hills and terraced farmlands.
The journey continues from Besisahar via the Prithvi Highway, which winds alongside the Trishuli River and passes through bustling cities like Mugling and Trishuli, providing breathtaking riverfront vistas. As we approach Kathmandu Valley, the terrain changes into a bustling metropolitan environment with colorful marketplaces and lively streets, signaling the end of our picturesque and diverse journey from Nepal's high mountains to the country's vibrant capital.
| Food | Breakfast and Farewell Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 3 star hotel |
| Elevation | 1400 |
Day 9 is all about saying farewell to the mountains and carrying memories for a lifetime. As we return to Kathmandu or continue to other adventures, our hearts are filled with appreciation for the breathtaking scenery, new friends, and unforgettable moments of this fantastic walk.
| Food | Breakfast |
|---|
The trek to Tilicho Lake takes 5 hours from Tilicho base camp and 7 to 10 days starting from Chame or Dharapani, depending on your itinerary.
No, the Tilicho Lake trip is not tough; it is moderate for experienced trekkers, although first-time hikers may struggle.
Tilicho Lake isn't the highest lake in the world. Kajin Sara in Manang district is the world's highest lake.
The shortest trek to Tilicho starts at Khangsar and goes to Tilicho base camp and then trek to Tilicho lake which may be completed in 2/3 days but is not recommended due to the risk of AMS.
Kajin Sara Lake, located in the Manang district, has become the world's new highest lake, standing at 5200 meters.
To reach Tilicho Lake from Pokhara, you can rent a car from Pokhara to Besisahar and drive there and begin your trek, or you can take a public bus from Pokhara to Besisahar and then take another jeep to Chame and begin your journey there.
No, you cannot swim in Tilicho Lake. The lake is deep, and the chilly water and surroundings make swimming extremely difficult and can result in frostbite.
Thorong La Pass, at an elevation of 5416 meters, is near Tilicho Lake, and every trekker trekking in the Tilicho Lakes completes the Annapurna circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek, crossing the pass and exploring Muktinath temple before driving to Pokhara.
Tilicho Lake is well-known for its breathtaking views of the mountain ranges, tranquil setting, less-traveled trekking trails, and gorgeous lake at high elevation.
To get to Tilicho Lake from Kathmandu, take a bus from Gongabus bus park to Besi Sahara, then change buses at Besi Sahara and Chame. However, you can travel directly from Kathmandu to Chame by renting a Scorpio or jeep. The cost is approximately 180 USD per vehicle.
Trekking in Tilicho takes 10 to 12 days if you want to go at your speed and enjoy the scenery with adequate acclimatization without worrying about altitude sickness dreams.
Tilicho Lake is 85 meters (279 feet) deep, 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, and 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) wide at its widest point. The lake's surface area is around 4.8 square kilometers (1.85 square miles).
From March to May and September to November are the finest months to visit Tilicho Lake since the weather is clear and consistent, making it the ideal time to explore.
The story of Tilicho Lakes dates back to Hindu mythology when Kak Bhusundi sat near the lake's edge and narrated the story to Garud dev, Lord Vishnu's Mount(Vahan), and the ultimate god of Hinduism.
Welcome to Nepal, the land of high passes and temples. You will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport which is known as the gateway to Nepal named after the great king Tribhuvan. We will be waiting for you at the arrival section, and we will have a meet-and-greet session during which we will place a tika on your forehead and dress you in Khada, Tibetan prayer clothing. Following that, we will travel to the hotel too, and relax, in the evening, we will have a welcome dinner with a table discussion for the Tilicho Lake hike briefing and relaxation.
We will have breakfast early in the morning, pack our things, and drive to Khangsar. The distance between Kathmandu to Khangsar is 262 kilometers. The travel time will be 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions. We will stop for lunch on the route and then continue driving through lush green highways and beautiful sites like Dhading, Mugling, and Dumre. On the journey, we will cross the Trishuli River, which originates in the Langtang Valley. We will check into our hotels in Khangsar and rest after our long journey from Kathmandu.
Our last stop before continuing to Tilicho Lake is Tilicho base camp, which we will hike to early in the morning. Tilicho Base Camp provides a resting and acclimatization area, as well as the final accommodation location. On the way, we'll be passing through the landslide region, so keep an eye out for falling stones and paths. On the route, you will get stunning vistas of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna, Gangapurna, and surrounding ranges. When you arrive, you can engage with the locals, explore surrounding monasteries, and enjoy the outdoors.
We will begin at 3 a.m. to reach Tilicho Lake because we cannot forecast the weather in the morning and everyone starts in the morning. Today's journey will last 5 hours through landslide-prone terrain and locations like Sath Ghumti. On the way, we'll see the sunrise over the peaks, and the entire landscape will appear like a white Disneyland. Always wear goggles to prevent eye problems. We'll rest and celebrate ourselves once we arrive at Tilicho Lake.
Tilicho Lake is the only lake in the world with such a large diameter formed by melting glaciers, and because it is associated with mythology, the lake contains certain magical properties.
You can get to the lookout and take in the breathtaking views before immersing yourself in the picturesque setting. Have your breakfast, which you'll be carrying with you, and then put everything in the trash. If the waste is not located, kindly carry it with you and dispose of it in the tea house when you return to the accommodations in the Tilicho base camp and from the base camp we will descend to Khangsar and the trek will be simple because it only lowers. Keep an eye on your feet, as people sometimes lose control while descending owing to fatigue and slippery slopes. On the route, you will see a stream, glaciers forming, mountain ranges, and other hikers who will be trekking and descending. Once you get to Khangsar, you can spend the day exploring the area, talking with the inhabitants, and eating local cuisine.
Today, because we will be driving to Kathmandu, we will leave early, as it could take up to 12 to 14 hours if any construction projects are going on. After having breakfast and bidding our fellow hikers farewell, we will begin our journey by car. We'll be driving to Kathmandu via Manang, Pisang, Chame, Jagat, Dharapani, Dumre, Mugling, and Dhading over magnificent roads that contribute to the experience.
We will transfer you to the airport 4 hours before the departure to complete all the checks and verifications. If you want, we can arrange other tours as well, like the Annapurna base camp, Pokhara tour package, and many more. We hope you enjoyed the trek and wish to see you again.
Nepal offers the visa on arrival for most of the countries. You will just need to book a plane ticket, board to the airport, and fly, and upon reaching you can get your visa from the immigration office at the airport. The cost for the visa on arrival is 15 days 30 USD, 30 Days 50 USD, and 90 Days 125 USD. You can fill out the form online and get your visa after arriving, which saves lots of time.
As you will be trekking to the Tilicho Lake, passing via the Annapurna region, it is compulsory to hire a trekking guide. A guide will help you with everything that you might require during your treks. The guide is a local of the place, so he/she will guide and suggest you according to the situation for your safety. Hiring a guide costs around 30 USD per day. You can hire a guide from Facebook or us for an affordable price. The guides will be perfect in English, and you can also hire a guide who speaks your mother tongue.
Porter is very important during the trek if you have heavy backpacks. As you will be having heavy backpacks, it's difficult to trek with such a load, so for that, you can hire a porter for 30 USD per day who will be carrying your 20 to 25 kg loads and help you during the trek. The porter will not be walking with you; it is just you. Pack your bag and give it to the porter, and at your next destination, you will get your bag, as the porter knows everything about the itinerary during the trek. You can hire both a guide and a porter from us.
The accommodations during the Tilicho Lake trek are very basic compared to the other developed trails like the Everest base camp or any other trekking region in Nepal. The teahouses offer warm and cozy beds for the trekkers to relax. You will need to share your bed with fellow trekkers, as the beds are available on a sharing basis. In some ETA houses, you get the attached washroom room, or else you will need to use the shared bathrooms. The food and the drinks are provided in the tea houses, which are locally made with the help of fire and wood. If you want to use Wi-Fi or charge your gear or electronic devices, you might need to pay extra. Generally, costs for the tea houses for 1 day, including breakfast, are from 10 USD to 20 USD.
During the Tilicho Lake trek, you will need to get a water bottle, as you will be trekking and sweating. It's necessary to carry your water bottle and hydrate yourself. The packaged water bottles are expensive, due to which it is suggested to carry a water filtration system or at least the purification tablets that can be taken from the medical store, and you can fill the bottle with normal tap water and purify and drink it.
The Tilicho Lake Trek was breathtaking! The serene lake surrounded by towering peaks felt like a hidden paradise. The trail was challenging but rewarding, and the local hospitality was heartwarming. Highly recommend this trek for those looking to experience raw Himalayan beauty away from crowds.
Emma W
15th May, 2025
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