The Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the utmost picturesque and adventurous trekking routes in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. This trek revenues you to Tilicho Lake, 4,919 meters. This trek is one of the highest lakes in the world, settled underneath the towering Tilicho Peak, 7,134m, and surrounded by snow-capped Himalayas.
The Journey initiates from the semitropical forests and attached fields of the Marsyangdi Valley. The Tilicho Lake trek gradually ascends over charming villages like Chame, Pisang, Braga, Manang, and many more. This trek offers a special mixture of natural beauty and cultural miscellany. As the travelers hike up, the landscape changes into a rocky alpine atmosphere with breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu Peak.
One of the major highlights of the trek is the success of Tilicho Lake, identified for its turquoise-blue waters that replicate the surrounding mountains. The peaceful atmosphere and histrionic scenery around the lake make it a truly magical and spiritual experience. From here, the route rejoins Classic Annapurna Circuit, often leading trekkers towards the Thorong La Pass 5.416m for those who wish to extend the adventure.
The Tilicho Lake Trek is temperately challenging and suitable for experienced trekkers or fit learners seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The best seasons for the Tilicho lake trek are spring March to May, and Autumn, from September to November. The weather is clear, and the mountain views are at their finest.
Key Highlights:
- Visit Tilicho Lake, the world’s highest lake.
- Experience diverse landscapes from Lush valleys to high alpine and deserts.
- Explore traditional Manang villages and Buddhist monasteries.
- Opportunity to extend the trek to Thorong La Pass and down to Poon Hill.
- Stunning panoramic views of Annapurna Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, Dhaulagiri, and many more. If you go extended trek to Thorong-la pass.
The Tilicho Lake Trek starting from Besisahar follows the classic trail of the Annapurna Circuit before diverting towards Tilicho Lake. This Trek is one of the world’s highest and most beautiful Treks in Nepal.
Tilicho Lake trek route passes through diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery before reaching the serene turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake 4,919m.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1400m
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, Adventure A One Trek Team will receive you and take you to the Hotel. After some rest, meet your guide and Trip brief. Overnight at the Hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame 2710m
Early Morning Breakfast, then, drive starts from Kathmandu heading to Prithivi highway to Besisahar. The drive follows the paved roads till Besisahar, which is about 170 kilometers. From Besisahar, the road becomes rough and unpaved; better to take 4WD jeeps. This route passes through small villages like Syange, Jagat, Dharapani, Danaque, and finally Chame through the Marshyangdi River and offering a beautiful waterfall. Overnight at Chame in the Tea House Lodge.
Day 03: Trek from Chame to Pisang, 3,200 m, 5/6 hours walking.
The trail for the first day hiking gradually ascends through pine forests and the beautiful Village of Bhratang, and the Apple Orchard, with magnificent mountain scenery with Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak. Overnight at Pisang in a tea house lodge.
Day 04: Trek from Pisang to Manang 3540m. 5/6 hours walking.
The trail passes through the high villages of Ghyaru, Ngawol, and reaches Bharaga through a higher route. And from the lower route, you will pass through the Humde (Domestic Airport) and reach Braga. Similarly, the lower route follows the Marshyangdi River and the pine forest. Overnight at Manang in the teahouse lodge.
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Manang
Today is a special acclimatization day to higher elevations like Gangapurna Base Camp or Milereppa cave, or Ice Lake. You should hike as much a higher place like Ice Lake. This will be more helpful to reach the Tilicho Lake. Overnight at Manang in Teahouse Lodge.
Day 06: Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150m 6/7 hours walking
The trail leaves the main Annapurna Circuit Route and heads west toward Khangsar. From Khangsar, the Trail passes through rugged terrain and landslide-prone areas with stunning views of the Himalayas. Overnight at Tilicho base Camp in a tea house Lodge.
Day 07: Hike to Tilicho Lake 4,919m and return to Tilicho Base Camp 6/7 hours
Early Morning, start hiking up to Tilicho Lake, a mesmerizing high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After exploring and taking photos, descend back to Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp in Teahouse Lodge.
Day 08: Trek back to Manang 3540m, 6/7 hours walking.
After the ultimate destination of Tilicho Lake, you will walk back to Manang via Shree-kharka and Khangsar. Overnight at Manang in the Tea House Lodge.
Day 09: Drive back to Besisahar 760m, then Kathmandu 1400m or Pokhara 860.
Early morning departure from Manang to Besisahar, the road is rough, narrow, and steep in sections. You will pass through several picturesque villages and riverside landscapes. Route heading from Manang- Humde- Pisang- Chame- Dharapani- Tal- Jagat- Syange and Besisahar. In total, there will be 70 kilometers off-route drive and arrive at Besisahar. Overnight at Besisahar in Teahouse Lodge.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara
Today, your drive will be heading upon your time and needs. If you are hurry to get back home, drive back to Kathmandu. If you have more time for Nepal, you will be driven to Pokhara and relax for some days. In total, driving will be more or less 5/6 hours to reach either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Overnight at the Standard Hotel Kathmandu/Pokhara.
Day 11: Final Departure
Upon your departure time, our Team Adventure A One Trek representative will escort you to the International Airport for your onward destination.
The Tilicho Lake Trek offers a combination of Teahouse and Lodge accommodations along the Route, providing basic yet comfortable facilities for Trekkers. The Quality of food and lodging varies depending on the altitude and location, from more comfortable guesthouses in lower villages to simpler lodges at higher elevations like Tilicho Base Camp.
Lower Region: Besisahar to Chame- accommodations are comfortable teahouses and lodges with private rooms, attached bathrooms, and hot showers. There are several facilities available, like WIFI, Electricity, and a good variety of food.
Pisang to Manang has cozy teahouses with wooden rooms and shared bathrooms. There are nice dining halls with a heating stove, electricity, and limited WIFI. Manang is well developed with better lodges, bakeries, and cafes offering cakes, coffee, and Pizza.
High region accommodations are basic teahouses or lodges with shared rooms and limited facilities. The temperature is cold, and the rooms are also cold at night.
The teahouses along the trail serve a variety of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes. Meals are prepared fresh, but food variety decreases as you gain altitude.
Normally, the Foods in Nepal are common in every trekking region like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu.
Breakfast: Tibetan bread, Chapati, Toast, with Jam, honey, or butter.
Eggs: Boiled, Omelet, Scrambled, etc.
Porridge, Muesli, Cornflex.
Pancakes, or buckwheat bread, or corn bread
Tea, Coffee, or Hot Chocolate
Lunch and Dinner in Nepal are mid-hill and mountain region used to have Dal Bhat (Rice, Lentil soup, Vegetables, Pickle), the staple meal, unlimited refills.
Fried Rice, Fried Noodles, Pasta, MoMo (Dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), Pizza or Spaghetti, soups, and many more dishes are available.
Snacks and Drinks: Energy bars, biscuits, Chocolates, etc.
Hot Drinks: Black/ milk Tea, Black/Milk Coffee, Hot Lemon, Jinger Tea, Lemon Jinger Honey, Hot Chocolate, and mint tea.
Note: Better to avoid alcohol and meat at higher altitudes due to slower digestion and preservation issues.
The Tilicho Lake Trek can be done almost year-round, but the best time to experience it safely and enjoyably is during the spring, from March to May, and the Autumn, from September to November. These periods offer the most favorable weather, clear skies, and stunning mountain views.
Spring Season (March to May)
The best time in the spring season is Clear Skies, colorful landscapes, and Comfortable temperatures. The weather will be warm days and cool nights, with temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius in lower regions and -5 to 10 degrees Celsius in higher altitudes. The scenery will be Rhododendron forests blooming in vibrant colors, and the mountains will be crystal clear.
Autumn Seasons (September to November)
Best time for perfect weather and panoramic mountain views. The weather is much stable and dry with mild days. Night will be crisp Temperature and much colder than the day. The Scenery is thin air, clear after the monsoon rains, providing some of the best views of Annapurna and Tilicho peaks.
Note: The above most popular seasons, Spring and Autumn, season is busiest seasons for trekking in Nepal. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended.
Winter Season: December to February
Best for quiet trails and snow-covered landscapes. The weather is very cold at high altitudes, with heavy snow possible up to Chame. Temperature drops below -10 degrees Celsius at high altitudes above 4 thousand meters. The advantage of this time is fewer trekkers and, peaceful environment. A disadvantage of the winter season Trek is the risk of Snow blocking the trails to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La pass
Monsoon Season: June to August
This time is green landscapes and solitude. Similarly, frequent rain and cloudy skies, especially in the Lower regions. Walking trails will be slippery, with possible landslides along the Marsyangdi River valley. This time will be fewer trekkers and lush vegetation.
Conclusion: The best time to trek to Tilciho Lake is during Spring and Autumn, when the weather is stable, the trails are dry, and the mountain views are at their most spectacular.
The Tilicho Lake Trek typically takes you 10 to 14 days to complete. It depends on the chosen route, trekking pace, and whether you continue toward Thorong-la pass or return the same way to Besisahar.
The journey covers approximately 65 to 100 kilometers in a round trip starting from Besisahar (The gateway to the Annapurna region and Thorong La Pass) and reaching Tilicho Lake, 4,919 meters, one of the highest lakes in the world. The time duration affecting factors are: trekking speed and fitness level, weather conditions, acclimatization days, and the transportation you choose.
