Tilicho Lake Trek
At an elevation of 4,919 meters above sea level, Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the Manang district of Nepal, affording spectacular views of the Annapurna and other Himalayan ranges. Tilicho Lake is frequented not just by tourists, but also by many domestic travelers on religious pilgrimages. The trail traverses diverse altitudes and climates, ranging from semi-tropical to desert, with landscapes ranging from sub-tropical to alpine forests to snowy barren and the breathtaking rocky Thorongla mountain pass at 5,415 meters. While walking in this region, you will get the opportunity to observe Tibetan culture's influence on the local populace.
The trek to Tilicho Lake begins in Besisahar, which is also the beginning point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Mount Manaslu and Himal Chuli stand majestuously to the east, and the trail thereafter follows the Marshyangdi River Valley towards its source. As the walk begins amid subtropical vegetation and ends above the tree line, the Tilicho trek is ideal for nature lovers, as it offers a diverse array of flora and wildlife. We leave the Annapurna Circuit Trail at Manang and continue towards Shree Kharka in order to reach Tilicho Lake.
After exploring the lake, we return to Shree Kharka and then take a trail to Yak Kharka, where we rejoin the trail to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. After crossing the famed Thorang La pass and entering Muktinath, located in the Mustang province of Nepal, the Tilicho Trek concludes at Jomsom. Tilicho Trekking is the excellent journey for those trekkers who like to travel not only on the picturesque Annapurna Circuit trail, but also to the world's highest lake, Tilicho.
Tilicho Lake Trek Highlights
The Tilicho Lake Trek is a challenging and rewarding trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek leads to the stunning Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the highlights of the Tilicho Lake Trek.
Tilicho Lake: The main highlight of the trek is, of course, Tilicho Lake itself. This high-altitude glacial lake is situated at an elevation of about 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) and is known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters and the magnificent backdrop of surrounding peaks.
Challenging Terrain: The trek involves crossing challenging terrains, including steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, and high passes. This makes it ideal for experienced trekkers seeking an adventurous journey.
Mesmerizing Views: Throughout the trek, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including peaks like Annapurna II, III, IV, Manaslu, and more.
Thorong La Pass: The trek takes you over the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters or 17,769 feet), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The pass offers breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Muktinath Temple: The trek includes a visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple's unique architecture and cultural significance are worth exploring.
Variety of Landscapes: The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and barren highlands. The constantly changing scenery keeps the trek interesting.
Cultural Exploration: Along the way, you'll pass through traditional villages inhabited by the Gurung and Thakali communities. This provides opportunities to experience local culture, traditions, and hospitality.
Natural Hot Springs: The trek passes through Tatopani, where you can relax in natural hot springs, providing a therapeutic experience for your tired muscles.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Tilicho Lake Trek is less crowded compared to some other popular trekking routes in Nepal, offering a quieter and more secluded experience.
The Best time for Tilicho Lake Trek
The best time for the Tilicho Lake Trek is during the pre-monsoon spring season (March to May) and the post-monsoon autumn season (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a successful and enjoyable trek. Both spring and autumn offer excellent trekking conditions, and your choice between the two depends on your preferences. Spring is known for its vibrant flora, lush landscapes, and blooming flowers, while autumn provides clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and excellent photography opportunities.
Duration : 12 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Drive to Besisahar (923m), then walk to Bulbule
Day 3 - Trek to Pisang (3240m).
Day 4 - Trek to Manang (3540m).
Day 5 - Acclimatisation in Manang.
Day 6 - Trek to Siri Kharka.
Day 7 - Trek to Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 8 - Visit Tilicho Lake and Return to Siri Kharka.
Day 9 - Trek back to Manang.
Day 10 - Jeep Drive to Besisahar.
Day 11 - Travel back to Kathmandu.
Day 12 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.