Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho lake Trek
Tilicho Lake Trek

Tilicho Lake Trek

Duration18 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude4919 M
Group Size1-12
StartsKathmandu / Pokhara
EndsPokhara / Kathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking / Hiking
Best TimeMarch to May & September to December

Highlights of Tilicho Lake Trek

  • Scenic drive to Besisahar
  • Exploration of the Marsyangdi River Valley, Pisang Valley, Manang Valley, and the Kali Gandaki River Valley
  • Cultural villages of Brahmin, Chhetri, Tibetian Sherpa, Thakali, Magars, Tamang, and Gurung ethnic communities
  • Monasteries, chortens, mani walls, prayer flags and wheels
  • Amazing view of Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Manaslu (8,163m) regions
  • Apple production areas of Mustang
  • Reaching the highest-placed glacial lake Tilicho Lake (4,919m)
  • Crossing Thorung La Pass (5,416m), the highest pass in the Nepalese Himalayas
  • The famous pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple
  • Scenic flight to the Lake City Pokhara

Overview of Tilicho Lake Trek

Tilicho Lake Trek is a popular Nepal trekking package in the Annapurna region. It takes you to the highest glacial lake in the world. Tilicho Lake is situated at 4,919 m in Manang district. Located in the Trans-Himalayan region, Tilicho Lake gives you the finest view in the world. The snow-capped peaks and the Himalayan valleys are seen at their best from the lake premises.

Moreover, the Nepal Trekking trail takes you through the ethnic villages of diverse communities. The major ethnic groups living in this region are Brahmin, Chhetri, Tibetan Sherpa, Thakali, Magars, Tamang, and Gurung.

Tilicho Lake Trek takes you through different mountain valleys: Manang and Pisang. In addition, you will also go across the Marsyangdi River Valley and the Kali Gandaki River Valley.

Despite being the highest placed lake in the world, you don’t require any special permit to reach here. You will be witnessing the diverse flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Tilicho Lake Trek comes to be on everyone’s bucket list as this lies in the popular Annapurna Circuit trek. It lets you cross Thorung La Pass (5,416 m), the highest pass of the Nepalese Himalayas.

The presence of Thorung La Pass makes this trek a bit more challenging. Similarly, you will also get to visit a pilgrimage site of the Mustang district. Muktinath Temple is one of the most popular shrines visited by thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal every year.

Besides, you can see the apple orchards of Mustang district during Muktinath Jomsom Trek. You go past Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang Trek. The Kali Gandaki River Valley including Kagbeni is famous for apple production.

Himalayas Seen During Tilicho Lake Trek

Trekking to Tilicho Lake rewards you with the Northern Himalayas bordering with Tibetan Plateau. You can see the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif from a very close distance.

Apart from the mountains of Gandaki Province, you can see the distant view of the Manaslu region as well. The major peaks with their elevation seen during this trek are given below:

Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Annapurna Its (8,091 m) Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555 m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986 m), Tukuche peak (6,920 m), Tilicho peak (7,134 m).

Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary

Generally, the Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary ranges from 9 days to 17 days. The itinerary depends upon everyday trekking duration and acclimatization days.  If you are ready to walk for a longer duration, the itinerary shortens, and vice versa.

If you start this trekking from Besisahar, the gateway to Annapurna Circuit trek, it takes a longer time. Likewise, if you connect this trek with the Annapurna Sunrise View Trek or Gandruk Trek, it becomes even longer.

Tilicho Lake Trek is also possible if we strictly schedule this itinerary. You can reach Manang by bus within 12 hours from Kathmandu. Then, on the second day, you reach Tilicho Base Camp by crossing Kangsar Village.

After enjoying the mesmerizing view from the world’s highest lake, you trek down to Manang. And the following morning, you can drive to Lake City Pokhara or Kathmandu directly.

However, Nepal trekking is done to observe the uniqueness of the natural and cultural assets of the respective region. If you want to relish the view of snow-capped peaks, high-altitude villages, and green forests inhabited by diverse birds and animals including lush valleys, you need a longer itinerary.

Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

Tilicho Lake trek is a moderate type of trekking in Nepal leading to the world’s highest placed lake. You have to walk for about 5 hours every day along the rugged trails sometimes up and the other times down.

The Nepal Trekking trail is well-defined and frequently used by the local people and trekkers. Therefore, the local communities and the tourism agencies including the concerned authorities are always active in maintaining the trails.

According to this itinerary, crossing Thorung La Pass to trek to Muktinath is the hardest day. You have to go across a 5,416 m high pass by following the steep trails. The trail may be slippery due to snowfalls as it is located above 5,000 m.

The most responsible factor to add to the trek difficulty is altitude. You will gradually gain altitude while ascending further. You will have to spend about 10 days above 2,500 m.

As soon as you reach a place above 2,500 m, there is a threat of altitude sickness. Extreme fatigue, dehydration, dizziness and shortness of breath are the common symptoms of altitude sickness.

You can get rid of this Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) by following some preventive steps. Drinking enough water, having enough hygienic food and sleeping plus walking at slow pace are some ways.

You should never forget to first aid kit box in your backpack before trekking to the Himalayas. Finally, you should always consult with the team leader as soon as you feel any of the given symptoms.

The Highest Glacial Tilicho Lake Trek Cost

In fact, there are a few factors that determine the cost of a tour or trekking package. Trek duration, food and accommodation, transportation facilities and difficulty of the trekking are some of them.

Tilicho Lake Trek can be completed between 9 days and 17 days. The cost of 9 day’ itinerary is lower than that of 17 days. The price of basic food and accommodation facilities is cheaper as well.

If you trek right from Besisahar, the cost is different or if you use a private jeep or a local bus, the cost is different. You can also fly to Pokhara and then catch a bus to Besisahar. Yet another option is to fly to Jomsom via Pokhara.

You can choose the right trekking package as per your vacation, budget, and physical condition. Nepal Trekking Routes always helps you decide for the best trekking package in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

Tilicho Lake Trek Map

Tilicho Lake Trek starts from Besisahar, the gateway to Annapurna Circuit trek. Then, the trail moves further to Bahundanda, Chamje, Bagarchhap, Chame, Pisang, and Manang. After Manang acclimatization, you move towards Tilicho Base Camp via Kangsar Village.

After getting the lifelong memory from Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), you trek down towards Yak Kharka and Thorung Phedi. Then, by crossing Thorung La Pass (5,416 m), you trek to Muktinath Temple.

By visiting the famous pilgrimage of Mustang, you fly to Pokhara or drive via Beni, the gateway to the Guerrilla Trek or Upper Dolpo trek. As soon as you land in Pokhara, you can directly fly to Kathmandu or spend a day exploring more.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

The representative receives you at the Kathmandu Airport and then takes you to the hotel. Visit Thamel on your own in the leisure time.

The tour guide takes you for Kathmandu sightseeing tour after breakfast. You visit the World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa will be visited.

After returning to the hotel, the team leader gives you the overall briefing about Tilicho Lake trek itinerary.

We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route, we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms and of course the mighty Himalayas. Overnight in Syange

We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail passes through barley, rice and potato fields and the waterfalls continue to accompany us even today. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Overnight in Dharapani.

Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.

Relishing the mesmerizing outlook of Lamjung Himal (6,893m), you follow the steep trail along the pine and fir forests. Entering into a V-shaped valley, you walk past Bratang Village. Then, by enjoying the breathtaking view of Mt. Annapurna II (7,937m) and Pisang Peak (6,091m), you reach Pisang.

While climbing upwards along the steep trail, you will see the glimpses of the Manang Valley and Tilicho Peak (7,145m). Then, the trail descends Hugde Airstrip of Manang district towards the Sabje Khola Valley.

Witnessing Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), you cross Mungji Village to reach Manang Village. It is the largest village of the entire Manang Valley having many hotels, lodges, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.

For acclimatization purpose, you can stroll around Manang Village and talk with the local people. You can also hike to Gangapurna Glacial Lake that is situated at the bottom of the Gangapurna Icefall.

You can also visit the Milarepa’s Cave. You can consult with the team leader for what to do to make this rest day more enjoyable.

Following the Jarsang Khola banks, you move further towards Kangsar Village. The trail goes past a suspension bridge; then pine forests and wheat fields.

Kangsar is a Gurung Village highly influenced by the Tibetan culture and tradition. You find some monasteries, chortens, mani walls and prayer flags. It is also known as the oldest village of Manang Valley.

Walking past a local monastery and small chortens, you enter into the juniper forests. Crossing the small streams, you follow the trail to reach Tilicho Base Camp. From here, you see Pisang Peak (6,091m) and other peaks around it.

Today is the most remarkable day of the entire Tilicho Lake Trek. After breakfast, you will hike to Tilicho Lake as early as you can. In the later part of the morning, the strong wind may disturb the trekking.

Tilicho Lake is the highest altitude lake in the world. From Tilicho Lake premise, you will have the breathtaking vistas of the snowcapped peaks and Himalayan valleys. Mt. Gangapurna (7,455m), Tarkekang (7,069m) and Kangsar Kang (7,485m).

The Manang Valley and the Upper Pisang Valley also unleash their beauties at the fullest. After recording the rewards in the camera and the mind, you trek down to the base camp.

Climbing down for a while, you then ascend along Tenki Manang by leaving the Marsyangdi River Valley. walking along the Jarsang Khola Valley, you reach Yak Kharka at the end of the day. On the way, you will meet some yak herds and highland pastures.

Following the steep uphill and downhill trails, you will cross a wooden bridge over the origin of Marsyangdi River. Walking for about 4 hours along the rugged trails, you reach Thorung Phedi.

Take side trips around this village having hotels, lodges, cafes and other facilities. This helps you prepare for succeeding the highest pass of the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Climbing along the steep trail for about 4 hours, you reach the top of Thorung La Pass. Due to the high altitude and heavy snow, the trail may be slippery. So, walk carefully to avoid any mishap.

The top of the pass is decorated by colourful prayer flags. You can have the magnificent view of the snowcapped peaks and the mountain valleys from here. Then, you descend down towards Muktinath.

Although the trekking to Muktinath is long, the view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs keeps inspiring you to move faster. Muktinath is a holy pilgrimage site, which is visited by the people from India and Nepal.

This shrine is revered equally by the Hindus and Buddhists. The natural flame that never goes out and the 108 water-sprouts are the must-observe things of this temple.

Enjoy the sunrise view of the Himalayas and wonderful landscapes before moving further. By walking along the Kali Gandaki River Valley, you reach Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang trek.

Walking for a few hours, you finally reach Jomsom, the administrative centre of Mustang district. It is a windy mountain town having an airport and other modern amenities.

Morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom by enjoying the aerial view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs. Overland journey along the Prithvi Highway from the Lake City Pokhara.

After you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be relocated to the hotel. Farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant in the evening. Enjoy the typical Nepali cuisines and cultural shows.

Airport transfer according to the flight schedule by the crewmember of Nepal Trekking Routes.

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Cost Details
Included
  • Airport pick-up and drop off service,
  • Trekking Guide and Trekking porter (Two participant=1 porter =Maximum 25 kg of luggage )
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, &  accommodation during the trekking and Kathmandu following itinerary
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking sticks if required,
  • Trekking permit of National park,
  • TIMS(Trekking Information Management System )
  • Insurance and equipment for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Kathmandu to To Syange bus service via Beshishahar
  • Muktinath to Pokhara Publics bus service and Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist bus service,
  • Three star level hotel accommodation while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Tea house accommodation during the trek
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program in typical Traditional Nepali restaurant
Excluded
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower,
  • Travel insurance and international airfare,
  • Tips for Guide and porter (trekking staff)
  • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (with out itinerary)
Route Map
Tilicho Lake Trek
FAQs

Tilicho Lake Trek is a moderate type of trekking in Nepal. You should be physically fit and have habit of regular walk and exercises. You should walk 4/5 hours along the rugged trek every day. Therefore, this trek can be done by the beginners as well. If you have the previous trekking experience, it will be an added quality.

Yes, you can. Even solo trekking is possible to Tilicho Lake as there is not any restricted area. You have to manage everything you require by yourself. TIMS Card costs USD 20 for Free Individual Trekking (FIT). You need to manage Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit by paying USD 30 plus 13% VAT.

But we recommend you to hire a professional trekking guide from a registered local tour guide. Among hundreds of trekking agencies of Kathmandu, Nepal Trekking Routes is the one. We always provide the best tour and trekking package at the most reasonable cost. Contact us via phone call, email, WhatsApp and online booking services.

The best way to hire a local guide for Tilicho Lake Trek is to book this trek via a local tour operator located in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can research the best package at the most reasonable cost via the Internet. It may not be quite possible to hire a local guide after you reach the respective trekking region. Therefore, you can visit Nepal Trekking Routes website for more details to book a local trekking guide.

First of all, this trek takes you to the highest altitude lake in the world. Although it is the highest altitude lake, it can be done by the beginners as well. The glacial lake situated at 4,919m, is the vantage point of Annapurna region. From Tilicho Lake premise, you will have the breathtaking vistas of the snowcapped peaks and Himalayan valleys. Mt. Gangapurna (7,455m), Tarkekang (7,069m) and Kangsar Kang (7,485m). The Manang Valley and the Upper Pisang Valley also unleash their beauties at the fullest. After recording the rewards in the camera and the mind, you trek down to the base camp.

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