Tilicho Lake Trek

Tilicho Lake Trekking

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Durations
    18 days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • Activities
    Adventure Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Tea House
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Vehicle
    Local Transports
  • Max. People
    8
  • Trip Mode
    Hotels and local nice lodge basis.
  • Areas of Trek
    Annapurna Himalaya region.
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Trip Overview

Highlights

  • Tilicho Lake - one of the highest lakes in the world, with turquoise blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
  • Panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
  • Challenging terrains, including crossing high mountain passes like Mesokanto La Pass and Tilicho Pass.
  • Unique culture and lifestyle of local communities, including Gurung and Thakali people.
  • Serene camping sites in picturesque valleys with breathtaking mountain vistas.
  • Diverse landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, glacial moraines, and alpine meadows.
  • Adventure and adrenaline with a challenging trek that tests physical endurance and mental resilience.
  • Authentic Nepalese experience, including warm hospitality, delicious local cuisine, and cultural insights.

Tilicho lake Trekking

Tilicho Lake and Semi Circuit Trekking is an adventure of great scenic combination that takes you around beautiful areas of Manang high valley. So, you can visit the beautiful glacial lake of Tilicho Lake. Moreover, regarded as one of the highest lakes in Nepal and is considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist followers.

Trekking to Tilicho Lake leads you into remote and isolated areas of Annapurna and Manang Valley. Thus. You will be in the least ventured country with scenic views enclosed within Gangapurna-Nilgiri’s and Tilicho peaks that feed the lake from its massive glaciers.

The trek to Tilicho combines popular places around Annapurna and the circuit trail, which leads to magnificent walks to Tilicho Lake, located beyond Manang Valley. This is off the beaten tracks of the main Annapurna circuit route.

This fantastic adventure certainly excites you on daily walks facing constant views of the high snow-capped peaks of Annapurna-Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. As the Tilicho Lake trek route leads further high,  it includes the massive range of the Chulus and Dhaulagiri Himalaya ranges.

Nothing can beat the experience of this beautiful and scenic adventure on this trek. Trekking in this country of sweeping views and the panorama of mountains surrounding you at Manang Valley certainly excites you. And its traditional villages enriched with age-old culture and heritage of Tibetan origin with Buddhism religion is something to see.

This trekking starts from low, warm areas of the Lamjung district towards cooler alpine temperatures within high green hills. Then it takes towards the arid ice zone and glaciers around Manang Valley and beyond Tilicho Lake with a high Thorang-la pass. Thus one can experience the varied climates and different cultures to soak in this beautiful adventure.

The journey continues with time around its interesting villages and visiting old monasteries enriched with ancient idols and masterpiece arts. Afterward walk leads beyond the main Manang village to reach our main destination, at beautiful turquoise-colored Tilicho Lake. Indeed, one can experience the tranquil wilderness of high mountains.

After enjoying time over there, head back to join the main trails of Annapurna Circuit. The main purpose is to cross the highest point of the adventure at Thorang-la Pass. Get an eye on the sweeping panorama of both sides of the Manang and Mustang areas mountains.

Now it’s time to end our adventurous walk so downhill to reach the holy Muktinath temple. You will encounter nice villages with lovely lodges to stay, offering grand views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri’s peaks. And you will get ample time to visit its famous sacred temple premises dedicated to Lord Vishnu of the three Hindu main gods.

From Muktinath, an exciting drive takes you to Jomsom town, located in Kaligandaki River valley. It also takes to the old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet. Jomsom is the home of Thakali, the main tribes of the area as well as famous for delicious apples and products.

After completing our wonderful adventure to Tilicho Lake  Trekking, take a smooth, short, and scenic flight to land at scenic Pokhara town. This magnificent valley is located on the lap of the massive Annapurna Himalayan, which reflects on its calm Phewa Lakes.

Best Seasons: March to May and September to December are the Tilicho Lake trek's best seasons. Trekking is done except for the monsoon wet months from mid-June to mid-September. March to May is the best time for clear views till the afternoon. At that time, wildflowers are in bloom with fantastic views of mountains. The day will be pleasant, but morning and night will be cooler.

October to December is yet another best time for trekking to Tilicho Lake. One can get clear views of peaks with short sunlight days. While morning and nighttime will be cold. And this depends upon various altitudes for an overnight stop.

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Itinerary

  • Day01

    Reach Kathmandu via various international airline and transfer to hotel.

    On arrival, get received by our staff and guide and transfer to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu. After checking into your lovely rooms, get refreshed from jet-leg. Then join in with other members of Tilicho Lake Trek.

    Our guide/leader will brief us with information about the hotels-including detail of trekking regarding the local lodge, walks, views, history, and culture.  Simultaneously, with a few critical do’s and don’ts while you are with us, have enjoyable times.

    The evening includes a nice dinner(including traditional Nepali foods ) in a pleasant Nepalese restaurant with local cultural programs. Remember, the next day morning is the time to start our trip.

  • Day02

    Drive to Nepal Mid-West to Besisar and beyond at Syange 1,100 m – 06 hrs.

    Morning starts with drive on tourist coach or smaller vehicle depending upon group size. Thus this journey that takes you away from Kathmandu valley. Gradually head into low warmer areas with views of snow-capped mountains. As drive continues on busy main highway past farm villages and town head Nepal Mid-West to reach at Besisar town/headquarter of Lamjung district.

    After a pleasant stop continue driving beyond Besisar to reach at small farm village of Syange. Then stop for overnight stay in Syange. Next day is our first day trek to high and mid hills of Annapurna Himalaya.

  • Day03

    Dharapani 1,860 m – 06 hrs.

    Our trek starts with walk heading up on leaving Marysangdi River behind to reach  Jagat. And then walk into cool shade of forest towards Chamje, entering into more Buddhism cultural country. From here onward  walk leads to a nice valley at Tal-Besi.

    Next few hours walks with ups and downhill including some gradual path leads to overnight stop. Dharapani is located in between the trails of Manaslu and Manang route or Annapurna circuit.

  • Day04

    Chame 2,650 m – 05 hours.

    With  rest in  Dharapani, walk on winding trail within rhododendron and pine forest past villages of Bagachap  Danque, then to Timang village. From here onward, you can notice more Buddhist culture along with views of Mt. Manaslu.

    After a refreshing short stop at Timang village, few hours trek leads to Chame town for overnight stop. Chame  is a large and major town of Manang area and as well a head quarter of Manang district.

  • Day05

    Pisang 3, 200 m – 05 hrs.

    With overnight stay in Chame next day trek will end  at Pisang. On walk from Chame, air gets much cooler because walk leads close within mountains. In the morning, walk into cool alpine forest of rhododendron and pine trees, following Masrsyangdi River with  few short ups and down to Bratang village.

    Then, follow uphill path into woodland to reach at Dhukure Pokhari. Which is a small place with few tea-houses and lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak. With a lunch break here, walk descends to lower Pisang village for overnight stop.

  • Day06

    Manang Village 3,519 m – 05 hrs.

    Pisang village offers great scenery of mountains and surrounding landscapes. Now, from here altitude gains as the morning walk leads through forest. And with a short uphill get super views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s and Pisang peak. As the walk reach flat valley at Hongde village, tree lines disappear for barren, arid landscapes with cold, dry arctic climate.

    Before Manang, visit old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting and fresco’s. Then, an hour walk reaches at Manang village.

    The houses are built in typical Tibetan traditional style where Manang people are known for their rich culture and traditions.

  • Day07

    Rest day at Manang for local hikes and acclimatization.

    A necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading higher elevation to Thorang –la pass, in Manang  is managed.With optional short hike, explore Manang village and valley. Moreover, Manang is a large village situated on windswept valley at the bank of Marysangdi River. Furthermore, it is  beneath Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range. Go for  nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang emerald Lake.

  • Day08

    Trek to Khangsar 3,756 – 05 hrs.

    From Manang village, morning walk leads to our main highlight of the trip. As our route diverts from main Annapurna circuit trail reach one of the last village of Manang at Khangsar. Stop for overnight stay which lies on route to Tilicho Lake.

  • Day09

    Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m – 05 hrs.

    Morning walk leads to gradual walks with few short downs and more climb into remote and isolated areas beyond Manang valley. Which is a  quiet trail to reach a nice meadow, with chances of spotting some wild-life like antelopes, musk deer or elusive snow leopard. Reach at Tilicho Base Camp for overnight stop.

  • Day10

    Free day with hike to Tilicho Lake 4,919 m and back at base camp.

    A free day at base camp is for hike towards scenic Tilicho Lake.It is one of the holy spot for both Hindu’s and Buddhist religions. The area offers wonderful views of snow-capped peaks in the comfort of nice lodge by the bank of beautiful Tilicho Lake.

    After a great time at Tilicho Lake return back to Tilicho base camp for onward journey towards Thorang-la and Mustang area.

  • Day11

    Khangsar – 06 hrs.

    After a hearty breakfast at Tilicho Base Camp, start the day early with a descent along the trail that winds through rocky terrains and scree slopes. As you make your way down, you'll come across a small wooden bridge over the Kone Khola (river), which you'll cross before continuing on the trail that gradually ascends uphill.

    After 6 hours of trekking, you'll finally reach Khangsar, a small village located at an altitude of 3,740m. Khangsar is known for its traditional houses and monasteries, offering a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

  • Day12

    Yak Kharka 4,020 m – 04 hours.

    . After breakfast in Khangsar, you'll start trekking on a well-defined trail that ascends gradually. You'll pass through yak pastures, cross a small stream, and make your way through picturesque valleys and hillsides.

    The views of the surrounding mountains and the Marsyangdi Valley are breathtaking. As you trek, you'll encounter the village of Letdar at an altitude of 4,200m before descending towards the Marsyangdi River. Crossing a suspension bridge, you'll then ascend towards Yak Kharka, a temporary settlement for herders located at an altitude of 4,050m. 

  • Day13

    Thorang High Camp 4,880 m – 04 hrs.

    Afterwards, walk advances to high area, head closer to the base of Thorang-la. As the walk leads to cross a bridge then climb along the river bank of Jarjung and at Thorung Phedi. Here, depending upon the physical conditions of the clients and everything goes well, go for hour steep climb to Thorang High Camp for overnight stop.

  • Day14

    Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and walk to Muktinath 3,800 m – 07 hrs.

    Having early breakfast, walk leads to long climb up towards Thorang-la.So, climb on steep terrain with winding path to Thorang La Pass situated  5,416 m / 17,700 ft high.

    The highest altitude gain of the adventure offers vista of dramatic surrounding and far country landscapes with high snowcapped mountains. After an exciting stop where long descend takes you at Muktinath which is above 3,800 meters high.

    Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’. It is one of the most holy spots for both Hindu and Buddhists. Stop for overnight stay in Muktinath.

  • Day15

    Drive to Jomsom 2,743 m with afternoon free – 02 hrs.

    Onward trip from Muktinath is Tatopani village where motor-able road have reached  few years ago.Which finally make it possible for drive and shorten our trekking day itinerary.

    Take a morning drive down towards Kaligandaki river valley reaching at large town of Jomsom and headquarter of Mustang area. Jomsom is home of Thakali, a flourishing people and traders on this old Trans Himalayan Salt and Caravan trade route.

    Jomsom with a small airstrip and afternoon free, explore its nice streets filled with shops, stores, restaurants, nice hotels and lodge.

  • Day16

    Fly to Pokhara 822 m from Jomsom – 20 mins and transfer to hotel.

    Our last day of the adventure completes with short and smooth flight to reach at scenic Pokhara around warmer low area of Nepal Mid West.

    Pokhara is one of the charming places on earth blessed with high Annapurna range of peaks with calm lakes of Phewa and Begnas. It is touristic hub of Nepal. On landing at Pokhara airport, transfer to hotel by the beautiful Phewa Lake, with time to explore around interesting streets of lake side.

  • Day17

    Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

    Depending upon size of the group, travel on Tourist Coach or in private car to reach back at Kathmandu. Morning after breakfast in Pokhara hotel,  drive leads you on busy and exciting highway past farm villages and towns to Kathmandu. With time in the afternoon for leisure or engage in personal activities and shopping.

    (Options to choose by air from Pokhara to reach Kathmandu 30 mins flight with panorama of mountains and dramatic landscapes.)

  • Day18

    Depart Kathmandu for international departure homeward bound.

    Finally, all good things must come to an end with grand memories and exciting experience on Tilicho Lake trekking. With last final day in Nepal, our staff will transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your flight home or to respective countries.

Cost Details

What's Included in Tilicho Lake Trekking

  • Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu to Syange by bus.
  • Two night’s tourist standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • One night tourist standard hotel in Pokhara after trek.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Tea or Coffee during the breakfast in Mountain.
  • Trekking lodge (Tea House) accommodations throughout the trek.
  • All necessary paper works Annapurna Conservation Area Project Entry permit and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) permit.
  • All ground transports during trek with sharing basis.
  • Jomsom to Pokhara Flight.
  • Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, Government License holder guide. All his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance are included.
  • Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
  • Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and Duffel bag. (if you don’t have your own, need to return after trip completed).
  • Eco Holidays Nepal T-shirt and cap.
  • Government taxes and official expenses.
  • Tilicho Lake trekking map.
  • Oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily. (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms.) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.

What's Excluded in Tilicho Lake Trekking

  • Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara (Lunch and Dinner).
  • Your Travel and Medical Insurance.
  • Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. (If require 120 $)
  • Porter if needed($ 220)
  • Your Personal Expenses.
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic cold and hot drinks on trek.
  • All desserts sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
  • Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
  • Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected)
  • Extra night hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Departure Dates & Price

No group joining date available! you can make a request for private date? Enquire Us