Good to Know
  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal

What To Expect

  • Discover the Muktinath Temple, popular for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • Walk along the Thorong Pass Trekking route
  • Immerse into Tilicho Lake surrounded by the snow-covered mountain ranges
  • Explore the beautiful Manang Villages
  • Observe the wonderful apple garden in Jomsom
  • Get the experience of a short Nepalese National Flight in the Himalayan region
  • Take a relax at the lakeside in the gorgeous Pokhara city

Tilicho is not only a lake but also one of the most loved travel destinations. Even the most attractive stations in the world are envious of its magnificence. Tilicho Tal is extremely wonderful in the moonscape. It is surrounded by glaciated lakes, mountains, and the moraines. Blue clear water, surrounded mountains, diverse landscapes, animals grazing there, chirping birds, free-flowing rivers, and incomparable peace makes Tilicho one of the heavens on earth. Actually, heaven is not a place, it is only a feeling and Tilicho has limited within itself some belongings that give birth to that feeling.

Besides, Tilicho is the holy lake, mentioned in the mythical Hindu book, Ramayan. Most Hindus visit this lake for religious purposes. So, trekking to Tilicho Lake is an outstanding activity in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

The trek consists of the highest pass in this region i.e. Thorong La Pass with an elevation of 5416 m. Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek's elevation is 4919 m while other sources list Tilicho Lake's altitude at 4949m. It is claimed to be the highest lake in the world.

Generally, the Tilicho Trekking starts from Syange after having a scenic drive from Kathmandu. In the beginning, it follows the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail. So, the trekking goes along the Marshyangdi River and enters the Manang Valley, and reaches Dharapani. It is a beautiful village.

In the same way, Manang is the larger village where you can see the panoramas of mountains and lakes. The town is best for acclimatization as it is full of facilities. From there, the trekking departs from the route to Annapurna Circuit and leads the trekkers to Tilicho Tal which shows the eye-catching sceneries of Himalayan giants, glaciers, and so on.

The trail continues through the forests of oak, maple, etc. It passes many beautiful villages profoundly settled by Tibetan-influenced ethnic tribes. Pisang Village is fabulous and offers stunning views of Pisang Peak and other mountain ranges too.

Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek comes down to the Tilicho Base Camp and goes ahead to cross the highest Thorung La Pass of the Annapurna region. It is a little bit difficult to cross the pass as the way is covered by icy and slippery snow. However, our trekking guides are very experienced. They know well about crossing the Passes. Once you reach on top of Thorong La Pass, you enjoy it very much. You can see the greetings of very close views of the Annapurna ranges and other towering peaks.

The continual Tilicho Lake Trek Nepal takes you to Muktinath where a beautiful Muktinath Temple is located. It is popular for both Hindus and Buddhists. Then it goes down to Jomsom. From there, you have a short and sweet scenic flight over the Himalayas to Pokhara. It is the second-largest valley in Nepal where you can have relaxation time near the lakeside.

Regarding Tilicho Lake Trek's difficulty, walking on the terrain is not hard; however, it depends on the prevailing snow conditions. The trail at the upper part is not properly visible. So, it needs orienteering. Besides, climbing to the pass is scree and to some extent steep as well for almost a hundred meters. Therefore, physical fitness is required.

March to April and September to October are the Tilicho Lake Trek Best Times as the visibility can be clearer. Due to the cold, snow may fall on the way during the winter season. And July and August are the rainy seasons. Besides, the Tillicho Lake altitude is also very high. So, the trekkers may get altitude sickness if they are not well acclimatized.

Though the Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary is longer, Rising Adventure customizes it in a shorter way too in accordance with your interest and time. Please, contact us for more details.

Itinerary
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Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is the glaciated lake surrounded by the Himalayan ranges. The Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary is designed concerning acclimatization. 

Besides, the tourist visitors, other people may join this trekking, especially for religious purposes.

For more information, you can go through the Tilicho Lake Trek detail itinerary.

  • Accommodation3 star Hotel
  • Maximum Altitude1350 m

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the representative from Rising Adventure at the arrival gate and transferred to the hotel.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1900 m

Today you will have a long drive of almost 10 hours. So, you will go from Kathmandu to Syange, a trekking starting point early in the morning. So, the roadway will be as same as going towards Pokhara until Dumre and have a U-turn to Syange. In Syange, you will see the green hills, rivers, terraced farms as well as the Himalayas. Then you will reach Dharapani finally.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2660 m

Today you will trek for almost 6 hours to reach Chame. From Chame, you can see the scenery of the Himalayas such as Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3200 m

The trail will go through the deep forest and the narrow valley. On the way to Pisang, you will recross the brides again and again; and through the wonderful sites, you will reach Pisang.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3540 m

In order to go to Manang, you will have two choices either go from the south or from the north. But Rising Adventure recommends you choose the upper route through the Upper Pisang, where you will have magnificent views of mountain peaks such as Annapurna, Pisang peak as well as many others. Then you will have a short visit to the Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3540 m

Today you are going to spend a day in Manang not for rest and relaxation only, but for acclimatization too. So, Rising Adventure will not recommend you to stay idle rather having altitude during the daytime and come back to Manang for the night only. So, during the day time for acclimatization, you will have an hour's hike either to Bhojo Gompa or to Gangapurna Glacier.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4050 m

Your trail will go from the west along the river to the south through the forest of coniferous and reach the village, known as Kangsar. Then on the way of ascending to Siri Kharka, you will see the panoramic views of Gungang Himal as well as Mt. Chulu.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4150 m

Your trekking will be continuing through the narrow and steep way. It takes almost 6 hours to go to Tilicho Base Camp from Siri Kharka.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4050 m

Today you are going to meet your final destination. So, your trail will be a little bit tougher, but interesting. On the way, you will see the grazing yaks and deer; and finally, visit the magnificent Tilicho Lake at the bottom of Tilicho Peak. After visiting there, you will come back to Siri Kharka by following the same route. 

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4018 m

Your trail will go up passing through the monastery of a thousand-year-old, known as Tare Gumba. Then you will reach Khangsar village to Thorang Khola valley crossing the bridge, and the continuation of your ascending will take you to Yak Kharka.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4450 m

Today you will cross the river at 4310m and reach Thorong Phedi, a place at the bottom of the pass. There is a small number of settlements in Thorong Phedi, but it is a busy area where most of the trekkers spend a night as the point of base camp.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3760 m

Today you are going to reach the climax of your trekking. So, your trek will start early in the morning and ascend steeply for almost 6 hours to reach Thorong La Pass where you can see the stunning views of the high Himalayas. From there, you will descend and reach the important temple of Hindus and Buddhists, known as the Muktinath Temple. You will spend a night there in Muktinath.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2720 m

Today your trail will go down to Jomsom passing the place called Eklebhatti along the Kaligandaki River. Finally, you will reach Jomsom. Most of the offices of Mustang districts are situated there because of the full facilities.

  • Accommodation3 star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast and Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude800 m

You will have a flight to Pokhara in the early morning. But you will not have a flight in the daytime because of the usual weather problem. It takes almost 20 minutes to reach Pokhara, which is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake and also popular for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east.

  • Accommodation3 star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1350 m

The leaving time of the Tourist Bus in Pokhara is also at 7:30 am. So, your trekking guide will pick you up for going to Tourist Bus Park at 7:00 am as same as before. Then the roadway will be as different as before until Dumre but from there will follow the previous way to come back to Kathmandu.

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Inclusions
Cost Includes
  • Airport pick-up and drop by private vehicle
  • Bus tickets (Kathmandu to Besisahar and Pokhara to Kathmandu)
  • All necessary paper works, permits, and TIMS cards for trekking
  • Three meals a day during the treks (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) according to your choice
  • Seasonal fruits during the trek
  • Accommodations during the trek
  • English-speaking, experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable trekking guide during the trip (Salary, food, accommodation, and insurance)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara Flight ticket
  • One night accommodation in Pokhara on the basis of twin sharing including breakfast
  • All the government taxes
  • Farewell dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurants with a traditional dance

Note: We can book your accommodation in Kathmandu at your request.

Cost Excludes
  • Nepal arrival visa fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • Accommodating in Kathmandu
  • Porter
  • Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
  • Tips for guide 
  • All your personal expenses and other expenses which are not mentioned in "Cost includes"
Things to Know

Accommodation

Today, the tea house accommodation is accessible even at the Tilicho base camp, though there was not before. So, you will spend your nights in a tea house throughout the entire Tilicho lake trekking.

A tea house is like a guest house in the trekking area in Nepal. It provides a comfortable room with basic amenities, such as a small bed, a clean blanket, and a pillow. The restroom is located out of the room on a twin-sharing basis.

You need to pay an extra amount for hot water shower, laundry, phone charging, and using wi-fi. It is implemented in the higher elevation only, but you can get those facilities in the lower elevation within the room cost.

Foods

Basically, three times meals will be provided during trekking like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and dinner are served where you have spent your nights whereas lunch will be served en route to the trekking period.

Normally, Nepalese cuisine such as Daal, Bhat, Tarkari, and Achar are available throughout the trekking route. Besides, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, as well as Western foods can also be found, but in a limited choice.

Regarding the meat, we strongly advise you not to eat it because it may not be fresh sometimes. But if you can make sure it is fresh, you can have it.

Drinking Water

Every tea house serves clean and safe drinking water. You can even drink boiled water, but it costs extra at the higher elevation. So, we always recommend keeping a reusable water bottle and water-purified medicine for cheaper and healthy water. It would be beneficial for you while trekking in no tea house route. So, you can directly drink fresh water from the flowing waterfalls by purifying it.

Communication

The mobile phone network is accessible almost everywhere in Nepal. But it is not reachable or has not worked properly in the higher elevation of the Annapurna region, especially above the Manang Valley.

But every teahouse has the amenities of wi-fi. So, you can use it by paying a small extra charge.

Tilicho Lake Trek Permits

Though the Tilicho trek does not require its own permits, this area lies within the Annapurna region territory. And for entering this sector, every foreigner must have the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System cards (TIMS).

This trip cost includes the cost of TIMS and Permits.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is one of the mandatory requirements before joining any trekking and peak climbing activities in Nepal. This insurance is needed for the purposes of your financial and life safety and security. It must cover medical emergencies, helicopter evacuations, flight cancelation, the loss of any liability, and altitude sickness over 3000 meters in Nepal.

Please, keep in mind that Rising Adventure does not do any kind of Insurance service. We only want your travel insurance before joining our trip, not for sake of us, but for you.

Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

This is a moderately difficult trekking trail. Its route includes steep ascending and descending as well as rough trails. The route may get icy and slippery during monsoons and the winter. But at other times, it won't happen.

But the altitude factor is the main difficulty because Tilicho lake is located at an altitude of 4919 meters above sea level. And crossing over 3000 meters is always challenging from an altitude point of view.

Besides, you have to cross another highest pass while trekking to Tilicho Lake, i.e. Thorung La Pass with 5416 meters elevation.

However, if you are physically fit and fine and acclimatized well, then crossing this pass would not be a difficult job. And if you are able to cross it, it means you get succeeded.

At last, Rising Adventure concerns about these factors and prepares well and makes the proper guidance, so you do not need to be worried.

Altitude Sickness at Tilicho Lake Trek

The experts of Rising Adventure have designed the Tilicho Lake trek itinerary concerning its altitude sickness problem. So, you have enough rest days to properly acclimatize and make your body habituated to the higher altitudes.

Besides, you must keep your body hydrated all the time by drinking lots of water, fluids, and soup items. These drinks provide you the energy.

However, sometimes altitude sickness happens though you are working very consciously. The symptoms of this sickness are headache, hangover, vomiting, hallucinations, and others. If such things happen to you, you must tell your guide, he will take you down to the lower elevation immediately. If you are very serious, we will send the helicopter for your quick rescue and take you to the hospital. But remember that your travel insurance must cover these expenses.

Best season to trek Tilicho Lake

Autumn and spring are considered the best seasons for the trek to Tilicho Lake. During these periods, the day remains warm and clear. The weather looks sunny. As a result, you can see the very clear mountain views and feel good.

But if you are comfortable during monsoons or in winter, it is also okay to join the trip because the Tilicho trek is not a very challenging trekking destination.

Luggage Weight limitation for Porter

Rising Adventure takes care of its porter and staff and follows the rules and regulations of porter rights.

So, a porter can carry up to 20 kg. But carrying up to 15 kg of backpack would be the best. We provide one porter for two trekkers. However, if you wish to have your own porter, we can also manage it.

Clothing and Equipment

The clothing and equipment are needed to carry on the basis of the seasons like spring, autumn, winter, and monsoon. So, we have prepared the average packing lists for trekking to the pristine Tilicho Lake. Please, check the following;

Clothes: Down Jacket, Windcheater, Thermals, Full sleeve warm shirts, Inner clothes, Warm Trousers, Trekking Pants, Fleece Jacket, Woolen socks, warm gloves, Towels, warm cap, etc

Shoes: Trekking shoes and sandals

Accessories: Water bottle, sunglass, sun hat, sunscreen, lip balm, water purifier

Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Duffel bag, Map, and Trekking poles

Though our guide takes a first aid kit, it would be beneficial to have your own first aid kit. Besides, you can hire the most expensive and not reusable equipment even in Kathmandu, Nepal at a cheaper price.

Tilicho Lake Trek FAQs
  • The highest largest Tilicho Lake is situated in the Manang district of Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 4919 m in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas however some sites also claim that is at an elevation of 4,949 meters. Similarly, the lake covers a total area of 4.8 square km. The blue glaciers filled lake has no aquatic organisms according to the Nepali Department of Hydrology and Metrology. Each year thousands of visitors come here to see the beauty of the lake. 

  • Talking about the difficulty of the Tilicho lake trek is said to be moderately challenging. As the lake is located at a high altitude, to reach only there the trek needs so many steep, ascends, and descends, icy, rough, and slippery during rainy and winter seasons. Thus, the trekker with average physical fitness and good health condition can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful. Sometimes the unpredictable weather also brings difficulty while trekking around this area. 

  • Tilicho Lake is one of the major sites for trekking sites in Nepal. The trek offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna range and Mt Manaslu Range Mountains with colorful landscapes. Not only that, but while visiting the lake you will encounter the local people and can experience their culture and cuisine. Similarly, while trekking you will see able to see Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, Mt Manaslu 8153 Meters, Annapurna II 7940 Meters, Annapurna III, Chulu east and west, Thorong peak, Mt Dhaulagiri 8,167 Meters, and, many other peaks. Tilicho lakes have everything that trekkers seek. Thus, it deserves one chance. 

  • The lake is isolated and situated at a very high altitude. The water of the lake is also very cold, so that is why you cannot swim far in Tilicho Lake. Similarly, the region does not allow you to boat and swim due to the inaccessible shoreline and the cold temperature of the water. 

  • To travel to any part of Nepal, you need a permit. Without a permit entering and traveling here is illegal. Similarly, to enter Tilicho Lake you must have Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). ACAP permit cost charges NPR 3000, while TIMS charges around 2000. Both permits are available at the Nepal tourism board in Kathmandu.

  • The strenuous yet so fascinating, and wonderful trekking to Tilicho lake is pristine, unspoiled, and offers mind-blowing experiences. The starting point of Tilicho Lake is Besisahar while the ending point is Jomsom. Besisahar itself is beautiful and culturally rich where you can get to know Gurung culture and different food. From the ending point take a flight to Pokhara and return back to Kathmandu. 

  • Yes! The lake has its own religious significance, It is believed to be an ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake, according to Ramayana. The sage named Kak Bhusundi is believed to have first told the happenings of Ramayana to Garuda - king of birds, near this lake. Later, he took the form of a crow while telling the story to Garuda. And in Sanskrit crow translates to Kak, hence the name Kak Bhusundi for the sage.

  • Talking about the drinking water during the trek, it is easily available at the guesthouses where you are staying. Not only that you can also purchase a mineral water bottle on your trails. Remember that after drinking water but make sure that the bottle is properly disposed of. Also, if you want hot water pay extra at lodges. While crossing the trails you will see many streams you can use that water after only applying water purification treatment.

  • The large blue glacier lake takes around 19 days to explore the beauty that has never been explored before. Along the spectacular view of high mountains, and diverse landscape, Tilicho Lake is near the Annapurna circuit. By ABC circuit to visit Tilicho Lake takes around 3-4 days. Each year thousands of visitors come here to see the hidden beauty of the ABC region. 

  • As we mentioned a couple of times, the Tilicho lake trek takes you to the world’s highest lake, Tilicho. During the trek, you will see panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains, learn a great history of the region, experience-rich culture, and trek through picturesque villages, fine valleys, and lush forests. Speaking of the total cost to travel to Tilicho Lake it depends upon the number of travelers, if you are traveling solo then around $1290 will be enough for you. While if you traveling with someone then $999 will be enough. And if you are traveling in a group it cost you around $930. 

  • To reach Tilicho Lake, one must have reached first Besisahar, or Chame via Dharapani. Following the Chame, you have to walk between several villages like Dhukur Pokhari, Pisang, Ghyaru, and Ngawal and continue until you reach beautiful Manang. Manang is the largest village along the Annapurna Circuit, which offers rich Tibetan culture, diverse landscape, and warmness of people. Before heading towards Thorong La Pass (5415 meters) you will be stopped for acclimatization. While staying there you can visit several monasteries, restaurants, and many sights.
    Following the acclimatization day, your trail ascends Khangsar village and then to Tilicho lake base camp via Tare Gumba and Siri Kharka. Further, you will extend your journey of Tilicho Lake descending via Kaisang (3,510m) and Mesokanto La Pass (5,469m), then drop down to the Jomsom. 

  • Generally, travel insurance is coverage intended to defend against financial losses and dangers that could occur while wandering. Thus, it is very helpful and mandatory for the trekkers while traveling the Tilicho lake trek. It will cover all medical emergencies, loss of luggage, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, and altitudes over 3000 m.

  • We respect porter's rights and take care of our hard workers. One porter can carry the luggage of two trekkers. The luggage limitation per person is a maximum of 15 kg.

  • Before visiting any place bag packing for that specific place is important. Here is the list of some of the essential equipment and packing list for the Tilicho Lake trek. We hope this checklist will help you to pack for your amazing trek.

    • Equipment: Duffel bag, Map, Trekking poles, Warm Sleeping bags
    • Shoes: Rubber sandals, Pair of hiking boots, socks
    • Accessories: Water bottles, Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Pocket Knife, Water Purifying solution. Hats/Caps
    • Clothes:  Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Windcheater jackets, Thermals, Down jackets, Fleece, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, and Socks.
    • Medicine: Altitude sickness medicines, First-Aid Kit
       
  • Speaking of the best time to visit Tilicho Lake, spring and autumn are said to be the best among others. During this time the clear blue sky welcomes you with the best reflection and wonderful scenic beauty. Similarly, the moderate temperature adds more flavor to your journey. The trails are more comfortable to walk and the view is more visible. 

Customer Reviews
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  • U

    Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Lake Trek

    Ulric R, MalaysiaTrip Date: October 24, 2023

    Best trip of my life. My friend and I had a blast. The landscapes, the people, the food, the challenges everything will be remembered forever. Namaste

    TripAdvisor
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