Tilicho Lake Trek
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max altitude
- 4,919 m
- Pricing
- Custom quote
Every angle of the route
Photo gallery
At a glance
Overview
The Tilicho Lake Trek is an incredible side-trip extension of the classic Annapurna Circuit, taking you to one of the highest high-altitude glacial lakes in the world. Nestled at 4,919 meters beneath the massive northern slopes of Tilicho Peak and the Khangsar Kang, this trek rewards hikers with staggering turquoise waters, dramatic snow-capped alpine backdrops, and rich cultural interactions along the Marsyangdi River valley.
Trip highlights
- +Visit Tilicho Lake, one of the highest freshwater alpine lakes in the world situated at 4,919 meters
- +Breathtaking close-up views of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna
- +Traverse thrilling cliffside trails above deep river gorges past Khangsar village
- +Acclimatize in the vibrant mountain hub of Manang with its monasteries and local culture
- +Combine pristine high-altitude glacial scenery with classic Annapurna mountain hospitality
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Tilicho Lake Trek distinctive.
Signature experience
Visit Tilicho Lake, one of the highest freshwater alpine lakes in the world situated at 4,919 meters
Breathtaking close-up views of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna · Traverse thrilling cliffside trails above deep river gorges past Khangsar village
Trail character
Easy · 4,919 m
A 11 days journey with a easy trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Annapurna Region, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Annapurna Region, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a easy adventure
Ideal for guests who value visit tilicho lake, one of the highest freshwater alpine lakes in the world situated at 4,919 meters and breathtaking close-up views of tilicho peak, annapurna ii, iii, iv, and gangapurna and can commit 11 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
- 02 · The heartTrek from Manang to Khangsar
Leave the main Thorong La trail behind and head west toward Khangsar, passing old mani walls, ruined fortresses, and sweeping gorges leading to the 'last Tibetan village.'
- 03 · The finaleFly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Board a morning scenic mountain flight from Jomsom over the deep gorge to Pokhara, concluding your high-altitude Tilicho Lake trekking expedition.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
02Drive from Kathmandu to Chame
Drive from Kathmandu along winding highways past Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, traversing bumpy mountain roads up to Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district.
03Trek from Chame to Pisang
Trek through deep pine forests and across steep rock faces alongside the river, emerging into the wide lower Pisang valley with stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
04Trek from Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru
Take the upper trail through the cliffside village of Ghyaru and Ngawal, offering magnificent panoramic mountain vistas, before descending into the vibrant alpine settlement of Manang.
05Acclimatization Day in Manang
Spend a crucial acclimatization day exploring Manang village, visiting Gangapurna Lake, or hiking up to Gangapurna viewpoint for high-altitude adjustment.
06Trek from Manang to Khangsar
Leave the main Thorong La trail behind and head west toward Khangsar, passing old mani walls, ruined fortresses, and sweeping gorges leading to the 'last Tibetan village.'
07Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp
Trek along narrow, challenging trails carved directly into sheer cliff faces above landslide-prone slopes, arriving at Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m) nestled beneath the peaks.
08Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake and back to Tilicho Base Camp
Make an early morning ascent over moraine ridges to reach the stunning, crystal-clear blue waters of Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), surrounded by towering snowy peaks, then descend back to base camp.
09Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Siri Kharka
Retrace your steps along the cliffside trails past Khangsar Khola bridge, descending gently into the green grazing pastures of Siri Kharka.
10Trek from Siri Kharka to Letdar and Drive to Jomsom
Trek past Yak Kharka to rejoin the main trail toward Letdar, where a vehicle transport awaits to drive you across the scenic Kali Gandaki valley down to Jomsom.
11Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Board a morning scenic mountain flight from Jomsom over the deep gorge to Pokhara, concluding your high-altitude Tilicho Lake trekking expedition.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Airport pickup and drop-off
- +Private transportation from Kathmandu to Besisahar / Chame and return transfer from Jomsom/Pokhara
- +Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porters
- +Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- +Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- +Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- +Guide and porter insurance, wages, and meals
- +Government taxes and official service charges
What's excluded
- -International flights and visa fees
- -Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,500m
- -Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- -Personal trekking gear and equipment
- -Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry)
- -Bottled or boiled drinking water and extra snacks
- -Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- -Any other services not explicitly listed under What's Included
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.