• Duration:15 Nights 16 Days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 5416m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking and Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Tilicho Lake Trekking

Claimed to be the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake, 4919m sits at the foot of an extensive glacier; a collection of glacial melt from the northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorung Peak. At Tilicho, it is a spectacular sight to see the surrounding snowy peaks reflected in the clear waters of the lake.

Tilicho Lake Trekking begins in the fertile low lands of Marshyangdi valley, at Besisahar, and reaches the remote Manang region. From Manang, instead of following the regular Annapurna Circuit Trek northward to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka, we follow a wide valley to the west, passing through the Khangsar Village. After spending one night in Khangsar, we hike two days up the valley to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, 4800m. From Tilicho Base Camp we hike up to Tilicho Lake, 4919m, to enjoy the view for a few hours before heading back down to Base Camp for a second night.

From Tilicho we descend to Yak Kharka then up to the Thorung La Pass, 5416m. From the Thorung La Pass, the trail leads down to Muktinath, a famous Temple for Hindus and Buddhist devotees. From Muktinath there is now a road to Jomsom, so the walk can be dusty, with pilgrims travelling by vehicle to Muktinath. We recommend avoiding the dust by flying to Pokhara from Jomsom, a thirty-five minute flight.

Also, Tilicho lake Trek provides excellent views of Annapurna massif too. One of the most beautiful regions in terms of bio-diversity, nature lovers will get the chance to see exotic birds such as white capped river chat, brown dipper and white-breasted kingfisher, butterflies, barking deer, rhododendron forest and orchid flowers.

The best time to do Tilicho Lake Trekking is from March- May and September - December. Get in touch to know more about the trip, itinerary, time, private or group departures.

Highlights of Tilicho Lake Trekking

  • dramatic view at Tilicho Lake reflection of the snowy peaks
  • traditional villages inhabited many different ethnic groups
  • observe distinct cultural shift in highlands close to Tibet
  • stunning view from Thorong La Pass - at 5416m
  • muktinath; a famous pilgrimage site

Itinerary

Expand All Collapse All
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day, you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped towering peaks. After completing the visa formalities in airport, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying your name on our company’s’ signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. Moving forward, you’ll be taken to your hotel in our vehicle. Once you reach at hotel, you’ll be welcomed by them as well and after that you can relax in your room or go for a walk exploring the city.

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel

The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar will be of approx. 8 hours. The road leads us West following the Trisuli River, then branches off the Pokhara highway, going North alongside the Marshyangdi River. Normally, we arrive in Besisahar by late afternoon. We'll stay overnight at Besisahar.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

From Besisahar, we'll drive all the way to Dharapani on a sharing jeep. The trail mostly will be off road and bumpy giving you the driving experience of a lifetime. Along the way, we'll pass through some astonishing villages like Bulbule, Ngadi, Syange, Jagat, Tal and finally reach to Dharapani, Timang and reach Chame. From Chame, we'll officially begin our hike towards Thorang La Pass (5416m)

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Trail to Upper Pisang from Chame is filled with the most amazing scenic views within the valley. The trail takes us from Chame to Bhratang, Bhratang to Dhukur Pokhari and Dhukur Pokhari to Upper Pisang. The total journey from Chame to Upper Pisang consists of 14.5 kilometers of hiking over 5 - 6 hours and an elevation increase of approx. 600 meters.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Day Six will take us from Upper Pisang to Ghyaru and Ghyaru to Ngawal. It’s the seventh day on the Annapurna Circuit as we to continue on the high route. You'll witness some of the best glimpses of Annapurna Massifs along the trail to Ghyaru. At Ghyaru, we'll take our time to cherish the magnificent view of Chulus, Annapurnas and continue our hiking to Ngawal afterwards. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

We are now in the dry and arid region of Manang called Nyesyang. This area falls in a rain shadow area of the Himalaya where it seldom rains in the summer months; though it snows in the winter and the snow remains on the ground for a long time. The local people are mostly farmers and traders. There are two routes leading out of Pisang towards the Manang Valley. We take the one which follows the left bank of the valley floor. Today we will enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna III, IV, Gangapurna and the Tilicho peaks. At Hungde, we cross the river and walk along a fairly broad trail through the buckwheat and potato fields to the village of Braga, famous for it's monastery which is more than 500 years old. Then after a slight climb we arrive at the village of Manang.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

This is an ideal place to stop and spend the day around Manang for many reasons. First, we want to acclimatize to the altitude and to conserve our energy to succeed in our endeavor. Second, this is the part of the trek where we are closest to the mountains. Most people climb the hill behind Manang to enjoy the magnificent views of the whole Annapurna range and the enormous icefall that crashes and rumbles down from Gangapurna. The sunset and sunrise over this natural amphitheatre is one of the most beautiful mountain views in this region.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Today, we will trek to the village of Shree Kharka from Manang. On the way, we can make a detour to a small lake at the Gangapurna glacier. There are about 70 houses in Khangsar as well as a monastery named Tore Gompa. From the village, there are superb views up the Khangsar Khola to Tilicho Peak and the Grand Barrier.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

In between Tore Gompa and Tilicho Lake, there is a big, grassy field where blue sheep are often seen. About one kilometer from the field, we reach a hill from where we will get a view of the entire valley. A steep descent will bring us to Tilicho Base Camp where we find our lodging for the night. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

If weather conditions are favorable, we’ll make our day trip to Tilicho Lake, claimed to be the highest lake in the world at 5200m. The lake is 4 km long and 2.5 km wide. It is the main water source for the Marsyangdi River. We’ll have a picnic lunch before returning to the lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Returning from Base Camp, you can follow a ridge above Khangsar village, passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and following an unmarked trail which will wind down the river where we cross on an old log bridge from Gumsang to Yak Kharka. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

We continue through pastures to a settlement called Chuli Letdar from where we get an excellent view of Chulu West. From here, the trail follows the bank of the Jarsang Khola, a tributary of the Marsyangdi before branching off to climb the scree slopes high above the river, to Phedi.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

A long day as we leave Phedi very early morning for the climb to the pass. The first part of the ascent is very steep, but it eases somewhat as we approach the top. Although the altitude still makes the going tough., after numerous false summits, we reach Thorung La itself at 51416m/ 17769ft. Looking back, we get our last great view of the towering peaks of Annapurna, while below us is the 2500m deep chasm of the Kali Gandaki. In the distance, are the snow-capped peaks of Tibet. The long descent from Thorung La starts gently but becomes steep and winding until it finally reaches the grassy slopes for a gentle descent to Muktinath.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

After visiting the temples, we will start our final day of trekking. As we follow the main trail down the valley, we will be surrounded by the ruggedness of a barren valley of wind-eroded rock, which is contrasted by the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. A final steep descent brings us to the Kali Gandaki Valley at Eklabatti from where the trail finishes with a gentle walk to reach Jomsom. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

The flights from Jomosom to Pokhara are usually in the early morning due to the high winds which blow up the Kali Gandaki Valley later in the day. The short flight to Pokhara takes us down the Kali Gandaki Valley with spectacular views of Niligiri and Dhaulagiri. You will have ample time to explore Pokhara for the rest of the day. You might want to hire a bike to cycle around to places of interest: Fewa Lake, Devi’s Falls, museum, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Gupteshwar Cave. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Early morning, we depart from Pokhara Tourist Bus Station to travel back to Kathmandu. If you are interested in continuing on to Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today.

Option: We have not included the airfare of Pokhara – Kathmandu (USD $120 Per Person). The exciting half hour flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu gives you the feeling of a mountain flight, high in the Himalaya where you can see the Langtang, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. If you chose to travel to Kathmandu by flight, we give free Airport Drop and Pick up. You need to book this flight before start the trek. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. Check in at the Kathmandu international airport 3 hours prior to your flight time.

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, 2 nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation in Pokhara, 1 night on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 13 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis. (Max 25 KG per porter)
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s T-shirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Annapurna Conservation Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Airfare Jomsom – Pokhara guests and guide
  • Ground Transfers Kathamndu – Besi Shar Public by Bus (upgrade to Private Car - $200)
  • Ground Pokhara- Kathmandu by Tourist Bus ( upgrade to Domestic Flight - $105 per person one way)
  • All government and local taxes

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water, boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date17 Oct, 2024End Date01 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$ 1450
Start Date30 Oct, 2024End Date14 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$ 1450

Departure Note:

Guaranteed - We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.


We have set dates for departure to the Amazing Tilicho Lake Trekking. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

Tilicho Lake Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Tilicho Lake is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the trek. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.

Useful Info

The Best Time to Visit the Tilicho Lake Trekking:

The best seasons for trekking in the this region are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November). Winter trekking is also possible for Ghorepani, Poonhill, Ghandruk, Annapurna Base Camp, and Kali Gandki. However, if there is a lot of snow, the Thorung La pass may be impassable.

This is a Tea Houses/Lodge Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy four nights in Hotel Holy Himalaya before and after heading into the remote regions.

During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!

Spending Money per Day:

Although it depends on your spending habits, you should allocate US$ 10 - 15 per meal in Kathmandu. On the trek, your meals are included, but you may wish to purchase extras which are not included in your package, such as chocolate bars, Coca Cola or a beer. US$10 - 15 a day should be enough, but keep in mind the cost of all items increases proportionately with the distance from the trail head.

Drinking Water:

While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. In the Annapurna Region there are Euro-guard filters, so all you need is your own water bottle and you can refill it easily.  We suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets in case Euro-guard water is not available.  We request that you avoid using bottled mineral water, as the bottles are not easily disposed of. 

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Safety:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

Travel Insurance:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Client Reviews

Annapurna Circuit Trek & Tilicho Lake - Fantastic Company

- Michael, Germany

In October I hiked the Annapurna circuit trek incl Tilicho Lake. We hired a guide by Annapurna Foothills, a local Nepalese trekking company. From the first contact via email all went perfect. Ngima, the owner, is one of the nicest people who I met in my life so far. He organized also some domestic flights for me as well. In total I'm happy and satisfied to have chosen this great agency. I can recommend this company without any doubts. If you would like to have an amazing hiking trip so get in contact with Annapurna Foothills!!!!

Visited October 2016

Write a review