Tilicho Lake is located at an altitude of 4919m in the Manang district. This is one of the world’s highest lakes situated at the highest altitude. This Lake is formed by the glacial melt of the northern slope of Annapurna Mountain and Thorung peak. This is one of the holy Lakes of Hindu people so Hindu people around the world gather in Tilicho lake to take holy baths. As this Lake is located in an isolated area of the Annapurna region so the Tilicho lake trek is one of the adventurous trekking trips in the Annapurna region. The trekkers who want to go adventurous and challenging treks in the Annapurna region, the Tilicho lake trek is suitable for them. Tilicho Lake trek trekkers should have a good trekking experience because during this trek trekkers need to cross the challenging pass Thorong La pass. This trek provides the best opportunity to explore hidden natural and cultural aspects of the Annapurna region. During this trek, trekkers can see the several naturally decorated gadgets which please the eye and take the heart of every trekker. In the Tilicho Lake trek, a stunning glimpse of the beautiful mountains of the region such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli. It always gives pleasure to the trekkers which helps to make their long journey untried. Moreover, beautiful landscapes, valleys, green hills, dense forests, artistic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, pristine rivers, gorges, sacred temples, colorful monasteries, and Gompas are the other attractions of the Tilicho trek.
One of the interesting aspects of this trek is that it can combine with the Annapurna circuit trek as per trekkers’ interests. If the trekkers want a long journey in the Annapurna region they can combine the Tilicho lake trek with the Annapurna circuit which will further take them to the beautiful and unique Mustang region. Tilicho Lake trek follows the Annapurna circuit trek trail up to Manang and from Manang village, the trek reaches Tilicho Lake through the Khangsar village. In the Tilicho Lake trek, trekkers get the opportunity to explore fauna and flora such as rhododendron forest, pine, fir, and oak forest. After enjoying the tranquil environment of Tilicho Lake Trek returns via Yak Kharka and Jomsom. Enjoy the 15-day trekking in the serene environment amidst the mountains and make remarkable memories. Trip video https://youtu.be/20P6pF8VSXg
Day 01: Drive to Tal (1700m) via Besisahar (760m) (7-8 hours)
Day 02: Tal to Thanchok,
Day 03: Thanchok to Pisang, 3200m
Day 04: Trek to Manang, 3540m
Day 05: Acclimatization day
Day 06: Manang to Khangsar, 3756m
Day 07: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp, 4160m
Day 08: Excursion Tilicho Lake 4919m, back to Tilicho Base Camp and then trek to Khangsar
Day 09: Khangsar to Yak Kharka, 4040 m
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp, 4900m
Day 11: Trek to Muktinath, 37850m via Thorong La Pass 5416m
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom, 2700m
Day 13: Flight to Pokhara from Jomsom
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu on Tourist Bus
The Tilicho Trek begins from Tal. A scenic ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar. From there, take an adventurous jeep ride admiring the beautiful scenery on the rugged roads crossing Bahundada, Ghermu, Syange, and Chamje
to Tal. Rest and relax at a guest house. Stay overnight.
Meals (B+L+D)
A pleasant trek on the trail witnessing a variety of cultivated crops and traversing Kodo village. Descend the trail to cross a bridge and reach Dharapani. Crossing the trail through the verdant forest of pine, fir, oak, and maple in the surrounding snow-capped mountains in the background. Continue further adoring Annapurna ranges and reach Thanchok. Stay overnight.
From Thanchok, trek through the trail traversing Koto village and Chame gradually. Walk on the steep trail passing through a lush green forest and glimpse of Mt. Lamjung. A sight of humongous Paungda Danda Rock on the trail. Witness one of the biggest apple farms before reaching Dhikur Pokhari. Climb uphill to Dhiukur Pokhari and continue walking until Pisang. Stay overnight.
An enjoyable walk on the trail traversing the different villages of Ngawal, Munchi, and Braka. Enjoy the view of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Experience the different landscapes and pass Tibetan villages. Finally, enter the Manang village climbing uphill from Braka monastery. Stay overnight.
Acclimatization day is necessary during trekking. It helps to adjust to the environment and prevent altitude sickness. A short hike to Gangapurna viewpoint passing glacial lake. A splendid view of Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, snow-capped mountain ranges, and lovely Manang valley from the top. Explore the surroundings such as monasteries, and local villages, interact with locals, and learn about the place and culture. Visit the largest Braka Monastery in the Manang region. Also, visit Rescue Association and a short brief related to altitude sickness prevention. Spend a night and enjoy your stay.
A gradual walk to Khangsar from Manang. Walk on the trail in the vicinity of pine trees, crossing the Khangsar River. A great glimpse of Tilicho Peak on the way. Enter the last settlement village Khangsar in Manang. Stay overnight at a Tilicho Peak Hotel.
An adventurous trek to the Tilicho Base Camp through the meadows witnessing yaks grazing. Enjoy the trek walking slowly maintaining the pace and sightseeing the valley from the top. Reach the Tilicho Base Camp passing the edge above the Kangsar Khola. Spending a night in a tent in the serenity amidst the mountains is a unique experience.
An exciting day to visit the fascinating Tilicho Lake at an altitude of 4919 m. Ascend steep climb admiring the surrounding beauty. Get in awe and forget the pain of a tough climb once you get a glimpse of mesmerizing Tilicho Lake. Spend some quality time in the vicinity of the turquoise blue Tilicho Lake. Descend to the base camp and stay overnight.
A walk on the trail entering thin vegetation. On the way to the trail, visit the ancient monastery Tare Gumba and pass the Khangsar village. Climb to Thorong Khola valley by crossing a bridge. Ascend further witnessing yaks grazing in the pasturelands to reach Yak Kharka. Stay overnight.
Enjoy walking steadily and pass Ledar. The altitude is very challenging thus ascending gradually and descending through a narrow trail to arrive at Thorong Phedi. Maintain the pace of walking and continue till High Camp. Stay overnight.
A new day to begin with as reaching Muktinath via Thorong La Pass is a thrilling experience. The pass is at a high altitude of 5416m thus ascend slowly and follow the trail carefully. Get amazed with great views of snow-capped Annapurna and surrounding mountains, prayer flags, and chortens from the top. Climb downhill slowly and keep walking on the trail to reach Muktinath. Muktinath is a holy temple for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Vishnu Temple, 108 stone spouts, and burning flames are the major highlight of this temple. Visit the temple if time allows or continue the next day. Spend time relaxing at a guesthouse. Stay overnight.
On the last day in the Manang region, trek gradually to Jomsom after visiting the sacred temple Muktinath. Descend through the verdant forest adoring the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. Cross the bridge over the cascading Kali Gandaki River and finally arrive at Jomsom. Celebrate the night upon completing the Tilicho Lake Trek and stay overnight at a guest house. Enjoy, rest, and relax.
After having breakfast, walk to Jomsom Airport. A scenic 25-minute ride to Pokhara is fabulous. Rest for a while at a hotel. Stroll the nearby places in Pokhara or local markets. Enjoy the nightlife and spend a night at a hotel. Alternately, an 8-hour drive to Pokhara if flights from Jomsom are canceled. (In case of flight cancelation, the meal facilities are customized in the itinerary.)
A scenic drive to Kathmandu after having breakfast. Witness the diverse landscape, green hills, mountains, cascading rivers, local villages, and terraced fields from the bus on the way. Spend quality time at a hotel after such a long drive. Stay overnight.
Accommodations in the Tilicho Lake Treks are mostly guesthouses. The guesthouses are comfortable with basic facilities. The trek duration is of 15 days. Thus, most nights are spent in the guesthouses. A stay at the tent twice in the Tilicho Base Camp before ascending and after descending from Tilicho Lake. The extra charge for the use of facilities like hot water buckets, laundry, charging, internet, and electricity in the guesthouses.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided during the trekking from the guesthouses. The meals are basic and suitable for the health of the trekkers. The main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat which provides enough energy throughout 7/8 hours of the trek. The variety of meals is hard to find but meals prepared from home-grown crops are a treat during this trek.
*Drinking water
Drinking water is easily available at the guesthouses. You can buy a mineral water bottle but you should do proper disposal of plastic bottles. You can also fill boil water at guesthouses paying extra charges. Carry a water bottle and water purification medicine with you. During trekking, drink direct freshwater from the flowing stream using water purification treatment.
Communication
The internet facility is easily available in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. The internet is stable from Besisahar to Manang valley. A little instability or no availability at high altitudes and Tilicho Lake. By paying extra charges at guesthouses, internet facility, electricity for charging can be used. The phone signal is also good but may not work at high altitudes. Using a local sim card, an internet facility can also be used.
Starting and Ending points
The starting point of the Tilicho Lake Trek is from Besisahar and ends in Jomsom. From Jomsom, flight to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.
Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits are required.
a. ACAP permit cost charge: NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 1000 (SAARC)
b. TIMS permit cost charge: NPR 2000 (Foreigners), NPR 600 (SAARC)
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.
Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty
Tilicho Lake Trek’s difficulty is moderately challenging. The trek includes a trail having many steep ascends, descends, rough trails, and icy and slippery during winter and rainy seasons. Tilicho Lake is at the altitude of 4919 m and the highest pass Thorong La Pass is 5416 m. The trekker with average physical fitness and good health condition can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness at Tilicho Lake Trek
Acclimatization day is necessary during trekking. Manang valley is our acclimatization rest day. It helps prevent altitude sickness and adapt to the environment. Headache, hangover, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep, hallucinations, and unconsciousness, are symptoms of altitude sickness. Immediately inform the guide if you have any primary symptoms.
Best time to trek Tilicho Lake
Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time to trek Tilicho Lake. The weather is clear and sunny during these seasons. The trail is also comfortable to walk. Rainy and Winter season treks are for experienced trekkers.
Luggage limitation for Porter
One porter carries the luggage of two trekkers. The luggage limitation per person is a maximum of 15 kg.
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu.