Tilicho Lake Trek
Trek at a Glance
Price From
Contact for pricing
Duration
12 days
Trip Grade
Challenging
Max. Altitude
4,919m
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group Size
1–12 pax
Region
Annapurna
Accommodation
Lodge / Tea House
Meals
B / L / D
Start / End Point
Pokhara / Besisahar
Permits
ACAP, TIMS card
Tilicho Lake Trek Overview
Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide
Trek deep into the Annapurna Circuit to reach Tilicho Lake at 4,919m, one of the highest lakes in the world.
Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919m in a glacial cirque beneath the Tilicho Peak massif, and reaching it is a serious undertaking. The approach follows the Annapurna Circuit route up the Marsyangdi valley from Besishahar through Chame and Pisang to Manang, a beautiful walk through pine forest, apple orchards, and high-desert plateau country, before branching off to the dedicated lake trail. The lake itself is about 5km long at altitude, framed by the vertical ridgelines of the Great Barrier.
The color of the water on a clear day is a specific shade of deep blue-gray that we have not seen replicated anywhere else in Nepal. The route requires careful acclimatisation, with Manang at 3,540m being the mandatory overnight before any attempt on the lake approach. A full rest day in Manang for side hikes to Gangapurna Lake and an altitude briefing is always added. The lake camp at approximately 4,150m is the jumping-off point for the final climb to 4,919m, a section that involves steep, loose scree and a glacier margin traverse.
Conditions on this final section change with the season. In spring, residual snow improves footing but increases avalanche risk, while in autumn it is drier but more treacherous. This is a serious objective, not just a lake detour attached to the Annapurna Circuit. We plan the itinerary with the lake as the primary goal, treating the Annapurna valley scenery as the approach. After Tilicho, options include returning to the circuit and continuing over Thorong La or descending back through Manang to exit via Besishahar.
Who this trek is for: We typically take 12-14 days to complete this trek, and it is suited for fit trekkers who have ideally completed one high-altitude trek before wishing to pursue a serious objective above 4,900m. The traverse above the Great Barrier to Tilicho Base Camp is the most technically demanding section, narrow, exposed, and loose, and requires confident footing and a good head for heights. Anyone with a fear of exposed traverses should be aware of this before committing.
Tilicho Lake
4,919 m / 16,138 ftOne of the world's highest lakes, sitting in a vast glacial bowl beneath the north face of Tilicho Peak. The final approach from Tilicho Base Camp climbs a loose moraine ridge with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges before the ice-blue lake reveals itself below.
Tilicho Lake Trek Highlights
- Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the world's highest
- Classic Marsyangdi valley trail
- High-altitude detour into a glacial bowl
- Optional combine with Thorong La pass
Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pokhara to Beshisahar to Chame (2,650m) |
| Day 2 | Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m) |
| Day 3 | Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3,650m) |
| Day 4 | Ngawal to Manang (3,540m) |
| Day 5 | Manang to Ice Lake to Manang (4,600m) |
| Day 6 | Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m) |
| Day 7 | Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and back |
| Day 8 | Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4,080m) |
| Day 9 | Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,800m) |
| Day 10 | Pass day. High Camp to Muktinath (3,800m) |
| Day 11 | Muktinath to Dumba Lake to Marpha (2,650m) |
| Day 12 | Marpha to Pokhara |
Day 01: Pokhara to Beshisahar to Chame (2,650m)
Long jeep day along the Marsyangdi valley via Beshisahar to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Camp at Chame.
Day 02: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
5 to 6 hours through pine forest with the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face mid-day. Camp at Upper Pisang.
Day 03: Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3,650m)
5 to 6 hours on the upper acclimatisation route via Ghyaru with high-traverse views of Annapurna II, III and IV across the valley. Camp at Ngawal.
Day 04: Ngawal to Manang (3,540m)
4 to 5 hours of mostly downhill walking back into the main valley. Camp at Manang.
Day 05: Manang to Ice Lake to Manang (4,600m)
Big acclimatisation day. Round-trip climb above Manang to the high glacial Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) at 4,600m, then back down to sleep at Manang.
Day 06: Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m)
Trek via Khangsar and the exposed scree traverse above the Great Barrier to Tilicho Base Camp. Steady footing needed on the narrow loose section. Camp at Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 07: Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and back
Pre-dawn start. Up-and-down day climbing on loose scree (and possibly snow) to Tilicho Lake at 4,919m, one of the highest large lakes in the world. Camp back at Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 08: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4,080m)
Cross back via the Great Barrier traverse, then onto the eastern bank to Yak Kharka, joining the main Annapurna Circuit. Camp at Yak Kharka.
Day 09: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,800m)
Climb via Thorong Phedi with the steep final pitch to High Camp, setting up the next morning's pass crossing. Camp at High Camp.
Day 10: Pass day. High Camp to Muktinath (3,800m)
Pre-dawn start, 3 to 4 hours of climbing in thin air to Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, then a long 1,600m descent to the sacred temple complex at Muktinath. Camp at Muktinath.
Day 11: Muktinath to Dumba Lake to Marpha (2,650m)
Visit the turquoise Dumba Lake near Jomsom, then continue down the Kali Gandaki to the apple-orchard village of Marpha. Camp at Marpha.
Day 12: Marpha to Pokhara
Long jeep day back through Tatopani and Beni to Pokhara.
Elevation Profile
Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide
Govt. License #1497Rohit Timilsina
Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks
Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina
I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.
“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”
Tilicho Lake Trek Cost & What's Included
Here is exactly what this guided package covers. We price it per departure, so ask us for a quote for your group size and dates.
What is included in this trek package?
Accommodation
- Twin-sharing accommodation in tea houses or local lodges throughout the trek
- Hotel accommodation on nights before and after the trek where applicable (breakfast included)
Meals & Drinking Water
- All standard meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with one hot drink per meal
- Purified drinking water throughout the trek (filter or purification tablets)
- Seasonal fruits when available
Transportation
- All ground transfers by private or shared tourist vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights where explicitly noted in the itinerary
Guide and Staff
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide
- Assistant guide for groups of 7 or more
- One porter per two trekkers for carrying main luggage (up to 10 kg per person)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance for all trek staff
Permits
- All required trekking permits and conservation-area fees for the route
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card where applicable
- All permit paperwork arranged before the trek starts
Safety and Support
- Comprehensive first aid kit including pulse oximeter for daily altitude checks
- Emergency oxygen on treks above 4,000m
- 24/7 operational support from our Pokhara office
- Trip completion certificate
What is excluded in this trek package?
Flights & Visa
- International flights and airport departure tax
- Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days, on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
Insurance & Personal Gear
- Travel insurance with high-altitude and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear, clothing and footwear
Meals Outside the Trail
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara before and after the trek
- Any beverages including alcoholic drinks, bottled and boiled water
Other
- Tips for trekking staff and drivers (recommended but not included)
- Hot showers, WiFi, and charging fees at tea houses
- Any personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs
- Any additional costs caused by natural disasters, political disturbances, or flight delays
- Any items not explicitly listed in the Price Includes section
Tilicho Lake Trek Reviews
4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews
Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.
No published review names the Tilicho Lake Trek yet.
See reviews from all our treksWhy Book With 6K Nepal Treks
Licensed & Insured
Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.
Expert Local Guides
Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.
Safety First
Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.
Small Groups
Maximum 12 trekkers per group, and one porter per two guests whenever porters are part of your package. You are a person, not a tour number.
Fair & Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Every quote itemises exactly what your package covers and what it does not, so nothing lands on you at the trailhead.
Responsible Travel
Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.
Know Before You Go
The Tilicho Lake trek is challenging, primarily due to two sections: the exposed traverse above the Great Barrier between Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp, and the final climb to the lake at 4,919m on loose scree and potential snow. Neither section involves ropes or technical climbing, but both require confident footing on steep, exposed terrain at altitude. Daily walking hours range from 4 hours on acclimatisation and short approach days to 8-9 hours on the lake attempt day (round trip from base camp). The altitude accumulation is substantial, with multiple nights spent above 3,500m. The Great Barrier traverse is carefully briefed, demanding attention and can be dangerous if wet or icy. Good trekking boots and poles are essential.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required for the entire Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake route, costing USD 30 per person. It can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board. The TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) is also necessary at a cost of USD 15 per person. Our team handles all permit paperwork.
Tilicho Lake at 4,919m is among the highest lake objectives in Nepal, and the altitude profile of this route is demanding. The sequence of sleeping altitudes is: Chame 2,710m, Upper Pisang 3,310m, Manang 3,540m (two nights), Khangsar 3,734m, and Tilicho Base Camp 4,150m. The critical step is the jump from two acclimatisation nights at 3,540m to sleeping at 4,150m. Our acclimatisation day in Manang involves hiking high and sleeping low to prepare for the ascent.
The Annapurna Circuit section has well-established teahouses with diverse menus. Manang provides good facilities including bakeries and gear shops. Tilicho Base Camp has limited options, with basic teahouses offering dal bhat, potato dishes, noodle soup, and eggs. Acclimatisation day in Manang is a good opportunity to buy last-minute supplies.
The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
- Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
- Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Head & Face
- Sun hat or cap
- Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Sunglasses with full UV protection
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Upper Body
- Technical base layer shirts, two
- Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
- Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Hiking pants, two pairs
- Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
- Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
- Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse
Hands
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
- Hiking socks, three to five pairs
- Liner socks if prone to blisters
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
- Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m
First Aid & Medications
- Personal prescription medications
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
- Electrolyte sachets or tablets
- Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter
Other Essentials
- Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
- One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
- Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
- High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
- Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics
- We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
- One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
- Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
- Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.
Guide & Porter Services
Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.
Accommodation Bookings
We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.
Transportation Arrangements
All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.
Equipment Rental
A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.
Insurance Requirements
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage. This is for your safety and ours.
Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.
FAQs for Tilicho Lake Trek
Private guided departure
Free cancellation up to 30 days
No booking fees, 30% deposit
Licensed operator (#1497)
You may also like
Similar Treks
Kapuche Glacier Lake
- Max altitude
- 2,546m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- Autumn, Winter +
$260per person
Khumai Korchan Trek
- Max altitude
- 3,682m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- Autumn, Winter +
$270per person
Mardi Himal Trek
- Max altitude
- 4,500m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- Autumn, Winter +
$290per person
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Max altitude
- 3,210m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- Spring & Autumn
$210per person
