Tilicho Lake (4,919m) is the world’s highest-altitude glacial lake spreading over 4.8 sq km and 4 km in length in the heart of world-famous Annapurna Circuit trails of Nepal in Manang district. The deep blue lake with snow-capped northern slope of Annapurna and the Thorong Peak surrounding it provides some of the world’s finest views. Himalayan scenery of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak, Mt. Annapurna II, Mt, Annapurna III, Lamjung Himal, Tukuche peak, Mt. Hiunchuli, and many other snowcapped mountains along the way with flora and fauna makes the trek more interesting and engaging.
Tilicho Lake Trek Highlights
- An adventure through the mountain passes with breathtaking scenery.
- World’s highest lake at the altitude of 4919 meters.
- A window to the native culture and traditions along the way.
- A place inscribed in the scriptures (Hinduism and Buddhism).
- Trekkers destination
- Pristine water mirroring the blissful beauty of the Annapurna.
What to Expect at Tilicho Lake Trek
Trekking to Tilicho Lake is the most thrilling adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trails include rough trails, enough ascends and descends, Icy and slippery in winter and rainy seasons. It is claimed to be the highest lake in the world and views are amazing at an altitude of 4919 m. It is just 2 days walking to the lake from Manang through scenic trails. Grab the best Photography opportunity with stunning natural beauty.
Tilicho Lake Trek Cost and itinerary
We at Global Eco Trails, offer three different type of package for Tilicho Lake trek. Deluxe Trek package, Standard trek package and Budget trek package. The cost of Tilicho Lake Trek is depends on the group size, trek duration, and service you are looking for. The Tilicho Lake trek is way cheaper than any wilderness trek. 13 days Tilicho Lake standard package cost including Guide, Permits, Transport, Food, and accommodation in a Guest House between 800 USD to 1500 USD in a full package. For the details of our standard package cost please see included section below. Besides that, we have a budget package as well including a guide, permits, and transport, and Guest house accommodation for 12 nights. Your meals are solo responsible and directly payable to the guest house. Our itinerary is carefully crafted by field experts considering the comfort and safety of the customer, providing ample time for acclimatization. The duration of the trek depends on the route we take and the starting and ending point of the trek. The given itinerary is outlined, we can customize as per your requirements.
Accommodation in Tilicho Trek
Enjoy this trek staying at medium category guest house along the way. Different levels of accommodation from dormitory to private room with attached bathroom- hot and cold shower is available in most of the places. At Tilicho Lake Base Camp everyone has to share both room and toilet as there is no private (single) room facilities. The room is clean, comfortable and consists of mattress, pillow, bedcover and blanket. You can experience warm welcoming hospitality from locals at the dinning room with heating fire. Fresh, hygienic and well-cooked food are served throughout the trek. Continental, Indian, Nepali typical thali meal and Chinese type of foods are available along the route. As per local regulation, it is required to have a meal at the place where you are spending the night.
How Difficult is Trekking to Tilicho Lake?
Ultimately, Tilicho Lake Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are bucket list destinations for nature, culture, and photography lovers. A Journey to Tilicho Lake is an easy to moderate level trek in Nepal. It is a 13-day trek starts from Kathmandu and follows the famous Annapurna Circuit trail. Traveling from Kathmandu to Besishahar by bus and then to Chame in the jeep, we start hiking to the “Manang village jewels of Annapurna”. We have placed an acclimatization day in Manang to avoid altitude sickness. After proper acclimatization start the Journey to Shree Kharka. Manang to Shree Kharka-3800m and Tilicho Base Camp is- 4150m.
Spend a night at Tilicho Base Camp and hike to Tilicho Lake the next morning. It takes about a hours to reach the Tilicho Lake. After spending some memorable time catching a glimpse of the majestic view in your memory, return to the base camp. Upon arrival, we make time for lunch and descend to Siri Kharka for a night. From the following day, here you have an opportunity to join either the Annapurna Circuit trails over Throng-La Pass or follow the same trails to Manang for your returning journey.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
The Tilicho Lake Trek is a glacier fed fresh water lake that offers the close view of mesmerizing Annapurna II, III and IV. The area is full with cultural diversity, barren terrain where the potatoes and barley hardly grow. We come across Chame, Pissang and Hungde villages which is famous for apple farming which lies along the Marsyangdi River valley. Every day, you get to see different landscapes including tempting views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. The trail starts from the subtropical climate to alpine climatic zone. The trek allows you to see breathtaking view of deep blue Tilicho lake with snow-capped mountains around it enhancing the beauty.
Where mountain meets sky, twin spirits bathe in stillness
After visiting the Tilicho Lake, we follow the trail to Yak Kharka to catch up the Annapurna Circuit path. On the way back, the breath-taking views from the top of Throng-la captivates your mind and soul. Descending to the Mustang plateau which is the rain shadow area of Nepal you can visit Muktinath which is a famous Hindus and Buddhist holy pilgrimage as it has amalgamation of both temple and gumba.
7 Days Itinerary to Tilicho Lake Trek
The walk to Tilicho Lake can be tailored to your needs. The 7-day trek itinerary follow by a jeep drive to Manang. Manang is a beautiful village in Annapurna Circuit at an altitude of 3,400 m. If the altitude is not a matter to you, then take four days to reach Tilicho Lake and back. Enjoy the amazing view of Tilicho Lake. This is one of the highest lakes in the world surrounded by stunning mountains. Enjoy the decent views of the mountains and valleys. Please contact us for customized itinerary and cost.
Tilicho Lake trekking is a moderate to challenging trek that involves five to six hours of walking a day through the barren land. A drive from Besishahar to Chame is adventurous one that offers scenic views along the way including mountain, waterfall and agricultural landscape. High altitude can be another challenge for you, but as long as you are physically and mentally fit, it won’t be an issue at all.
Permits and Fees to Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho lake is within Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). Two different types of permits are required to enter the Conservation Area.
| ACA entry fee for foreign nationals | $28/- per persons. |
| ACA Entry fees for SAARC nationals | NRs 500/- per person. |
| Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS-Card) | 17 USD per person for SAARC and other nationals. |
Finally, You have the necessary information, physical fitness, Trek route map, and gear list but this is not enough for your safe trek to Tilicho Lake. On top of that, you need a professional local guide, a government-recognized trek company, and updated trail info. Global Eco Trails can be your Local Travel Partner because our guide and porter are from the same region. Our staff are well trained, good at communication, helpful and well known about the cultural and historical significance of the Annapurna region. So, talk to our experts for your memorable Tilicho Lake Trek.
