Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences. The trek encompasses the Annapurna Circuit, which is considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world, and includes a side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Tilicho Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters. The trail to Tilicho Lake involves a challenging climb through rugged terrain, including steep ascents and descents. The trek rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and the turquoise waters of the lake. The Annapurna Circuit is considered a challenging trek, mainly due to its length and altitude variations. It involves crossing the Thorong La Pass, which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters.
The trek to Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas including Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Manaslu (8,156 meters), and of course, the stunning vistas of the Annapurna Range. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, ranging from subtropical forests to high-altitude alpine regions. Along the way, you'll pass through traditional villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, such as Gurungs, Thakalis, and Manangis, providing insights into their unique cultures and traditions.
After the construction of a motor road from Besi Sahar to Chame (Manang district headquarters) through the Marsyangdi valley, it becomes possible to shorten the trekking. After crossing the Thorong La pass, there is also a motor road connecting Muktinath to Beni (on the way to Pokhara) and there are flights from Jomsom to Pokhara, so the number of days of trekking will depend on the starting and ending places.
But our Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary given below is an old traditional and common route trek that starts from Bhulbhule and ends at Jomsom, simply trek to Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake, then follow the Annapurna Circuit trail to cross the Thorong La Pass.
To trek to Tilicho Lake (4919 m), you will first follow a part of the famous Annapurna Circuit trek till Manang village. After Manang you'll head towards Khangsar village and Shree Kharka (On the way to Tilicho Lake) today you will stay over there and the next day continue trek to Tilicho Base Camp offer the last teahouse settlement on the route to Tilicho Lake. After enjoying the stay at Tilicho Base Camp, the next day visit Tilicho Lake and on the same day return to Shree Kharka to stay a night there.
From Shree Kharka trek continue to Yak Kharka finally you catch up original Annapurna Circuit trail that goes to Thorong La pass (5416 m). After Yak Kharka follows the original Annapurna circuit and crosses the Thorong La pass then enters into the Kali Gandaki valley and Lower Mustang. Finally, reach Jomsom and the next day take a flight or bus/jeep to Pokhara.
After Jomsom, it is also possible to extend the trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill (3210 m), which is one of the best viewpoints in the entire Annapurna region.
Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu drive to Beshi Sahar (820m) then Bhulbhule (840m)
Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1330m)
Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1960m)
Day 06: Trek to Chame (2670m.)
Day 07: Trek to Pisang (3200m.)
Day 08: Trek to Manang (3540m.)
Day 09: Acclimatization in Manang (3540m)
Day 10: Trek to Shree Kharka (4070m)
Day 11: Trek to Tilicho Base camp (4150m)
Day 12: Visit Tilicho Lake (4920 m) then trek to Shree Kharka (4070m)
Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka (4110m)
Day 14: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4420m)
Day 15: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) Over the Thorong La Pass (5416m)
Day 16: Trek to Jomsom via Lupra Village
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight or overland
Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu (1530m) by tourist bus
Day 19: Depart Kathmandu