Tilicho Lake Trek
World's Highest Glacial Lake Trek — Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), Annapurna Region
Trek Overview
What is the Tilicho Lake Trek?
Tilicho Lake Trek takes you to the world's highest glacial lake, Tilicho Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft), cradled beneath the monumental north wall of Tilicho Peak (7,134 m / 23,406 ft) in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. The lake sits above the Manang Valley on the classic Annapurna Circuit, and the side trek from Manang is one of the most spectacular detours in Himalayan trekking — with sweeping views of the Annapurna, Gangapurna and Manaslu massifs across a raw, boulder-strewn alpine approach.
The trail passes through the remote, Tibetan-influenced village of Khangsar (3,734 m / 12,251 ft) — rarely visited by main-circuit trekkers — and climbs through steep landslide terrain to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m / 13,583 ft). The scenery is stark and stunning: dry alpine plateau, yak pastures and ridgelines extending to the Manaslu range. The lake itself is encircled by glaciers pouring down from Tilicho Peak.
Two permits are required — ACAP and TIMS, obtainable in Kathmandu or at Besisahar. Visitor numbers remain low given the two demanding high-altitude days above 4,000 m and the mandatory acclimatisation stop in Manang. This trek is for trekkers with prior altitude experience who are ready for something beyond the standard teahouse circuit.
Why Trek to Tilicho Lake with AltiPro Adventures?
World-Class Altitude Lake
Tilicho Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft) is one of the highest glacial lakes on Earth. Its turquoise surface mirrors surrounding glaciers and the sheer face of Tilicho Peak — an experience unlike anything else in the Annapurna region.
The Annapurna Panorama
From the lakeshore, the view spans Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m) and the unbroken Manaslu range — one of the finest high-altitude panoramas anywhere in Nepal.
Tibetan Khangsar Culture
The path to the lake passes through Khangsar, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village of mani walls, ancient chortens and a century-old monastery — a world far removed from the busier Annapurna teahouse trail below.
Wildlife Above 4,000 m
The high plateau between Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp is prime habitat for blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan tahr and — on fortunate days — snow leopard. Lammergeiers and alpine choughs ride the thermals above the lake year-round.
Thorong La Pass Option
Most AltiPro Tilicho Lake itineraries extend over Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft) to complete the full Annapurna Circuit — turning a side trek into one of Asia's great high-altitude mountain traverses.
Sacred Pilgrim Tradition
Tilicho Lake carries deep significance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, linked to the sage Vyas and the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. During the Janai Purnima full moon in August, pilgrims gather at the water's edge in a ritual centuries older than modern trekking.
Tilicho Lake Trek Route & Approach
The Tilicho Lake trail follows the classic Annapurna Circuit from Chame to Manang, then branches via Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m) and the lake (4,919 m). Most AltiPro itineraries continue over Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath and exit via Jomsom and Pokhara. The Chame-to-Manang stretch runs approximately 50 km along the Marsyangdi River corridor with teahouse accommodation throughout; lodges above Manang become progressively more basic.
Annapurna Gateway — Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame (2,650 m)
A scenic drive via the Prithvi Highway to Besisahar (823 m) followed by a jeep ride on mountain road to Chame, Manang district headquarters. The Marsyangdi River gorge and first sightings of Lamjung Himal mark the entry into Annapurna territory.
The High Altitude Approach — Chame → Manang → Khangsar → Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m)
Three trekking days climb through pine forest, apple orchards at Bhratang and the open valley above Pisang to reach Manang (3,519 m). After a mandatory acclimatisation day, the trail leaves the main circuit for Khangsar and the exposed ridgeline ascent to Tilicho Base Camp.
Thorong La Crossing — Thorong Phedi → Pass (5,416 m) → Muktinath → Jomsom → Pokhara
From Yak Kharka, the route climbs to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) before the pre-dawn ascent of Thorong La Pass. A long descent reaches Muktinath (3,760 m), then the Kali Gandaki canyon leads to Jomsom and a morning flight to Pokhara.
How Difficult is the Tilicho Lake Trek?
The Tilicho Lake Trek is strenuous and not suited to first-time Himalayan trekkers. Sustained nights above 4,000 m, the exposed scree traverse between Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp, and the Thorong La Pass crossing all demand prior altitude experience, cardiovascular fitness and genuine altitude awareness. The acclimatisation day in Manang is mandatory and always built into AltiPro itineraries.
Best Season for the Tilicho Lake Trek
Spring (March–May): The most stable weather window for Tilicho Lake. Rhododendron forests below Manang burst into bloom, and the scree above Khangsar is dry and firm. April is optimal — the lake is often partly frozen and breathtaking at dawn, and Thorong La Pass is at its most consistent. AltiPro spring departures fill quickly.
Autumn (October–November): Post-monsoon skies over Manang Valley produce the clearest mountain light of the year. Trail conditions above Manang are excellent in October and November. Nights at Tilicho Base Camp are bitterly cold — a -15°C sleeping bag is essential. September is possible but the high trail may still carry monsoon moisture.
Tilicho Lake Trek Cost
Full 14-day Annapurna Circuit from Kathmandu — permits, guide, porter, full board & Jomsom flight included.
AltiPro packages cover all core logistics: airport transfers, welcome and farewell dinners, ACAP & TIMS permits, domestic transport, licensed English-speaking guide, porter support (20 kg), full board teahouse accommodation, and Jomsom–Pokhara mountain flight. Pricing varies by group size and departure season. Request a personalised quote.
Tilicho Lake Trek — FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about the Tilicho Lake Trek.
How difficult is the Tilicho Lake Trek?
The Tilicho Lake Trek is strenuous. The main challenges are sustained altitude above 4,000 m, the exposed scree section between Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp, and — if extended — the Thorong La Pass crossing at 5,416 m. Prior altitude experience and solid cardiovascular fitness are essential. The acclimatisation day in Manang is built into the schedule and cannot be skipped.
How many days does the Tilicho Lake Trek take?
The standard AltiPro Tilicho Lake Trek is 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, completing the full Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass. A shorter 10–12 day option is available for those who prefer to visit the lake on a round trip from Manang without the pass crossing.
What is the maximum altitude on the Tilicho Lake Trek?
The lake itself sits at 4,919 m / 16,138 ft. With the recommended Thorong La Pass extension, maximum altitude rises to 5,416 m / 17,769 ft at the summit of the pass. The highest overnight stop is Thorong Phedi at 4,450 m / 14,599 ft.
What permits are required for the Tilicho Lake Trek?
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office or at the Besisahar checkpoint. AltiPro processes all permits on Day 2 in Kathmandu — no extra stops needed.
What is the best time for the Tilicho Lake Trek?
Spring (April and May) is the ideal season — stable weather, rhododendron blooms below Manang, and dry scree above Khangsar. Autumn (October and November) brings some of the clearest skies and best mountain views of the year. Monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February) are not recommended.
Is the Tilicho Lake Trek suitable for beginners?
The Tilicho Lake Trek is not suitable for first-time Himalayan trekkers. Sustained altitude above 4,000 m, the technical Khangsar–Base Camp traverse, and two consecutive long high-altitude days all require prior experience. AltiPro recommends completing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Langtang Valley Trek first.
Do I need to cross Thorong La Pass on the Tilicho Lake Trek?
It is optional. Trekkers can visit Tilicho Lake as a round trip from Manang without crossing the pass. However, AltiPro's standard 14-day itinerary includes the Thorong La crossing (5,416 m) to complete the full Annapurna Circuit — one of the great classic Himalayan experiences.
What accommodation is available on the Tilicho Lake Trek?
The entire route from Chame to Jomsom is teahouse-based. Manang has well-developed facilities — bakeries, hot showers and multiple lodges. Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp have fewer, more basic options; advance booking at Base Camp is strongly recommended in peak season (April–May and October). A sleeping bag rated to -15°C is essential above 4,000 m.
What is the risk of altitude sickness on the Tilicho Lake Trek?
AMS risk is real, particularly on the Tilicho Lake day (4,919 m) and the Thorong La crossing (5,416 m). All AltiPro guides carry pulse oximeters and supplemental oxygen. The mandatory Manang acclimatisation day combined with the gradual ascent from Chame significantly reduces risk for properly prepared trekkers.
Highlights
- Tilicho Lake — World's Highest Glacial Lake
- Annapurna & Manaslu Panorama from the Lakeshore
- Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) — Annapurna Circuit Crossing
- Khangsar — Tibetan Village Off the Main Trail
- Wildlife on the High Alpine Plateau
- Muktinath — Sacred Himalayan Pilgrimage Site
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
| Day | Program | Meals | Accom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,429 ft) | Dinner | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Private airport transfer to hotel. Welcome briefing, trek orientation and gear check with your AltiPro guide.
2
|
Kathmandu — Permits & Briefing |
B / D |
Hotel |
|
| Process ACAP permit and TIMS card at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. Full route briefing, equipment check and final preparation for the trek.
3
|
Drive Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| Drive via Prithvi Highway to Besisahar (823 m / 2,700 ft) — approximately 5–6 hours — then continue by shared jeep on mountain road to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Approx. 8–9 hours total. First views of the Marsyangdi River gorge and Lamjung Himal signal the start of Annapurna territory.
4
|
Trek Chame → Pisang (3,250 m / 10,663 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| The trail leads through thick pine forest and deep river gorges, passing the apple orchards of Bhratang — a popular local attraction. The valley widens dramatically above the forest, and Pisang appears with Annapurna II (7,937 m) towering ahead. The upper village trail via Ghyaru offers extra altitude gain and better views.
5
|
Trek Pisang → Manang (3,519 m / 11,546 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| The recommended upper trail from Pisang via Ghyaru (3,670 m) and Ngawal (3,660 m) skirts the base of Annapurna III and Gangapurna with wide open views across the valley. Tilicho Peak appears ahead as you descend to Manang — a true mountain town with bakeries, multiple lodges and the Himalayan Rescue Association altitude clinic.
6
|
Acclimatisation Day in Manang (3,519 m) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| A mandatory rest and acclimatisation day in Manang. Recommended day hikes include Gangapurna Lake (3,620 m) for views of the Gangapurna glacier, or the more demanding Ice Lake (4,600 m) for panoramic Annapurna vistas. Attend the daily Himalayan Rescue Association altitude and AMS briefing — essential preparation before ascending to Tilicho Base Camp.
7
|
Trek Manang → Khangsar (3,734 m / 12,251 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| Leave the main Annapurna Circuit behind and branch onto the quieter trail to Khangsar. The route rises gently through dry alpine scrub and traditional stone-walled terraces. Khangsar is a village of strong Tibetan Buddhist character — mani walls, prayer flags and ancient chortens frame a lifestyle largely unchanged by the trekking circuit nearby.
8
|
Trek Khangsar → Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m / 13,583 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| One of the most demanding trail days on the trek. The route crosses steep hillsides above deep valley drops, navigating sections of scree where landslide risk demands careful, steady footing. Well-marked throughout. As elevation increases, the Manaslu range fills the eastern horizon and the landscape becomes a pristine alpine wilderness. Advance lodge booking at Base Camp is strongly recommended.
9
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TILICHO LAKE DAY — Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft) then Yak Kharka (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| An early start for the 2–3 hour climb from Base Camp over moraine and snowfield to reach the shore of Tilicho Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft). The sudden appearance of the lake — a vast expanse of turquoise glacial melt nestled between the walls of Tilicho Peak and Annapurna — makes every step of the approach worthwhile. After time at the lake, descend back to Base Camp and continue down to Yak Kharka on the main Annapurna Circuit.
10
|
Trek Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450 m / 14,599 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit above the main trail and follow it to the teahouses at Thorong Phedi — the base camp for the Thorong La Pass crossing. The landscape grows increasingly stark at this altitude, and the mountain backdrop intensifies. An early dinner and early sleep are essential before tomorrow's pre-dawn start.
11
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THORONG LA PASS DAY — Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft) → Muktinath (3,760 m / 12,336 ft) |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| Pre-dawn start for the highest and most demanding day of the trek. The ascent to Thorong La Pass is a steep, sustained climb of nearly 1,000 m over 4–5 hours at altitude. From the prayer-flag-draped summit cairns, the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri divide stretches across the horizon. A long, steep descent through dramatic arid landscape leads to Muktinath (3,760 m), one of the holiest Himalayan pilgrimage destinations for both Hindus and Buddhists.
12
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Trek / Jeep Muktinath → Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) via Kagbeni |
B / L / D |
Lodge |
|
| Descend through the extraordinary arid landscape of the Upper Mustang approach, passing the medieval walled village of Kagbeni at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola rivers. The Kali Gandaki gorge — reputedly the world's deepest — opens below as the trail reaches Jomsom, the principal town of the Mustang district.
13
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Fly Jomsom → Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft) |
B / D |
Hotel |
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| A spectacular morning mountain flight from Jomsom Airport to Pokhara (weather permitting). Arrive Pokhara lakeside — relax, explore the lakeside promenade and enjoy the first hot shower in days. Debrief with your guide and a celebratory dinner overlooking the Phewa Lake.
14
|
Drive Pokhara → Kathmandu (1,350 m) — Trek Certificate |
B / D |
Hotel |
|
| Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway — approximately 6–7 hours — or take the scenic 25-minute mountain flight. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. The official Tilicho Lake Trek 2027 completion certificate is presented to each trekker. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Services
Includes
- ✅ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — applicable season rate
- ✅ TIMS Card — Trekkers' Information Management System
- ✅ Nepal government taxes and company service charges
- ✅ Airport pick-up and drop — private vehicle
- ✅ 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (BB) — single room
- ✅ Welcome dinner and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- ✅ Trekking map, route briefing document, and one AltiPro Adventures duffle bag
- ✅ Bus/jeep: Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame and Pokhara → Kathmandu return
- ✅ Jomsom to Pokhara mountain flight (weather permitting)
- ✅ Porter support — up to 20 kg per trekker throughout
- ✅ All Nepalese staff and porter wages, equipment, food and clothing
- ✅ Experienced licensed English-speaking trekking guide for the full duration
- ✅ Full board teahouse accommodation throughout — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- ✅ Tea and coffee included with all meals on trek
- ✅ 6-hourly weather forecast service during the trek
- ✅ Licensed government-registered English-speaking trek guide
- ✅ All staff insurance, trekking permits and protective equipment
- ✅ Comprehensive first-aid medical kit and altitude management protocol
- ✅ Satellite communication device for emergency contact
- ✅ Emergency helicopter evacuation coordination — standby pre-arranged from Kathmandu
Excludes
- ❌ International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- ❌ Nepal entry visa fee — USD 25 (15 days), USD 40 (30 days), USD 100 (90 days)
- ❌ Personal trekking gear, clothing, boots and sleeping bag
- ❌ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu outside of included welcome and farewell meals
- ❌ Extra accommodation in Kathmandu for early arrival or late departure
- ❌ Beverages, soft drinks, alcohol, hot shower, laundry and battery recharge
- ❌ Travel, medical and high-altitude helicopter rescue insurance — mandatory for all participants
- ❌ Tips for trekking guide — recommended minimum USD 100–150 per guide
- ❌ Tips for porter — recommended minimum USD 60–80 per porter
- ❌ Special filming, photography and drone permit fees
- ❌ Costs arising from flight delays, weather hold-ups or route changes outside AltiPro's control
- ❌ Any services not listed in the Includes section above
Gear Lists & Useful Information
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