Tilicho Lake Trek Overview
Tilicho Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, located in the Annapurna region. The trek leads trekkers to Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in Nepal at an altitude of 4,919 meters. Tilicho Lake is a stunning turquoise colored lake which is fed by glacial meltwater from the northern faces of Annapurna and Thorong Peak. The lake is not only incredibly beautiful, but it is also an important geographic and cultural area within the Annapurna region.
The trek to Tilicho Lake is usually completed as a side trek off from the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most popular treks to do in Nepal. The Tilicho Lake trail usually allows trekkers to witness not only Tilicho Lake along the trail, but also the views of majestic peaks like Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna, and to Tilicho Peak beyond. Overall, the trek makes for a really unique offering of high-altitude lakes and alpine scenery.
The Tilicho Lake trek is well known as one of the world's famous trekking routes, not only because of its height but also because of its approachability via established trekking routes. As one of the most famous treks in Nepal, it attracts trekkers from the trekking world, those who climb the higher Himalayan treks. Although this trek does not feature the adventurous high passes such as Thorong La, it does require trekkers to properly acclimatize, along with a relatively good degree of fitness. The difficulty of the Tilicho Lake trek is rated as moderate to challenging due to the altitude and rugged terrain, especially between Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp.
Tilicho Lake trekking starts with the drive from Kathmandu to Chame, where trekkers will stay overnight. Next, we will drive to Manang, which is a pivotal point for acclimatization. After an acclimatization day in Manang, we hike on foot to Shree Kharka, and then hike to Tilicho Base Camp. Finally, we trek to Tilicho Lake. After we explore the lake area, we will retrace our steps and descend to Khangsar or Manang, which is one of the cold deserts of Nepal. Here we will drive to Besisahar and then finally back to Kathmandu. If you’re looking for a slightly different route or pace, the Footprint Adventure team would be happy to customize the itinerary to fit your interests and travel style.
The distance of the Tilicho Lake trek from Manang to Tilicho Lake and back is approximately 35–40 kilometers and can be completed in 5 to 6 days. When combined with the full Annapurna Circuit, the trek may span 14 to 18 days. If you are going to do a shorter version just to see Tilicho Lake, this Tilicho Lake trek itinerary is one of the shortest treks in Nepal to reach such a high altitude. If you are looking for an extensive resource for planning, this is the complete guidebook for the Tilicho Lake trek, which has all the information you need.
Highlights of Tilicho Lake Trek
- Travel through a variety of landscapes, from lush green valleys and forests to rocky hills and high mountain areas
- Drive through the Annapurna region and pass through small villages and stunning Himalayan peaks
- Trekking through yak pastures and grazing, and farmland areas of the Manang Valley
- Hike to Gangapurna Lake for your acclimatization day with great views of glaciers and snowy peaks
- Experience the hike from Shree Kharka above the village to the Tilicho base camp, primarily downhill through the infamous Tilicho scree slopes
- Explore the Tilicho Lake (4,919m), the highest lake in Nepal
- Amazing panoramic views of stunning snowy ranges such as the Annapurna range, Thorong Peak, Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Machapuchhre, and many more
- Enjoy the immersive hospitality of local teahouses along the Tilicho Lake trail and relish delicious and authentic Nepali food and hospitality
Major Highlights of Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake
Located in the Manang District of Nepal's Annapurna region, Tilicho Lake is a glacial lake at an elevation of approximately 4,919 meters (16,138 ft), making it one of the highest lakes in the world. It was considered to be the highest lake in Nepal until Kayin Sara Lake was found at 5,200 m. Tilicho Lake measures approximately 4km long and 1.2km wide, making it one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal, in addition to its altitude.
The lake is fed predominantly by the glacier meltwater from Tilicho Peak or Annapurna IV, and interestingly enough, the lake does not have any visible inflow or outflow streams, meaning the waters of the lake remain in the lake basin. The lake also has important religious significance to Hinduism and Buddhism. It is referenced in the sacred Kak Bhusundi Lake from the Ramayana, as well as being the meditation site of the Buddhist saint Milarepa. The trek to Tilicho Lake, while rated difficult, is a demanding trek with some steep uphill sections, as well as high altitude, with basic accommodation up to the Tilicho Base Camp. It is commonly undertaken as a side trip of the Annapurna Circuit trek and offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks of the Himalayas.
Gangapurna Lake
Gangapurna Lake is a glacial lake located in the Manang district of the Annapurna region of Nepal, at an elevation of roughly 3,800 meters (12,467 feet). The lake is filled with meltwater from the glaciers that flow down from Mt. Gangapurna (7,454 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Khangsar Kang, and Glacier Dome. Gangapurna Lake sits at the center of the Manang Valley, made up of steep terrain and deep gorges as well as alpine landscapes. The lake is seen as culturally and religiously significant to the locals, including Gurung communities and Manangi, many of whom consider it a holy lake that they visit for ritual purposes. The lake is replenished by the Gangapurna Glacier, which has been receding in response to climate change, having undergone important changes in depth and size. In addition to being of cultural and religious significance, the area surrounding the lake is of important natural significance in terms of the different plants and animals that exist in and around the lake.
Is This Trip the Right Fit For You?
The Tilicho Lake Trek is perfect for trekkers who are fit and have some experience with high-altitude trekking. You'll see lots of natural beauty and cultural experiences, and it will certainly be a rewarding experience if you're prepared for the trek and its potential challenges. The trek should not be attempted by inexperienced trekkers. The trek includes steep climbs, hiking on uneven and rocky trails, and reaching high altitudes of nearly 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization is needed, and physical fitness is required. If you have never trekked before or have limited experience at high altitudes, we would recommend you to start treks in the lower Annapurna Region, like the Ghorepani Poonhill trek or the Mardi Himal trek, before attempting the Tilicho Lake trek.
When is The Best Time to Trek to Tilicho Lake?
The best time for the Tilicho Lake Trek is spring from March to May and the autumn season from September to November. These seasons offer the most stable weather conditions, clearest skies, and moderate temperatures, which are ideal for trekking in the high-altitude Annapurna region. During spring, the weather gets warmer after winter, rhododendron forests bloom, and the trails are generally dry and accessible. Autumn follows the monsoon, with clear mountain views and stable weather, and is a favourite among trekkers.
Summer, from June to August, is not recommended due to heavy monsoon rains, muddy trails, and the risk of landslides. And, winter from December to February is freezing cold with snow and possible trail closures.
How to Prepare Yourself For the Tilicho Lake Trek?
To prepare for the Tilicho Lake Trek, start by doing regular hikes on hilly terrain with a backpack to build stamina and get used to long hours of walking. You can train your body by doing activities that include stair climbing and hiking, or walking uphill with some sort of weight. Before the trek, make sure to break in your trekking boots for at least a month so no blisters occur. Pack a light bag but remember to pack essentials, including a down jacket, gloves, trekking poles, a water purifier, etc. Learn to pack your backpack for weight distribution. Study the trail map and familiarize yourself with altitude sickness symptoms. Take with you the basic medicines you need, and practice with your gear before the start of the trek.
Why Choose Footprint Adventure for the Tilcho Lake Trek in 2025 / 2026?
Footprint Adventure is a licensed trekking company with experienced, government-approved trekking guides. We prioritize safety, clear communication, and responsible tourism. We customize trips to fit your needs and offer fair pricing with no hidden costs. Our team follows sustainable practices, supports local communities, and maintains a high success rate on all treks. We work with solo travelers and groups to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Our team is available 24/7, so you can reach us anytime by phone or email before and during your trek. Contact us today so we can help you plan your very own adventure to Tilicho Lake.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Travel
At Footprint Adventure, true exploration is measured not by the places you visit but by the positive impact you leave behind. Our commitment to sustainable travel is practiced on almost every journey we initiate. We foster meaningful and respectful connections with local communities, actively encouraging our guests to engage in the culture by participating in community-led activities and purchasing authentic, locally made products. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are directly shared with the people who call our destinations home. This dedication to well-being is built on a determined ethical foundation, with a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and harmful child labor. Our expert guides are the soul of our mission; they are not just navigators, but passionate guardians of sustainability who enrich your experience with their deep local knowledge. This perspective extends seamlessly to our sustainable accommodation policy, where we partner exclusively with properties that endorse a zero-plastic approach, prioritize energy and water efficiency, and celebrate local sourcing, creating a travel experience that is as responsible as it is unforgettable.
