Tilicho Lake

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Altitude: 4,919m
  • Best Season: Spring, Autumn
  • Duration: 8–10 days
All Regions Annapurna Region Everest Region Langtang Region Manaslu Region

Overview

Tilicho Lake Trek is a spectacular high-altitude trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region, leading to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft), one of the world’s highest lakes. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, traditional mountain villages, forests, and dramatic Himalayan scenery, with views of peaks such as Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The trek usually takes around 10–12 days and involves challenging high-altitude terrain, making it suitable for trekkers with good fitness and some trekking experience. The best seasons are generally spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when weather and trail conditions are more favorable.

Trek Route Map

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu, meet our representative at the airport, transfer to your hotel, and attend a trek briefing. Trek permits will be arranged. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar through scenic countryside, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys. Drive: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 760 m / 2,493 ft

Drive through the Marsyangdi Valley, passing waterfalls, forests and traditional villages before reaching Chame. Drive: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 2,670 m / 8,760 ft

Trek through pine forests and dramatic mountain landscapes, with beautiful views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Trek: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 3,200 m / 10,499 ft

Continue through the upper Marsyangdi Valley, passing traditional villages and enjoying spectacular views of Annapurna and surrounding peaks. Trek: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft

Spend the day acclimatising to the altitude. Explore Manang village and take a short hike to nearby viewpoints. Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft

Leave Manang and follow the trail towards Khangsar village through rugged mountain scenery. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 3,734 m / 12,250 ft

Trek through the scenic and increasingly rugged landscape towards Tilicho Base Camp. The trail offers impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft

Start early and hike to the spectacular Tilicho Lake, surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks. After enjoying the lake, return to Tilicho Base Camp. Trek: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 4,919 m / 16,138 ft

Descend from Tilicho Base Camp and return to Khangsar through the rugged mountain landscape. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 3,734 m / 12,250 ft

Retrace the trail towards Manang, enjoying the changing scenery as you descend through the Marsyangdi Valley. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft

Drive down from Manang through the Marsyangdi Valley, passing mountain villages and waterfalls before reaching Besisahar. Drive: 6–8 hrs. Altitude: 760 m / 2,493 ft

Drive back to Kathmandu through scenic hills and river valleys. Drive: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey or departure from Nepal. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Highlights

  • Stunning views of Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the world’s highest lakes
  • Spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV and Gangapurna
  • Dramatic landscapes of the Manang Valley
  • Diverse scenery including forests, rivers, waterfalls and high-altitude terrain
  • Traditional Gurung, Thakali and Manang communities and mountain villages
  • Scenic views of the Marsyangdi River Valley
  • Explore Manang Village and its surrounding Himalayan landscapes
  • Challenging hike to Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake
  • Peaceful mountain scenery away from the busier trekking routes

Hotels and Accommodation on the Tilicho Lake Trek

Teahouses (Most Common)

Teahouses are the most common form of accommodation along the Tilicho Lake route. They are available in villages such as Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang and Khangsar. They usually offer:

  • Twin-sharing rooms with simple beds
  • Foam mattress, pillow and blanket
  • Shared bathroom and toilet
  • Common dining hall
  • Basic charging facilities
  • Wi-Fi in some villages, usually for an additional cost

Accommodation becomes more basic as you travel towards Tilicho Base Camp.

Lodges and Guesthouses

Larger villages such as Chame, Pisang and Manang have a wider selection of lodges and guesthouses. They may provide:

  • More comfortable rooms
  • Attached bathrooms in some lodges
  • Hot showers
  • Larger food menus
  • Wi-Fi
  • Charging facilities
  • Comfortable dining areas

Manang has some of the best accommodation facilities on the route and is also an important acclimatisation stop before heading towards higher elevations.

Accommodation at a Higher Altitude

As you continue from Manang to Khangsar, Tilicho Base Camp and the lake, accommodation becomes increasingly basic:

  • Simple twin-sharing rooms
  • Cold rooms with limited heating
  • Shared toilets
  • Limited hot-water facilities
  • Basic food choices
  • Limited electricity and charging facilities
  • Wi-Fi may be unavailable or unreliable

At Tilicho Base Camp, accommodation is generally more basic than in the larger villages. There is no regular accommodation at Tilicho Lake itself, so trekkers normally return to Tilicho Base Camp or another lower settlement after visiting the lake.

Cost of Accommodation

Room prices vary depending on the village, season and availability.

Approximate room cost per night:

  • Lower villages: NPR 500–1,000
  • Manang and mid-altitude villages: NPR 700–1,500
  • Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp: NPR 500–1,500

Hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi may cost extra. Some teahouses may offer cheaper or free rooms when trekkers take their meals at the lodge.

Best Place to Stay

Manang is one of the best places to stay on the Tilicho Lake Trek because it offers:

  • A good selection of lodges and guesthouses
  • More comfortable rooms
  • Hot showers
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Wi-Fi and charging facilities
  • Shops and basic trekking supplies
  • Excellent Himalayan views

Manang is also an important place to rest and acclimatise before continuing towards the higher parts of the trek.

Emergency Contact


Police: 100
Ambulance: 102
Fire & Rescue: 101
Tourist Police: 1144
Nepal Tourism Board: +977-1-4256909
Emergency Safety

Tilicho Lake is a high-altitude and remote trekking destination. In case of altitude sickness, injury, severe weather, or other emergencies, inform your guide immediately and descend to a safer altitude if necessary. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
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