Tilicho Lake Trek

A Journey to One of the World’s Highest Alpine Lakes

Tilicho Lake Trek – Where Turquoise Waters Meet the Majestic Himalayas

The Tilicho Lake Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding and adventurous trekking journeys, taking you deep into the heart of the Annapurna region to reach the spectacular Tilicho Lake—one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. Situated at around 4,919 meters, this turquoise glacial lake is surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and pristine wilderness, offering a truly unforgettable high-altitude experience.

The Tilicho Lake Trek combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and moderate adventure. It typically spans about 16 days, following the classic Annapurna Circuit route up to Manang before diverting towards Tilicho Base Camp and the lake itself.

The journey passes through diverse landscapes—from lush river valleys and pine forests to alpine meadows and rugged high-altitude terrain—making it one of the most varied treks in Nepal. Along the way, you encounter traditional Himalayan villages, ancient monasteries, and communities with rich Tibetan-influenced culture.

Why Choose Tilicho Lake Trek?

  • One of the World’s Highest Lakes: Tilicho Lake is famous for its high altitude and stunning beauty, with deep blue glacial waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
  • Spiritual and Cultural Significance: Considered sacred in Hinduism, the lake attracts pilgrims, while the trek also offers insights into Buddhist culture and local traditions in the Manang region.
  • Unique Extension of the Annapurna Circuit: This trek includes a scenic and challenging detour to Tilicho Lake, making it more adventurous than the standard Annapurna Circuit.
  • Raw Himalayan Wilderness: Beyond Manang, the trail becomes remote and rugged, offering pristine landscapes and a true sense of wilderness.

Major Highlights of the Tilicho Lake Trek

  • Panoramic views of the Annapurna range and surrounding Himalayan peaks
  • Dramatic landscapes including river gorges, waterfalls, and high-altitude valleys
  • Journey Through the Marshyangdi Valley with ever-changing scenery
  • Transition from subtropical forests to alpine terrain
  • Explore traditional villages like Manang and Khangsar
  • Experience local lifestyles and diverse ethnic cultures
  • Visit the ancient Buddhist monastery in Braga, encounter prayer flags, mani walls, and Tibetan-influenced traditions
  • Tilicho Lake set beneath towering peaks, a place of both natural beauty and spiritual significance

Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: In Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive to Chame
Day 4: Trek to Pisang
Day 5: Trek to Ngawal
Day 6: Trek to Braga
Day 7: In Braga
Day 8: Trek to Shree Kharka
Day 9: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
Day 10: Trek to Tilicho lake-Shree Kharka
Day 11: Trek to Manang
Day 12: Trek to Pisang
Day 13: Drive to Pokhara
Day 14: In Pokhara
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure

Duration
16 days
Trip type
Trekking
Grading
Moderate
Accommodation
3-4* category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara and village lodge/guest house during the trek
Meals
Only breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara while all meals during the trek
Group size
2-10
Activity
Trekking

When to come

  • Best Months — March, April, May, October, November
  • Good Months — February, September
  • Lean Months — June, July, August
  • Not Recommended Months — January, December

Detailed Iitinerary

Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. Today, we have not planned any activity. You can relax at your hotel or take a self-guided tour around the locality. Dinner in the evening at a traditional Nepali Restaurant with a cultural performance. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals Dinner Altitude 1350m

Being the capital, there are several places of attraction within the Kathmandu valley. We will visit some World Heritage Sites including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudanath Stupa and Pashupatinath temple. Kathmandu Durbar Square is the palaces of the kings of Nepal. It is a collection of fascinating, shrines, statues and temples such as the Taleju temple, Kal Bhairav, Kasthamandap, Hanuman Dhoka and Kumari Ghar(the resident of the living goddes Kumari) and others. Boudhanath is one of the center of Buddhism in Nepal. Thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make kora(ritual circumnavigation), beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha. Walk along with the pilgrims and visit the many shops and monasteries around the Stupa. After the visit we will drive a short distance to visit Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest hindu site in Nepal. Although non Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the surrounding complex with shrines, lingams, and ghats might interest you. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals Breakfast Activity 5-6hrs

Today, we will take on a thrilling journey, which might just be the longest of our entire trip. The drive will go from Kathmandu to Besisahar. As we set off from Besisahar, we will trace the course of the Marshyangdi river, passing through a string of charming villages along the way, including Bulbule, Ngadi, Syange, Jagat, Chyamje, and Dharapani, before eventually reaching our destination of Chame. The journey from Kathmandu may take around 9-10 hours, depending on the condition of the road. Overnight in Chame.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 9-10hrs Altitude 2670m

Our trek starts from Chame, we will follow the Marshyangdi river valley, through lush forests of rhododendron and pine trees. The hike today goes partly over a motorable road with the stunning views of Lamjung, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak until Bhratang. We will leave Bhratang cross the Marshyangdi river, and then ascend towards Dhikur Pokhari. After a lunch break at Dhikur Pokhari, we will resume our journey towards Pisang village. Overnight in Pisang.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 5-6hrs Altitude 3200m

From Pisang we will take the upper route to Ngawal via Ghyaru, as it promises more spectacular experience. Along the way, we will follow a pleasant and easily navigable track that takes us past beautiful mani walls, cross over a suspension bridge and reach Ghyaru. From Ghyaru, The trail starts descending towards Ngawal with breathtaking views of the surroungding mountains. Overnight in Ngawal.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 6-7hrs Altitude 3650m

From Ngawal, we will descend over a steep trail down to the river valley. We come across more breathtaking scenery as the towering, peaks overwhelm our senses with panoramic views of Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we continue our journey, we begin to notice a distinct change in the landscape and vegetation as we head toward Humde. From Humde, it is relatively an easy of walk of about 3 hours to Braga. Overnight in Braga.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 5-6hrs Altitude 3450m

It is important that you spend a day to for acclimatization. This will help you to adjust with the surrounding atmosphere before you continue toward the Thorong La Pass (5416m). There are several option for a day’s hike from Braga that offer magnificent views. One can go on a hike to the Chongkar viewpoint, revealing breathtaking panoramas. Alternatively, the hike to Ice Lake presents a mesmerizing experience. Another possibility is to visit Praken Gompa and Milarepa cave, immersing oneself in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. These options not only offer magnificent views but also serve as an opportunity to adapt to the high altitude surroundings. Overnight in Braga.

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Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 5-6hrs

Today’s journey is slow and uphill as we make our way towards the suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge, it is a steep ascent that will take approximately 2 hours to reach Khangsar village. After lunch at Khangsar, it is another two or more hours of trek until we reach Shree Kharka. Overnight in Shree Kharka.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 5-6hrs Altitude 3800m

The trek to Tilicho Base Camp is generally gradual, with only a few uphill and downhill sections. We will climb uphill until we reach a high crest, and then descend using switchbacks that have been carved into a side valley. After crossing over a small river, we will finally arrive at Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 5-6hrs Altitude 4200m

Today, in order to avoid the strong wind, we will start our day early. It is a steep uphill hike that will take approximately three hours and another hour on a more gradual incline until we reach the Tilicho Lake. Here, we will take some time to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. After enjoying our time at the Lake, we will descend and retrace our steps back to the Base Camp. Following our meal at the Base Camp, we will resume our hike, making our way back to Shree Kharka. Overnight in Shree Kharka.

From Khangsar, you also have the option to continue on the Annapurna Circuit route.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 7-8hrs Altitude Tilicho lake at 5425m

After breakfast, we will begin the journey back to Manang, retracing the same path we took earlier, passing through Khangsar village. Along the way we can witness the local life and culture, experiencing the unique atmosphere of this remote Himalayan region. Overnight in Manang.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 6-7hrs Altitude 3519m

From Manang, we will retrace our hike back to Pisang over a relatively flat trail as compared to some of the more challenging terrain we encountered earlier. It will take about 5-6 hours to complete the journey. Overnight in Pisang.

Sleep Village Lodge/Tea House Meals Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Activity 5-6hrs Altitude 3250m

The drive to Pokhara is one of the longest drives on this trip. It will take approximately 7-8 hours or possibly even more to cover a distance of 183 kms. Despite the lengthy drive, the scenic views and anticipation of reaching Pokhara make it a worthwhile experience. Overnight in Pokhara.

Meals Breakfast · Lunch Activity 7-8hrs Altitude 822 m

Today we have planned for a full-day tour of Pokhara valley. We will begin with a boat ride for 1 hr at Phewa Lake. We will also visit the World Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Falls, Tibetan Refugee Camp, and the International Mountain Museum. The evening is free to stroll around the lakeside and browse the shops. Overnight in Pokhara.

Meals Breakfast Activity 5-6hrs Altitude 822m

After breakfast, we will drive you to the Pokhara airport to catch a flight to Kathmandu. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will receive and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to relax and enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals Breakfast Activity 6-7hrs Altitude 1350m

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight homewards.

Meals Breakfast

What the price covers

Included

  • One full day of sightseeing with an entrance fee.
  • All transfers by private vehicle.
  • Accommodation in the above listed or similar(3-4*) hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and local village lodges during the trek.
  • Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Three standard meals during the trek.
  • English-speaking local trekking guide along with a porter (one porter for every two members).
  • One way Pokhara-Kathmandu flight cost.
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP/TIMS)
  • One welcome/farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
  • All Government taxes and service charges.

Not included

  • Nepal entry visa.
  • International flight to and from Kathmandu.
  • Lunch and dinner or any other meal not specified above.
  • Personal Travel Medical Insurance.
  • Personal expenses such as bar, beverages, tips and gratuities, laundry, telephone, battery recharge, etc.
  • Hot showers during the trek.
  • Any extra cost incurred due to changing the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances or early return from the trek.
  • Anything not listed in the included section

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