TILICHO LAKE TREK

Tilicho lake is the world’s largest lake of the world with an altitude of 4919 meters in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas and is situated at an altitude of 4949 m above sea level. It is the lake that is located in the Manang District of Nepal, 55km away from the city of Pokhara. Tilicho lake is the destination of one of the most popular side hikes of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and is surrounded by beautiful mountains like Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, and Tilicho. It covers an area of 4.8 km square

Hindus believe that Tilicho Lake is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in the epic Ramayana. The sage Kak Bhusundi is believed to have first told the happenings of Ramayana to Garuda- king of birds, near this lake. The magnificent lake is one of the major attractions in the Annapurna Region. Lake Tilicho is surrounded by the High Himalayas and the highest one is the Tilicho peak 7134 meters. 

Tilicho Lake trekking starts from Besisahar, Lamjung, which goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent Tilicho Lake trek leads you to the beautiful village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and impressive views of the White Himalayas. We have modified this route as it is the same as Annapurna Circuit, from Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the central valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then we travel to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorang La at an elevation of 5416 m. From the pass of Thorang La, the Tilicho Lake trekking leads down to Muktinath then to Jomsom from where twenty minutes scenic flights take you to Pokhara.

Major attractions of Tilicho Lake

● Beautiful view of mountains like Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri and Tilicho

● The hidden valley of Nar Phu village, ancient Buddhist monasteries

● Snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, Musk deer

● Tibetan culture

● Tilicho lake

● Thorang La Pass

● Ganga Purna lake

Best time to visit Tilicho lake

The perfect time to go for the trek is Tilicho lake is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is comparatively favorable and the view is clear as well so it’s easy to explore during these times. The months of June, July, and August are not considered as favorable as the trails remain slippery and muddy which will make it difficult to reach the lake.

How to reach Tilicho lake?

Day 1- Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu and a little sightseeing of the valley.

Day 2- Drive to Besisahar and Chame

Early morning drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu and again a 4-5 hours drive to Chame (2630m), a beautiful Gurung village.

Day 3- Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3300m)

Today's trek will be to Upper Pisang (3300m) to Chame which will take around  5 hours of walking with the view of mountain ranges of Annapurna I and Annapurna II.

Day 4- Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m)

With early morning breakfast, we will head towards the Manag village (3540m) which is the headquarter of the region from Upper Pisang through the unique and colorful Chortens with the beautiful view of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. 

Day 5- Explore Manang district and Ganga Purna Lake

Since it is an acclimatization day, we can go for a hike to the ice lake, a visit to the Hundred Rupee Lama at the cave gompa above Manag, also 2 hours hike to Milarepa’s cave which is across the river from Brag, and a tour to bakeries of Manang.

● Hike to ice lake

● A visit to the Hundred Rupee Lama at the cave gompa above Manang

● A two-hour hike to Milarepa's cave, which is across the river from Brag

● Tour to Bakeries of Manang

Day 6- To Sri Kharka from Manang

After breakfast take a walk of 5 hours from Manang valley to Sri Kharka.

Day 7- To Tilicho Base Camp (4200m)

Today we will be taking a 4-hour walk from Sri Kharka to the Tilicho Base Camp (4200m).

Day 8- Tilicho lake and back to Sri Kharka

From the Tilicho base camp, take an early morning hike of 3-4 hours and reach the mesmerizing world's highest lake Tilicho lake (4919m). Take a moment to spend some quality time there and head back to Sri Kharka.

Day 9- Trek back to Manang valley

Today we will be heading back to Manag valley from Sri Kharka

Day 10- Drive to Besisahar

So as the trek ends here, we will be taking a drive to Besisahar from Sri Kharka.

Day 11- Drive back to Kathmandu

FAQs

How difficult is the Tilicho Lake Trek?

The difficulty level depends on your experience in climbing and trekking. Overall, the trek is moderate.

Is there WiFi or electricity on the Tilicho Lake Trek?

Yes, there is electricity in the region, and most tea houses have WiFi. However, the WiFi speed may not be very fast.

What is the drinking water situation on the Tilicho Lake Trek?

Drinking water is available at every tea house, either from natural streams or through mineral water for purchase. 

What kind of accommodation is available on the Tilicho Lake Trek?

Most accommodations are tea houses, with some offering attached bathrooms, although not all tea houses have this facility.

How can we book the Tilicho Lake Trek?

To book the trek, you can either contact the trekking agency directly or email them at info@shivalayaholidays.com.