Tilicho Lake is considered the highest lake in the world. The height of Tilicho Lake is recorded as 4,919 meters above sea level. Trek to Tilicho Lake is one of the popular treks in Nepal with locals and foreigners alike. The studies show no aquatic organism has been recorded in the lake so far. Back in 2000 a Russian team of Andrei Andryushin, Denis Bakin, and Maxim Gresko also organized scuba diving on this lake. Thus Tilicho lake is the site of one of the highest ever altitude scuba dives.
Where is Tilicho Lake located?
Tilicho Lake is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal and is connected with the popular Annapurna Circuit trekking. Tilicho Lake can be done as a side-excursion hike during the Annapurna Circuit trek. You need to follow up to the village of Manang on the Annapurna Circuit trek trail then hike towards Tilicho lake. Later join on the reaming trail of circuit crossing over Thorong-la pass and to Muktinath and Pokhara.
Tilicho lake trek best season
Trekking to Tilicho can be done all around the year. But to experience and witness Tilicho lake at it’s best, trekking in autumn or spring is suggested. During this season, the skies will be clearer with a pleasant climate as well as the snow-capped Himalayas in full view. So, the best time to do Tilicho lake trek is from March to May and September to November. During winter (Dec-Feb), you can still trek but be prepared from snow-bound trials and very cold weather; also Tilicho lake will also be frozen during the winter season.
Tilicho Lake trek highlights
* Follow the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail, one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region.
* Trek through the bank of the Marshyangdi River observing the most dramatic changes from beginning to end.
* Witness great Himalayan views of the mountain like Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Tilicho peak, Chulu east and west, and many others.
* Discover ‘Khangsar Village’ – the lost village of Nepal.
* Hike to the World’s highest lake Tilicho at an altitude of 4949 meters.
* Cross the Thorong la pass at 5,416 meters to arrive at Muktinath.
Tilicho lake trek route
Tilicho Lake trekking route follows the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. First you need to drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu and start the trek pass along Jagat, Tal, Dharapani, Timang, Chame, Pisang etc. Reaching up till Manang, there are two trails, one leads to Tilicho lake and the other Thorung-la pass. Upon a day’s acclimatization in Manang, you hike to Tilicho lake passing along Khangshar, Shree Kharka and finally to the Tilicho base camp. Staying a day at base camp, hike to Tilicho Lake is done then back to base camp. Later on, continue hike towards Yak Kharka and crossing over Thorong-la pass and to Muktinath. The back and forth trek from Manang to Tilicho lake is four days in total.
Tilicho Lake trek itinerary
The proposed route for Tilicho lake is as follows which follows the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail and veers off from the village of Manang. Then again after attending the Tilicho lake joins with the circuit trail continuing to Thorung-la pass and to Muktinath, Pokhara.
Tilicho lake trekking itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu|
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu to Besi Sahar 6-7 hrs
Day 04: Besi Sahar to Bahundanda (1300m) 5-6 hrs
Day 05: Baundanda to Chamje (1410m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06: Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m) 5 hrs
Day 07: Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m) 5 hrs
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3300m) 5 hrs
Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3540m) 5 hrs
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Manang village (3540m)
Day 11: Manang to Khangsar Village (3700m)
Day 12: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m) 5 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Tilicho Lake (5200m) & back to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m) 6 hrs
Day 14: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4000m) 5 hrs
Day 15: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m) 5 hrs
Day 16: Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) 6-7 hrs
Day 17: Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m) 5 hrs.
Day 18: Fly to Pokhara from Jomsom
Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Fly or Drive)
Day 20: Trip concludes in Kathmandu
Tilicho lake trek difficulty
Most of the trekkers assume Tilicho lake trek and Annapurna trek are two different treks. However, they are the same treks and are a part of the Annapurna circuit trek. You can do the side excursion to Tilicho lake during the Annapurna Circuit trek. But you can also skip Tilicho lake and continue your trek to Thorung-la pass. Only you need is 4-5 days extra for Tilicho. Hike to Tilicho lake is a moderate graded walking with 4-5 hours of trek each day. Anyone who is fit and already trekking the Annapurna Circuit trail can accomplish Tilicho lake trekking.
What to see on Tilicho Lake trek?
There are more things to see on the Tilicho lake trek than you expect. Since in connection with Annapurna circuit trek, the hike to Tilicho Lake provides witnessing lowlands lifestyle and cultures to the Highland way of living and the diversified landscapes as they unfold during the trek. Furthermore, observe breathtaking views of peaks like Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna Ist (8,091m)Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and many others. The sight of Tilicho lake itself is mesmerizing and breathtaking.
Tilicho lake trek solo
Tilicho Lake solo trek from Manang? Hiking to Tilicho lake on your own isn’t recommended since the trail to the lake is risky and dangerous. In bad weather, it can get worse and chances of landslides on the way. When one is trekking solo to Tilicho if the trekker is injured or came into any accident then solo trekkers will be in trouble. The trail to Tilicho is less frequented if compared to the Annapurna Circuit trail. Taking the hike with an experienced trek guide is highly recommended.
Food and accommodation on trek Tilicho Lake trek
Usually accommodations will be on the tea houses at higher elevations. Tea houses are small lodges but are warm and comfortable with basic facilities. Food served during the Tilicho lake trek is nutritious and healthy so that you get the best energy to complete your trek. You will also love the typical Nepali food consisting of Dal & Bhat with green vegetables or meat; the best and wholesome meal during trekking in the Himalayas. Alternatively, you can also choose from different dishes like Indian, Chinese, Continental, etc.
So, if you are planning for trekking to Tilicho Lake then you will definitely enjoy the trek to the fullest. To add excitement to the trek or if you are planning to trek more in the Annapurna region then the Annapurna Grand trek certainly is the best choice which covers almost all the trekking opportunities of the Annapurna region. These include Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp.
