Tilicho Lake is located at an altitude of 4919m in the Manang district. This is one of the world’s highest lakes situated at the highest altitude. This Lake is formed by the glacial melt of the northern slope of Annapurna Mountain and Thorong Peak. This is one of the holy Lakes of the Hindu people, so Hindu people around the world gather in Tilicho Lake to take holy baths. As this Lake is located in an isolated area of the Annapurna region, the Tilicho Lake trek is one of the adventurous trekking trips in the Annapurna region. The trekkers who want to go on adventurous and challenging treks in the Annapurna region, the Tilicho Lake trek is suitable for them. Tilicho Lake trek trekkers should have a good trekking experience because during this trek, trekkers need to cross the challenging Thorong La pass.
This trek provides the best opportunity to explore the hidden natural and cultural aspects of the Annapurna region. During this trek, trekkers can see several naturally decorated gadgets which please the eye and touch the heart of every trekker. In the Tilicho Lake trek, a stunning glimpse of the beautiful mountains of the region, such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli. It always gives pleasure to the trekkers, which helps to make their long journey enjoyable. Moreover, beautiful landscapes, valleys, green hills, dense forests, artistic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, pristine rivers, gorges, sacred temples, colourful monasteries, and Gompas are the other attractions of the Tilicho trek.
One of the interesting aspects of this trek is that it can combine with the Annapurna circuit trek as per trekkers’ interests. If the trekkers want a long journey in the Annapurna region, they can combine the Tilicho Lake trek with the Annapurna Circuit, which will further take them to the beautiful and unique Mustang region. Tilicho Lake trek follows the Annapurna circuit trek trail up to Manang, and from Manang village, the trek reaches Tilicho Lake through the Khangsar village. In the Tilicho Lake trek, trekkers get the opportunity to explore fauna and flora such as rhododendron forest, pine, fir, and oak forest. After enjoying the tranquil environment of Tilicho Lake Trek returns via Yak Kharka and Jomsom. Enjoy the 15-day trekking in the serene environment amidst the mountains and make remarkable memories.
Highlights
- Trail in the verdant forest of fir, pine, oak, and rhododendron
- Diverse landscapes and Tibetan culture in Manang
- Wonderful Kali Gandaki River, Gangapurna glacier
- Hike to Gangapurna viewpoint
- Magnificent views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli
- Visit the largest Braka Monastery in the Manang region
- Mesmerising turquoise blue Tilicho Lake (4919m)
- Thrilling experience traversing Thorong La Pass 5416m
Accommodations
Accommodations in the Tilicho Lake Treks are mostly guesthouses. The guesthouses are comfortable with basic facilities. The trek duration is 15 days. Thus, most nights are spent in the guesthouses. A stay at the tent twice in the Tilicho Base Camp before ascending and after descending from Tilicho Lake. The extra charge for the use of facilities like hot water buckets, laundry, charging, internet, and electricity in the guesthouses.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided during the trek from the guesthouses. The meals are basic and suitable for the health of the trekkers. The main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat, which provides enough energy throughout 7/8 hours of the trek. The variety of meals is hard to find but meals prepared from home-grown crops are a treat during this trek.
Drinking water
Drinking water is easily available at the guesthouses. You can buy a mineral water bottle, but you should dispose of plastic bottles. You can also fill boiled water at guesthouses, paying extra charges. Carry a water bottle and water purification medicine with you. During trekking, drink direct freshwater from the flowing stream using water purification treatment.
Communication
The internet facility is easily available in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. The internet is stable from Besisahar to Manang valley. A little instability or no availability at high altitudes and Tilicho Lake. By paying extra charges at guesthouses, internet facilities, and electricity, charging can be used. The phone signal is also good but may not work at high altitudes. Using a local sim card, an internet facility can also be used.
Starting and Ending points
The starting point of the Tilicho Lake Trek is from Besisahar and ends in Jomsom. From Jomsom, flight to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.
What kind of Trekking Permits required for the Tilicho Lake Trek?
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits are required.
ACAP permit cost charge: NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 1000 (SAARC)
TIMS permit cost charge: NPR 2000 (Foreigners), NPR 600 (SAARC)
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travellers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancellations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.
Is the Tilicho Lake Trek difficult?
Tilicho Lake Trek’s difficulty is moderately challenging. The trek includes a trail with many steep ascents, descents, rough trails, and ice slippery during winter and rainy seasons. Tilicho Lake is at an altitude of 4919 m, and the highest pass, Thorong La Pass, is 5416 m. The trekker with average physical fitness and good health conditions can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful.
Acclimatisation and Altitude Sickness at Tilicho Lake Trek
An acclimatisation day is necessary during trekking. Manang Valley is our acclimatisation rest day. It helps prevent altitude sickness and helps you adapt to the environment. Headache, hangover, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep, hallucinations, and unconsciousness are symptoms of altitude sickness. Immediately inform the guide if you have any primary symptoms.
What is the best time to trek to Tilicho Lake?
Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time to trek to Tilicho Lake. The weather is clear and sunny during these seasons. The trail is also comfortable to walk. Rainy and Winter season treks are for experienced trekkers.
Is there a luggage weight limitation for Porter?
One porter carries the luggage of two trekkers. The luggage limitation per person is a maximum of 12 kg. So the luggage weight limitation for one porter is18 to 24 kg.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Tal (1700m) via Besisahar (760m) (7-8 hours)
Day 02: Tal to Thanchok,
Day 03: Thanchok to Pisang, 3200m
Day 04: Trek to Manang, 3540m
Day 05: Acclimatisation day
Day 06: Manang to Khangsar, 3756m
Day 07: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp, 4160m
Day 08: Excursion to Tilicho Lake 4919m, back to Tilicho Base Camp, and then trek to Khangsar
Day 09: Khangsar to Yak Kharka, 4040 m
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp, 4900m
Day 11: Trek to Muktinath, 37850m via Thorong La Pass 5416m
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom, 2700m
Day 13: Flight to Pokhara from Jomsom
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist bus
Equipment
- Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
- Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks. Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Water Purifying solution
- Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, a map, Trekking poles, a duffel bag
- Medicine: First-Aid Kit, Altitude sickness medicines
- Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, a raincoat, Anti-leech socks
- Winter Season: Woollen clothing items (light)
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu.
