Tilicho Lake, located in the Manang district of Nepal, is one of the world's highest lakes at 4,919 meters (16,138 feet). It's a popular side hike in the Annapurna region, formed by the glacial melt from the northern slopes of the Annapurna and Thorong Peak. Mentioned in the Holy Ramayana, it's considered a sacred place, attracting Hindu pilgrims worldwide. The trek to Tilicho Lake is challenging but offers stunning views of the Annapurna circuit, passing through lush subtropical landscapes, suspension bridges, and beautiful waterfalls. The journey showcases diverse ethnic villages and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, and many more snow-capped peaks.
During the trek, you can see blue sheep, yaks, and a variety of flora and fauna. The trail features alpine pine and rhododendron forests, wildflowers, and panoramic views. The Manang village along the route offers insights into local culture with its gompas and monasteries. The trek also highlights the Tibetan-derived culture, colorful chortens, and prayer stones. The mix of Gurung, Magar, Tamang, and Thakali people adds to the cultural diversity. A stop at Tilicho base camp offers a stunning view of the lake, making the challenging trek worthwhile. The beauty and cultural richness of the Tilicho Lake trek make it a classic and diverse adventure.
Itinerary
Day-1 Arrival at Kathmandu
A very warm welcome to the beautiful country of Nepal. Nepal is the perfect place to enjoy your vacation. With the flight from your home town, you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. On arrival, we will see the representative of Bold Himalaya waiting for you. After welcoming you, we will drop you to your hotel room and help with check-in. Later, our guide will visit you and explain to you about your trek to Tilicho Lake and help you in your trek preparation
In the evening you can explore the beautiful Thamel area. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day-2 Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar
Today begins with an early breakfast at the hotel before our guide picks you up for the drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar at 7:00 AM. The journey offers views of Nepal's beautiful countryside, including mountain scenery, villages, and farms along the Trishuli River, followed by a narrow, paved road along the Marsyangdi River. Besisahar, the headquarters of the Lamjung district, has a warm, subtropical climate. After the long drive, we'll spend the night here, enjoying views of Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal. Overnight at Besisahar.
Day-3 Dharapani, Trek to Chame
Leaving the picturesque village of Besisahar, we drive to Dharapani, crossing the Marsyangdi River on an airy suspension bridge and passing villages like Jagat and Chyamje. We enter the Manang district at Tal village, where we enjoy views of a large waterfall before continuing to Dharapani, the starting point of our trek. After registering at the ACAP office, we hike through forests of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple, and oak to Bagarchhap. A steep climb through rhododendron forests and landslide areas leads us to Timing, at the base of Lamjung Himal. The trail then flattens out as we reach Chame, with beautiful views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung. Overnight at Chame.
Day-4 Trek to Pisang
After breakfast in Chame, with Lamjung Himal sparkling in the morning sun, we climb to a field of buckwheat passing Mani walls in the tiny village of Telekhu. Then we will have a long and pleasant walk through a dense forest with dramatic scenery. Following the pine-scented trail around reveals the first view of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face. It’s a tremendous curved slab of rock. We continue the steep ascent to the upper Marsyangdi over a ridge. With beautiful views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II, the trail follows the river valley to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower valley of Pisang
Day-5 Trek to Manang village
Today's trail leads through the drier upper part of Pisang, climbing a steep ridge with views of the Manang Valley and Tilicho Peak. As we enter the pine groves, a small turquoise lake comes into view, and we pass charming villages adorned with painted mandalas and dragon mouth spouts. Trekking through fields where yaks graze and various crops grow, we ascend steeply on the right side of the Marsyangdi River to Ngawal. Here, we enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Ridge and Marsyangdi River Valley. Continuing through pine forests, villages, and farming terraces, we reach the large Tibetan settlement of Manang, with stunning views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Tarkekang, and Gangapurna. Overnight at Manang.
Day-6 Acclimatization at Manang Hike to ICE LAKE
Manang is a picturesque village in the broad valley of the Marsyangdi River, north of the Annapurna mountain range, surrounded by mountains and dry landscapes. You'll spend another day here to explore the local lifestyle, culture, and traditions. Today, we take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake, crossing suspension and wooden bridges made by locals. This beautiful lake, formed by avalanches from Gangapurna Himal, offers a breathtaking view with its milky blue glacier water at the foot of spectacular icefalls. After returning to Manang, we enjoy magnificent views of green landscapes, silvery mountains, chortens, and monasteries. Overnight at Manang.
Day-7 Trek to Khangsar village
After exploring the wonderful Manang village, we continue our trek to Khangsar village. We descend from Manang, pass through chortens, and reach the Marsyangdi River, crossing a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola. To reach Khangsar, you can either cross the ridge north of Annapurna II, IV, and Glacier Dome or descend to the glacial lake at the foot of a huge icefall, staying close to the riverbed. Upon arrival, the magnificent view of the Great Barrier opens up. Khangsar is an old-style Tibetan-influenced village with a small monastery, chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags, overnight at Khangsar village.
Day-8 Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
Following a large path passing a gompa, the trail climbs steeply a small Chortens and goes through juniper and sea buckthorn bushes. While trekking through this trail you can see a path is little covered by small crystals and shrubs on both sides. Crossing a few streams, and a wearying climb we reach a crest with prayer flags. Then we pass through a sequence of zigzags down a scree slope to the side valley of the main valley and on another side of it is a building known as the Tilicho Base. From the Tilicho Base Camp Hotel, you can enjoy closer and more panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many other mountains. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp Hotel
Day-9 Trek to Tilicho Lake and back to Tilicho Base Camp
Today marks the journey to our main trek destination, Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes globally. Beginning from base camp early, we aim for ample time at the lake amidst clear views. The trek to Tilicho Lake includes navigating the challenging 22 Ghumti, a zigzag ascent. Once past this hurdle, the path becomes more manageable, leading us to Tilicho Lake at 4,919m altitude. Here, we're mesmerized by its serene beauty, sometimes reflecting surrounding peaks in turquoise waters or frozen in winter. The lake offers stunning views of Tarkeghyang, Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Khangsar Kang peaks. Hindu tradition identifies Tilicho Lake as the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake from the Ramayana. After a memorable time at Tilicho Lake, we retrace our steps via the challenging zigzag trail to Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.
Day-10 Trek to Khangsar village
Today we are retracing the same route to Khangsar village. Passing the scree slopes with the slippery pathway we see the long narrow path traversing through the steep debris slopes. Then we descend a hill and see the ridge going north from Khangsar Kang leading to Annapurna I, the highest mountain in the Annapurna Range, and between Khangsar Kang and Tilicho peaks spreads an impassable Great Barrier. Then following the trail along one of the most significant peaks, Khangsar Kang we pass by another settlement called Shri Kharka. Now, we trek to Khangsar with magnificent views of the canyon and Annapurna II. And finally on reaching Khangsar our last part of trekking finished. Overnight at Khangsar village
Day-11 Drive to Besisahar
After breakfast in Khangsar village, we drive back to Besisahar. Passing several villages, with the view of beautiful mountains, landscapes, and waterfalls. We have a long drive to Besisahar. On the way, we enjoy the beautiful scenery of rivers, mani walls, Chortens, hanging prayer flags, and passing Marsyangdi. On reaching Besisahar, have some rest. Overnight at Besisahar
Day-12 Drive back to Kathmandu
Today, we are driving back to Kathmandu. After a delicious breakfast in Besisahar, we take a morning bus to Kathmandu. We leave the headquarters of Manang district with the beautiful scenery of mountains, and landscapes hillside and pass by several villages and farms, following the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River and along the Prithivi highways with the view of Trishuli River. After around 7-8 hours you reach Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can have a rest at noon and in the evening you will have a cultural dinner with the Bold Himalaya. Overnight at Kathmandu
Day-13 Departure or Join Next Trip
It’s time to say goodbye to you, our representative will drop you to the airport three hours before your scheduled flight. If you have more time we can arrange another awesome trip for you.
Inclusion
- Ground transportation, including airport transfers.
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide.
- Sleeping bag and down jacket provided (return after trek).
- Porters' salaries, accommodation, meals, and insurance (1 porter for 2 guests).
- Additional assistant guide for groups over 5 people.
- Accommodation: 3-star in Kathmandu, guesthouse in Besisahar, trekking lodges during trek.
- Full board meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee).
- Trekking permits: Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS.
- First aid kit and Oximeter for altitude monitoring.
- Cultural show and farewell dinner, duffle bag, t-shirt, trip certificate included.
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal Visa fees (USD 30 for 15 days or USD 50 for 30 days).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses at bars and for desserts.
- Lunch and dinner expenses in Kathmandu.
- Tips for trekking crew members.
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Expedition Information
$935
Tilicho ,
Tilicho Base Camp
Trekking,
Climbing
Fitness Level
3
Technical Level
2
Group Size
1-99
Ratio
1:5
Continent:
AsiaCountry:
NepalLocation:
Tilicho Base CampElevation:
4,140 m / 13,583 ftGPS:
28.6844 N°, 83.7957 E°