Article Published On - 03-03-2025
Be on an unforgettable adventure to Tilicho Lake in Nepal, the world’s highest glacial lake, located 4,949 meters above sea level. A highlight of the Annapurna Circuit trek, this gorgeous destination should not be missed! Trekkers commonly include the Tilicho Lake trek in their Annapurna Circuit itinerary, often after crossing Thorong La pass. Lake Tilicho stands out amongst its stunning surroundings of towering Himalayas and Tilicho Peak’s 7,134 meters, making it a major draw in this region. A 19-day trek offers unique opportunities to explore new terrain while discovering uncharted territories; be prepared for an engaging yet challenging trek, however, rockfall is likely along the route, making for an ultimately rewarding but difficult trek experience.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an unparalleled trekking experience that will leave you inspired. To add even more value, extend your journey and visit Tilicho Lake – the highest glacial lake on Earth – as part of this combined trek experience. Along the way, you will immerse yourself in diverse cultures and lifestyles found throughout both lowlands and highlands – their stark differences highlighted by ever-shifting landscapes, such as those found at Tilicho Lake. Marvel at breathtaking mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, plus other majestic peaks that will leave you speechless.
Tilicho Lake stands at an astounding altitude, boasting an elevation between 4,919 and 4,949 meters according to different sources. Surrounded by Tilicho Peak and spread out over an area of 1.853 square miles, the lake boasts breathtaking views of Mt Himlung, Manaslu, as well as other smaller peaks of Annapurna-Manaslu Range border peaks such as Annapurna-Manaslu Border Range border range peaks; its crystal-clear waters source from glaciers without visible outlet; such incredible natural wonder attracts many trekkers who embark on 3–4-day detour from Annapurna circuit trek to experience its splendour.
At Kathmandu Airport, our representative will greet and transport you directly to the hotel, where they will give a briefing and prepare you for trekking.
Beginning at 6:30 AM, Nepal Trek Hub guides will meet you at your hotel to accompany you to the bus station, where a local bus to Besisahar typically takes six or seven hours before switching over to another bus bound for Ngadi.
This scenic lowland offers breathtaking scenery of lush rice paddies and dense forests, punctuated by the powerful Marshyandri River. As you trek along its course, Marshyandri will come into view, and your path will lead you through villages like Bahundanda, Ghermu, and Syange for lunch. After several hours of walking, you’ll reach Chamje, where you will spend the night at a hotel.
As the Marshyandri River George continues its course, you will cross a bridge and proceed towards its other bank. From there, your path will slowly ascend until reaching Tal, where lunch can be taken before continuing your journey for about another hour to arrive in Dharapani and finally rest for the night in one of their guest houses.
At this junction, both the Manaslu trekking route and the Annapurna Circuit trek converge, where there is a checkpoint to verify your permits and ensure an easy and straightforward trek today. As you trek toward Chame, Timang offers spectacular views of the Manaslu Range and the mountain. Thanchowk and Koto offer even easier trekking routes, which finally lead you to Chame. Notably, Koto serves as the starting point of the Narphu Valley trek – an obscure region often called “hidden valley”, that later connects to Ngwal. Furthermore, you’ll discover natural hot springs within its environs, offering the chance for relaxation and revitalization with a relaxing bath experience.
At this vantage point, it is easy to see the Lamjung Himal. Our destination today is Pisang; therefore, the trek from Chame to Dhukur Pokhari will take us through pine and oak forests while passing one of Nepal’s largest apple farms on your way. With lunch in Dhukur Pokhari comes stunning views of Annapurna II before ending your day’s travels at Pisang.
From this location, trekkers can experience stunning Himalayan views. There are two paths leading to Manang, but we suggest the one via Gyaru. Trek until a river comes into view, passing a lovely small lake along the way and bracing themselves for a steep climb that could last 1.5 hours before coming to a small viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna Tilicho Peak as well as local vendors selling bread and tea! Finally descend into a valley in Braga, followed by Manang!
Today is an opportunity for your body to adjust to its new surroundings. There are various hiking options available to you, and your guide may suggest visiting Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake as part of an acclimatization journey.
Khangsar can be reached from Manang with relative ease by following two treks that diverge near Tanki Manang; we take the lower one towards Khangsar and enjoy an easy, scenic trek that winds its way through pine forests for much of the way to our destination.
Today marks the start of exciting adventures ahead. The landscape is vibrant and diverse, featuring lush yak pastures lining the trek and glimpses of blue sheep along its length. Our initial part of the journey will involve an ascent until reaching Shree Kharka; thereafter, the trek descends. Caution should be exercised due to steep terrain that increases the risk of rockslides; finally, we arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, located at the confluence of two rivers.
An exciting day begins with an early wakeup call to Tilicho Lake. Trekkers must gradually ascend until they reach their vicinity; along the way, they’ll enjoy breathtaking views of majestic mountains such as Manaslu, Himlung, etc. Once at the lakeshore, you’ll witness one of the highest lakes in the world; when returning to Base Camp, it is wise to rest for at least 24 hours as further progress may pose risks due to potential stone falls.
Yak Kharka is our overnight stop after departing Base Camp – a potentially risky area best traversed early in the day. Shree Kharka marks where our path splits; we take the higher trek leading directly to Yak Kharka through various inclines and declines, passing many pastures where yaks and sheep graze along our journey.
From Yak Kharka, the path gradually ascends to Thorong Phedi at an elevation of 4450 meters via yak grazing grounds and through certain risky sections due to rockfall risk. You should take extra caution along certain sections due to the risk of rockfall; take time out here to refuel with lunch or warm beverages to regain energy before continuing onward. Continuing further up, the trek becomes extremely steep and rocky, but after a 1.5-hour trek through moraine, you will eventually reach Throng High Camp.
Today is one of the more challenging days on any trek, so trekkers usually begin around 4:00 or 5:00 am for an early start. Starting can be more difficult at altitude; as soon as you adjust and gain momentum, moving becomes simpler. Thorong La pass can be reached gradually through a steady climb that lasts several days, stopping periodically at one of several shops for tea or coffee breaks along the way. After approximately three hours of ascending, you’ll reach the windy and chilly summit of Thorong La pass for stunning views of the Mustang side mountains. Once at Thorong La pass, the trek starts its gradual descent back down towards Muktinath, where you will spend the night.
Once your trek is complete, take the local bus up to Tatopani at an elevation of 1190 meters. Along the way are frequent stops to accommodate locals in villages such as Jomsom, Syang, Marpha, Kalopani, Kobang, Ghasa, and Dana before finally reaching Tatopani. Due to local roads, it may prove an exciting journey; an alternative would be hiring a Jeep, as this offers more comfort during its travels.
Starting from Tatopani, your journey takes an exciting turn as you ascend Durbin Danda for an exciting adventure of the day. Descending into the valley below, heat and humidity increase considerably while the landscape transforms to lush green villages, expansive rice fields, fruit trees, and an assortment of delightful villages such as Sikha Ghara Chitre, leading up to picturesque Ghorepani.
Today we will enjoy a magnificent sunrise from Poon Hill after an early morning trek. The breathtaking vista of the Himalayas includes Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, among many other peaks, stretching out before us. After taking in this glorious panorama, we’ll start our descent toward Tikhedunga via trek (usually 5-6 hours long) before joining vehicles back to Pokhara.
Start Point: Besisahar or Chame. Travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar by car takes about 6-8 hours. Continue by jeep to Chame (if not skipping the lower sections of the Annapurna Circuit).
From March through November, March brings predictable weather with vibrant rhododendron flowers and breathtaking mountain vistas, while September to November offers clear skies with low humidity – ideal conditions for hiking and trekking adventures.
Director & Founder
With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, he has summited multiple 6000–7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
