Head to head
Tilicho Lake Trek vs Upper Dolpo Trek
Tilicho Lake Trek is the more approachable option (Challenging, max 4,919 m), while Upper Dolpo Trek is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,190 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Difficulty
Tilicho: Challenging
vs Upper: Strenuous
Max altitude
Tilicho: 4,919 m
vs Upper: 5,190 m
Duration
Tilicho: 12 days
vs Upper: 20 days
Choose
Tilicho Lake Trek
if you want…
- Less demanding — Challenging vs Strenuous
- Shorter trip — 12 days vs 20
- Lower max altitude (4,919 m) — gentler on acclimatization
- More popular and better supported with teahouses
Choose
Upper Dolpo Trek
if you want…
- Higher summit point (5,190 m) for bigger mountain views
- More time on the trail — 20 days to immerse
- Quieter, more remote region
- Explores the Dolpo region
Full comparison
| Tilicho Lake Trek | Upper Dolpo Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Challenging | Strenuous |
| Duration | 12 days | 20 days |
| Max altitude | 4,919 m | 5,190 m |
| Total distance | 145 km | 180 km |
| Elevation gain | 5,800 m | 9,000 m |
| Best season | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | May–Oct |
| Est. budget | USD 700-1,500 | USD 900-2,200 |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card | Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and local lodges | Teahouses and local lodges |
| Mobile network | Patchy in upper sections | Patchy in upper sections |
| Safety level | Medium | High |
Planning aid only. GPX and route pages are not live trail authority. Map packs need download on Wi‑Fi; weather and SMS need connectivity when used.
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