Tilicho Lake Trek

Annapurna

Tilicho Lake Trek

Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — one of the highest lakes in the world, nestled in a dramatic amphitheatre of towering cliffs and glaciers in the Annapurna region. The trail follows the classic Annapurna Circuit route through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to arid high-altitude terrain.

Challenging12 days4,919 mMar–May, Sep–Nov
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Duration
12 days
Max altitude
4,919 m
Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
Accommodation
Teahouses and local lodges
Network
Patchy in upper sections
Drinking water
Available at lodges; purification recommended
Budget
USD 700-1,500

Overview

Trek overview

Long-form route context for planning, pacing, and realistic expectations.

Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — one of the highest lakes in the world, nestled in a dramatic amphitheatre of towering cliffs and glaciers in the Annapurna region. The trail follows the classic Annapurna Circuit route through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to arid high-altitude terrain.

This itinerary is synced from TrekGuard mobile app data and includes 12 planned days, 145 km of walking, and 5,800 m of total elevation gain.

Highlights include Tilicho Lake (4,919m) — among world's highest lakes, Manang Valley & Gangapurna Glacier, Tilicho Base Camp panorama, Diverse landscapes from subtropical to alpine.

Itinerary

Daily route plan

Day 1

Besisahar to Chame

3 hrs / 8 km / sleep 2,670 m

Drive from Besisahar to Chame (6–7 hours by jeep) along the Marsyangdi River valley. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang with hot springs nearby.

Day 2

Chame to Upper Pisang

5 hrs / 15 km / sleep 3,310 m

Trek through apple orchards and pine forests. The massive south face of Annapurna II dominates the skyline. Cross to Upper Pisang for spectacular views.

Day 3

Upper Pisang to Manang

6 hrs / 18 km / sleep 3,540 m

Follow the upper trail through Ghyaru with panoramic Annapurna views, then descend to Manang. The landscape becomes drier and more Tibetan.

Day 4

Manang acclimatization

4 hrs / 6 km / sleep 3,540 m

Acclimatization day. Hike to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake (4,600m) for incredible views. Explore Manang's gompas and the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.

Day 5

Manang to Khangsar

3 hrs / 8 km / sleep 3,734 m

Leave the main Annapurna Circuit trail and head northwest toward Tilicho. Small climb to Khangsar, the last permanent village before Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 6

Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp

5 hrs / 10 km / sleep 4,150 m

Trek through exposed, rocky terrain prone to landslides. The trail traverses steep hillsides above the Marsyangdi valley. Reach Tilicho Base Camp lodge with dramatic cliff walls surrounding you.

Day 7

Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Base Camp

7 hrs / 14 km / sleep 4,150 m

Pre-dawn start to reach Tilicho Lake (4,919m). The trail gains 770m through moraine and scree. The turquoise lake sits in a stunning amphitheatre of snow-capped peaks. Return to base camp.

Day 8

Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka

5 hrs / 10 km / sleep 4,050 m

Descend back toward the main trail through Khangsar, then continue to Yak Kharka to rejoin the Annapurna Circuit toward Thorong La.

Day 9

Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

3 hrs / 7 km / sleep 4,450 m

Short climb to Thorong Phedi (or High Camp at 4,850m if feeling strong). Rest and prepare for the big pass crossing tomorrow.

Day 10

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath

8 hrs / 16 km / sleep 3,760 m

Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — the highest point of the trek. Steep descent to the sacred temple complex of Muktinath.

Day 11

Muktinath to Jomsom

5 hrs / 20 km / sleep 2,720 m

Descend along the Kali Gandaki valley through Kagbeni and along the riverbed — the deepest gorge on Earth. Jomsom is the trek endpoint.

Day 12

Jomsom to Pokhara

0 hrs / 0 km / sleep 827 m

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (20 minutes) or drive (8–10 hours). Weather delays are common — keep a buffer day.

Map

Interactive route preview

Leaflet route rendering with checkpoints, altitude markers, and GPX geometry where published.

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GPX and KML downloads

Static route references for offline planning.

Duration
12 days
Altitude
4,919 m
Updated
2026

Route files are planning references only. Always follow current trail conditions, local notices, and guide advice.

Packing checklist

Use a mobile-friendly checklist for clothing, electronics, medicine, documents, and trail gear.

Altitude and safety

Prepare before pushing higher.

Climb gradually and take acclimatization seriously.

Check weather, wind, and daylight before long days.

Descend and seek help if altitude symptoms worsen.

Planning aid — not a guide or rescue service. GPX lines, checklists, forecasts, and altitude readouts support your judgment. Trails, weather, permits, and illness can change faster than any app. Download offline map packs before signal ends; fresh weather and Streets/Satellite tiles need network. SMS SOS sharing needs cellular texting — not satellite.

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Download map packs on Wi‑Fi, pull weather while online, then use GPS altitude, planner & safety tools on trail — free on Google Play. Not a guide or rescue service.

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