Tilicho Lake Trek

Pricing

Rates differ for Nepali citizens and international guests because foreign trekkers require TIMS and conservation-area permits. Final quotes depend on group size and dates.

Highlights

• ✓Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) — a vast turquoise glacial lake fed by Annapurna IV and Thorong Peak glaciers, referenced in the Ramayana as the sacred Kak Bhusundi Lake
• ✓Panoramic views of Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), and Nilgiri (7,041 m)
• ✓Manang (3,540 m) — one of Nepal's most spectacular high-altitude villages with strong Tibetan cultural influence
• ✓Braga Monastery (Bhraka Gompa) — one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Annapurna region (~500 years old)
• ✓Acclimatisation day hike to Ice Lake (4,600 m) or Gangapurna Lake for stunning glacier views
• ✓Dramatic landscape shift from subtropical Marsyangdi valley to the arid, Tibetan plateau-like Manang basin
• ✓Optional extension: cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to complete the full Annapurna Circuit

Best season

March–May & September–November. Spring offers clear morning views and wildflowers in the lower valleys; autumn has the most stable weather and best visibility at altitude. Winter (Dec–Feb) and monsoon (Jun–Aug) are not recommended — high snowfall and landslide risk respectively.

Itinerary

Outline below; we tailor rest days and pacing to your group.

1. 1

   Day 1: Kathmandu / Pokhara → Dharapani / Chame (2,670 m)

   Drive from Kathmandu (~8–9 hours) or Pokhara (~7 hours) to the Annapurna Circuit trailhead. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang district, a lively bazaar at the start of serious mountain scenery. Overnight at Chame.

2. 2

   Day 2: Chame → Pisang (3,200 m)

   Trek through pine forest and apple orchards with views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River through dramatic gorge sections. Reach Upper or Lower Pisang — the high route via Upper Pisang offers outstanding views. Overnight at Pisang.

3. 3

   Day 3: Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)

   Enter the wide, dry Manang valley — one of the most scenic places in the Annapurna region. The vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape Tibetan in character. Pass Braga village and Braga Monastery. Arrive at Manang town with views of Gangapurna glacier and Annapurna III. Overnight in Manang.

4. 4

   Day 4: Acclimatisation day — Manang

   Mandatory rest and acclimatisation day in Manang before ascending to Tilicho. Hike to Ice Lake (4,600 m) or Gangapurna Lake for altitude adaptation — crucial for preventing AMS. The ACAP office runs daily trekking health briefings in Manang during season. Overnight in Manang.

5. 5

   Day 5: Manang → Khangsar → Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m)

   Leave the main Annapurna Circuit trail and head west toward Tilicho. Trek through Khangsar village and along a narrow trail with steep drop-offs to one side — this is the most technical section of the route. Arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, a basic but scenic high-altitude lodge. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.

6. 6

   Day 6: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) & return to Manang

   Early start (by 6:00 AM) for the 3–4 hour ascent to Tilicho Lake across scree and snow fields. The lake appears suddenly below a wall of glaciated peaks — a breathtaking high-altitude revelation. Spend time at the lakeshore before the long descent back to Tilicho Base Camp and onward to Manang. This is a demanding 10–12 hour day. Overnight in Manang.

7. 7

   Day 7: Manang → descent via Marsyangdi to Besisahar → Kathmandu / Pokhara

   Begin the multi-day descent along the Marsyangdi River valley through Dharapani, passing through villages and subtropical forest back to Besisahar (~2 trekking days). Drive to Pokhara (~3 hours) or Kathmandu (~7 hours). Extended itineraries cross Thorong La Pass (Day 7) and exit via Muktinath and Jomsom.