Tilicho Lake Trek
based on 205 reviewsOverview of Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake Trek is a popular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, and Gangapurna, as well as a visit to the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake. The trek starts at the traditional village of Besisahar, and the trail takes you through beautiful forests, rocky terrain, and small local villages.
Setting out on a trek to Tilicho Lake, nestled in the majestic Annapurna region of Nepal, is akin to embarking on a journey to a world where the splendour of nature meets profound spirituality. This trek, famed for leading adventurers to one of the highest lakes on Earth, transcends a mere walk through mountains. It is an intricate blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural textures, and paths that challenge and enchant. As you plan your expedition to Tilicho Lake, selecting the ideal season becomes essential, transforming your adventure into a memorable mosaic of experiences infused with safety and joy.
Visualize trekking through a realm where each season paints the landscape with distinct colours. In spring, the trails are embellished with the vibrant hues of rhododendron forests, while autumn unveils skies so crisp and clear that they lift the spirit. Winter cloaks the lake in a serene layer of snow, offering a tranquil solitude that is as rare as mesmerizing. Every season at Tilicho Lake unveils a different facet of the same enthralling narrative, each waiting to be explored and cherished.
Itinerary of Tilicho Lake Trek
Early in the morning, we set off from Kathmandu and take a scenic drive towards Nepal’s west; the journey leads to Beshisahar town, then on the dirt road to Khudi, Bhulbhule and Ngadi, following the Marsyangdi River upstream, drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Syange, from here with a slow climb leaving the Marsyangdi River behind to reach first overnight stop at Jagat village, a farm village with many lodges for trekkers. Overnight in Hotel/Tea House.
From Jagat village morning walk leads on a gradual winding path to Chamje, and back at Marsyangdi River to crossing on the eastern bank and into forested area, with superb views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, as the walk advances on the wide path to a nice village of Tal Besi, Here for lunch break, and then another 2-3 hours walk leads at Dharapani village for overnight stop, Dharapani a nice village situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail. Overnight stay at Hotel or lodge/Tea House.
After Dharapani walks along the wide winding trail into the serene rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagachap and Danque, then to Timang village from here onwards into more Buddhist culture village with a grand view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, from Timang village few hours trek leads to Koto and then to Chame town for overnight stop, Chame a significant and major town of Manang area and as well a headquarter of Manang district. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
From here onwards the air gets cooler and fresh as the walk leads close to the mountains, morning walk leads through enchanting alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following the Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill through alpine woodland to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few teahouses and lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak, with a lunch break here, walk descends to lower Pisang village for overnight stop. Overnight at Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
Pisang village offers excellent scenery of mountains and surrounding landscapes, from here altitude gains as the morning walk leads through forest and with a short uphill with super views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s and Pisang peak. As the walk reaches the flat valley at Hongde village, from here onward, tree lines disappear for barren, arid landscapes with cold, dry arctic climate.
Before Manang, visit the old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall paintings and frescos and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya. From here, an hour’s walk reaches Manang village. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
An essential rest day to get acclimatize before heading higher elevation and to Thorang-la pass, in Manang short hike and explore Manang village and valley, Manang a large town situated on windswept valley at the bank of Marsyangdi River beneath Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range, a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang emerald Lake. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
After Manang, trek towards Tilicho Lake with overnight at Khangsar village, a short scenic walk to Khangsar, a few hours of pleasant trek leaving the main Annapurna circuit trail behind, heading south in remote areas away from the mainstream trekking route, overlooking fantastic views of mountains, walk finally reaches to Khangsar village for an overnight stop. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
A half-day walk starting towards the barren country, after a descent of a few hours, our route heads uphill on the dry terrain; after an enjoyable walk, reaching the picturesque emerald Tilicho Lake, regarded as a holy lake for Buddhists and Hindus, this wonderful place with few lodges by the shore of Tilicho Lake, afternoon relax and enjoy the surrounding beautiful scenery of the Lake changing its colours with the sunlight.
Staggering Tilicho Peak surrounds this lovely place with views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna mountains. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
After a fantastic time around Tilicho Lake, the return journey to Jomsom as the morning walk leads towards a small settlement at Shir-Kharka for an overnight stop before joining the main Annapurna circuit trail.
After a good time at Manang and Tilicho Lake, the morning adventure leads towards Khangsar village on the uphill path to Yak Kharka, an attractive high-altitude walk with super scenery of the snowcapped mountains, then crossing the river to reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement, offering tremendous views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
Morning walk advances around high area, heading closer to the base of Thorang-la as the walk leads to cross a bridge and then a climb along the river bank of Jarjung, as the walk leads at Thorung Phedi, here depending upon the physical conditions of the clients, if all goes well an hour steep climb to Thorang High Camp for overnight stop. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
Big Day! The highlight of this great adventure, after an early breakfast walk, is a long climb up to Thorang-la with steep terrain and a winding path to Thorung La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft. The highest point of this adventure offers super views of snowcapped peaks and then a long descent to Muktinath at 3,800 m.
On reaching Muktinath for an overnight stop, a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists, the word Muktinath means ‘the place of Nirvana or Liberation’. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
After Muktinath, the rest of the journey will be easier with moderate walks to Jomsom as the walk drops to 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, this pleasant trail reaching the vast Kaligandaki river valley with a small break at Ekalebhatti.
From here, it gets windy in the afternoon time, a few hour’s walk to Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang region with an airstrip located above Kaligandaki River.
Here at Jomsom last night in the mountain village, celebrated with local apple products like cider, brandy, and juice this area from Kagbeni to Marpha & Larjung is famous for delicious apples and its products. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
Early breakfast and transfer to Jomsom airport for a sweeping short flight of 25 minutes to Pokhara, during airborne mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris and Annapurna range of mountains with rolling hills dotted with farm villages,
On reaching Pokhara airport, transfer to respective hotels by the serene lake Phewa. The afternoon is free for individual activities or to relax and enjoy the views of the Annapurna Himalaya. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse.
After a beautiful experience on Annapurna Semi Circuit trekking Via Thorong la Pass, we take a scenic drive to Kathmandu; on reaching Kathmandu, transfer to our respective hotels with an afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping. (Options of flight back to Kathmandu). Trek Nepal Himalayas will organize a farewell dinner at a Typical Nepalese restaurant with a Trek Nepal representative. Overnight at a Hotel or Lodge/Teahouse
Added Insights
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Flight ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Kathmandu Besisahar by bus.
- Trekking permit.
- All necessary paperwork.
- All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
- ‘Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.
- An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 clients).
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- All government taxes.
What's Excluded?
- International Airfare
- Nepalese Visa Fees
- Travel Insurance
- Personal laundry and beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
- Kathmandu Accommodation
- Tipping
- Anything not mentioned by the Company
Essential Information - Tilicho Lake Trek
The Tilicho Lake Trek is a journey through Nepal’s stunning northern region of the Annapurna mountain range. The trek takes you through mesmerizing rhododendron, pine, and fir forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, Chulu East, Chulu West, Chulu North, Khangsar Peak, and more. Along the way, you’ll explore the emerald waters of Tilicho Lake, passing through various landscapes ranging from subtropical to arctic. You’ll also have the chance to visit traditional villages inhabited by Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri, and Brahman communities, immersing yourself in their rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek is a unique and exciting destination, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exhilarating mountain views. The hike begins in Besisahar and ends in Jomsom, where you can take a scenic flight to Pokhara if you need more energy to trek back. Nepal’s best time to undertake this trek is during the spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) seasons. So, it is a perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of Nepal with a blend of adventure and cultural experiences.
Highlights of Tilicho Lake Trek
- Offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, and Gangapurna
- Features a visit to the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake
- Passes through forests, rocky terrain, and small local villages
- Passes through the stunning northern region of the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal <!–
- Offers breathtaking views of peaks such as Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, Chulu East, Chulu West, Chulu North, Khangsar Peak, and more
- Features a visit to Tilicho Lake and traditional villages inhabited by Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri, and Brahman communities with rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- The best time to do the trek is during spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November)
- It is a unique and exciting destination offering natural beauty, cultural experiences, and mountain views.
Best Season for Tilicho Lake Trek: An Ultimate Guide
Embarking on the Tilicho Lake Trek is an adventure of a lifetime, offering unparalleled experiences in the heart of the Himalayas. Nestled in the Annapurna region, Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes globally, presents trekkers with breathtaking views and challenging trails. Understanding the best season to undertake this journey is crucial for a fulfilling and safe trekking experience.
Spring: A Season of Bloom (March to May)
Spring is widely considered the best season for the Tilicho Lake Trek. During these months, the weather stabilizes, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures – perfect for hiking. The trails come alive with vibrant rhododendron blooms, especially in the lower regions of the Annapurna Circuit. Daytime temperatures hover around 10-15°C, making the walks pleasant.
Moreover, the visibility is excellent in spring, offering trekkers stunning views of the Annapurna massif and surrounding peaks. This season is ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts who wish to capture the Himalayan beauty in full glory.
Autumn: Clear Skies and Cultural Festivities (September to November)
Autumn is another favourable season for the Tilicho Lake Trek. Post-monsoon, the skies clear up, and the weather becomes dry, providing excellent trekking conditions. The temperature ranges from 5-10°C, ideal for long treks. The air is fresh during this season, and the mountain views are unequivocal.
Autumn also coincides with some of Nepal’s significant festivals, like Dashain and Tihar, offering trekkers a unique opportunity to experience local culture and traditions. The trails are busier during this season, fostering a lively atmosphere.
Winter: A Tranquil, Snowy Landscape (December to February)
Winter in the Himalayas is harsh, and the Tilicho Lake Trek becomes more challenging. The temperatures can drop below freezing, and heavy snowfall may block parts of the trail. However, winter can be rewarding for seasoned trekkers seeking solitude and a serene, snow-clad landscape.
It’s crucial to be well-prepared with proper gear and have a flexible itinerary during winter. The frozen Tilicho Lake, set against the snowy backdrop, is a mesmerizing sight, offering a unique perspective of the Himalayas.
Monsoon: The Off-Season (June to August)
The monsoon in Nepal brings heavy rainfall, making trails slippery and prone to landslides. It is not recommended for the Tilicho Lake Trek. The rain clouds often obscure the mountain views, and leeches become prevalent on the lower trails. However, for adventurers who don’t mind the rain and are prepared for the conditions, monsoon treks can be a unique experience with fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
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