Tilicho Lake: Ultimate Guide To Tilicho Trek

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the World, located in the Manang district of Nepal. It lies in the Annapurna Range of the Nepali Himalayas at an altitude of 4,919 metres (16,138 feet) above sea level. It is the second-highest lake of Nepal. The first is Kajin Sara Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 5,200 metres. Tilicho Lake has a length of up to 4 kilometers, a width of 1.2 kilometers, and an average depth of 85 metres (279 feet). No aquatic organisms have been found in this lake.

If you love adventure and have a passion for trekking, the Tilicho Lake Trek should be on your list of famous trekking destinations. Every year, thousands of Nepali and foreign tourists visit this beautiful place.Tilicho Lake Trek would offer an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

So, in this blog, we will cover why you should trek to Tilicho Lake, the routes to Tilicho Lake, the best time to visit this place, the challenges on this trek, and much more.

Special Things About Tilicho Lake

There are lots of things to see and explore on the Tilicho Lake trek, which will provide more than you expect. The rich Nepali culture, beautiful Manang villages, flora and fauna, vivid scenery, panoramas of mountains and lakes, and much more.

Here are a few more reasons that excite you to TIlicho Lake Trek.

• You will be in the second-highest glacier lake of Nepal at an altitude of 4919 metres above sea level.
• Tilicho Lake is one of the famous sites for the highest-altitude scuba diving.
• It holds sacred significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, so you can come here for religious purposes.
• This trek offers opportunities for adventure sports such as trekking, mountaineering, and rock climbing.
• This trek also provides eye-catching views of snow-capped Himalayas like Tilicho Peak, Annapurna, Gangapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Manaslu, along with colorful landscapes along the trails. 
• The trek offers an opportunity to explore Nepali ethnic cultures and Tibetan cultures in various traditional villages of Manang. This will showcase cultural diversities and add cultural richness to the trek.
• You will get a chance to explore exotic wildlife in rhododendron forests, including high-altitude plants, rare Nepali wildlife species, and more.
• You will have one of the most enjoyable trekking experiences in Nepal.

Want to know some major lakes in Nepal? Click here 👉🏻 Top 5 Major Lakes Of Nepal

Routes To Tilicho Lake Trek

The Tilicho Lake Trek route passes through some of the most famous cities in Nepal. Once you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will spend one day at a luxurious hotel before heading towards your trekking destination. You will start your trek from Besi Sahar, reach Tilicho Lake, and then return to Kathmandu. You can also stay in Pokhara, one of the famous cities in Nepal. On this trek, you will have to pass different villages like Chame, Manang, Pisang, Shree Kharka, and more.

In this section, we will explain in detail about the 12-day Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary.

Day 01: Arrival In Kathmandu (Altitude: 3100m/4160ft)

You will spend your first day in Kathmandu. During this stay, you can visit some famous places like Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, Basantapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square. However, it will be impossible to visit all these places in a single day.

Day 02: Drive From Kathmandu To Pokhara (Altitude: 822m/2679ft): 5-6 Hour Drive

The next day, you will head towards Pokhara via the Prithvi Highway. During this drive, you will see the Trisuli River, Malekhu Village, and Mugling Village. After 5-6 hours of driving, you will finally reach Pokhara and stay at Lakeside. You will visit some of the famous places in Pokhara, such as Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Devi’s Fall, Seti Gandaki River, Bindhya Basini Temple, and many more.

Want to know more about beauty of Pokhara? Click here 👉🏻Pokhara The Tourism Capital Of Nepal

Day 03: Drive Pokhara To Besi Sahar (Altitude: 760m/2490ft): 2-3 hour drive

After spending quality time in Pokhara, you will depart for Besi Sahar the next morning. Besi Sahar is around 106 km away from Pokhara. Before heading towards Chame, you will spend a couple of hours there.

Day 04: Drive From Besisahar To Chame (Altitude: 2670m/5344ft): 5-6 hour dive 

The final destination on day 3 is Chame. After a 5-6 hour drive, you will arrive in Chame and spend the night there.

Day 05: Trek From Chame To Upper Pisang (Altitude: 3200m/10,240ft): 4-5 hour walking

Now, your Tilicho Lake Trek starts from Chame. In the morning, you will walk towards Upper Pisang. Annapurna and Pisang Peak surround Pisang. You will need to walk for 4 to 5 hours to reach Upper Pisang. After exploring the beautiful scenery of Upper Pisang, including Annapurna and other wonderful sites, you will spend the night in Pisang.

Day 06: Trek From Upper Pisang To Manang Village (Altitude: 3540m/11328 ft): 5-6 hour walking

The next morning, you will be heading towards the beautiful valley of Manang. Manang is 22 kilometers away from Upper Pisang. After 5 to 6 hours of continuous walking, you will finally reach Manang village and spend the night in local lodges there.

Day 07: From Manang Village To Khangsar Valley (Altitude: 3800m/12467 ft): 4-5 hour walking

The next day, you will have to depart for Khangsar Valley. This trek will be one of the best parts of your journey from Manag Village to Khangsar Valley. After 4 to 5 hours of walking, you will reach Khangasr Valley. 

Day 08: Trek From Khangsar Valley To Tilicho Base Camp (Altitude: 4100m/13120ft): 5-6 hour walking

The destination on the 8th day of the Tilicho Lake Trek will be Tilicho Base Camp. You will walk continuously for about 5 to 6 hours until you reach the base camp. You will spend one night at the base camp.

Day 09: Trek Tilicho Base Camp To Tilicho Lake (Altitude: 4919 m/16138ft): 6-7 hour walking

On the 9th day of your trek, you will finally head towards the ultimate destination, Tilicho Lake. This trek from Base Camp to Tilicho Lake will be the most challenging and exciting journey of your lifetime, as you will be at an altitude of 4919 metres above sea level.

Day 10: Trek From Tilicho Base Camp To Manang Village: 8-9 hour walking

After exploring all the sites at Tilicho Lake, you will walk back to Manang Village. You will rest and stay there for one night.

Day 11: Trekking back to Chame: 7-8 hours

The following day, you will trek back to Chame. It takes approximately 7 to 8 hours to reach Chame. Upon arrival, you will spend the night in Chame.

Day 12: Drive From Chame To Kathmandu

Now, this will be the final day of your trek. You will depart for Kathmandu, pass through Besi Sahar, and reach the capital city, Kathmandu. And your trek ends here.

Preparation For Tilicho Lake Trek

The Tilicho Lake trek is challenging. It would help if you planned thoroughly before embarking on this trek in Nepal. Without proper planning, you can not imagine success in this trek. Both physical and mental preparation are essential to complete this trek.

Physical Preparation 

You should be in good physical condition to undertake the Tilicho Lake trek. To prepare physically, engage in cardiovascular exercises and strength training. If you have prior experience in trekking or hiking, this will be advantageous for you.

Mental Preparation

In addition to physical fitness, mental readiness is crucial for this trek. Prepare yourself to cope with demanding conditions, basic living standards in remote areas with minimal amenities, and the possibility of altitude sickness.

Best Time For Tilicho Lake Trek

You can visit at any time of year, depending on your preferences. All places in Nepal are open for trekking and hiking year-round for both Nepalese and foreigners. Choosing the best time for Tilicho Lake Trek plays a vital role. This will help you to make the most of your trek, ensure safety from natural calamities, and enjoy the entire trek. 

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the Tilicho Lake Trek. During these seasons, you can expect favorable weather conditions, stunning visibility, and an optimal natural environment for trekking in the Himalayas.

Spring Season  (March, April, May)

During this season, there is clear visibility. The weather is stable and warm, but snow can still be found at higher altitudes. Colorful flowers bloom in the lower parts of the Himalayas. The air is fresh and clear, and there is a lower chance of avalanches and landslides in the trek.

Autumn Season (September, October, November)

Autumn is the best season for the Tilicho Lake Trek. There is excellent visibility, scenic views are clearly far, and paths are in good condition. During this season, major festivals in Nepal, such as Dashain and Tihar, take place. It is also the peak tourist season so you will find more trekkers along the way.

Challenges In TIlicho Lake Trek

The Tilicho Lake Trek offers a thrilling adventure, yet it comes with its own set of challenges. While you’ll find enjoyment in the journey, you’ll also encounter several obstacles along the way. Some of these challenges include:

Lengthy treks

The trek involves daily walks of 5 to 7 hours. You are required to walk around  15 to 18 km each day over mountainous terrain at altitudes ranging from 4000m to 5000m. So, this trek would be easy for those who don’t have prior trekking or hiking experience or proper physical fitness.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the major challenges of trekking at high altitudes. You have to walk at high altitudes (4000m-500m) where oxygen availability is very low. Some of your bodies can’t adjust to that atmosphere, which can lead to altitude sickness affecting you.

Lack of lodging facilities 

In this trek, you will have to pass through various remote areas and traditional villages. These villages often lack sophisticated infrastructure and lodging facilities. You have to stay in a basic house with bare minimum needs.

Lack of network connectivity

In some parts of regions on this trek, you have to face network connectivity issues. There will be no internet services and cell phone coverage. 

Cost Of The TIlicho Lake Trek

The cost of the Tilicho Lake Trek varies depending on factors like group size, transportation, duration, meals, and more. Here’s a breakdown of where your money will go:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Foods
• Trek insurance
• Gear expenses
• Trekking staff (guides, porters)
• Trek permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, Trekking Information Management System)

The cost of the Tilicho Lake Trek ranges from USD $1000 to $1200 for foreign tourists. It will take 10 to 15 days to complete the trek. You can reduce this cost by choosing options for duration, accommodation, food, transportation,  gear expenses, etc. For Nepalese citizens, completing this trek typically costs around NPR 30000.

Sustainable Adventure In Tilicho Lake Trek

Engaging in adventurous activities, having fun, and exploring cultures and traditions are primary goals for trekkers on the Tilicho Lake Trek. Also, it is important for you to ensure your adventure is sustainable, respects the environment, and positively impacts local communities throughout your journey. Here are some factors to keep in mind to achieve sustainable trekking:

• Leave No Trace: Always carry out all your waste and dispose of it in properly designated places.
• Use of Eco-Friendly Products: Always use biodegradable soap, toiletries, plates, and eco-friendly gear.
• Wildlife Conservation: Do not pick flowers or harm any animals. Trek in small groups to minimise environmental impact. Observe wildlife responsibly without disturbing their natural habitats.
• Water Conservation: Use refillable water bottles and water purification methods to minimise reliance on bottled water, reducing plastic waste.
• Limit Campfires: Use fire only in designated areas to prevent forest fires.
• Respect Traditions: Respect local customs, traditions, dress codes, and the cultural heritage of the communities you visit.
• Support Local Economy: Provide fair wages to your trek helpers, such as trek guides and porters.

Conclusion

The Tilicho Lake Trek experience cannot be explained in words. The Tilicho Lake Trek is all about experiencing it yourself, at least once in your lifetime. If you are a nature lover who enjoys exploring beautiful places around the World, then the Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the best adventure destinations for you. The experience will be worth every penny you spend.

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FAQs on TIlicho Lake Trek

What is special about Tilicho Lake?

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the World, located in the Manang district of Nepal. It lies in the Annapurna Range of the Nepali Himalayas at an altitude of 4,919 metres (16,138 feet) above sea level.

Is Tilicho the highest lake in the World?

Ojos del Salado Pool is considered the highest lake in the World. It is at an altitude of (6,893m/22,615 ft) above sea level. Tilicho Lake (4,919m/16,138 ft) is one of the lightest lakes in the World. Kajin Sara Lake(5200m) is the highest lake situated in Chame rural municipality of Manang district, Nepal.

Which month is best to visit Tilicho Lake?

Autumn Season (September, October, November) and Autumn Season (September, October, November) are the best seasons to visit Tilicho Lake.

How difficult is the Tilicho Lake trek?

You have to be physically and mentally prepared for the Tilicho Lake Trek. You may encounter challenges like altitude sickness, lack of network connectivity, and limited lodging facilities along the route.

How many days do you need to be in Tilicho Lake?

It normally takes 8 to 12 days to complete the Tilicho Lake Trek. It depends on your daily walking capacity, transportation method, weather conditions, and other factors.