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Tilicho Lake Trek

Overview

Tilicho Lake is a lake located in the Manang district of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Tilicho Lake is the destination of one of the most popular side hikes of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The hike takes additional 3–4 days. Tilicho Lake lies peacefully at the centre of the surrounding peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri. This trek adventure is challenging. This special trek route branches off from the main circuit from Manang and then rejoins at Yak Kharka. Then from Yak kharka the trial leads to Thorong La pass, the highest pass of the world (5416 meters). Thus this trek combines two main adventures of Annapurna region. The mesmerizing feel of Tilicho Lake and stunning views of Mountains makes this trial a wonderful trip. You can capture the views of Lamjung Himal (Himal means Mountain in Nepalese term), Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Nilgiri Mountain and Chulu Peak. From Tilicho Lake you also have the option of crossing the challenging pass of Moesokanta La Pass” to Jomsom instead of traveling to the Thorung La pass but proper additional equipment including tented camps are required to go through this pass.

Trip Facts

Accomodation

Tea-House/Lodge Basis.

Grade

Difficult to Adventurous

Highest elevation

Tilicho Lake (4920m)

Best Season

Sept to Nov , Mar to May

Trek Duration

16 days

Per day walking

5 to 7 hours per day

Group Size

1+

Transportation

By car and Plane

Outline itenary of Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 02: Kathmandu city tour and trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule and Trek to Nadi ( 890m) Bus Change Besisahar (800m)
Day 04 : Trek from Nadi to Jagat (1,300m.)
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1900m.)
Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2710m)
Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3250m)
Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m)
Day 09 : Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 10: Trek from Manang to Khangsar village (3734m)
Day 11: Trek from Khangsar Village to Tilicho lake base camp (4150m)
Day 12: Trek from Tilicho Base camp to Tilicho Lake (4920m) and trek back to base camp
Day 13: Trek from Tilicho base camp to Yak Kharka (4050m)
Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4550)
Day 15: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m ) cross Thorong La pass (5416m)
Day 16: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 17: Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2670m)
Day 18: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2550m)
Day 19: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1200m)
Day 20: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
Day 21: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2600 m) early morning Poon Hill (3210m)
Day 22 : Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk ( 1990m)
Day 23: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Day 24: Pokhara Free day
Day 25: Drive or flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 26: Departure from Kathmandu to home

Detail itenary of Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival, we will greeted by a representative from Big Sky Treks and Expeditions. Our staff stay with Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate and transfer to hotel. After check in hotel, you will be free for your own activities such as a taking shower or rest at the hotel. After that we will discuss about the next day trip and explore city (It is depends on your arrival time )

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley City Tour After breakfast, according to your interest we will organize Kathmandu city tour, which are historical and spiritual Place in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are consider the World Heritage historical Sites such as Durbar Square (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar square), the sacred Hindu's temple Pashupatinath, ancient religious architecture Swayambhunath known as "Monkey Temple", the world largest Buddhists shrine Boudhanath. After finish city tour to hotel we will discuss about trek and rest of the time you could use for travelling around the Thamel and shopping of needed equipment and other necessaries.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule and Trek to Nadi ( 890m) Bus Change Besisahar (800m) Distance 188 kms and 4 km walk – Approximately 7 Hours Drive and 1 hour walk We will start our trip early Morning as we will drive Vehicle along the trishuli river and after Mugling we follow Marshyangdi river and we will reach in Besisahar. After that we will change another bus to Bulbule and start to trek for Nadi While travelling, we will see beautiful green hills and Annapurna Himalayas range We can see also beautiful small villages, greeneries, farms, people doing their daily choirs, etc. We can see those views throughout travelling. From Besisahar if we start to trek we can also it take another hour extra. Nadi is a small village suited in bank of Marshyangdi river
Day 04 : Trek from Nadi to Jagat (1,300m.) Trekking distance 12 km approximately 6 Hours walks. We will pass some beautiful village and local people same time we will pass some suspension bridge and passing few spectacular waterfalls. we will reach Bahundanda ( 1310m). After that the trail descend through the terraced, rice fields and small streams until we reach Syange. After Syange the path ascends steeply and brings us to Jagat village where Tamang and Gurung are the main inhabitants. One the way, we can see Mt. Lamjung (6983m)Manaslu (8156m) and Peak 29 known as Nadi chuli (7871m) Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1900m.) Trekking distance 15 km approximately 7 Hours walks. From Jagat the trail descends to the Marsyangdi following the riverbank before climbing up through forests to Chamje (1430m) we can see beautiful Water fall . The trail initially crosses the river to the east bank and climbs up to the large settlement of Tal , which is first village of Manang District From Tal we can see beautiful waterfall. Crossing and recrossing the river as it makes its way to Karte, the trail finally crosses again to the west bank before continuing through the village of Dharapani.

Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2710m) Trekking distance 16 km approximately 7 Hours walks From Dharapani we will passes some beautiful village which are suited in bank of Marshyangdi River when we arrive in Danaque the trail starting climbing uphill through the forests of rhododendron and oak with beautiful views of Manaslu (8154m) on the back. Upon reaching Timang Danda we will have spectacular views of the Himalayas. And we will walk towards Chame passing small villages like Talamarang, Thanchok and Koto. Chame is district headquarters of Manang This place will serve magnificent views of Annapurna II(7,937) and Lamjung Himal (6,932) ahead of us, and Manaslu (8,154) and Ngadi Chuli (7,871) behind us

Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3250m) Trekking distance 13 km approximately 6 Hours walks End of the Chame Village we will cross Marshyangdi river and enter the forests of pines. The trail enters inside small valley with gentle ups. We will then meet Bratang village from there we can see really huge cliff and after cross the rocky and Cliffy path again we will cross the Marshyangdi river and climb up and reach Dhukur Pokhari. From Dhukur Pokhari we will walk flat and we reach Pisang where spectacular views of Annapurna Himalayas range and Pisang Peak (6091m)

Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m) Trekking distance 19 km approximately 9 Hours walks Upper trail
Trekking distance 15 km approximately 6 Hours walks Lower Trail
From Pisang to Manang we offers a choice in trails
1) Lower Route ( Suggest for Porter )
It is very easy route little little climb up and cross the Humde village where we can see airport and continue follow the flat way we will arrive in Braga and Manang ( suggest our porter will follow the lower route so manage your necessary things we will meet our porter in Manang ) according to your interested we can follow the lower route , we can see beautiful scenery of Pisang peak(6091m, Tilicho peak(7134m) and Annapurna Himalayas range

2) Higher Route ( Suggest for guide and Guest )
The Higher route is quite top route , after pass the pine forest we cross the Suspension bridge and start to climb up to Gharu (3700m) is a beautiful view point and chorten from where we can see lower route of manang , we continue walk onward to Ngawal (4000m) villages. on the way we can see amazing view of Annapurna II (7937m) , Annapurna IV(7525m), Pisang peak (6091m) , Tilicho Peak (7134m) ,Tilicho valley Gangapurna (7455m) and Very old style house and local people . After Ngawal village continue down to Munji where we can Meet lower route and cross Bragha (3450m) and arrive in Manang ,
Manang village is one of the most popular villages of Annapurna circuit trekking route . This village is an acclimatization stop point for every travelers. Situated in front of the beautiful Annapurna Himalayan range,

Day 09 : Acclimatization day in Manang Today is the schedule for acclimatization. However, we do not spend worth less at the lodge. It is highly suggested to climb up and stay overnight at low altitude so our body can adjust the high altitude climate. from manang we can choose any one of them for a day trip
In Afternoon Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) provide altitude lectures for the trekkers and it will be worth attending one of those lectures. They give some useful tips on how to battle through the next 3 days to Thorung La pass and tilicho Lake. They will also explain the acclimatizing principle of "climb high and return to sleep in the low".

Gangapurna Glacier viewpoint /Chongar Viewpoint/ Gangapurna Tea shop
From the main Village we drop around 15 minute and cross the Marshyangdi River and Continue climb up to Chongar Viewpoint, quite steep but amazing 360 degree views from the top.

Visiting Praken Gompa /100 rupees lama (3945 m)
Praken Gompa just 400 m above the manang Village where one old monk Tashi Lama stay there and give the blessing for Trekkers for successful of throng la pass. It was really a great experience no one could forget it. From Praken Gompa we can see beautiful views of the Annapurna Himalayas range and Tilicho peak . This trip also perfect for acclimatization.

Ice Lake (4620m)
One of the most impressive viewpoints on the Annapurna circuit trekking routr is Ice Lake (Kicho Tso, 4620m). It takes about 5 hours to climb 1000m from Manang Village , it’s straight uphill the whole way to the Lake which is considered sacred by Buddhists.

Day 10: Trek from Manang to Khangsar village (3734m) Trekking distance 6 km approximately 4 Hours walks Descending from old Manang and passing by Chorten reach a Marsyangdi river, cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream It is possible to cross the ridge north of Annapurna IV, II, and Glacier Dome or to descend from village to the glacial lake at the foot of a huge icefall descending from the northern slopes of Gangapurna. The trail stays close to the river bed and soon we approach Khangsar, superb view of the Great Barrier open up. Where we can find a small monastery, chorten, Mani walls and prayer flags.

Day 11: Trek from Khangsar Village to Tilicho lake base camp (4150m) Trekking distance 8 km approximately 5 Hours walks From Khangsar the trail climbs steeply past the Gompa and small chortens, trail goes through juniper and sea buckthorn bushes. The path is quite covered by small crystals and shrubs can be seen on both sides. Some places along the trail you cross a few streams.You reach a crest (4650m) with prayer flags after the wearying clim and then through a series of zigzags down a scree slope bring you to the Tilicho Base Camp Hotel. From here you can enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many others. Tilicho Lake is situated at the highest altitude so we set our camp today here at low.

Day 12: Trek from Tilicho Base camp to Tilicho Lake (4920m) and trek back to base camp Trekking distance 12 km approximately 8 Hours walks ( both way ) The trail to the Tilicho Starts up a side valley then traverses onto a moraine, making a long climb to 4710m. There are outstanding view of Tarke Ghyang, Gangapurna and the Khangsar Kang. Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world at (4920m), presents a particularly dramatic spectacle. Sometimes its turquoise water reflects the surrounding peaks but more often its frozen solid. After spending the memorable time at Tilicho Lake, we will trek down to Tilicho base camp via same way for overnight stay.

Day 13: Trek from Tilicho base camp to Yak Kharka (4050m) Trekking distance 8 km approximately 6 Hours walks The trail continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail follows this valley north, passing a Goths as it steadily gains elevation. You have left the large trees below; the vegetation now consists of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. you can keep high and follow a track 400m or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead you around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gunsang and Yak Kharka. It's fun to see large yaks grazing at Yak Kharka. The view of Annapurna III is excellent

Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4550) Trekking distance 6 km approximately 4 Hours walks After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village (4250m). We will climb and pass another suspension Bridge and cliffs ( need to be very careful landslide zone) before reaching Thorong Phedi. when we arrive there highly suggest climb up to high camp for the acclimatization and sleep early because tomorrow morning we will start our trip around 4 AM

Day 15: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m ) cross Thorong La pass (5416m) Trekking distance 17 km approximately 10 Hours walks We will have to set off early in the morning to reach the Top of thorong la before mid-day. The trail becomes instantly steep after leaving Phedi we will pass High camp (4850m) and continue trek to top we will passes tea house still climb and we will reach in Thorong la top (5416m) where we can see bunch of prayer flag and chorten, Further the trail descends steeply before reaching Chabarbu. From there we cross meadows, drops into a deep gorge, climbs out again, and follows a wide trail to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site held in great respect by both Hindus and Buddhists. on the way passes we leave the Annapurna Himalayas range and we will see massif Dhaulagiri (8167m) which is 7th highest mountain in the world

Day 16: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m) Trekking distance 10 km approximately 5 Hours walks for option 1
Trekking distance 13 km approximately 6 Hours walks for option 2
Option 1 Early morning wake up and look around Muktinath temple and after breakfast we trek to Kagbeni , Kagbeni is a entry gate of the Upper Mustang It is lies on bank of the Holy river Kali Gandaki, we will passes very beautiful landscape and some village Jharkot and Khingar and when we turn back we will see the trail of Throng la when we will arrive in Kagbeni we will look around the old village and monastery
Option 2 ( Highly recommended one ) Early morning wake up and look around Muktinath temple and after breakfast we trek to Kagbeni Now we leave the motor road and trek through Chhangur, Jhong & Putak the Tibetan styled beautiful villages with its art, culture, religion and gompas. This trail is so splendid view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. The way is lower part of Mustang we meet the entry point of Kagbeni which is gateway to forbidden Mustang Kingdom. Then after the land looks like the moon desert until to reach the Kagbeni. Kagbeni is situated in the bank of the famous holy river Kali Gandaki and it is the Gateway to Upper Mustang. The monastery supposed to be some 500 yrs old which is situated in the town.

Day 17: Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2670m) Trekking distance 16 km approximately 7 Hours walks Now we are entering the windy gorge until Late. passing Jomsom where the airport is situated with the connection to Pokhara. Jomsom is the capital of Mustang district with the government offices and busy area . we continue trek to marpha Where is the most famous for Apple Garden. Marpha is the village of the Thakali peoples the local inhabitant. Before sunset we will look around Marpha and visit the Buddhist Monastery which is suited middle of the Village

Day 18: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2550m) Trekking distance 17 km approximately 8 Hours walks Walk the flat roads with most of Apple garden and barley, wheat & vegetation fields. our trail stretches at almost flat level we Will pass some Beautiful Village Tukuche(2590m) Kobang (2640m) Larjung (2550m) From we can see massif Dhaulagiri and Ice fall and we cross the Suspension Bridge and arrive in Kokhithathi (2525 m) then Kalopani. Kalopani is really Beautiful places from where we can see 1st time Annapurna I (8091m) so on we can see Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and Tukuche peak (6920m)

Day 19: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1200m) Trekking distance 19 km approximately 8 Hours walks From Kalopani and Late we can see Beautiful Mountain and drop down to river and Cross the suspension bridge. arrive in Ghasa , which places is famous for Birding and the trail descends upto Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to look at. There is situated the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m) facing each other near Rukse Waterfall. The trail again descends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. we can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani (Hot water) as the word Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki river. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Along this, it gives you physical and mental refreshment as well, After Throng la pass it is best places for take a shower , chillout in Tatopani

Day 20: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani Trekking distance 12 km approximately 6 Hours walk Our trail passes through flat level till Ghar Khola. Then the trail begins ascending steeply till Durbin Dada . Now path goes up through Ghara villages where we can see typical Nepali Faces called Brahmin and chhetri. Also we can see the paddy field land and typical house .After cross Ghara (1700m) we reach in Shikha (1935m)where we can see magar people and continue passes shika we arrive in chitre from where we start to see Annapurna And Dhaulagiri Himalayas range pass the rhododendron forest we will arrive in Ghorepani , owo splendid view

Day 21: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2600 m) early morning Poon Hill (3210m) Trekking distance 11 kms – Approximately 7 Hours walk Wake up early morning prepare for the sunrise , suggest wear warm clothes and take headlight start to Hike up to Poon Hill (3210m) 45 minute climb. from Poon Hill we can see beautiful sunrise and beautiful mountain from poon hill we can see Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow capped mountains Descend back to Ghorepani and after having breakfast After that, the trail steeply ascending until Deurali-La on a grassy knoll that offers good Mountain views similar to those from Poon Hill . Then the trail descends through deep rhododendron forest until reaching Banthanti . on the way we cross the north side of stream and it will offer great views over the gorge to Ulleri. A rocky trail descends steeply to small stream and climbing again through deep forests to Tadapani, a village which is surrounded by beautiful forests. You can see more magnificent view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Himchuli and Annapurna II

Day 22 : Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk ( 1990m) Trekking distance 7 kms – Approximately 3.5 Hours walk In the morning, after breakfast your trek slightly descending through the deep forests until reaching Baise Kharka smooth walking and descends again in the subtropical forest until reaching Ghandruk village. we can see a very good view of Fishtail, Annapurna South and other small snowy peak. Afternoon you will go to visit the Buddhist Monastery and Old Traditional Gurung Museum which are very nice to see during the Ghandruk Stay

Day 23: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara Trekking distance 10 kms – Approximately 5 Hours walk Today is our final day for trekking, we slowly follow our trail back to Nayapul where we can take see beautiful local people and we cross the Paddy field, when we reach to Syauli bazaar the path is flat till Nayapul when we arrive in Nayapul then we drive Back to Pokhara .

Day 24: Pokhara Free day After finish trekking pokhara is a really nice places for chill out , pokhara is very popular for paragliding so suggest for that and you can enjoy the boat ride in phewa lake which is beautiful lake in Nepal or if you like to do city tour we can do city tour and visit most popular places like Bindivashini Temple , Devi's Fall Gupteshwor cave , Tibetan refugee camp , Mountain museum old Bazaar Etc , in evening if you are interested for shopping it a best places for shopping

Day 25: Drive or flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu(200 km/6-7 hrs). we can enjoy the diverse landscape and scenery en-route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. We Have farewell dinner in Nepali Culture restaurant

Day 26: Departure from Kathmandu to home We will drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to assist you for your final departure to your home or alternatively the next destination

Include and Exclude

Include

✅ Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers by private vehicle
✅ Kathmandu Hotel with breakfast
✅ Experience trekking guide
✅ Porters (1 porter for between 2 trekkers basis)
✅ Duffel Bag (If you needed) (please let us know before you book the trip and remind us in kathmandu)
✅ Trekking Route Map (For Group Leader )
✅ Annapurna Conservation Area Trekking Permit
✅ Trekker’s information management system (TIMS) card fee
✅ Pokhara - Kathmandu - Pokhara transport by tourist bus ( Private car or flight available by adding extra cost)
✅ Pokhara hotel with breakfast
✅ Food and Accommodation during the trekking in Tea house
✅ Pokhara - Nayapul - Pokhara transport by private vehicle
✅ Farewell Nepali dinner in Kathmandu
✅ All necessary paper works, office service charge and all Government Taxes

Exclude

❎Nepal entry visa fee, you can get Nepal visa upon arrival at the Airport.
❎Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
❎International Airfare/Airport tax,
❎City tour ( Vehicle and Entry fee ) we can manage it if you are interesting
❎Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Mineral/ hot water, desserts.
❎Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and bar bills, camera battery charging.
❎Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
​❎Personal trekking gears,
❎Local jeep and Bus transport if use in between the trekking route (not Mention in itinerary)
❎Tips for tour/ trekking staffs and driver

Map for Trek