Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, situated in the Manang district of Nepal. As part of the Annapurna Circuit trek, the lake sits at an impressive elevation of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) above sea level, with the maximum elevation of the lake shore reaching about 5,300 meters (17,150 feet). The lake spans 4 km in length and 1.2 km in width. While Google lists Tilicho as the highest lake, there are lakes in Tibet that are several hundred meters higher according to Wikipedia.
Trek Summary
- Elevation: 4919 m (16,138 ft)
- Trek Duration: 7 days
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Trek Itinerary
- Kathmandu to Besishahar:
- Duration: 7/8 hours
- Cost: NPR 10,000 by car, NPR 600 by local bus
- Departure: Buses leave by 5 am
- Besishahar to Manang:
- Transportation: Share jeep
- Cost: NPR 2,000 per head (bargaining required)
- Checkpoints: Several along the route
- Manang:
- Stay: 2 nights for acclimatization
- Activities: Trek to Gangapurna Lake and Ice Lake
- Manang to Khangsar:
- Duration: Short trek
- Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp:
- Duration: One day if possible
- Cost: Expensive at Tilicho Base Camp
- Dal, rice, vegetables: NPR 850
- Fried egg: NPR 400
- Tea: NPR 100
- Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake:
- Departure: 4 AM to avoid afternoon winds
- Trek Duration: 6/7 hours to the lake, 1.5-2 hours descent
- Accommodation: Tilicho High Camp
Route Plan
- Kathmandu – Besishahar
- Besishahar – Manang
- Manang – Khangsar
- Khangsar – Tilicho Base Camp
- Base Camp – Tilicho Lake – Base Camp
- Base Camp – Khangsar
- Khangsar – Besishahar
- Besishahar – Kathmandu
Essential Packing List
- Backpack
- Trekking Pole
- Raincoat or Poncho
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen Cream
- Cold Cream
- Sunglasses
- Trekking Shoes and Sandals
- 2 Trekking Pants
- 3/4 T-shirts
- Woolen Sweater
- Down Jacket
- Ear Cap
- 3/4 pairs of Socks
- Gloves
- Lip Gel
- Basic Medicine
- Bandages
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Power Bank
- Mobile Phone and Charger
- Headphones
- Optional: Camera, Extra Battery, Extra Card
Environmental Responsibility
- Avoid littering and carry non-perishable waste back to designated disposal areas.
- Aid fellow trekkers and locals as much as possible.
Permits and Costs
- Obtain a trekking permit from the Nepal Tourism Board.
- Cost: Around NPR 4,000 per person
- Requirements: Health insurance, passport photos, and photocopies of your passport
Embarking on the Tilicho Lake Trek offers a unique and challenging high-altitude experience, combining natural beauty with the thrill of adventure. The trek is best suited for those with a good level of fitness and proper acclimatization.
