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Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek Trip Fact

Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit 12 days itinerary
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    Trip Style : Trekking - Hiking
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    Trip Difficulty : Moderate Plus
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    Trip Guide : Guided Trek
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    Destination : Tilicho Lake, Nepal
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    Max Altitude : 5416 Meters - 17,769 Ft
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    Daily Walking Hours : Approx. 4-6 Hours Walking
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    Accomodation: Hotel & Lodges
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    Food : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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    Start-End : Kathmandu/Besisahar/Pokhara
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    Transport : Car, Van, Jeep, Bus, Flight
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    Best Season : Feb to May and Sept to December

Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek Overview

Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake trek is a stunning adventure that leads you all the way up to Tilicho Lake and Tilicho Lake Base Camp. This trek offers an opportunity to explore the hidden natural and cultural aspects of the Annapurna region. The walking trail passes through some of the most beautiful attractions in the Annapurna region.

Situated at an altitude of 4920m, crystal clear Lake is considered to be one of the highest lakes in the world. The Lake is fed by the glacial melt of the Northern slopes of the Annapurna Himalayas and the Thorong Peak. The Lake is sacred to the Hindus and Buddhists thus thousands of pilgrims from around the world pay a holy visit to this lake every year to take a holy bath in the pure lake water.

Tilicho Lake hiking holiday offers splendid views of the magnificent Himalayas, lush hills, verdant meadows, and some of the traditional villages of the magnificent Annapurna region. Hence, the hiking trip to Tilicho Lake and Tilicho Base Camp is a perfect choice for nature lovers wishing to seek solace in the lap of the Himalayas.

Tilicho Lake trekking begins with a local bus ride or a private jeep drive from Kathmandu to Besishar, this is a small town with tourist-standard guest houses, the next day morning we continue our journey with a 4WD drive to another beautiful village called Chame from where the trek really begins.

The trek goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent trek leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas.

We have customized this route as it is basically the same as Annapurna Circuit, Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west and passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then we trek to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorung La at an elevation of 5,416m. From the pass of the Thorung La, the treks lead down to Muktinath and then to Jomsom from where we have a 35-minute scenic flight to Pokhara.

Is Tilicho Lake trek with Annapurna Circuit suitable for me?

This trek is suitable for any walker looking for something adventurous and challenging trek with stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayas. This trek does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. Although, daily jogging or walking exercise is useful and you need to be in good physical condition and able to walk for 5-6 hours daily.

Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit best time to go

Trekkers can enjoy the Tilicho Lake Base Camp trek throughout the year but the best seasons for this trek are Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November).

Spring and Autumn have the best weather all the time. During these seasons there will be proper weather i.e. mild sunshine, hardly any rainfall, clear views of mountains, and a chance to interact with many fellow trekkers making this trek popular during the autumn and spring seasons. You can also enjoy this trek during wintertime (December, January, and February) too. In fact, winter is the best time for a clear and breathtaking view of the Mountains. However, as the temperature increases in the higher parts of the trek like Tilicho Lake Base Camp and Thorong La Pass, it might be cold in the winter and proper trekking gear are the most important.

Trekking to Tilicho Lake is suitable in the Summer season as well, if you are well prepared for the occasional monsoon rain then you can also enjoy the trek in the summer season too (June, July, and August).

Accommodation plan for Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek

Tilicho Lake trekking tour starts in Besishar and ends in Jomsom/Pokhara. The accommodation during the trek will be neat and clean tea houses/ guesthouses on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner and 3 cups of tea/ coffee a day as per your choice and comfort). Throughout the trek, guesthouses are comfortable as well as facilitated with attached bathrooms, shower facilities, neat and clean bed sheets, pillow covers, and well-managed beds with warm blankets and internet WIFI connection facilities.

Food during 11 days of Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek

Food during the Tilicho Lake Base Camp trek will be provided on a full-board basis. Three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and 3 cups of tea/ coffee) a day will be served from the guesthouse/lodge menus. Every day breakfast and dinner are used to take in the same guesthouse/lodge where we will be spending the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to the destination.

Gear list for Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek

Yes, we can provide you with a packing list for this trek and we highly recommend you bring warm clothes and trekking shoes from your home, however, in Kathmandu, there are some gear shops that provide gear on sale and rent. For a packing list please click here.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Tilicho Lake, one of the lakes situated at the highest point of the world i.e.4949m in the Annapurna range of Himalayas.
  • Enjoy the mesmerizing turquoise blue waters of Tilicho Lake
  • Walkthrough the Marshyangdi River valley, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east.
  • Experience a wide diversity of different people from ethnic groups, offering splendid and majestic views of the white Himalayas.
  • Explore a stunning glimpse of the beautiful mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri and Himchuli.
  • Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, valleys, green hills, dense forests, artistic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, pristine rivers, gorge, sacred temples, colorful monasteries, and Gompas.
  • Learn the Hindu and Buddhist culture in Muktinath Temple
  • Enjoy a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

In the morning at around 6:30AM our guide and helpers are waiting at the lobby of your hotel, meet them and drive to local bus station. It is about 6 to 7 hours journey to Besishar, the drive on the Prithvi Highway passes through the beautiful attractions of countryside. Upon reaching Besishar, check-in at a hotel, enjoy your evening by exploring the beautiful surroundings of the town. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Besishar
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:7,60m

After breakfast, we drive from Besishar to Chame which is a small village in the Annapurna Region at an elevation of 2,710 m. There is a waterfall which is an attraction for both locals and tourists alike. The beautiful greenery all around will fuel us for the drive ahead. Overnight at guesthouse.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Chame
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,710m

We start our first day's hike from this village, the trail goes up and down, passing several rivers and sparsely populated settlements. We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500 m from the river. From here, we gain excellent views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. We descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Pisang
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,300m

From Pisang there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we near Manang, the climate becomes colder and drier. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District, should cheer us up. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Manang
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,500m

After breakfast our trek continues up to the village of Khangsar. As we walk ahead, the trail cuts down through a gorge and the Tilicho Peak can be spotted shrouded in clouds far above. We get to appreciate the natural beauty of the Annapurna range all along the way. We also pass through small scenic settlements and the Tore monastery and get to enjoy the breathtaking Khangsar River and the grand barrier before reaching Khangsar. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Khangsar
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,745m

As we begin the trek from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, we come across wide grassy fields and, after making a slight climb up a small hill, witness the glorious views of the entire valley. After trudging down a steep inclination, you now enter the Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tilicho Base Camp
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,140m

After the initial tough ascent, our trail traverses onto a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain. However, the spectacular views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks are always close by to cheer us up. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, we get to admire its tranquil beauty. Sometimes reflections of the surrounding peaks are seen on its turquoise waters, in the winter season the lake remains frozen. We take a break beside the calm waters and soak-in the astounding views before heading back to the base camp. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tilicho Base Camp
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,920m

When returning from the Tilicho Base Camp, the trail leads out of the Marsyangdi valley and the abrupt change in surroundings can be noticed as the trees are left behind and replaced with more alpine vegetation. Our trail continues through the ruins of the old Khangsar village, until we cross a log bridge over the river between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. The typical Himalayan village of Yak Kharka is an accolade to its name, as lots of yaks can be seen grazing and standing around. From here we also get breathtaking views of Annapurna III. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Yak Kharka
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,040m

It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time, we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend further and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Thorang Phedi
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,420m

Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Muktinath via Thorong La pass
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,800m.,5,416m

Muktinath, an ultimate destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, is a beautiful place. We visit the Muktinath Temple before embarking on the trek ahead. There are water spouts where fresh water pours out channeled from the streams above the temple. As the trail extends we can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You can even buy a fossilized mollusk, called ‘Shaligram’ as a memento. We move ahead among meadows, cross streams and hills over to Kagbeni, a village laden with chortens (memorial stupas) and a small monastery. Continue the trek after a lunch break at Kagbeni and over to Jomsom on the Kali Gandaki Valley as the trail cuts through windy areas. Overnight at guest house.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Guesthouse
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Jomsom
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,715m

After breakfast, walk to the Jomsom airport and take a flight to Pokhara, the flight itself is spectacular; you fly while looking at views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and over the deepest gorge in the world. The warmer climate in Pokhara will definitely make us feel better. You can take a boat ride in the serene waters of the lake with the reflection of the Fishtail Mountain on its waters. You could also visit the Davis falls. Our service ends here but if you would need our assistance in Pokhara please feel free to let us know. We will be glad to assist you. Have a wonderful stay in Pokhara.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel on your own
  • itinery-iconMeals: Meals on your own
  • itinery-iconPlace: Pokhara
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:823m

Want to Tailor this itinerary?

Map of This Trek

  • PRICES & DATES

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Note: Please select your suitable date from the above departure dates and let us know, we will do all the necessary booking/reservation as per your date and requirements. The above cost is based on a minimum of 2 trekkers, if you are traveling alone; let us know we will join with other existing groups. If the above-fixed departure dates are not suitable for you, you may choose your own private departure date. These types of departures are best suited for solo travelers, couples, families, charity and small groups.

Have a question ?

Please call us on +977 98510 36844 to talk about your adventure or chat with Ram Kumar on WhatsApp (Available 24hrs) for best quote and detailed information.    
  • small-thumbnails Arrangement of transports from Kathmandu to Basishar and then to Chame
  • small-thumbnails Necessary flights from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • small-thumbnails Annapurna Conservation fee with trekking permit.
  • small-thumbnails Tims card (trekking information management system card).
  • small-thumbnails All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking period.
  • small-thumbnails Accommodation (Teahouse) during the trekking period.
  • small-thumbnails English speaking guide and highly experienced staff.
  • small-thumbnails Staffs food, clothing, salary and insurance.
  • small-thumbnails Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • small-thumbnails Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
  • small-thumbnails Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu hosted by Ram Kumar.
  • small-thumbnails Our service charges with VAT and Local / Government Taxes.
  • small-thumbnails Sightseeing or any extra activities except the above program.
  • small-thumbnails Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • small-thumbnails Personal nature expenses.
  • small-thumbnails Bar bill and all kind of drinks.
  • small-thumbnails Rescue & Evacuation.
  • small-thumbnails Gratitude (tip) for staff.

Useful Information

Tilicho Lake trek trail covers around 180 km to 255 km, depending on the start and end of the trek. You will be walking around 12 to 16 km per day.

Tilicho Lake Base Camp trek requires two permits to enter the region. The first one is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the second one is Trekker’s Information Management System card (TIMS). We organize both permits in Kathmandu with your passport details and two passport size pictures.

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US$ 1350 pp
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Trip Reviews

We take great pride in taking care of our guests

  • December 27, 2022

Amazingly beautiful Tilicho Lake Base Camp

Tilicho Lake Base Camp trek was absolutely amazing. Almost perfect weather and great views most of the time. We trekked in early May so the trek was not crowded at all. Our guide RG and porter Amit were great. They did an excellent job. The tour company, Alpine Eco Trek is highly recommended for any adventure treks in Nepal.

  • Kailey Schwinghammer
    United States
  • December 27, 2022

Amazing Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek

It was a stunningly beautiful trek, Tilicho Lake was incredible and Thorong La Pass is very challenging. And, you can see many peaks including the Annapurna mountain range. Our guide Ramesh was really helpful and experienced.

  • Erwan Jézéquel
    France
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Sangita Adhikari

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Ram Gopal Adhikari

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