Trekking · Nepal
The Tilicho Lake Trek
A demanding Annapurna Circuit side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the world's highest lakes, often paired with Thorong La.
The Tilicho Lake trek is the high-altitude prize of the Annapurna region: a demanding side trip from the Annapurna Circuit to a turquoise glacial lake at 4,919 m, one of the world's highest lakes of its size. It rewards strong, well-acclimatised trekkers with raw, high-mountain scenery and is most often combined with the Thorong La crossing.
Overview and highlights
The trek branches off the main Circuit near Manang, climbing a steep, exposed valley to Tilicho Base Camp before the big day up to the lake itself. The standout is the lake: a frozen-blue sheet beneath Tilicho Peak, vast and silent. The approach is part of the experience — narrow, sometimes loose paths cut across slopes prone to rockfall, with the great north faces of the Annapurnas above. Because it sits within the Circuit, it folds neatly into a longer itinerary that finishes over Thorong La to Muktinath.
Itinerary
This is the Tilicho extension within a Circuit trek (altitudes approximate):
| Day | Stage | Approx. altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manang to Khangsar | 3,750 m |
| 2 | Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp | 4,150 m |
| 3 | Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and back | 4,919 m |
| 4 | Return toward the Circuit (Yak Kharka) | 4,050 m |
| 5+ | Rejoin Circuit and cross Thorong La to Muktinath | up to 5,416 m |
You can also retrace the trail out instead of continuing over the pass.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a strenuous, high-altitude trek for experienced walkers. The lake day climbs to nearly 5,000 metres and back on exposed terrain, and pairing it with Thorong La means sustained time at very high elevation. Acclimatisation is non-negotiable — spend rest days in Manang and read our guide to altitude sickness carefully. Strong cardio fitness, trekking poles and a cautious pace make a big difference. If this feels too much, the quieter Khopra Danda trek is a gentler high-country alternative.
Best time
Autumn (October–November) and spring (April–May) are the safe, clear windows. The approach to the lake can be hazardous after fresh snow, and winter cold and monsoon cloud both make the route riskier, so stick to the main seasons.
Permits and cost
You need the ACAP permit (around USD 25) and a TIMS card (around USD 17–20), the same as the Circuit; see trekking permits in Nepal. On-trail costs run about USD 30–45 a day at this altitude, and the extension adds two to four days of food, lodging and a guide to your Circuit budget.
Accommodation
Teahouses serve Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp, but they are basic, limited in number and very cold, and they fill quickly in peak season. There is no lodge at the lake itself, so the visit is a long out-and-back day from Base Camp. Bring a warm sleeping bag.
Getting there
The trek is reached via the Annapurna Circuit, staged from Pokhara or Kathmandu, with the branch to Tilicho starting near Manang. Plan it as part of a full Circuit; see our Nepal trekking guide for logistics and kit.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Tilicho Lake?+
Tilicho Lake sits at about 4,919 metres, making it one of the highest lakes of its size in the world. Fed by glaciers below the Tilicho Peak, it is a turquoise sheet ringed by snow and ice, and reaching it is the trek's main goal.
Is Tilicho Lake a separate trek or part of the Annapurna Circuit?+
It is usually done as a side trip or extension of the Annapurna Circuit. Trekkers branch off near Manang to Tilicho Base Camp and the lake, then either return to the Circuit and continue over Thorong La, or retrace the trail out.
How difficult is the Tilicho Lake trek?+
It is demanding. The day from Tilicho Base Camp to the lake and back climbs to nearly 5,000 metres on exposed, sometimes loose terrain prone to rockfall. Combined with Thorong La, it makes for sustained time at very high altitude, so strong acclimatisation is essential.
What permits do I need for Tilicho Lake?+
The same as the Annapurna Circuit: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, around USD 25, plus a TIMS card, around USD 17 to 20. A licensed guide is required for the route.
How long does it take to add Tilicho Lake to the Circuit?+
Adding the lake typically extends the Annapurna Circuit by two to four days, allowing for the detour to Tilicho Base Camp, the demanding lake day, and the return to the main trail before Thorong La.
When is the best time to trek to Tilicho Lake?+
Autumn (October to November) and spring (April to May) are best. The high section is exposed to wind and cold, and the approach can be dangerous after heavy snow, so avoid winter and the monsoon when conditions are riskiest.
