The Tilicho Lake Trek presents a stunning and remote journey through an area of exceptional beauty nestled in the northern corner of the Annapurna region. Initially, the trek follows the renowned Annapurna Circuit route to Manang before veering towards the Central Himalayan district where Tilicho Lake, standing at 4,919 meters, awaits.
This trekking adventure traverses two of Nepal’s least-visited mountain passes: the Eastern Pass at 5,340 meters and the Mesokanta Pass at 5,121 meters. For those with ample time and lung capacity, a short ascent of 400 meters from the trek’s zenith offers breathtaking vistas of the Manaslu range and peaks to the east. The descent leads to Kaisang, culminating in Jomsom.
This challenging trek is best undertaken by those with prior mountain experience. Consequently, individual daily timed sections are omitted, though expect arduous yet manageable days suitable for fit trekkers.
Tilicho Lake Trip Highlights:
Category: ‘Nepal Himalaya Expedition’ trek
Region: Annapurna, Nepal
Grade: Grade 5, remote, with high passes
Duration: Minimum recommended 19 trek days
Altitude: Maximum 5,340 meters
Style: Camping
Itinerary for Tilicho Lake Trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
– Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
– Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
– Rest and relax after your journey.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
– Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
– Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
– Return to your hotel and prepare for your trek to Tilicho Lake.
– Pack necessary trekking gear and essentials.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, then Trek to Bhulbhule
– Have an early breakfast and depart for Besisahar via a scenic drive.
– From Besisahar, commence your trek to Bhulbhule, a picturesque village.
– Enjoy the scenic views of terraced fields, lush forests, and flowing rivers along the way.
– Overnight stay in Bhulbhule.
Day 4: Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat
– Start your trek after breakfast.
– Trek along the Marsyangdi River and through charming villages.
– Pass through suspension bridges and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
– Reach Jagat and settle in for the night.
Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani
– Resume your trek after breakfast.
– Trek through rocky terrain and forests, enjoying the natural beauty.
– Arrive at Dharapani and rest for the night.
Day 6: Trek from Dharapani to Chame
– Begin your trek towards Chame after breakfast.
– Trek through pine forests and along the Marsyangdi River.
– Enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
– Reach Chame and relax for the evening.
Day 7: Trek from Chame to Pisang
– Have breakfast and start trekking to Pisang.
– Trek through lush forests and picturesque villages.
– Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
– Arrive at Pisang and spend the night.
Day 8: Trek from Pisang to Manang
– Enjoy breakfast and embark on the trek to Manang.
– Trek through arid landscapes and pastures.
– Witness stunning views of Annapurna range and Gangapurna Lake.
– Arrive at Manang and rest for acclimatization.
Day 9: Rest and Acclimatization Day in Manang
– Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude in Manang.
– Explore the village, visit monasteries, and interact with locals.
– Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Day 10: Trek from Manang to Khangsar
– Resume your trek after breakfast.
– Trek through alpine meadows and pastures.
– Pass through Khangsar village, enjoying the serene surroundings.
– Reach Khangsar and prepare for the next day’s trek.
Day 11: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp
– Begin your trek towards Tilicho Base Camp after breakfast.
– Trek through rugged terrain and rocky paths.
– Enjoy mesmerizing views of Tilicho Peak and surrounding landscapes.
– Reach Tilicho Base Camp and rest for the night.
Day 12: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake and back
– Have an early breakfast and start trekking to Tilicho Lake.
– Trek through rocky trails and ascend to the pristine Tilicho Lake.
– Spend some time exploring the area and soaking in the breathtaking views.
– Descend back to Tilicho Base Camp for overnight stay.
Day 13: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Manang
– Enjoy breakfast and begin the trek back to Manang.
– Descend through the scenic landscapes and lush forests.
– Arrive at Manang and relax for the evening.
Day 14: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
– Resume your trek after breakfast.
– Trek through alpine meadows and yak pastures.
– Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna range and Gangapurna Lake.
– Reach Yak Kharka and settle in for the night.
Day 15: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
– Have breakfast and start trekking to Thorong Phedi.
– Trek through rocky terrain and moraines.
– Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
– Reach Thorong Phedi and rest for the night.
Day 16: Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to Muktinath
– Start early in the morning to cross Thorong La Pass.
– Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise views from the pass.
– Descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site.
– Explore Muktinath Temple and surrounding areas.
– Overnight stay in Muktinath.
Day 17: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom
– Enjoy breakfast and trek to Jomsom.
– Trek through arid landscapes and picturesque villages.
– Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kali Gandaki Valley.
– Arrive at Jomsom and relax for the evening.
Day 18: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
– Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
– Enjoy the scenic flight over the Himalayas.
– Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to your hotel.
– Spend the day exploring Pokhara and relaxing by the lakeside.
Day 19: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
– Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara.
– Depart for Kathmandu via a scenic drive.
– Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
– Spend the rest of the day at leisure or exploring the city.
Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu
– Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu.
– Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing.
– Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
This itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on weather conditions, group preferences, and the trekking pace. Make sure to consult with your trekking guide for any adjustments during the trek.
