The Tilicho Lake Trek is a beautiful high-altitude journey through the Manang Valley in Nepal’s Annapurna region. The route follows part of the famous Annapurna Circuit and passes through Dharapani, Chame, Upper Pisang and Manang before continuing towards Khangsar, Siri Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp.
The main attraction is Tilicho Lake at 4,919 metres, one of the world’s highest large alpine lakes. Surrounded by Tilicho Peak, snowy ridges and dramatic mountain landscapes, the lake is one of the most impressive places to visit in the Annapurna region.
This 11-day itinerary is suitable for active travellers who want to visit Tilicho Lake without completing the full Annapurna Circuit. After visiting the lake, the route returns through Manang and Besisahar without crossing Thorong La Pass or continuing to Muktinath and Jomsom.
Peace Nepal Treks arranges airport transfers, road transportation, trekking permits, an experienced local guide, porter services, tea-house accommodation and essential trekking support throughout the journey.
The Tilicho Lake Trek is an 11-day moderate-to-challenging trek in Nepal’s Annapurna Region Trek. The journey passes through Chame, Upper Pisang and Manang before reaching Tilicho Lake at 4,919 metres. The trek includes long walking days, high altitude and a steep climb above Tilicho Base Camp. The best seasons are spring and autumn, and the entire journey uses road transportation through Besisahar, so no domestic flight is required.
| Day | Itinerary | Distance / Duration | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your Kathmandu hotel | Approx. 6 km / 20–30 minutes drive | Kathmandu: 1,400 m |
| Day 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar | Approx. 235–250 km / 10–12 hours drive | Dharapani: 1,860 m |
| Day 3 | Trek from Dharapani to Chame | Approx. 15–16 km / 5–6 hours walk | Chame: 2,670 m |
| Day 4 | Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang | Approx. 13–14 km / 5–6 hours walk | Upper Pisang: 3,300 m |
| Day 5 | Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang | Approx. 15–18 km / 6–8 hours walk | Manang: 3,540 m |
| Day 6 | Acclimatization and exploration day in Manang | Approx. 3–8 km / 2–5 hours optional hike | Approx. 3,800–4,000 m viewpoint |
| Day 7 | Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp via Khangsar and Siri Kharka | Approx. 15–18 km / 7–8 hours walk | Tilicho Base Camp: 4,150 m |
| Day 8 | Early hike to Tilicho Lake, return to Base Camp and descend to Siri Kharka | Approx. 17 km / 7–8 hours walk | Tilicho Lake: 4,919 m; Siri Kharka: 4,050 m |
| Day 9 | Trek from Siri Kharka to Manang and drive by jeep to Besisahar | Approx. 9–12 km walk plus jeep / 11–13 hours total | Besisahar: 750 m |
| Day 10 | Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu | Approx. 175–185 km / 6–8 hours drive | Kathmandu: 1,400 m |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure | Approx. 6 km / 20–30 minutes drive | Kathmandu: 1,400 m |
The journey begins in the lower hills and gradually enters the Marsyangdi River Valley. Around Dharapani and Chame, the trail passes through pine forests, waterfalls, rivers, cliffs and traditional mountain settlements.
Beyond Upper Pisang, the landscape becomes drier, wider and more dramatic. Old stone houses, monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls and Buddhist chortens show the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence of the Manang region.
The trek climbs from approximately 1,860 metres at Dharapani to 4,919 metres at Tilicho Lake. Walking becomes more demanding above Manang because the air contains less oxygen.
An acclimatization day in Manang is included to help your body adjust before continuing towards Tilicho Base Camp. This is an important safety day and should not be skipped.
The most demanding sections are the walk towards Tilicho Base Camp and the early-morning climb to Tilicho Lake. The trail may include steep slopes, loose rocks, scree, snow or ice.
The Tilicho Lake day can take seven hours or longer, depending on the weather, trail conditions and walking speed. Trekkers should be physically prepared and follow the guide’s instructions.
This is a tea-house trek, so camping is normally not required. Rooms are simple but comfortable, usually with twin beds, blankets and shared toilets.
Facilities become more basic above Manang, especially around Siri Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery charging may be available at an additional cost.
Weather, snowfall, landslides and road conditions can affect the itinerary. For safety, Peace Nepal Treks may change the walking route, overnight stop or jeep pickup location when necessary.
Tilicho Lake is the main highlight of the trek. Depending on the weather and season, the lake may appear turquoise, deep blue, grey or partly frozen. Tilicho Peak and snow-covered ridges rise around the lake, creating a peaceful and unforgettable Himalayan setting.
Manang is one of the most interesting villages on the Annapurna route. It is an important place for acclimatization and offers traditional houses, Buddhist monasteries, local bakeries and beautiful mountain viewpoints.
Possible acclimatization walks include:
The Ice Lake hike is long and reaches approximately 4,600 metres, so it should only be attempted when your guide believes that you are properly acclimatized.
Upper Pisang offers excellent views of Annapurna II and the surrounding mountains. The route towards Manang passes dry hills, old villages, prayer wheels, mani walls and Buddhist chortens.
Chame is the administrative centre of Manang District. The area is surrounded by forests, rivers, waterfalls and steep rock walls, with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.
Khangsar is one of the last traditional settlements before entering the remote Tilicho Valley. Above the village, the landscape becomes more rugged, with open slopes, cliffs and wide Himalayan views.
The Tilicho Lake Trek uses road transportation and does not require a domestic flight.
The journey follows the main highway from Kathmandu to Dumre and then continues to Besisahar. The drive normally takes around six to eight hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and stopping time.
From Besisahar, the journey continues by local four-wheel-drive jeep through the Marsyangdi Valley. This section follows a rough mountain road with narrow sections, waterfalls, cliffs and river views.
The complete journey from Kathmandu to Dharapani may take approximately 10–12 hours.
A mountain road connects Manang with Besisahar, but driving time can change because of weather, landslides and road maintenance. The itinerary may be adjusted when road conditions are difficult.
The return drive follows the road from Besisahar through Dumre to Kathmandu and normally takes approximately six to eight hours.
The weather changes greatly as the route climbs from the lower valleys to Manang, Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake.
Lower areas can be warm during the daytime, while temperatures near Tilicho Base Camp and the lake may fall below freezing, especially at night and early in the morning. Snowfall and strong winds are possible at higher elevations.
| Season | Weather and Trekking Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring: March–May | One of the best seasons. Days are generally comfortable, lower trails are green and mountain visibility is often good. Snow may remain near Tilicho Lake in early spring. |
| Monsoon: June–August | Lower trails and roads can be wet, muddy and affected by landslides. Manang receives less rainfall than many other regions, but the Tilicho trail can still be unstable. |
| Autumn: September–November | The most popular season, with generally clear skies, stable weather and excellent mountain views. Nights become colder towards November. |
| Winter: December–February | Very cold, with possible heavy snow, ice and closed lodges. The route may become difficult or unsafe. Winter trekking requires experience and a flexible schedule. |
Peace Nepal Treks is a locally operated trekking company based in Kathmandu. Our team provides experienced guides, reliable porter support, carefully arranged transportation and flexible itineraries.
We focus on:
Our representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Distance: Approx. 6 km • Duration: 20–30 minutes drive • Height: Kathmandu, 1,400 m
. Enjoy a scenic journey through rivers, green hills and local villages. From Besisahar, continue by four-wheel-drive jeep along the mountain road to Dharapani. Distance: Approx. 235–250 km • Duration: 10–12 hours drive • Height: Dharapani, 1,860 m
Walk through forests, waterfalls and traditional villages while following the Marsyangdi River Valley. Pass Bagarchhap, Danaque and Koto before reaching Chame. Distance: Approx. 15–16 km • Duration: 5–6 hours walk • Height: Chame, 2,670 m
Follow the trail through pine forests, cross suspension bridges and pass Bhratang and the impressive Paungda Danda rock face. Distance: Approx. 13–14 km • Duration: 5–6 hours walk • Height: Upper Pisang, 3,300 m
Enjoy views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV and Gangapurna while walking through traditional villages, monasteries and dry mountain landscapes. Distance: Approx. 15–18 km • Duration: 6–8 hours walk • Height: Manang, 3,540 m
Take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake, a monastery or a nearby viewpoint before returning to Manang for rest. Distance: Approx. 3–8 km • Duration: 2–5 hours optional hike • Highest point: Approx. 3,800–4,000 m • Overnight height: Manang, 3,540 m
Walk through Khangsar and Siri Kharka before entering a remote alpine area with rocky slopes and impressive mountain views. Distance: Approx. 15–18 km • Duration: 7–8 hours walk • Height: Tilicho Base Camp, 4,150 m
Climb to beautiful Tilicho Lake, enjoy the surrounding snowy peaks, return to Base Camp and continue downhill to Siri Kharka. Distance: Approx. 17 km • Duration: 7–8 hours walk • Highest point: Tilicho Lake, 4,919 m • Overnight height: Siri Kharka, 4,050 m
Descend through Khangsar to Manang, then continue by local four-wheel-drive jeep to Besisahar. Distance: Approx. 9–12 km walk plus jeep journey • Duration: 11–13 hours total • Height: Besisahar, 750 m
Travel through riverside valleys, farming areas and local towns before reaching Kathmandu and transferring to your hotel. Distance: Approx. 175–185 km • Duration: 6–8 hours drive • Height: Kathmandu, 1,400 m
We will drive you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. Distance: Approx. 6 km • Duration: 20–30 minutes drive • Height: Kathmandu, 1,400 m
Optional private transportation:
The following equipment is provided when needed and must be returned after the trek:
Bottled mineral water is available at lodges along the trekking route but must be paid for by guests.
For a safer, more affordable, and environmentally friendly option, we recommend using locally available tap or spring water with the provided purification tablets.
Personal expenses such as
Choose a scheduled departure and reserve your place.
Tilicho Lake is situated at approximately 4,919 metres above sea level in Nepal’s Manang District. It is one of the world’s highest large alpine lakes.
This Peace Nepal Treks itinerary takes 11 days, including arrival, road transportation, trekking, acclimatization and departure. A 12-day version is recommended for travellers who prefer a slower pace.
The trek is moderate to challenging. The main difficulties are high altitude, long walking days, cold weather, steep terrain and the demanding climb from Tilicho Base Camp to the lake.
Fit beginners can complete the trek with proper preparation and acclimatization. However, it is better suited to travellers who have previous hiking experience and can comfortably walk six to eight hours per day.
The best seasons are March to May and September to November. These periods generally offer better visibility and more stable trekking conditions.
No. This itinerary visits Tilicho Lake and returns through Manang and Besisahar. It does not cross Thorong La Pass or continue to Muktinath and Jomsom.
No vehicle road reaches Tilicho Lake. Road transport can take travellers as far as the Manang Valley, but the final journey through Khangsar, Siri Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp must be completed on foot.
Meals during the trek are self-paid. Guests can choose food from the available tea-house menus and should budget approximately USD 30–40 per person per day.
Trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a TIMS card for the confirmed route. Peace Nepal Treks arranges these documents as part of the package.
Yes. The trek reaches 4,919 metres, so altitude sickness is a genuine risk. The itinerary includes acclimatization in Manang, but trekkers must walk slowly and immediately report symptoms to the guide.
The best time for the Tilicho Lake Trek is generally March to May and late September to November.
Spring offers longer daylight, colourful lower landscapes and good mountain visibility. Autumn normally provides the clearest skies and the most stable trekking conditions.
October is the busiest month. Travellers looking for quieter trails may prefer April, early May, late September or early November. Himalayan weather can change quickly, so clear views and perfect conditions cannot be guaranteed.
The Tilicho Lake Trek is considered moderate to challenging.
The lower trail between Dharapani, Chame and Upper Pisang is manageable for travellers with regular hiking experience. The trek becomes more difficult above Manang because of:
Technical climbing skills are not required. However, trekkers should have good physical fitness, proper preparation and the ability to walk for five to eight hours per day. Previous hiking experience is recommended.
Tilicho Lake is located at 4,919 metres, where altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Manang at 3,540 metres. During this day, trekkers can make a short hike to a higher viewpoint and return to sleep at Manang. To reduce altitude-related risks: Walk slowly and maintain a comfortable pace Drink enough safe water Eat regular meals Avoid alcohol at high altitude Inform the guide about headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness Descend when altitude symptoms become serious Travel insurance should cover trekking to at least 5,000 metres, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation.
The best seasons for the Tilicho Lake Trek are spring and autumn, when the weather is generally more stable and the mountain views are clearer.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Tilicho Lake. The lower valleys are green, daytime temperatures are comfortable, and the Himalayan views are usually clear. Snow may still remain around Tilicho Base Camp and the lake, especially in March and early April.
Autumn is the most popular season for the Tilicho Lake Trek. The skies are normally clear after the monsoon, offering excellent views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and the surrounding mountains. September and October are generally comfortable, while November brings colder nights and possible snow at higher elevations.
The monsoon season from June to August is less suitable because rain can cause muddy trails, landslides and difficult road conditions. Manang receives less rainfall than many other parts of Nepal, but the approach to Tilicho Lake can still be unstable.
Winter from December to February is extremely cold. Heavy snow and ice may block the trail, some tea houses may close, and Tilicho Lake may be frozen. Winter trekking is recommended only for experienced trekkers with proper equipment and a flexible schedule
The Tilicho Lake Trek reaches an altitude of 4,919 metres, so warm clothing, reliable footwear and proper trekking equipment are essential. Pack light, but make sure you are prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds, snow and changing mountain weather.
Peace Nepal Treks can provide a sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles on request. These items must be returned after the trek.
Personal travel insurance is required for the Tilicho Lake Trek. The policy should cover trekking up to at least 5,000 metres, emergency medical treatment, trip interruption, rescue services and helicopter evacuation.
Guests should carefully check the altitude limit written in their policy. Standard travel insurance may not automatically cover high-altitude trekking. A copy of the insurance policy and emergency contact details should be shared with Peace Nepal Treks before departure.
Travel insurance should also cover:
Peace Nepal Treks arranges appropriate insurance for the guides and porters employed for the trip. This normally includes accident, medical and emergency support related to their trekking work.
The company also covers staff wages, meals and accommodation during the trek. Guests are not responsible for purchasing separate insurance for the trekking crew.
The Tilicho Lake Trek begins and ends in Kathmandu and uses road transportation rather than domestic flights.
After arriving in Kathmandu, guests are transferred to their hotel. The following day, the journey continues by road towards Besisahar and then by a local four-wheel-drive jeep through the Marsyangdi Valley to Dharapani.
The trekking section begins at Dharapani and follows the route through:
Dharapani – Chame – Upper Pisang – Manang – Khangsar – Siri Kharka – Tilicho Base Camp – Tilicho Lake
The journey from Kathmandu to Dharapani may take approximately 10–12 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and stopping time.
After visiting Tilicho Lake, trekkers return to Siri Kharka and continue towards Manang. From Manang, the journey continues by local jeep to Besisahar.
The following day, guests drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. Airport transfer is provided on the final departure day.
Road conditions in the Manang region can change because of rainfall, landslides, snowfall and maintenance work. The guide may adjust the jeep pickup point or daily schedule when necessary for safety.
Before booking the Tilicho Lake Trek with Peace Nepal Treks, guests should carefully review the itinerary, services, costs and booking conditions.
Make sure the number of trekking days, overnight places, transport arrangements and acclimatization days are clearly written. This 11-day program is fast-paced, with several long walking and driving days.
The itinerary may need to change because of:
The guide has the authority to adjust the route when necessary for the safety of guests and staff.
The contract should clearly state whether the package includes:
Guests should also understand the excluded costs, such as:
Before signing, check the required deposit, final-payment date, cancellation charges and refund conditions. Some costs, including permits, hotels and transport reservations, may be non-refundable after confirmation.
Guests should provide:
Important health information should not be hidden from the company or guide.
Accommodation during the trek is provided in local tea houses. Rooms are generally simple and have twin beds, mattresses, pillows and blankets. Private bathrooms are limited, especially above Manang.
Facilities become more basic around Siri Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp.
Guests can choose breakfast, lunch and dinner from the tea-house menu and pay directly. Common choices include dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, pasta, soup, potatoes, eggs, porridge, Tibetan bread, tea and coffee.
We recommend budgeting approximately USD 30–40 per person per day for meals, depending on food choices and altitude.
Bottled water becomes expensive and creates plastic waste. Boiled or filtered water is usually available at tea houses. Guests should carry a reusable bottle and use purification tablets or a water filter when necessary.
Charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers may be available at some lodges for an additional fee. Mobile-network coverage is not reliable throughout the route, particularly near Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake.
Carry a fully charged power bank and inform family members that communication may be limited for several days.
ATMs are not dependable after leaving the main towns. Carry enough Nepalese rupees for meals, drinks, charging, Wi-Fi, showers, snacks and personal expenses.
One porter normally carries the shared baggage of two guests, with a total weight limit of approximately 20 kilograms. Each guest should carry a small daypack containing water, warm clothing, valuables, snacks, sunscreen and personal medicines.
Tilicho Lake stands at 4,919 metres, and altitude sickness can affect anyone. Walk slowly, drink enough water, eat properly and report headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness to the guide immediately.
The acclimatization day in Manang is important and should not be treated as an unnecessary rest day.
Mountain roads and trails are unpredictable. Guests should keep at least one flexible day in Nepal after the trek whenever possible. International flights should not be booked too close to the planned return from the mountains.
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