Tilicho Lake Trek

The Tilicho Lake Trek is a high-altitude adventure in Nepal’s Annapurna region, reaching 4,919 meters (16,138 ft). It typically takes 10–14 days and is considered moderately difficult due to altitude and rugged terrain. The best time to trek is spring (March–May) and fall (September–November)

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration10 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude4919 Meters
  • Starts/EndsBesisahar/Besisahar
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonSpring & Autumn
Highlights
  • Visit one of the world’s highest altitude lakes, Tilicho Lake at 4919 meters.
  • Views of the Annapurna Range and Tilicho Peak.
  • Trek through the varied landscapes and lush green forests.
  • Discover the lifestyle of the local people from Pisang, Manang, and other villages.

Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the world’s highest altitude lakes situated at 4919 meters in the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek route of Nepal. This trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Circuit, displaying varied landscapes, snow-covered peaks, and beautiful lakes.

For the best visibility and trekking experience, the Tilicho Lake Trek can be done in the spring and autumn seasons. Either you combined Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho or do it alone, it takes around 10-16 days.

The trail to Tilicho includes several steep sections, a narrow route, high altitude, & landslide areas. Hence, the Tilicho Lake trek is easy to moderate in difficulty. Trekkers must be physically fit to do the Tilicho Lake Trek.

Key considerations during the Tilicho Lake Trek

  • The typical Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary begins from Dharapani or Chame and continues via Pisang, Manang, & to Tilicho Base Camp.
  • Trekker will need an ACAP and TIMS permit card for this Tilicho Lake Trek
  • The Tilicho Base Camp Route is landslide-prone, which requires extra caution.
  • Trekkers need to hire a guide or porter for this Tilicho Lake Trek.
  • You will find enough teahouses in the Tilicho Route, but limited as you approach the basecamp area.

Why Choose the Tilicho Lake Trek?

If you want something beyond the typical Everest Base Camp experience, this trek offers a raw, less crowded Himalayan journey.

✔ One of the highest lakes in the world (Tilicho Lake altitude: 4,919m)

✔ Stunning views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak

✔ Less crowded than the other popular routes.

✔ Perfect mix of adventure + culture

✔ Can be combined with the Annapurna Circuit

This trek is ideal for adventure travellers who want a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

The Tilicho Lake Trek difficulty level is easy to moderate, based on your physical fitness and preparation.

Key Challenges:

  • High altitude (above 4,500m)
  • Long trekking days (5–7 hours)
  • Rocky and landslide-prone trails
  • Cold temperatures

Can Beginners Do the Tilicho Lake Trek?

Yes, but only if:

  • You have good fitness
  • You acclimatise properly
  • You trek with a guide

Prior hiking experience is strongly recommended.

Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary and Route Map

In General, the Tilicho Lake Trek takes 8-10 days with proper acclimatisation. Below is the itinerary, duration of Tilicho Lake, and total distance to cover during the trek to Tilicho.

Day 01

Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m, 7-8 hours, 172km)

Day 02

Drive from Besisahar to Chame (2710m, 5-6 hours, 65km)

Day 03

Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3200m, 5-6 hours, 14km)

Day 04

Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3500m, 6-7 hours, 16km)

Day 05

Acclimatisation at Manang

Day 06

Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m, 6-7 hours, 14km)

Day 07

Hike to Tilicho Lake (4919m) & Trek Back to Base Camp (4-5 hours, 4-5km)

Day 08

Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Manang (3500m, 6-7 hours, 14km)

Day 09

Trek or drive back to Chame

Day 10

Drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar

Average Estimated Tilicho Lake Trek Cost for 2026,2027

Daily cost (average): $40 – $70

Total trek cost (10–14 days): $900 – $1,800

Costs vary depending on comfort level and personal spending habits.

Cost Component

Estimated Cost (USD)

Guide

$30 – $35 per day

Porter (optional)

$22– $25 per day

Permits

$50

Meals

$20 – $30 per day

Accommodation

$5 – $15 per night

Transportation

$50 – $100 total

Drinking Water

$2 – $5 per liter

Miscellaneous

$100 – $200 total

The average Tilicho Lake Trek cost ranges from $900 to $2,500, depending on services. Our Mountain Eco Trail offer this trek at USD 899 per person, including the required logistics, guide, permits, etc. Feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153 for more cost details or you can check out below at cost details section,

Why choose Mountain Eco Trails for this 10 Day Tilicho Trek?

Choosing the right trekking company can make a huge difference in your experience. Mountain Eco Trails specialises in the Annapurna Region and other Nepal treks, providing a balance of safety, professionalism, and local expertise. Here are a few reasons to trek with Mountain Eco Trails:

  • Experienced crew members and official team. 
  • Flexible and customised Langtang Trek Itinerary with personalised service. 
  • Complimentary Services like Duffel Bag, Trekking Poles, SIM Card, and an hour trekker's massage 
  • First Aid Kit with basic medication. 
  • Hassle-free last-minute booking and trip arrangements. 
  • Competitive and Fair price that matches the services and has no hidden costs. 
  • Special Discount for a group of trekkers of more than 5 Pax. 

With Mountain Eco Trails, you trek with a trusted local company that prioritises your experience, safety, and the environment. We strive to turn your Tilicho Trek journey into an incredible memory you’ll cherish for life. For more information, feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins early in Kathmandu (1,350 m). Drive through the Prithivi Highway to Besisahar in a Public Bus. The drive is long but scenic, following rivers and terraced fields. After a lunch stop en route, we reach Besisahar (760 m) – the district headquarters of Lamjung and the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Overnight in Besisahar.

  • Max Altitude:760 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Lunch and Dinner

Today you will make an off-road drive deeper into the mountains. After an early breakfast, you will switch to a 4WD jeep for the rough road journey from Besisahar to Chame. The road clings to hillsides and passes waterfalls and villages as it follows the Marshyangdi Valley upward. Chame (2,710 m) is the administrative centre of Manang district, nestled in a wooded valley with great views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II along the way. Overnight stay at Chame.

  • Max Altitude:2710 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Officially, the trek starts today from Chame. Leave Chame after breakfast, crossing a suspension bridge and following the trail through dense pine and fir forests. The Tilicho Lake trek route here overlaps with the Annapurna Circuit. You will gradually gain altitude along the Marsyangdi River.

En route, pass the village of Telekhu and then come to a dramatic curved rock face known as Paungda Danda, a huge slab of granite towering above the trail. The views of Annapurna II (7,937 m) and Pisang Peak (6,091 m) are impressive on this section. By early afternoon, you will reach Upper Pisang.

  • Max Altitude:3200 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will leave for Manang after breakfast. The upper trail goes via Ghyaru and Ngawal, traditional villages perched on hillsides, and rewards with expansive mountain vistas. On both routes, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more arid as we enter the rain shadow of the Himalayas.

By mid-day, the trails converge at Bhraka, just below Manang. We visit the historic Braga Gompa, which clings to a crag and houses ancient Buddhist relics – a highlight of the cultural experience. A short walk later, you will arrive in Manang (3,540 m), a vibrant village of stone houses facing the grand panorama of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. Overnight in Manang.

  • Max Altitude:3540 Meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We spend a full day in Manang to acclimatise, as this is crucial before going to higher altitudes. After a leisurely breakfast, you can hike to either Gangapurna Lake – a turquoise glacial lake with a viewpoint over Manang, or take a slightly longer hike up to Khangsar village (around 3,750 m) or Ice Lake (Kicho Tal at ~4,600 m) if you’re feeling energetic. Any of these hikes will help your body adjust by exerting at a higher altitude and then coming back down to sleep.

Meanwhile, you’ll be treated to superb views: the Annapurnas, Tilicho Peak, and the Manang Valley spread below. Back in Manang, explore the village’s chortens and shops, or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic for a free altitude talk in the afternoon.

  • Max Altitude:3540 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Manang, we diverge from the main Annapurna Circuit route and head towards Tilicho. The trail first drops to cross the Marsyangdi River, then climbs past Khangsar – often dubbed “The Last Village of Nepal” because beyond here there are no permanent settlements, only herders’ huts and lodges for trekkers. The scenery turns more rugged and barren. We trek through juniper and alpine shrubs with sightings of blue sheep on the crags if we’re lucky.

After Khangsar (3,734 m), the path becomes narrower as we traverse a landslide area – a section with loose rocks where we walk carefully. By afternoon, we arrive at Tilicho Base Camp (around 4,150 m), a small cluster of teahouses in a valley at the foot of Tilicho Peak.

 

  • Max Altitude:4150 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is the highlight of the trek! We wake up before dawn and start hiking by first light, aiming to avoid strong winds or weather changes later in the day. The trail to Tilicho Lake is steep and switchbacks up a scree slope. The air is thin, so we ascend slowly and steadily. After 3 to 4 hours of uphill, the shining blue expanse of Tilicho Lake comes into view – a truly unforgettable sight. Standing at the shore of one of the world’s highest lakes, surrounded by rock and ice, is a surreal experience.

Take time to savour the moment, capture photos, and maybe enjoy a thermos of hot tea while marvelling at the scenery. We reach Base Camp by early afternoon for a late lunch.

  • Max Altitude:4150 Meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After the triumph of Tilicho, we retrace our steps towards Manang. If starting from Base Camp, we first trek back through the landslide area to Khangsar. The hike is mostly downhill or gentle up-and-down, so it’s easier on the lungs but can be tough on the knees. From Khangsar, we may take a slightly different route via Shree Kharka, which meets the main trail near Manang. 

  • Max Altitude:3500 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is flexible depending on conditions and preferences. To save time and avoid simply retracing the entire trail on foot, we arrange a jeep from Manang heading down. The local roads (more like rugged tracks) connect Manang back to Besisahar via Chame. If we take the jeep all the way, it’s a long, bumpy ride (8 hours) but you’ll cover in one day what took multiple days on the way up. Along the drive, you get to enjoy the scenery one more time – the same gorges, waterfalls, and villages from a different perspective. We’ll likely stop for lunch at Chame or along the route. By late afternoon, we reach Besisahar, dropping back to a low altitude of 760 m.

  • Max Altitude:760 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we embark on the final leg of our journey – the drive back to Kathmandu. If we stayed in Besisahar, we would take a private vehicle or tourist bus for the 170 km trip. Expect about 6–7 hours on the road, climbing from the lower hills back up to the capital city. This is a chance to relax and reflect on your trek. You’ll pass through the scenic countryside of Nepal once more, perhaps already scrolling through the amazing photos from Tilicho Lake on your camera.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. Your Tilicho Lake Trek adventure concludes, but the memories of trekking to Nepal’s highest lake will stay with you forever. In the evening, Mountain Eco Trails will host a farewell dinner where we celebrate your achievement! Trip ends in Kathmandu.

  • Max Altitude:1350 meters
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Well-balanced itinerary designed for proper acclimatisation, scenic highlights, and a comfortable trekking pace
  • Fully flexible and customisable to suit your fitness level, interests, and schedule
  • Option to extend or shorten the trek based on available time
  • Adjustable daily walking hours, rest days, and difficulty level
  • Freedom to add side trips, cultural experiences, or scenic viewpoints
  • Can be tailored for photography, nature, culture, or spiritual focus
  • Contact us anytime to create a personalised trekking itinerary that fits your goals
Cost Includes
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar to Kathmandu in a Public Bus 
  • Sharing a Jeep from Besisahar to Chame and Manang to Besisahar.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card 
  • Trekkers Information Management Permit Card. 
  • English-speaking and government-licensed trekking Guide for the trek 
  • Expenses of the guide, including his meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance. 
  • Meals during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 
  • Accommodation during the trek on a Sharing Basis. 
  • Complimentary Duggel Bag, Trekking Poles, SIM Card, etc. 
  • An hour Trekkers Massage after the trek. 
  • Farewell Dinner after the trek with team officials.
  • Rescue Arrangement if needed. 
  • Government and Local Taxes.
Cost Excludes
  • Personal expenses like extra meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, hot showers, etc. 
  • Travel Insurance and rescue cost
  • Meals and Accommodation in Kathmandu 
  • Porter expenses. (if needed 22 USD per day) 
  • Tips for Guide and Porter 
Availability
  • Flexible departure dates for all trekking and tour packages
  • Customised schedules to match your travel plan
  • Private and group departures available
  • Seasonal advice for the best trekking conditions
  • Short-notice and last-minute departures possible
  • Share your preferred dates, and we’ll handle the rest
Select a Departure Month
Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: SundayApr 19, 2026End DateEnds: TuesdayApr 28, 2026PricePriceUS$899StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SundayApr 26, 2026End DateEnds: TuesdayMay 05, 2026PricePriceUS$899StatusStatusAvailable
Good to Know

Permit Cards for Tilicho Trek

Trekking to Tilicho Lake requires two main permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permit cards are mandatory for all foreign trekkers in the region.

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): This permit grants you entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, which covers the Tilicho Lake region. The cost for ACAP is around NPR 3,000 (approximately USD $25) per person for foreign nationals. It’s slightly cheaper for SAARC country citizens and free for Nepali nationals. ACAP fees go towards conservation and community projects in the Annapurna region.

TIMS Card: TIMS is a trekkers’ registration system. It’s used for safety and tracking purposes. As of now, individual trekkers must obtain a TIMS card (often USD $20 for individual trekkers, or $10 if in a group). TIMS ensures that trekking agencies and authorities can monitor trekking activity, and it helps in search and rescue operations if needed.

Best Time for 10-Day Tilicho Lake Trek

The best time to trek to Tilicho Lake is during Nepal’s spring and autumn seasons. These periods offer the most stable weather and enjoyable trekking conditions:

Spring is a fantastic time for the Tilicho trek. The weather is generally mild, with daytime temperatures in lower altitudes ranging from 10–20°C and cooler nights. The hills are alive with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers, adding colour to the trail. 

Autumn is the peak trekking season in Nepal.  Days are pleasantly warm (around 5–15°C) and nights are chilly (could drop to 0°C or below at high altitudes). Autumn also coincides with the festive season in Nepal (Dashain and Tihar festivals), giving a cultural flavour to your trip. October is typically the most popular month for Tilicho Lake trekking due to near-perfect weather and visibility.

Our Recommendation: The best season for the Tilicho Lake trek is April–May in spring and October–November in autumn. During these months, you get the optimal balance of clear views, manageable temperatures, and stable trail conditions.

Tilicho Lake Trek Accommodation and Teahouses

Accommodation on the Tilicho Lake trek is in teahouses run by local families. These teahouses are simple but provide the essentials a trekker needs: a bed, a blanket or quilt, and hearty meals. 

  • Teahouses (basic lodges)
  • Twin-sharing rooms
  • Simple but comfortable

Facilities: In lower elevations, some teahouses provide hot showers and can even have charging facilities for batteries (for a small fee). As you go higher, facilities get more basic. Heating is usually only in the dining area. Rooms themselves are not heated, so you’ll want that good sleeping bag at night. Most teahouses offer blankets which you can layer on top.

Meals During the 10-Day Tilicho Trek

Eating well is vital on a trek – it keeps your energy up and also plays a role in acclimatisation. During the Tilicho Lake trek, you will be provided three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at the teahouses along the route. One of the joys of trekking in Nepal is the hearty, home-cooked meals you get in these mountain lodges.

Breakfast: Common options are porridge, muesli, or corn flakes with hot milk; bread or toast with eggs (fried, omelette, boiled); pancakes; or the popular Tibetan bread (a puffy fried bread) with jam or honey. You’ll have a choice of tea (black, milk tea, or ginger tea) or coffee.

Lunch & Dinner: We usually stop for lunch at a teahouse along the way, around midday. The lunch menu often includes items like dal bhat tarkari (the Nepali staple of steamed rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry), fried rice, noodles (chowmein or Thukpa noodle soup), momos (Nepali dumplings), spaghetti or macaroni, and sometimes sandwiches or soup. You will find a wide range of dishes on the menu.

How to Book the Tilicho Lake Trek?

Ready to embark on this pristine Tilicho Lake? We’ve made our booking procedure simple and customer-friendly. You can either book directly from our website through the package page or email us, or for the customised trip, you can directly WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.

We’ll also send our terms & conditions for you to review (covers things like cancellation policy, what’s included, etc. – we keep it straightforward). To confirm the booking, we ask for a deposit payment. Typically, 20% of the total trip cost is required as a booking deposit. This deposit allows us to start arranging permits, reserve guides, and secure any in-country flights or hotels as needed.

Get more information about Nepal through this Link:

FAQs

  • Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world at 4,919 meters, but not the absolute highest in Nepal.

  • It is moderately easy to difficult due to high altitude and long trekking days. Hence, you must be ready and physically fit for the trek.

  • Yes, you will need a guide as per government rule & hiring a guide is recommended for safety, navigation, and altitude support.

  • The cost of the Tilicho Lake trek for all inclusive package expect roughly $1000 USD per person depending on the service. However, our 10-Day Tilicho Lake trek cost starts from USD 899 per person. 

  • The Tilicho Lake trek is typically around 10 days when done as a standalone trip from Kathmandu. This includes travel to and from the trailhead and acclimatisation time. If you are already in the Annapurna region or want to adjust the pace, the trekking portion from Besisahar to Tilicho Lake and back can be done in about 7–8 days.

  • The highest point you will reach on the Tilicho Lake trek is Tilicho Lake itself, which sits at an altitude of approximately 4,919 meters.

  • You will need two main permits for the Tilicho Lake trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. The ACAP costs NPR 3000 (around USD $25) for foreign trekkers and is obtainable in Kathmandu. The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is a registration tool to ensure safety and track trekkers.

  • Both treks are generally safe if done with proper precautions, but there are a few differences. The Annapurna Circuit is a longer route that involves crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The Tilicho Lake trek, on the other hand, takes you to a high point of about 4,920 m at Tilicho Lake and does not require crossing Thorong La.

  • Yes, absolutely! Combining Tilicho Lake with the Annapurna Circuit is a popular choice for trekkers who have enough time and want to experience both the highest lake and the famous high pass. In fact, visiting Tilicho Lake is often done as a “side trip” during the Annapurna Circuit trek.

We Offer Group Discount
  
1 paxUS$899
2 paxUS$799
3 - 5 paxUS$750
6 - 10 paxUS$699
Price Per PersonUS$899US$999(All-inclusive services)
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