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Trekking

Tilicho Lake

  • Duration: 20 Days
  • Max altitude: 4,949m
  • Group size: 2
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Best season: Autumn / Spring

Accommodation: Tea house

Tilicho Lake at an altitude of (4,949m) is a well-known place for pilgrimages. Hence, as we go to the high altitude to triumph over the view of the lake is not an easy task, but this trip is truly exciting, thrilling and more or less rewarding. Though trekking Tilicho Lake is a challenging trekking route it is one of the finest trekking routes in the Annapurna region. This trek displays scenic view of much of eastern side of the epic world-famous Annapurna circuit with sublime natural beauty, cultural and traditional values, stunning waterfalls and running clean water streams, and attractive floras and faunas.

Tilicho Lake

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel (1360m)After your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in medieval and modernized Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by our office representative and transferred to the hotel. After check-in and some refreshments, our senior sherpa guide will come to meet you and give you a brief orientation about Tilicho Lake Trek. You can then go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with the neighborhood, have supper and go to bed. This is your first overnight in the valley of temples and cows, probably the most in the world.
Day 2: Full Day Kathmandu Valley SightseeingThe capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, being the historical and cultural heart of the country, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and other types of adventure seekers. The city is a marvelous amalgamation of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western cultures and influences. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities. These two cities, like Kathmandu, have a rich historical, cultural and religious legacy which is reflected in the many temples, monuments, and artifacts that they contain. You will be taken on a half-day guided tour of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur cities. In Kathmandu, you will be visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous and revered Hindu shrine in the country; Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Soyambhunath, which contains both Buddhist and Hindu shrines and stands as testimony to the religious harmony that exists in the country; and the 15th-century 55-window palace in Bhaktapur. An orientation session for the trek, which commences the following day, will be organized in the evening.
Day 3: Drive to Beshisahar (830m)You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Beshisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are based here. From here, you get to see some well-known mountain peaks, a lot of natural green landscapes surrounding the valley and the daily activities of the happy local folks. This headquarters is the center from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 4: Trek to Bahundanda (1300m) 5 hrs walkThe first part of the trail passes on a flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of the Gurung community. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. From this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow-capped mountains. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 5: Trek to Chamje (1405m) 6 hrs walkWe will leave for Chamje after having breakfast. We hike a trail that goes downwards to Syange (1070m). On the way, you can have beautiful views of waterfalls making sounds as it strikes with stones. After that, we will cross Marsyangdi River by an airy suspension bridge and then following the same river up to Jagat. After we reach Jagat, we will have to climb up to Chyamje. Overnight at lodge/guesthouse.
Day 6: Trek to Bagarchap (2160m) – 5 hrs walkThe journey today will be tiring as we will have to walk on the rocky trail. We will take a rocky path going with by side of Marshyangdi River upwards up to Tal (1675 m). Then we will cross a valley, and going ups and downs we will arrive at Dharapani (1890 m). After hiking a bit more, we will finally reach Bagarchap where we can see typical stone roofed houses. We crash out Overnight at a lodge/guesthouse.
Day 7: Trek to Chame (2630m) 5 hrs walkYou climb through forests of pine and oak as you pass through Danaque (2210m.). Soon, there comes a small wooden bridge that will take you on a steeply ascending path up to Timang which lies at the bottom of Lamjung Himal. The trail goes then on a flat level until you reach Chame, where you will find government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 8: Trek to Pisang (3300m) – 5hrs walkWith Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.). You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before you. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 9: Trek to Manang (3540m) – 5 hrs walkBeyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point, you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. After a short steep climb, you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 10: Acclimatization DayWe will hang around for one more day in Manang for acclimatization by observing beautiful views of green landscapes, silvery mountains, Chortens, and Monasteries. We can also explore the unique culture and lifestyles of local people. We bunk out overnight at our Lodge.
Day 11: Trek to Kangsar Village (3700m) – 4 hrs walkAfter enjoying an awesome day at Manang, we will leave for Khangsar. We will go by a path that goes along the Khangsar River. Crossing the river, we will reach Khangsar village. This village is a very old-styled Tibetan influenced village and is also known as olden type villages of Nepal. Overnight at lodge/guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m) – hrs walkWe continue from a western pass on a large path, passing a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switchbacks carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as the Tilicho Base Camp at an elevation of 4,200m. This is where rest out for an Overnight at a guesthouse. 
Day 13: Trek to Tilicho lake and down back to Tilicho Base camp – 6 hrs walkToday is the main day of our trekking. We will trek up to Tilicho Lake. After having breakfast, we will hike to Tilicho Lake in the early morning, as the wind may interrupt us in case of delaying. Tilicho Lake is a cold place and is recorded as the lake at the highest altitude in the world. After spending some joyful moments at Tilicho Lake, we will descend to the Tilicho base camp. We bunk out tonight by this lovely lake at our guesthouse.
Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka (4000m) – 5 hrs walkAs we hike slowly down from base camp, the trail ascends by nearly 500m to Yak Kharka. We make the climb steadily through Tenki Manang, leaving the Marsyangdi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. as we hike by we observe that Herds of yaks and vegetations appear to thin out hereabouts. Overnight at our guesthouse.
Day 15: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450m) – 5 hrs walkLeaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 16: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong La pass (5400m) – 8 hrs walkYou need to work hard to reach Muktinath as today we will walk for about 8 hours. Though it is hard, it is the most special day of our trekking. We will start our journey in the early morning at about 4 am so that we can reach Thorang La pass at about 9-10 am. If we delay it then the weather may create some difficulties. We will climb steeply which is not so difficult. But a high attitude and the massive snows around can cause some problems. After we climb for 4 hours, we will be at the top of Thorang La pass marked by the chortens and prayer flags and also you can enjoy stunning views. After this, it takes some 4 hours more to reach the holy place – Muktinath. Muktinath is a pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed that you can be free from all your pains and sorrows after you visit this so-called holy site. You can bathe under the 108 waterspouts around the temple. You can also visit Jwala Mai Temple where you can see natural spring and an everlasting flame fueled by natural gas. Overnight at guesthouse.
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2720m) – 5 hrs walkToday is the last day of our trek on these beautiful mountains, we will move through the trail of Kagbeni or Lupra to reach Jomsom. This day we will trek along Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is a strong windy little town in a cold valley. You can get startling memorable views of Tilicho Mountain and beautiful wet hills. Overnight at lodge.
Day 18: Early in the morning Fly to PokharaThis takes about 25 minutes and stays overnight at our hotel in Pokhara. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during the afternoon and frequent change of the weather prevents the flight landing and taking off in the afternoon. During the flights in the morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 19: Drive back to KathmanduWhile driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple, this is a temple where most Nepalese come to have their wishes granted before leaving home or getting married. From Naubise we climb up to Thankot, the gateway to Kathmandu and finally reach our hotel & a lovely soft warm bed.
Day 20: Departure DayAfter breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home. At Glorious Adventure, meeting you has been a great honor and we pray for your Safe journey home and will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again someday…

Included / Not Included

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Visa can be obtained at Tribhuwan international airport after arrival.
  • Meals during the trek.
  • Tips to the guide and porters.
  • Entrance fees for Kathmandu sightseeing.

Included

  • All the airport pick up and drop offs by private vehicles.
  • 1 day Kathmandu sightseeings around world heritage sites including tour guide and private transport,
  • Domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu city inclusive breakfast.
  • An experienced trekking guide for the trek.
  • Supporting porters to carry your belongings during the trek. (1 porter for 2 people)
  • Trekking guide and porter insurance and accommodation as well as salary.
  • We provide helicopter rescue service in case of emergency but you should have your own travel insurance.
  • All necessary trekking permits and permit fees for the trek.
  • All government taxes and the company charge
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara city inclusive breakfast.
  • 15 nights twin sharing local lodges/guest houses accommodations during the trek.
  • An appreciation certificate after trip completion.

More information

Visa Information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Travel Information

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Personal First Kit

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

Ready to experience the Himalayas?

Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.

What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

★★★★★
Martin legault Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Canada
Professionnal guide Big experience Have a respect every place during the treck Everything is on control with Pasang. I recommended a 150%
★★★★★
Stephen Tindall Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp UK
I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what…
★★★★★
Otávio Marcacini Everest Base Camp Trekking Brazil
Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!
★★★★★
Jensen Lodge Island Peak Climbling UK
Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. The altitude…
★★★★★
Wayne Storey Island Peak Climbling UK
Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills 👌

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Tilicho Lake