A side trek from Manang on the Annapurna Circuit to Tilicho Lake (about 4,919 m), a glacier-fed lake below Tilicho Peak, via Khangsar, Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp.
- Days
- 10 days
- Maximum altitude
- 4,919 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Manangतिलिचो आधार शिविर
Tilicho Base Camp
A lodge stop below the moraine of Tilicho Peak, the starting point for the steep climb to Tilicho Lake.
- Altitude
- 4,150 m*
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Manang, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Tilicho Base Camp is a small lodge settlement at about 4,100-4,200 m at the western end of the Khangsar Khola valley, below the slopes of Tilicho Peak. It exists to serve trekkers on their way to Tilicho Lake, about 4,919 m, which lies a steep 3-4 hour climb above.
Most trekkers arrive from Shree Kharka in about 3-4 hours, crossing a long section of unstable scree, then leave early the next morning for the lake. After visiting the lake they return to Base Camp, and many continue back to Shree Kharka the same day. The setting is stark: grey moraine, cliffs and glaciers, with blue sheep often seen on the slopes.
History and culture
There is no permanent village here; lodges were built in the 2000s as visits to Tilicho Lake grew. The lake has religious meaning for some Hindus, who identify it with the Kak Bhusundi lake of the Ramayana, and pilgrims as well as trekkers make the climb. The lodges are run seasonally by families from Manang and Khangsar.
Things to do in Tilicho Base Camp
Climb to Tilicho Lake
Leave at first light for the 3-4 hour climb of about 750 m to the lake, aiming to arrive before the wind and cloud build in late morning.
Rest and acclimatise
Take the afternoon of arrival easy; a short walk up the moraine helps acclimatisation.
Weather and the best time to visit Tilicho Base Camp
Weather in Tilicho Base Camp
Forecast for 4,150 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- September to November is the main season, with the clearest skies in October and November.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is very cold and the lodges may close; snow can block the trail to the lake.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is the second season, with milder days; early spring can still bring snow higher up.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is drier than further south, but rain can make the landslide section from Shree Kharka dangerous.
Where to stay
TeahousesLodges
Two or three seasonal lodges that can fill up in October.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Reached only on foot from Shree Kharka.
Nearest hub: Manang
- trekFrom Shree Kharka, about 3-4 hours across a landslide and scree section.
- trekFrom Manang, two days via Khangsar and Shree Kharka.
Permits and fees
Permit required
Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an ACAP permit is required.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required throughout the conservation area; checked at trail checkpoints.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (ACAP).
On the trail
On the Tilicho Lake trek, Annapurna Circuit (Tilicho side trip).
- Previous stop:
- Shree Kharka
- Next stop:
- Tilicho Lake (day trip), then Shree Kharka
- A typical day:
- From Shree Kharka, about 3-4 hours with modest height gain but exposed scree slopes.
Practical tips
- At over 4,100 m altitude illness is likely if you rushed; do not climb to the lake with symptoms. This is general information, not medical advice.
- Cross the scree section early in the day, keep moving and avoid it in heavy rain or snow.
- There is no reliable mobile signal.
- Nights are well below freezing in autumn; bring a warm sleeping bag.
Treks through Tilicho Base Camp
Questions about Tilicho Base Camp
How long from Tilicho Base Camp to the lake?
About 3-4 hours up and 2 hours down, with roughly 750 m of ascent.
How high is Tilicho Base Camp?
About 4,100-4,200 m.
Is there accommodation at Tilicho Lake?
No. Sleep at Tilicho Base Camp; there may be a seasonal tea shop at the lake but no rooms.
More in Manang
All of Manang
Valley or region · 4,150 m
Nar Phu Valley
A restricted high valley north of the Annapurna Circuit, with two old Tibetan Buddhist villages, Nar and Phu, reached through a narrow gorge from Koto.
Lake · 4,919 m
Tilicho Lake
A glacial lake at about 4,920 m beneath the ice walls of Tilicho Peak, reached on a demanding side trip from Manang.
Trek stop · 2,670 m
Chame
The district headquarters of Manang, a road-head town in fir and pine forest where most Annapurna Circuit trekkers spend a night.
Trek stop · 1,900 m
Dharapani (Manang)
A Marsyangdi valley village where the Manaslu Circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit road.
Trek stop · 2,600 m
Koto
A small village in pine and fir forest on the Annapurna Circuit, just below Chame, and the start of the trail into the Nar Phu valley.
Trek stop · 3,660 m
Ngawal
A stone village high on the north side of the Manang valley, on the upper Annapurna Circuit route and at the foot of the Kang La from Nar.
Trek stop · 3,300 m
Pisang
Twin villages in the upper Marsyangdi, where the old stone houses of Upper Pisang look across to Annapurna II.
Trek stop · 4,070 m
Shree Kharka
A small lodge stop in high pasture west of Manang, on the trail to Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake.
Nearby
Town or village · 3,519 m
Manang
A high stone village in the upper Marsyangdi valley below Annapurna III and Gangapurna, where Circuit trekkers stop to acclimatise.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Annapurna Circuit, Wikivoyage, Tilicho Lake, Wikipedia, Tilicho Base Camp, OpenStreetMap