A teahouse journey around the Annapurna massif, from the green Marsyangdi valley through Manang and over the Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath and the dry Kali Gandaki valley.
- Days
- 11 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,416 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Pokhara & Annapurna, Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake Trek
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
- 9-15
- Max altitude
- 4,919 m
- Distance
- -
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Start / end
- Dharapani (by road from Kathmandu via Besisahar) / Manang (jeep to Besisahar)
- Sleep in
- Teahouses, Lodges
- Permits
- 2 required
Overview
Tilicho Lake lies at about 4,919 m below the ice cliffs of Tilicho Peak, at the head of the Khangsar Khola valley west of Manang. It is usually visited as a two to three day detour from the Annapurna Circuit: from Manang the trail climbs past the old village of Khangsar to Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp, and the lake is a steep morning climb above base camp.
The plan below treats Tilicho as an out-and-back trek from Manang, reached up the Marsyangdi valley with the usual acclimatisation stops, and returns to Manang for a jeep down to Besisahar. Trekkers continuing on the circuit can instead walk from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka via Old Khangsar and cross the Thorong La to Muktinath.
The section between Shree Kharka and base camp crosses steep, unstable scree and is the main hazard; the lake day is long and high. Take the acclimatisation days seriously, because sleeping at about 4,150 m and climbing to nearly 4,920 m comes soon after Manang.
Tilicho Lake below the ice cliffs of Tilicho PeakThe old village of KhangsarAcclimatisation hikes from ManangBlue sheep on the slopes above base campOption to continue over the Thorong La
Why it is rated strenuous
- The lake day climbs about 750 m to nearly 4,920 m and then descends again, 7-9 hours in all.
- An exposed scree and landslide section between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp.
- Sleeping at about 4,050-4,150 m for two or three nights soon after Manang.
Elevation profile
About altitudeSleeping altitude for each night. The dashed lines at 3,000 m and 4,000 m mark heights where altitude illness becomes more common. General information only, not medical advice.
Hover, tap or use the arrow keys to see each day. Shaded columns are acclimatisation days.
Show the profile as a table
| Day | Overnight | Sleeping altitude | High point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dharapani | 1,860 m | - |
| 2 | Chame | 2,670 m | - |
| 3 | Upper Pisang | 3,300 m | - |
| 4 | Manang | 3,519 m | 3,730 m |
| 5 | Manang (rest) | 3,519 m | 4,600 m |
| 6 | Shree Kharka | 4,070 m | - |
| 7 | Tilicho Base Camp | 4,150 m | - |
| 8 | Shree Kharka | 4,070 m | 4,919 m |
| 9 | Manang | 3,519 m | - |
| 10 | Besisahar | 760 m | - |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, travel dayDrive Kathmandu to Dharapanisleep 1,860 m
About 6-8 hours to Besisahar, then a jeep up the rough Marsyangdi road. Some trekkers stop overnight in Besisahar.
Teahouse in DharapaniAbout Dharapani
Day 2Dharapani to Chamesleep 2,670 m5-6 habout 15 km
Through Bagarchhap and Danaqyu into fir and pine forest, with first views of Annapurna II. Footpaths avoid much of the road.
Teahouse in ChameAbout Chame
Day 3Chame to Upper Pisangsleep 3,300 m5-6 habout 14 km
Past Bhratang and the curved rock face of Paungda Danda. Upper Pisang has an active monastery and views of Annapurna II.
Teahouse in Upper PisangAbout Upper Pisang
Day 4Upper Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru and Ngawalsleep 3,519 m6-7 habout 19 km
The high route climbs steeply to Ghyaru and traverses to Ngawal before dropping to Braga and Manang, good for acclimatisation.
Teahouse in ManangAbout Mananghigh point Ghyaru, 3,730 m
Day 5, acclimatisationAcclimatisation day in Manangsleep 3,519 m3-7 habout 8 km
Climb to the Gangapurna glacier viewpoint or the Ice Lake and return to sleep. Ask at the Himalayan Rescue Association post about altitude and about current conditions on the Tilicho trail.
Teahouse in ManangAbout Mananghigh point Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), 4,600 m
Day 6Manang to Shree Kharkasleep 4,070 m4-5 habout 10 km
West through Khangsar, staying on the northern trail; the old south-side path is abandoned. Shree Kharka has a few basic lodges.
Teahouse in Shree KharkaAbout Shree Kharka
Day 7Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Campsleep 4,150 m3-4 habout 6 km
A short but exposed walk across scree and landslide slopes; keep moving through the danger zone and avoid it in rain or snow.
Teahouse at Tilicho Base CampAbout Tilicho Base Camp
Day 8Tilicho Lake and back to Shree Kharkasleep 4,070 m7-9 habout 16 km
Leave at first light for the steep climb of about 750 m to the lake, then descend to base camp and continue to Shree Kharka. Wind and cloud usually build by late morning; some trekkers sleep at base camp again instead.
Teahouse in Shree KharkaAbout Shree Kharkahigh point Tilicho Lake, 4,919 m
Day 9Shree Kharka to Manangsleep 3,519 m3-4 habout 10 km
Return via Khangsar. To continue on the Annapurna Circuit instead, take the signposted trail via Old Khangsar to Yak Kharka (about 4-5 hours) and cross the Thorong La two days later.
Teahouse in ManangAbout Manang
Day 10, travel dayJeep Manang to Besisaharsleep 760 m
A long, rough jeep ride down the Marsyangdi valley, usually 7-10 hours depending on road conditions; continue to Kathmandu or Pokhara the next day.
Hotel in Besisahar
Stages, times and altitudes vary by operator, weather and pace. Partner agencies confirm the exact plan.
Route map
Trail geometry from OpenStreetMap.
Permits
ACAP entry permit (Annapurna Conservation Area)Conservation area
Issued at the Nepal Tourism Board permit counters in Kathmandu and Pokhara or through your agency; checked at trail checkpoints.
TIMS cardTrekker card
Check whether a TIMS card is currently required; since 2023 it has been issued through registered trekking agencies.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (ACAP). Guide rule: The National: Nepal bans solo trekking for tourists, guides mandatory from April 1 (March 2023).
Nepal trekking permits explainedWhen to go
Best months: Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are the most reliable months, with clear skies and stable weather; late September can still be cloudy.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold, snow can block the trail to the lake and the base camp lodges may close.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is the second main season; early spring can bring snow higher up, and haze increases in May.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is wet on the road below Chame, with landslides, although upper Manang lies in a drier rain shadow.
Weather on the route
Forecasts for start (Dharapani, 1,860 m), highest overnight (Tilicho Base Camp, 4,150 m), end (Besisahar, 760 m). Mountain weather changes fast; check again on the day.
Weather in Dharapani (start)
Forecast for 1,860 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Weather in Tilicho Base Camp (highest overnight)
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.
Weather in Besisahar (end)
Forecast for 760 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Safety
Above about 3,000 m, a widely used guideline is to increase your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a day and to take an extra night at the same altitude every 3 to 4 days (CDC Yellow Book; Wilderness Medical Society). This is general information, not medical advice.
Know the signs of acute mountain sickness: headache with nausea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness or poor sleep. Do not go higher with symptoms, and go down if they get worse. Confusion, stumbling, or breathlessness at rest are emergencies: descend at once and get help.
The trail between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp crosses unstable scree and landslide slopes. Cross early in the day, keep moving and do not use it in heavy rain or snow.
On the lake day, start early and turn back if weather closes in; snow can cover the upper trail and wind is strong by late morning.
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking and helicopter evacuation up to at least 5,000 m, and see a doctor before you travel about altitude and any medicines.
What to pack
- Broken-in boots with good grip for scree
- Trekking poles for the steep lake climb and descent
- Down jacket, warm hat and gloves for the early start
- Sleeping bag rated well below freezing
- Headlamp
- Category-4 sunglasses and sun cream
- Water purification tablets or a filter
- Cash for lodges; there are no ATMs beyond Manang
Side trips and alternatives
From Shree Kharka walk via Old Khangsar to Yak Kharka, then to Thorong Phedi and over the pass to Muktinath, joining the full Annapurna Circuit.
A full-day acclimatisation hike from Manang or Braga to a small lake at about 4,600 m.
Combine with the restricted Nar Phu valley, which rejoins the main valley at Ngawal before Manang.
Tilicho Lake questions
How high is Tilicho Lake?
It is usually given as about 4,919 m; one source lists 4,949 m.
How many days does Tilicho Lake add to the Annapurna Circuit?
Usually two to three days from Manang, rejoining the circuit at Yak Kharka via Old Khangsar.
Is the Tilicho Lake trek dangerous?
The main hazards are altitude and a scree and landslide section between Shree Kharka and base camp. Cross it early, keep moving and avoid it in rain or snow.
Can I sleep at Tilicho Lake?
No. Sleep at Tilicho Base Camp or Shree Kharka; there may be a seasonal tea shop at the lake but no rooms.
Do I need a guide and permits?
An ACAP permit is required, and check whether a TIMS card is needed. A Nepal Tourism Board rule from April 2023 requires a licensed guide in conservation areas; confirm the current position.
Similar treks
A restricted-area trek from Koto on the Annapurna Circuit into the high Tibetan Buddhist villages of Phu and Nar, crossing the Kang La (about 5,320 m) to Ngawal and Manang.
- Days
- 12 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,320 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
A short trek in Lower Mustang from Jomsom via Kagbeni to the Muktinath temple (about 3,760 m) and back through Marpha, with flights from and to Pokhara.
- Days
- 5 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,762 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Editorial draft: altitudes, permits and rules are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Wikivoyage: Annapurna Circuit, Wikipedia: Tilicho Lake, National Trust for Nature Conservation (ACAP), OpenStreetMap (village and camp coordinates), CDC Yellow Book: High-Elevation Travel and Altitude Illness
Tilicho Lake · 10 days