Discovering Tilicho Lake: Peaceful Himalayan Adventure in Nepal
Tilicho Lake trek is a secret tucked in a high altitude, offering a depth of remoteness and natural attractiveness as you journey through the Annapurna Circuit trail, which has dramatic scenery and cultural transitions. The route takes you from lush valleys, deep gorges, and terrace farms to gradually upper rugged alpine terrain, where the turquoise Tilicho Lake lies hidden behind towering ridges.
Tilicho Lake trekking feels like walking through a fairy tale with Buddhist monasteries, windy passes, yak herders, and ancient trade routes. The trek to Tilicho takes you away from the crowded Annapurna circuit for a couple of days, with quiet trails and raw mountain wilderness.
Crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters still marks the physical high point, but many say the emotional high is standing at Tilicho’s shores, surrounded by silence and snow. Even on a trail as famous as the Annapurna Circuit, this detour to Tilicho is like a deeply personal discovery.
Along the way, you will pass through the villages of Manang and Lower Mustang, where Hindu and Buddhist traditions coexist beautifully. At 3,800 meters, the Muktinath Temple offers a quiet space to reflect and take in some of Nepal’s vibrant cultural history. The people you meet along the trail are warm and hospitable, coming from diverse backgrounds. This cultural immersion is one of the most memorable parts of the trek.
The Tilicho Lake trek begins with a 9-10 hour drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. From there, the adventure starts in Dharapani and ends at the holy Muktinath. The highest point of the trek is Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters.
Our Tilicho Lake trek with Annapurna Circuit itinerary includes a day of acclimatization in the village of Manang (3,519 m). We keep the daily ascent to less than 500 meters to ensure a steady and safe climb.
Tilicho Lake Facts
Tilicho Lake is located in Nepal’s Annapurna region at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet), just north of the main Annapurna Circuit. It is in Gandaki province in Manang district.
Many trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit consider visiting Tilicho Lake, which is usually approached by detouring from the main trail at Manang and heading north. From Chame (the headquarters of Manang district), Tilicho Lake is about 55 km away on foot, and depending on acclimatization and weather, it usually takes 3-4 days of trekking.
The lake is surrounded by impressive peaks like Tilicho Peak and Nilgiri and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The lake stretches about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in length and reaches a depth of 85 meters (279 feet). Because of the altitude, it has freezing temperatures with low oxygen levels, which makes aquatic life impossible here. Fed by glaciers from the surrounding mountains, Tilicho Lake is one of the second-highest lakes in the world, and it is a stunning natural sight for those who brave through this challenging adventure.
Where is Tilicho Lake Located?
Tilicho Lake is located in the Manang District, part of Nepal's Gandaki province, at an elevation of 4919 m. This secluded gem is Nepal’s second-highest lake and is in high altitudes in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas. The lake is surrounded by tall, majestic snow-capped mountains and extends to about 4 km long, 1.2 km wide, and 85 m deep, providing a breathtaking scene for trekkers.
You can reach Tilicho Lake from Chame, Manang, after trekking 55 km, which usually takes 3-4 days, depending on your acclimatization stops and weather conditions.
Tilicho Lake Trek Highlights
- Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and ever-changing landscapes every step of the way.
- Explore charming villages in the Annapurna and Lower Mustang regions.
- Trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is rich with unique flora and fauna.
- Experience the daily life and warm hospitality of local communities from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Visit Tilicho Lake, the second-highest lake in Nepal, and take a short side trip to the beautiful Gangapurna Lake.
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest trekking pass in Nepal, for a true high-altitude challenge.
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important spiritual site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Walk along the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
- Pass through scenic apple orchards and traditional villages with stone-paved alleys.
What to expect on Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit adventure
The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek gives you more than enough motivation to hit the trail. Here are some of the highlights to look forward to.
An unforgettable mix of majestic peaks and diverse natural beauty
Have you ever wished to see many of the tallest mountains in the world in one trip? The Tilicho Lake trek makes it happen for you!
The best part about the Tilicho Lake trek is its diverse landscapes, which constantly change and surprise you. It starts with green hills and waterfalls and then slowly turns into vast, open highlands where the mountains steal the show.
On this trek, you will walk along magnificent mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri, and more. Then, there is Tilicho Lake itself, resting high up, tucked away, and glowing in its deep blue waters like something out of a dream.
Wander through the charming villages of Manang and the scenic lower Mustang area
The Tilicho Lake trek includes amazing village experiences. The first part of the trek is scheduled to visit all villages along the Annapurna trail at Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka.
In the latter half, you will continue through Muktinath, Jomsom, Tatopani, Beni, and finally Pokhara. Each village has its own charm, friendly locals, and one-of-a-kind beauty.
Discover the everyday life and varied cultural heritage of the community
Along the way to Tilicho Lake, you pass through villages with exceptional indigenous cultures. Hindus and Buddhists peacefully coexist here, each having their own traditions.
Along the trek of the trail, you will see the simple, unique mountain lifestyle comprising locals' deeply valued customs and traditions. It is interesting to notice how their diverse lifestyles blend into such a harmonious and respectful manner.
Another highlight of the trek is the Muktinath Temple, a holy destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath lies at an altitude of 3,800 meters and attracts thousands of devotees each year. For the Buddhists, Muktinath is known as Chumig Gyatsa (Hundred Waters), which is believed to be a sacred place connected to their goddess, Dakinis (the sky dancer). It is also one of the 24 tantric places and holds a strong spiritual significance.
Visit Tilicho, the second-highest lake in Nepal
Tilicho Lake is the second-highest lake in Nepal, at an altitude of 4,919 meters. The emerald-hued lake is in Manang district in the Annapurna range, around 55 km from Pokhara. The lake is unique because it has no aquatic life. Hindus believe it is a holy site, even referenced in the epic Ramayana. The stunning surroundings and serene atmosphere of Tilicho Lake make it a must-see on the Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit odyssey.
Trek through Thorong La Pass, Nepal's most significant crossing
The challenging and the most exciting part of Tilicho Lake Trek is crossing Thorang La, the highest mountain pass in Nepal at 5416 m. It is part of the Damodar Himal, north of the Annapurna Range. The pass connects Manang village to the east with the Muktinath temple and Ranipauwa village to the west.
Most trekkers take the route from Manang to Muktinath, as it is the easier path. From Muktinath to Manang, the reverse journey is much more challenging and not commonly attempted.
Travel along the deepest gorge in the world
Tilicho Lake trek will take you through the deepest gorge in the world. You will be in awe as you look at the view of it dividing the mountains Dhaulagiri on the west and Annapurna on the east. What is fascinating about the gorge is that, over the centuries, it has served as a key trade route between India and Tibet. Even the local inhabitants, the Thakali people, owe much of their prosperity to this trans-Himalayan trade.
Tilicho Lake Trek Altitude Profile
The Tilicho Lake trek with Annapurna Circuit covers a variety of landscapes while moving up significant elevations. The trek starts in Dharapani at 1,900 meters and steadily moves up to Manang (3,540 meters), where you will acclimatize. After acclimatization, the trek proceeds up to the Tilicho Base Camp (4,200m) before finally arriving at the stunning Tilicho Lake, which is at 4,919 meters.
Along the way, trekkers will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Tilicho Peak and Nilgiri. You will hike a further 1,000 meters to Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), the highest point while on the Annapurna Circuit, before shifting routes downwards to Muktinath (3,710 meters), and a sacred pilgrim site, as the final trek destination.
Tilicho Lake Trek Distance
Tilicho Lake Trek is approximately 160 to 230 kilometers long; depending on the route you take, departing from Dharapani or Manang. The daily walking distance is usually 15 to 18 kilometers, with a steady pace that enables the trekkers to manage the distance and elevation gain.
The journey from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp covers about 19 kilometers within two days, and then there is the challenging 6-kilometer walk to Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters. While the adventure provides stunning views and experiences at high altitudes, trekkers must also be aware that the rugged terrains in this trek require physical and mental readiness for what lies ahead.
Booking Tilicho Lake Trek for 2025 and 2026 and Cost
Booking for the Tilicho Lake Trek for 2025 and 2026 has opened with Outfitter Himalaya. Check the availability on your own date and book the trek on your date. We also offer group discounts if you are two or more planning to go on the Tilicho Lake Trek. Find the cost breakdown according to the number of trekkers.
Tilicho Lake Trek Cost for 2025 and 2026
| Number of trekkers |
Cost in USD Per Person |
| 1 Pax |
1200.00 |
| 2 to 5 Pax |
1050.00 |
| 6 to 8 Pax |
1000.00 |
| 9 to 12 Pax |
950.00 |
| 13 pax and Above |
Inquire |
