Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919 m under the north face of Tilicho Peak, one of the highest lakes of its size in the world. It is a three-day detour from the classic Annapurna Circuit, and it does something useful besides the view: it acclimatises you well before you cross the Thorong La at 5,416 m.

This guide explains how many days you need, what each day looks like and who the trek suits.

How many days do you need?

Plan on 15 to 17 days including arrival and departure in Kathmandu.

  • 15 days works if you drive from Kathmandu to Chame, skip the rest day in Manang and drive from Muktinath to Pokhara.
  • 17 days is what we recommend. It keeps a rest day in Manang, uses the Jomsom–Pokhara flight and leaves a spare day in Kathmandu for weather.

Shorter versions save time but leave little margin if a road is blocked or someone feels the altitude.

The route in short

  1. Kathmandu to Dharapani by jeep (8–9 hours).
  2. Walk up the Marsyangdi valley through Chame and Upper Pisang to Manang (3,730 m), taking the high trail via Ghyaru and Ngawal.
  3. Rest day in Manang with a hike to Ice Lake or the Gangapurna glacier.
  4. Turn west to Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m). This section crosses a scree slope where your guide sets the pace.
  5. Early climb to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and back to Shree Kharka.
  6. Rejoin the circuit at Yak Kharka, sleep at Thorong Phedi and cross the Thorong La to Muktinath.
  7. Drive to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara.

You can see the full day-by-day plan on our Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake – 17 Days page. The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek – 14 Days skips the lake if you prefer a shorter trip.

When to go

The best months are March to May and October to November. Skies are clearest in autumn. Tilicho Lake is usually frozen from December to April and open water from about May; both look spectacular.

Avoid January and February unless you are prepared for snow on the Thorong La. In the monsoon (June to August) the lower valley is wet, but the upper Manang valley lies in a rain shadow.

How hard is it?

We rate it Challenging. You walk 5–8 hours most days, and two days stand out:

  • Tilicho Lake day: a 770 m climb on zigzags from base camp, then back down. Around 7–8 hours.
  • Thorong La day: a 4 am start, about 1,000 m up and 1,600 m down. Around 8–9 hours.

You do not need climbing skills, but you should be fit enough to walk uphill for several hours with a light daypack. Train with long hill walks, stairs or cycling for two to three months.

Is the trail to Tilicho Base Camp safe?

The narrow section between Shree Kharka and base camp crosses a loose slope. In dry weather it is safe if you keep moving and do not stop under it. After heavy rain or fresh snow, your guide may wait or turn back. This is one reason we only run the trek with licensed local guides.

Accommodation and food

All nights on the trail are in teahouses: simple lodges with twin rooms and shared toilets. At Tilicho Base Camp the lodges are basic, and nights drop below freezing even in autumn. Meals are dal bhat, noodles, soups and potatoes; dal bhat comes with free refills and is the best fuel.

Permits

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card. Both are included when you book with us.

What does it cost?

Our 17-day trek starts from $1,390 per person, including guide, porters, permits, teahouses, meals on the trek, jeeps and the Jomsom–Pokhara flight. International flights, insurance with helicopter rescue and tips are extra. For a wider breakdown, see our Himalayan trek cost guide.

Can I skip Tilicho if I am tired?

Yes. From Manang you can walk straight to Yak Kharka and continue on the normal circuit. It shortens the trek by two to three days.

Trek it with a local, Spanish-speaking guide

Unique Nepal is a Kathmandu team of licensed guides. We run the Tilicho circuit with guides who speak English or Spanish, daily oximeter checks and groups of up to 12. Ask us for dates or message us on WhatsApp.