Tilicho Lake, Manang, Nepal
Punam Phuyal
The most beautiful tectonic lake with its adventurous trek route is none other than Tilicho lake Nepal. Tilicho lake is located at 4919 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest lakes in the world. Yearly thousands of trekkers visit Tilicho to enjoy its beauty.
Geographically, Tilicho is a part of the Manang district of Nepal. The lake is fed by molten snow of Tilicho peak, and its drainage is unseen. The water level is balanced with underground seepage to Marshyangdi river basin. The lake is surrounded by Tilicho peak in its northwest direction, Nilgiri Himal in the north and Gangapurna in the east. Similary, Muktinath peak and Khangsar Kang are also prominent mountains surrounding the Tilicho lake. It is one of the best destinations for side trip from Manang.
Interesting facts about Tilicho lake
- One of the highest altitude lakes in the world
- Location: Annapurna conservation area, Manang district, Gandaki Province, Nepal
- Tilicho lake Altitude: 4919 m/149931.1 ft
- Tilicho lake trek duration: 3 days trek from Manang
- Difficulty level: moderate
- Required permits: Annapurna conservation area permit
- Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
- Amazing landscape with barren hills, steep trail, glaciers and alpine pastures.
How to reach Tilicho lake?
We can reach Tilicho lake by trekking from Manang. It takes three days to reach the lake from Manang. Trekkers can explore the divine Shree Kharka, Tilicho base camp and reach Tilicho lake. There are no tea houses on Tilicho lake so we should return to base camp or Shree Kharka after visiting the lake.
Tilicho lake trekking is a part of Annapurna circuit trek, but we can customize it. After reaching Manang, we will head towards Shree Kharka and Tilicho base camp to reach Tilicho lake. After returning from Tilicho lake trekkers can go towards Thorong La pass from Yak Kharka or return Manang from Shree Kharka.
The distance between Tilicho base camp and Tilicho lake is around 5 Kilometers, but the trail is steep and challenging. We should be very careful and use crampons over snowy trail to the lake. The best time to visit Tilicho lake is evening or early morning of spring and autumn seasons. We can have amazing sunrise and sunset view behind the mountain. The heavenly beauty of a lake with a sunrise or sunset view worth it.
Tilicho lake itinerary
The Tilicho Lake itinerary comprises nine days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. It includes five days trekking and four days driving. The brief itinerary is listed below:
- Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
- Day 2: Drive to Besisahar to Chame
- Day 3: Trek to Upper Pisang
- Day 4: Trek to Manang
- Day 5: Acclimatization in Manang village
- Day 5: Trek to Shree Kharka
- Day 6: Trek to Tilicho Base camp, Tilicho lake and return to Tilicho base camp
- Day 7: Trek to Manang
- Day 8: Drive back to Besisahar
- Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu
Elevation profile
The altitude chart shows that the highest elevation of Tilicho lake trek is Tilicho lake (4919 m) and the lowest elevation of Tilicho lake is Besisahar (760 m).
The Best time to visit Tilicho lake
The Best time to visit Tilicho lake is spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November). The moderate temperature and clear weather of Annapurna region is the major reason behind choosing these months and season. The appropriate timing for trekking to Tilicho is 15th March to 15th May and 15th September to 15th November.
January, February and early March remain snowy and cold in Tilicho thus we do not suggest trekkers to choose this time. Similarly, late May, June, July and early September is not favorable for trekking due to monsoon rain in Nepal. The foggy weather and slippery trail can be challenging in Tilicho trail.
How difficult is Tilicho Lake?
Tilicho lake trek is moderately difficult. The steep trail, uphills and downhills on alpine pasture of the Annapurna Conservation Area, offers adventure trekking with great view of mountains. There is high risk of altitude sickness after passing 2500 meter above sea level.
The major difficulties of Tilicho Lake are:
- Altitude sickness
- Steep and narrow trail
- Long walking days
- Unpredictable weather
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness may occur in elevation above 2500 m. Since Tilicho lake is located at 4919 m, there is high chance of altitude sickness during the trek. The low atmospheric pressure is major cause of this sickness. There are different preventive measures of altitude sickness:
- Keep the body hydrate by drinking enough water
- Walking slowly in an easy pace
- Using Dimox tablet form lower elevation
- Acclimatize by gaining altitude and descending to lower elevation
Steep and narrow trail
The Tilicho lake trail is steep and narrow which is dangerous if not walked with care. We should walk one by one taking care of the fragile landscape. The strong wind and fallen stones are risk of this narrow trail. We should be careful while walking through it.
Unpredictable weather
The Tilicho lake weather keeps on changing. We may face rainfall or snowfall during the trekking based on weather conditions. Trekkers should not miss their rain cover and poles which is helpful in changing atmospheric condition.
Limited accommodation:
There are limited accommodation in Tilicho base camp during peak season. Thousands of Nepali visit Tilicho lake during October which decrease the chance of getting single room and best place for night stay. We Should adjust with group or settle camp as well.
Conclusion: Tilicho lake Nepal
Tilicho lake is one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in the world. Beside some difficulties, the Tilicho trek offers a stunning beauty of mountains and landscape of Manang district Nepal. The snowcapped peaks and peaceful surrounding worth it. The unbelievable lake on such dry land is a miracle. We much vist it one in our lifetime.
