Tilicho Lake fills a basin roughly 4 km long at 4,919 m, fed by the glaciers that pour off the north side of Tilicho Peak at 7,134 m and the Grande Barrière ridge. Its water is a deep blue-grey in autumn, and for much of the winter and spring it is frozen solid and dusted with snow. It is often described as one of the highest lakes of its size in the world, and the setting, ringed by ice walls and scree, is wilder than anywhere on the main circuit.
The route leaves the Annapurna Circuit at Manang and heads west through Khangsar village at 3,734 m to the summer settlement of Shree Kharka at 4,060 m. From there a narrow trail crosses a long, steep slope of loose scree and landslide debris above the Khangsar Khola gorge to Tilicho Base Camp at 4,150 m. This is the most serious section, with rockfall risk and drops below the path. Next morning trekkers climb about 770 m on switchbacks to the lake and return the same day.
Tilicho also has a place in Hindu tradition. Some identify it with the Kak Bhusundi lake mentioned in the Ramayana, and Hindu pilgrims occasionally make the journey for that reason. For most visitors, though, the appeal is the scale and silence. Adding Tilicho to the circuit means 2–3 extra days, extra time above 4,000 m that helps acclimatisation for Thorong La, and one of the hardest single days of any classic Nepal trek.
What to see and do
- The lake under Tilicho Peak
Tilicho Peak at 7,134 m and the ice cliffs of the Grande Barrière drop almost directly into the lake's southern shore. In October the water is open and dark blue, reflecting the snow; from about December to April it is a white plain of ice. The basin's size is hard to grasp until you see people on the shore.
- Crossing the landslide slope
Between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp the trail traverses a huge slope of loose scree and eroded cliffs for about an hour. It is narrow, with steep drops into the gorge and occasional rockfall. Walking early, keeping gaps between people and not stopping under overhangs keeps the risk low.
- Khangsar, the last village
Khangsar at 3,734 m is a small Tibetan-style village of stone houses, chortens and barley fields, about 2–3 hours west of Manang. Its old gompa and narrow lanes see far fewer trekkers than Manang. Beyond Khangsar there are no permanent villages, only lodges at Shree Kharka and base camp.
- Blue sheep on the scree
The slopes around Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp are home to herds of bharal, the Himalayan blue sheep. They graze surprisingly steep ground and are often seen in the early morning and late afternoon. Snow leopards hunt them in this region, though sightings by trekkers are very rare.
- Extra acclimatisation for Thorong La
Sleeping at 4,060–4,150 m and climbing to 4,919 m gives your body a strong altitude workout before Thorong La. Trekkers who come back from Tilicho in good shape often find the pass easier. It only works, however, if you are already well adjusted after a proper rest at Manang.
Experiences in Tilicho Lake
How to reach Tilicho Lake
On foot
From Manang: walk to Khangsar and Shree Kharka at 4,060 m in about 4–5 hours, then to Tilicho Base Camp at 4,150 m in 3–4 hours over the landslide section. Climb to the lake in 3–4 hours the next morning. Return to Shree Kharka or base camp, then rejoin the circuit at Yak Kharka via Old Khangsar.
Road
Jeeps reach Manang from Besisahar in about 9–10 hours, and a rough track has been pushed some way towards Khangsar in recent seasons. There is no road to the lake. If you drive to Manang, rest there for at least two nights before heading towards Tilicho.
Helicopter
Private helicopter flights to Tilicho are possible in clear weather, mainly for rescue or scenic charters from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Landing at 4,919 m involves strict payload limits and short ground time. Anyone arriving by air without acclimatisation is at high risk of altitude sickness and should stay only minutes.
Where to stay
There is no lodge at the lake itself. Trekkers sleep at Tilicho Base Camp, 4,150 m, where a few lodges offer dormitories, some twin rooms and a shared dining room, or at Shree Kharka, 4,060 m, with a handful of teahouses. Both are basic, with shared toilets, limited hot water and cold rooms; in October they can be very crowded, and overflow guests sleep on dining-room benches. Khangsar has a few small family lodges. We book ahead in peak season and bring a sleeping bag rated to −15 °C for these nights.
Tips from our trip managers
- Cross the landslide section between Shree Kharka and base camp early in the morning, before sun and wind loosen rocks.
- Keep a few metres between walkers on the scree slope and never stop to rest beneath overhanging cliffs.
- Start the climb from base camp to the lake by 5–6 am, since cloud and wind often build by late morning.
- Bring microspikes in late autumn and spring, when the switchbacks to the lake can be icy.
- Do not go to Tilicho on the day after arriving in Manang; spend at least one acclimatisation night first.
