Tilicho Lake Trek- 6 Days for Himalayan Escape

Jeep Ride to Manang:

Pokhara to Manang Route: Besisahar – Chame – Manang (via rough jeep trails)

Duration: 10–12 hours over 2 days, depending on road and weather

Road Conditions: Bumpy, dusty, prone to landslides during the monsoon.

Tilicho Trek Overview

• Starting Point: Khangsar (approximately 11 km from Manang)
• Distance: Manang to Tilicho Base Camp is 11 km
• Duration: 5–7 hours of trekking
• Ending Point: Walk back slowly to Shree Kharka
• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Lake – 4,919 meters (16,138 ft)
• Total Pokhara to Tilicho Lake Distance: Approximately 150+ km by jeep plus 25-30 km of trekking

The best time for the Pokhara to Tilicho Lake trek is when the weather is stable and the views are clear. The Manang weather conditions are most favorable during pre-monsoon spring (March-May) and post-monsoon autumn (late September-early November), considered the best windows for the trek and adventurous Pokhara to Manang jeep drive.

• Spring (March–May): 

Spring highlights include blooming rhododendrons, lush landscapes, and easy-to-travel conditions with long daylight hours. Manang's weather during spring is mild, followed by chilly nights with temperatures around 10°C to 20°C during the day. If you're keen about colorful trails with balanced climate and good visibility on your Pokhara to Tilicho Lake adventure, this is the right time for you.

• Autumn (Sept–Nov): 

Autumn comes with the best Manang weather and stable conditions suited for the Manang to Tilicho Base Camp journey. The panoramic views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak are the major highlights, with crisp and cool weather of around 5°C to 15°C in Manang. The chances of rain are minimal with high visibility. The trail is dry, with roads ideal for the Pokhara to Manang jeep ride. If you want a safe adventure with fewer weather-related risks, autumn is the ideal season for your Pokhara to Tilicho Lake journey.

• Monsoon (June–Aug):  

While some people with a thing for risky adventure might enjoy a monsoon trip, it is not recommended for beginners and inexperienced trekkers. It is also not recommended because of safety concerns and logistical complications.

Caution: Jeep Tracks are prone to landslides. The visibility is low with the presence of  leeches in the  lower trails

• Winter (Dec–Feb):  

This season is also not recommended for beginners because of the risk of the temperature dropping drastically and heavy snowfall blocking the Tilicho Base Camp. The temperature near Tilicho Base Camp often goes below -15°C during winter. 

Caution: There is a high risk of snow-covered paths past Manang, making it impossible to walk further. 

• Manang Jeep Tour Accommodation: Accommodation during the Pokhara to Manang jeep journey mainly consists of teahouses and lodges en route with basic facilities. Depending on road conditions, destinations may include Besisahar, Chame, or Pisang.
• Trekking Section: Lodges available in Khangsar, Shree Kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp on your Manang to Tilicho Base Camp trek. There is no running water at high altitudes, with a very limited power supply.
• Note: No lodge exists at Tilicho Lake itself; it is a day hike from the base camp.

• Warm layers (thermal wear, insulated jacket, gloves, hat)
• Trekking boots or sturdy walking shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen & lip balm
• Water bottle + purification tablets
• Personal toiletries & quick-dry towel
• Small backpack for daily essentials  
• Power bank/solar charger
• Travel insurance documentation
• First aid kit and any personal medications 

Permits Required for Trekking

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
• Where to Get: Kathmandu or Pokhara (via registered agencies or Tourism Board)

Book With Us & Get Your Permits

This Pokhara to Tilicho Lake journey is more than just mountain views, as it takes you through one of the most diverse ecological regions of Nepal. Since Tilicho Lake and Manang lie in the Annapurna Conservation Area, the biodiversity is protected. As you move from sub-alpine to alpine zones, you experience a drastic shift in biodiversity. From mosses clinging to stone to bright eyes making eye contact from a distant ridge, you are never truly alone in this diverse land.

A  journey through Himalayan Flora

The plants that grow through the way are your guide to the mountains. As the vegetations shift with every step you take, the whispering pines and alpine blooms will all be part of your journey.

• Lower Elevations ( 800m to 2600m)

In the lower elevations, the forests are covered with pine and oak trees. In spring, the paths are covered in Rhododendron blooms, and other vegetation such as pine, ferns, and orchids are found as you walk by.

• Mid Elevations ( 2600m to 3500m)

The mid-hills feature temperate mixed forests that are dominated by the evergreen Juniper bushes, birch, and maple trees. The summers and spring look extra beautiful with wildflowers in their best. This zone is also known for medicinal herbs like Yarsagumba, Jatamansi, etc.

• Higher Elevations (3500m to 4500m)

In this alpine land, the plants are usually clinging to life. You’ll notice mosses, lichen, and soft cushiony fungus-like plants in between rocks. Plants like Juniper, dwarf rhododendrons, caragana shrubs, and edelweiss might also be visible here.

• Above 4500m

Tilicho Lake lies at almost 5000m, where nature survives in its extreme form. The hardiest life can be seen here, like lichens, mosses, and occasional sightings of snow lotus. The lake is bordered by nothing but rock and ice.

Birds and Wildlife of the Himalayas

The living wilderness of the Himalayas, among the dense forests and alpine meadows, is home to a community of life living in these mountains. From the fluttering Himalayan Monals to the Snow Leopards glaring at you, every moment holds a story because here silence is four-legged and in feathered wings. You may encounter:

• Himalayan Monal might appear soaking up the sun with its dazzling feathers. Its graceful walk is what you want to witness while you are here.
• Snow Pigeons are found in the mountain monasteries or rocky terrain in a camouflaged appearance.
• Snow Leopard, known as the ghost of the mountains, is rarely seen.
• Blue Sheep(Bharal) are commonly spotted in the Himalayan zones and are also the primary prey of the Snow Leopard.
• Musk deer are shy herbivores living in forested areas, and their scent glands were once used to make perfumes.

• The Pokhara to Manang jeep ride takes about two days and can be bumpy and rough. Prepare accordingly with comfortable clothing and motion sickness remedies.

• Make sure you have permits like ACAP and TIMS before starting your Pokhara to Tilicho Lake journey.

• It's important to spend a day or two in Manang for proper altitude acclimatization before trekking to Manang to Tilicho Base Camp.

• The trek from Manang to Tilicho Lake usually takes three to five days, passing through Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp.

• Start your trek early each day, as the trail can be risky with loose rocks and landslides in the afternoon.

• Bring warm clothes, basic trekking gear, and altitude medicine, as Tilicho Lake's extreme altitude demands proper preparation.

Choose us as your adventure partner for the 6-day Manang jeep tour and Pokhara to Tilicho Lake trek. With our deep local knowledge, expert guides, and accessible logistics, we ensure you get the best and safest high-altitude adventure even in a short itinerary. From Pokhara to Manang jeep rides to Tilicho's breathtaking shores, we handle everything: permits, transport, lodge bookings, and constant support from our Pokhara base. Contact Trip Pokhara for a hassle-free, personalized, and unforgettable Manang to Tilicho Base Camp experience.

Contact Us

Tilicho Lake is located in the Manang district of Gandaki Province, in the Annapurna region of north-central Nepal.

Reasonable fitness is enough. Daily walks last 5–7 hours but at a manageable pace.

Tilicho Lake is the highest point at 4,919m. We allow proper acclimatization in Manang.

Yes, but power supply can be limited. A power bank is highly recommended.

Absolutely! Most lodges offer veg and non-veg Nepali and Tibetan-style meals.

Limited in higher areas. Some lodges offer Wi-Fi for an extra cost.

Clean and basic lodges with shared facilities. Some have hot showers (extra charge).

Yes, you can leave your non-essential luggage safely at your hotel in Pokhara.

March–May and September–November offer the best weather and clear views.

Definitely! We can adjust the route, duration, and accommodations based on your group’s preferences.

Yes, it's a moderate trek with jeep access. Some trekking experience is helpful but not required.

Yes! Many trekkers continue over Thorong La Pass to Jomsom, turning it into a longer Annapurna Circuit trek.

While not mandatory, a local guide is highly recommended for navigation, safety on landslide-prone sections, and altitude management.

Tilicho Lake is special as it reflects the sky and surrounding mountains, creating mirror-like images and dramatic color contrasts, especially at sunrise.

The Manang to Tilicho Base Camp distance is approximately 11 km, which takes 5–7 hours of trekking. Most trekkers stop overnight at Khangsar along the way for better acclimatization.

Yes, Manang is definitely worth visiting. This Himalayan village offers stunning views of the Annapurna peaks and rich Tibetan-influenced culture. It's the perfect blend of natural beauty and tradition, and serves as an ideal rest stop on your Pokhara to Tilicho Lake adventure.

The total Pokhara to Tilicho Lake distance is approximately 150+ km by jeep on the Pokhara to Manang route, plus 25-30 km of trekking round trip from Khangsar to Tilicho Lake. The journey combines both vehicle and trekking experiences for a complete Himalayan adventure.