Tilicho Lake Trek- 6 Days for Himalayan Escape

Jeep Ride to Manang:

Route: Besisahar – Chame – Manang (via rough jeep trails)
Duration: 10–12 hours, depending on road and weather
Road Conditions: Bumpy, dusty, prone to landslides during the monsoon.

Tilicho Trek Overview

• Starting Point: Khangsar (Drive to Khangsar)
• Ending Point: Walk back slowly to Shree Kharka
• Maximum Altitude: Tilicho Lake – 4,919 meters (16,138 ft)

The best time for the Tilicho Lake trek is when the weather is stable and the views are clear. Usually, the pre-monsoon spring (March-May) and post-monsoon autumn (late September-early November) are considered the best windows for the trek and adventurous off-road jeep ride.

• Spring (March–May): 

The spring highlights are blooming rhododendrons, lush landscapes, and easy-to-travel kind of long daylight hours. The weather is mild, followed by chilly nights with the temperature of around 10o to 20°C during the day in Manang. If you're keen about colorful trails, a balanced climate with good visibility, this is the right time for you.

• Autumn (Sept–Nov): 

Autumn comes with the best weather and stable conditions suited for the journey. The panoramic views of the Annapurna, Gangapurna, and  Tilicho Peak are the major highlights, with crisp and cool weather of around 50 to 15 °C in Manang. The chances of rain are very minimal with high visibility. The trail is dry, with roads being ideal for the jeep ride. If you want a safe adventure with fewer weather-related risks, Autumn is the ideal season for your 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. 

• Jeep Tour: Accommodation during the trip mainly consists of Teahouses/lodges en route (basic facilities). Depending on the conditions of the road, the destination could be Besisahar, Chame, or Pisang.

• Trekking Section: Lodges available in Khangsar, Shree Kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp. There is no running water at high altitudes, with very limited power.

• Note: No lodge at Tilicho Lake, and it is a day hike from 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 journey is more than just mountain views, but 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. Also, as you move from sub-alpine deserts to the alpine deserts, you experience a drastic shift in biodiversity. From mosses clinging to the stone to bright eyes making eye contact with you 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 jeep ride from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Manang takes about two days and can be bumpy and rough.
• Make sure you have permits like the ACAP and TIMS before starting the journey.
• It's important to spend a day or two in Manang to help your body adjust to the altitude.
• The trek from Manang to Tilicho Lake usually takes three to five days and passes through Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp if you start from Manang.
• 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 is very high and the weather can be harsh.

Choose us as your adventure partner for the 6-day Manang Jeep Tour and Tilicho Lake Trek. With our deep local knowledge, expert guides, and accessible logistics, we make sure you get the best and safest high-altitude adventure even in a short itinerary. From jeep rides to Tilicho’s breathtaking shores, we handle everything: permits, transport, lodge bookings, and constant support from our Pokhara base. Choose a registered agency for a hassle-free, personalized, and unforgettable Himalayan 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.

Tilicho Base Camp is about 11 km (5–7 hours) trekking distance from Manang. Most trekkers stop overnight at Khangsar along the way for better acclimatization.

Yes, Manang is worth visiting. This Himalayan village offers stunning views of the Annapurna peaks, a rich Tibetan-influenced culture. It is a perfect blend of natural beauty, tradition, and trekking rest stop charm.