Tilicho Lake Trek

Drive to from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1960m)

The journey to Dharapani begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu, taking around 8-9 hours. Leaving the city behind, the landscape shifts dramatically. Lush valleys unfold, terraced fields climb the hillsides, and the road twists and turns through the mountains. The Marsyangdi River accompanies you with breathtaking views of nature. As you climb, the road gets rougher and bumpier, adding a touch of excitement to the journey. Dharapani, a charming village influenced by Tibetan culture, greets you with its warm hospitality and serene mountain ambiance. After the drive, rest at Dharapani and prepare for the trek ahead.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 8-9 hours drive Meal: Lunch Distance: Around 140km (drive)

Trek from Dharapani (1960m) to Chame (2670m)

The trek from Dharapani to Chame starts with a steady climb through dense pine and rhododendron forests, accompanied by the soothing sound of flowing rivers. The trail winds through charming villages like Bagarchhap and Timang, a beautiful village with traditional Tibetan-style houses and fluttering prayer flags adding a touch of cultural charm.

As you ascend, the views become increasingly stunning, with Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal towering in the distance. The journey to Chame gets more exciting as you cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and the surrounding visuals constantly change, from lush greenery to rugged terrain.

Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, awaits with its welcoming tea houses and natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing after a day of trekking. Hence, an ideal village to lie down with mountain serenity.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours scenic trek Meal: B.L.D Ascent: +710m Distance: Around 12km

Trek from Chame (2670m) to Pisang (3200m)

On Day 3, the trek from Chame (2,670 m) to Pisang (3,200 m) offers stunning views and a variety of landscapes. The trail begins with a gentle climb through pine forests and passes through traditional Tibetan villages and monasteries. As you ascend, the lush greenery gradually gives way to more barren, rocky terrain, providing panoramic views of Annapurna II (7,937 m) and other surrounding peaks.

The elevation gain offers a unique experience; you will encounter yaks grazing as you enter the alpine landscapes. Pisang, situated at 3,200 meters, is divided into Lower and Upper Pisang, with Upper Pisang offering the most breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. It provides a peaceful and traditional atmosphere, which makes it a perfect place to rest after a rewarding day of trekking. 

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: B.L.D Ascent: +530m Distance: Around 10km

Trek from Pisang (3200m) to Manang (3540m) via Ngawal

On Day 4, you’ll trek from Pisang (3,200 m) to Manang (3,540 m), a 6-7 hour journey through diverse landscapes. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna III and Gangapurna. As you move higher, the lush vegetation gives way to a more arid, desert-like environment, typical of the Manang Valley.

You’ll pass through villages like Hongde, Ngawal and Braga, where you can explore traditional Tibetan architecture and experience local culture. Ngawal is a charming village with traditional stone houses and small monasteries, providing a peaceful glimpse of local life. In Braga, the ancient monastery is a peaceful stop, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The altitude gain becomes more noticeable as you approach Manang. So it’s important to take your time and stay hydrated. At 3,540 meters, Manang is the largest settlement in the area, offering teahouses, shops, and even a small hospital. The village’s calm and welcoming atmosphere is a perfect spot to acclimatize before continuing the trek.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-7 hours trek Meal: B.L.D Ascent: +340 m Distance: Around 12km

Trek from Manang (3540m) to Khangsar (3740m)

On Day 5, you’ll trek from Manang (3,540 m) to Khangsar (3,740 m) in about 4-5 hours. The trail gradually ascends through a rocky and barren landscape, which offers expansive views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. As you move higher, the path becomes more remote with scattered houses and fields along the way.

Khangsar is a quiet, traditional village where life moves at a slower pace, providing a peaceful traditional lifestyle of the higher altitudes. The atmosphere here is calm and cool, with the stunning Himalayan backdrop making it an optimal location to rest and acclimatize.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours trek Meal: B.L.D Ascent: +200m Descent: -40m Distance: Around 8km

Trek from Khangsar (3740m) to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m)

Day 6 takes you from Khangsar (3,740 m) to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m), a 6-7 hour trek through rugged, high-altitude terrain. The trail gradually climbs through rocky paths, with increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Tilicho Peak (7,134 m). The landscape becomes more barren as you ascend, with fewer signs of vegetation and small seasonal settlements dotting the path.

As you pass high-altitude pastures, where yaks graze, the air grows thinner, and the altitude begins to affect your pace. So, take regular breaks, as it is essential for acclimatization. As you reach Tilicho Base Camp, the peaceful, heavenly setting, surrounded by breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, welcomes you. After a challenging day of trekking, Tilicho Base Camp serves as an ideal place to prepare for the final leg of the journey to the lake.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-7 hours trek Meal: B.L.D Ascent: +410m Distance: Around 12km

Trek from Tilicho Base Camp (4150m) to Tilicho Lake (4919m) & return

Day 7 is the pinnacle of this 10-day Tilicho Lake Trek, as you embark on a challenging hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and back to Base Camp (4,150 m). Starting early, the trek ascends steadily from the base camp, navigating rocky and icy terrain. The higher you climb, the more rugged the path becomes, offering increasingly stunning views of Tilicho Peak (7,134 m) and the surrounding mountains.

Upon reaching Tilicho Lake, the sight is truly awe-inspiring. The shimmering turquoise waters of the lake surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere. Standing at the world’s highest lake makes you realize time has stopped, with only the vast blue sky, cool breeze whispering, and absolute quietness of the mountains giving you company. 

The return journey is a mix of descending and adjusting to the altitude, which can be physically demanding. The entire round-trip hike takes 6–8 hours, depending on the pace and weather. Once back at Base Camp, you’ll have time to rest and reflect on the accomplishment of reaching one of the highest lakes in the world before preparing for the next stages of your trek.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-8 hours trek Meal: B.L.D Ascent: +769 m Descent: -769m Distance: Around 14km round trip

Trek from Tilicho Base Camp (4150m) to Manang (3540m)

On Day 8, you’ll descend from Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m) to Manang (3,540 m), a journey of 5–6 hours through rugged yet familiar terrain. The descent is less demanding but still requires careful footing on rocky paths. As you trek, the barren, high-altitude landscapes gradually transition into the more vibrant Manang Valley.

The trail offers stunning views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna, with opportunities to pause and appreciate the beauty around you. Passing through Khangsar village, you can take a short break before continuing to Manang. Arriving in Manang feels comforting, with its welcoming teahouses and lively atmosphere.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: B.L.D Descent: -610m Distance: Around 12km

Trek from Manang (3540m) to Chame (2670m)

Day 9 takes you from Manang (3,540 m) to Chame (2,670 m), a 6-7 hour walk, and the trail gently winds down, and the thinner air of the high altitudes is replaced by a richer, more breathable atmosphere. As you move through pine forests and cross rushing rivers, the towering peaks of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal continue to grace the horizon.

Passing through familiar villages, you’ll feel a connection to the path you’ve traveled. The descent is steady, offering time to reflect on the journey so far. This is your last day at Mountain Lodge; you can enjoy your day with trip members. 

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: B.L.D Descent: -870m Distance: Around 16km

Drive from Chame (2670m) to Kathmandu

On Day 10, you’ll journey back to Kathmandu with a long 7-8 hour drive following the same highway. The road winds through lush valleys, dense forests, and alongside rushing rivers, offering a last look at the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. As you descend, the crisp mountain air gives way to a warmer, more tropical climate, and the landscapes transition to terraced fields and bustling villages. Reaching Besisahar marks the end of your 10-day Tilicho Lake trek, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.

The change in scenery from the high mountains to the lush countryside marks the end of your Himalayan adventure. As you approach Kathmandu, the tranquility of the rural landscape slowly fades, replaced by the rising hum of city life, the once peaceful surroundings giving way to the busy rhythm of the urban world. Finally, you will leave the Kingdom of Mountains, Nepal, knowing that the memories will stay with you long after.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 7-8 hours drive Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Distance: Around 140km