Annapurna Circuit with or without Tilicho Lake

Adding Tilicho Lake to the Annapurna Circuit takes three extra days from Manang. You walk to Tilicho Base Camp at 4,150 m, climb to the lake at 4,919 m, and return to rejoin the main trail before the Thorong La. It is worth it if you have the days: the lake is one of the finest sights in Nepal, and the side trip improves your acclimatisation for the pass.

Circuit only and With Tilicho at a glance

• Days from Kathmandu. Circuit only: 12 to 16. With Tilicho: 15 to 19.
• Highest point. Circuit only: Thorong La, 5,416 m. With Tilicho: Thorong La, 5,416 m, after Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m.
• Extra days. Circuit only: none. With Tilicho: three.
• Hardest extra section. Circuit only: none. With Tilicho: the landslide traverse before base camp and the climb to the lake.
• Nights above 4,000 m. Circuit only: two or three. With Tilicho: four or five.
• Crowds. Circuit only: steady. With Tilicho: thinner beyond Khangsar.

How the side trip works

From Manang (3,540 m) the trail to Tilicho leaves the main circuit and climbs through Khangsar and Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp. The next morning you climb about 770 m to the lake, usually starting before dawn, and come back down to base camp or Shree Kharka the same day. From there a high trail cuts across to Yak Kharka on the main route, so you do not need to return to Manang. See the Tilicho Lake guides.

The landslide section

Between Shree Kharka and base camp the path crosses a long slope of loose scree, cut into steep hillside. It is narrow and exposed to falling stones, particularly on warm afternoons and in wind or rain. It is not technical, but it needs attention: cross early in the day, keep moving, leave gaps between people and do not stop in the gullies. After heavy snow the section can close.

The lake day

The climb from base camp is a steady grind on a zigzag trail, three to four hours up for most people. The lake appears suddenly: a long sheet of blue or, early in the season, ice, under the wall of Tilicho Peak (7,134 m) and the Grande Barriere. Wind usually rises by late morning and it is bitterly cold, so most people stay half an hour and descend.

Acclimatisation benefit

A climb to 4,919 m followed by a lower night is close to ideal preparation for the Thorong La. Trekkers who add Tilicho usually find the pass day noticeably easier. The condition is that you acclimatise properly first, with two nights in Manang before heading for base camp.

Season

October, November, April and May are best. In mid-winter the base camp lodges may close and the trail can be snowbound. In early spring the lake is still frozen and white. During the monsoon the landslide zone is at its most unstable.

Lodges and supplies on the Tilicho side

Lodges at Khangsar and Shree Kharka are comfortable. Tilicho Base Camp has only a few, and in October and April they fill early, with late arrivals sleeping in the dining room. Rooms are cold and the menu is short. Carry snacks, water treatment and enough cash, since there is no ATM beyond Manang and the one there cannot be relied on.

Choose Circuit only if

• You have 12 to 14 days in total.
• You are uneasy on narrow, exposed trails.
• There has been heavy snowfall or the lodges at base camp are closed.
• Someone in the group is struggling with altitude at Manang.

Choose With Tilicho if

• You can add three days.
• You want the best acclimatisation before the pass.
• You are steady on loose ground.
• You want a high lake as well as a high pass.

Can you do both?

The longer plan is the "both" option. A strong party can also cross from Tilicho to Jomsom by the Mesokanto La and skip the Thorong La, which is a harder, wilder route. See the Mesokanto La guides.

Plan it

See the Annapurna Circuit guides and Tilicho Lake, or ask us for both day-by-day plans.

Common questions

How many extra days does Tilicho Lake add?

Three days from Manang in a normal plan.

Is the Tilicho Lake trail dangerous?

The landslide section needs care and good timing. With a guide, an early start and dry conditions it is crossed safely by many trekkers every season.

Is Tilicho Lake higher than Annapurna Base Camp?

Yes. The lake is at 4,919 m; Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130 m.

Can I visit Tilicho without doing the whole circuit?

Yes. A jeep can take you towards Manang, and the lake can be done as a trek of about 8 to 10 days.

Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.