The Tilicho Lake trek is normally a four-to-six-day loop or side trip starting from Manang. The schedule below is the pace we suggest for trekkers who are already acclimatised at Manang. Altitudes are approximate and lodge names change; your guide will confirm stopping points on the day.
The principle: climb high, sleep carefully
Use the numbers below to plan, not to measure. Maps, watches and lodge boards rarely agree to the metre.
Your body must already be adapted to about 3,500 m before attempting Tilicho. The lake day involves a climb of about 800 m from the base lodge in a few hours, followed by a descent. Plan the route so that you sleep no higher than the base lodge, and return there for the night.
Day by day
- Day 1: Manang to Khangsar (about 3,540 m to 3,734 m). A short, scenic day. Khangsar is the last real village on the route and has lodges, a small monastery and big views.
- Day 2: Khangsar to Shree Kharka or Siri Kharka (about 4,050 m). A steady climb with fewer trees. Shree Kharka is a small seasonal settlement.
- Day 3: Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (about 4,150 m). A short distance, but one that crosses landslide-prone and exposed sections. Guides check conditions before and after.
- Day 4: Tilicho Base Camp to the lake and back (about 4,919 m). A very early start, around 4 or 5 a.m. The climb takes about 3 to 4 hours, with 45 minutes to an hour at the lake, and 2 to 3 hours down. Return to the base camp for the night.
- Day 5: Return to Manang or continue. Most itineraries retrace the route through Shree Kharka and Khangsar, or use the alternative Yak Kharka link toward the Thorong La side.
- Day 6 (optional): Spare day. Keep this in your plan. Weather, rockfall and altitude can shift schedules.
The Mesokanto La exit
Instead of returning to Manang, some experienced trekkers cross Mesokanto La, at about 5,099 m, from the base camp to Jomsom side. It is a very long and demanding day and requires a stable weather window. See our Mesokanto La guide.
Fitting it into the Circuit
Tilicho normally adds three to four days to the Circuit if you take it as a loop from Manang and return the same way. Put it after your Manang rest day and before Yak Kharka and Thorong La, not after, because the lake day is harder than many people expect. Our 16-day Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake package shows how we usually arrange this.
Pace and rest
- Do not rush the first two days; they set up the third.
- Eat well at Khangsar and Shree Kharka, where menus are good but choices narrow higher up.
- If anyone has a headache or poor appetite at base camp, take a rest day rather than climbing.
- Leave extra time on the return in case of landslide delays.
Sample combined schedule
- Besisahar start, 18 to 20 days in total including Tilicho and Thorong La.
- Chame start by jeep, about 13 to 15 days in total.
- Manang-only version for trekkers already acclimatised: 5 to 6 days return.
Common questions
How many days for Tilicho Lake from Manang?
Plan four to five days for a return trip, plus one spare day for weather.
Should I do Tilicho before or after Thorong La?
Before. The lake day is harder than it looks, and Manang is the best place to prepare for it.
Can I do Tilicho as a day trip from Manang?
No. It is too far and too high. You need to stay at least one night near the base lodge.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“Our guide, Mr. Garba Rai, was incredibly helpful, fun, and supportive throughout the journey.”
