Beyond Khangsar the lodges are small and simple, and at the base lodge they are very basic. Good planning for food, warmth and weight makes the trek comfortable.
Lodges on the route
- Khangsar: a proper village with several lodges, a small shop and decent food.
- Shree Kharka: a few simple lodges, limited menus.
- Tilicho Base Camp: basic rooms, shared toilets, cold nights and limited supplies.
Rooms are small and unheated. Bring a warm sleeping bag. In busy weeks, lodges may fill up, so your guide should confirm space ahead.
Food
Expect dal bhat, noodles, soup, eggs, potatoes and tea. The higher you go, the shorter the menu. Appetite often drops with altitude, so choose foods you can eat. Snacks such as nuts, chocolate and biscuits help on the lake day.
Water and fuel
Boiled or treated water is a must. Purification tablets and filters are better than plastic bottles. Fuel is scarce, so showers, if available, are limited and cost extra.
Clothes
- Merino or synthetic base layers.
- Fleece or lightweight down mid-layer.
- A down jacket rated for sub-zero conditions.
- Windproof and waterproof shell jacket and trousers.
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves with liners.
- A buff or balaclava for wind.
- Sturdy boots and warm socks.
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about minus 15 degrees Celsius.
- Trekking poles.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Sunglasses with side protection and sunscreen.
- Water bottles or hydration bladder with insulation.
- Power bank and cables.
Health items
Carry blister care, basic painkillers, rehydration salts, your prescriptions and a small personal first-aid kit. Your guide will carry a group kit and a pulse oximeter.
Cash
There are limited places to spend money, but you need cash for meals, drinks, tips and emergencies. Bring more than you think you will need, in small notes.
Eating well for the lake day
Breakfast before an early start matters. Porridge, eggs and tea at 4 a.m. is better than no breakfast. Carry snacks you can eat with cold hands: nuts, chocolate, dried fruit and biscuits. A flask of warm sweet tea helps on the climb. Many people lose their appetite at the base lodge, so choose foods you like, and do not skip dinner.
Weight and what to leave in Manang
Many trekkers leave a bag at their Manang lodge and carry only what they need for the Tilicho loop. Lodges will store a bag for free or a small fee if you return, and this cuts weight on the exposed section. Pack for four nights, not the whole trek.
Warm sleeping at the base lodge
Nights at the base lodge are among the coldest of the Circuit. A sleeping bag liner, a hat, thermal base layers and a hot water bottle make a difference. Rooms may be damp, and condensation on the ceiling can drip. Keep your electronics warm inside the sleeping bag so batteries do not drain.
Common questions
Are there lodges at Tilicho Lake itself?
The usual overnight stop is the base lodge below the lake, not the lake itself. Facilities there are basic.
What sleeping bag do I need?
One rated to about minus 15 degrees Celsius is a good choice for the high lodges.
Is food available at Tilicho Base Camp?
Yes, simple meals such as dal bhat, noodles and tea, but choices are limited and prices are higher.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“Superb trek lead, fantastic experience, perfect weather prediction, had a great knowledge on all peaks.”
