Tilicho Lake vs Gokyo Lakes trek

Tilicho Lake is a single large lake at 4,919 m in the Annapurna region, reached by road and trail through Manang in 8 to 12 days. Gokyo is a chain of lakes at about 4,700 to 5,000 m in the Everest region, reached by a flight to Lukla and 11 to 13 days of trekking, with the Gokyo Ri viewpoint above. Choose Gokyo for Everest views; choose Tilicho to avoid the flight.

Tilicho Lake and Gokyo Lakes at a glance

• Region. Tilicho Lake: Annapurna (Manang). Gokyo Lakes: Everest (Khumbu).
• Height. Tilicho Lake: 4,919 m. Gokyo Lakes: Gokyo village about 4,790 m; Gokyo Ri 5,357 m.
• Days. Tilicho Lake: 8 to 12. Gokyo Lakes: 11 to 13.
• Access. Tilicho Lake: jeep up the Marsyangdi valley. Gokyo Lakes: flight to Lukla.
• Nearby viewpoint. Tilicho Lake: none higher than the lake rim. Gokyo Lakes: Gokyo Ri, with four 8,000 m peaks in view.
• Where you sleep. Tilicho Lake: base camp at 4,150 m, lake visited by day. Gokyo Lakes: in Gokyo village beside the third lake.

The lakes themselves

Tilicho is one sheet of water about four kilometres long, held in a basin of scree and ice below Tilicho Peak. You look down on it from a windy rim and do not stay long. Gokyo is a series of lakes strung along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You walk beside the first three, sleep by the third and can walk on to the fourth and fifth. The water at both is a vivid blue-green in autumn and frozen in winter.

The mountains around them

Gokyo has the stronger hand: from Gokyo Ri you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Tilicho's setting is the north side of the Annapurna range, with Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri and the Grande Barriere close above, and Gangapurna and Annapurna III on the walk in.

Access and reliability

Tilicho needs no flight, only a long, rough jeep ride. Gokyo depends on Lukla flights and their weather. If your dates are tight, that counts for Tilicho.

Difficulty

Both are high. Gokyo's altitude gain is quick, and the valley has a record of altitude illness among people who rush it. Tilicho has the landslide traverse. Each needs acclimatisation days: at Namche and Machhermo for Gokyo, at Manang for Tilicho.

Lodges and crowds

Gokyo village has several good lodges with lake views, and the trail is moderately busy. Tilicho Base Camp has few lodges and fills in peak weeks. Manang, on the way, is comfortable.

Season

October to November and March to May for both. Gokyo is the more reliable in winter, as its lodges stay open; Tilicho Base Camp may close.

Extending each trek

Gokyo extends over the Cho La to Everest Base Camp or over the Renjo La to Thame. Tilicho extends over the Thorong La to Muktinath or over the Mesokanto La to Jomsom.

Choose Tilicho Lake if

• You want to avoid mountain flights.
• You like the dry Manang landscape.
• You may add the Thorong La.
• You have about ten days.

Choose Gokyo Lakes if

• You want to see Everest.
• You want to sleep beside a high lake.
• You want a great viewpoint as well.
• You can allow spare days for flights.

Plan it

See the Tilicho Lake guides and Gokyo Lakes, or ask us for both plans.

Common questions

Which is higher, Tilicho or Gokyo?

Tilicho Lake, at 4,919 m, is higher than Gokyo village at about 4,790 m. Gokyo Ri, the viewpoint, is higher than both at 5,357 m.

Which trek is harder?

They are similar. Gokyo is longer; Tilicho has the more awkward trail.

Which is more crowded?

Gokyo, slightly.

Can you swim in either?

No. Both are sacred to local people, and the water is close to freezing.

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