Tilicho Lake vs Ice Lake from Manang: which side trip?

Ice Lake, also called Kicho Tal, is a day hike from Braga or Manang to about 4,600 m and back, taking six to eight hours. Tilicho Lake is a three-day side trip to 4,919 m with nights at Tilicho Base Camp. Ice Lake fits any Annapurna Circuit plan as the acclimatisation day; Tilicho needs extra days and gives the bigger experience.

Tilicho Lake and Ice Lake at a glance

• Time needed. Tilicho Lake: one day. Ice Lake: three days.
• Height. Tilicho Lake: about 4,600 m. Ice Lake: 4,919 m.
• Climb from the valley. Tilicho Lake: about 1,100 m in a day. Ice Lake: about 1,400 m over two days.
• Sleeping. Tilicho Lake: back in Manang or Braga. Ice Lake: Tilicho Base Camp, 4,150 m.
• Trail. Tilicho Lake: steep but safe hillside path. Ice Lake: includes an exposed landslide section.
• The view. Tilicho Lake: Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak across the valley. Ice Lake: the lake itself beneath Tilicho Peak.

Ice Lake

The trail starts near Braga, a short walk below Manang, and climbs steeply up the north side of the valley on a dry, sunny hillside. There are two lakes: a small one first, then Kicho Tal itself, set in a brown, treeless bowl. The lakes are modest. The reward is the view behind you, a full line of the Annapurnas from Annapurna II to Tilicho Peak, with Gangapurna's glacier pouring towards Manang. It is one of the best acclimatisation hikes in Nepal: you go high and sleep low. See the Ice Lake guides.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho is a destination in its own right, a large lake in a wild basin of ice and rock at nearly 5,000 m. Reaching it means two days of walking from Manang, a night at a remote base camp and an early climb. It feels far more like an expedition than a day walk. See the Tilicho Lake guides.

Which helps acclimatisation more?

Both help. Ice Lake does the job in a day and is enough for most people crossing the Thorong La. Tilicho gives more time high and a higher point, so those who add it usually feel stronger on the pass. Neither should be attempted on your first day in Manang: sleep one night there first.

Season and conditions

Ice Lake faces south and loses its snow early, so it is often walkable when Tilicho is closed. In winter the lake is frozen and the wind is fierce. Tilicho is best from October to November and April to May.

What to carry

For Ice Lake take two litres of water, lunch, sun cream, a windproof jacket and a warm layer: there is one small tea shop part-way in season and nothing else. For Tilicho add a sleeping bag liner or warm bag, a head torch for the pre-dawn start, microspikes if there is snow, and snacks for two days.

How Manang fits in

Manang is the hub for both. It has good lodges, bakeries, a small cinema, gear shops and a health post run in season by volunteer doctors, who give a daily talk on altitude that is well worth attending. Spending two or three nights here is normal and is the main reason most people cross the Thorong La without trouble. See the Manang guides.

Other short hikes from Manang

If Ice Lake sounds too much, shorter options include the walk to Gangapurna Lake and the viewpoint above it, the cave of Milarepa across the river, and the old monastery at Braga. Each takes two to four hours and still helps the body adjust.

Choose Tilicho Lake if

• You can add three days to the circuit.
• You want a major high lake.
• You are comfortable on loose, exposed paths.
• You like a remote night at base camp.

Choose Ice Lake if

• You have only the standard rest day in Manang.
• You want maximum acclimatisation for minimum time.
• You prefer a safe trail and a warm bed in Manang.
• Tilicho is closed by snow.

Can you do both?

Yes. A common plan is Ice Lake on the acclimatisation day, then Tilicho over the following three days. It makes four days around Manang and the best possible preparation for the Thorong La.

Plan it

See rest-day hikes from Manang, or ask us to build either lake into your circuit.

Common questions

How long is the Ice Lake hike?

Six to eight hours return from Braga or Manang, with about 1,100 m of climbing.

Is Ice Lake worth it?

Yes, mainly for the view of the Annapurna range and for acclimatisation.

Which lake is higher?

Tilicho, at 4,919 m, is about 300 m higher than Ice Lake.

Can beginners do Ice Lake?

Fit beginners can, after a night in Manang. It is steep, so go slowly and turn back if you feel unwell.

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