Tilicho Lake Trek

Tilicho Lake trek is a beautiful and adventurous trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The lake is at a very high altitude, 4,919 meters. It is one of the high lakes in the world. The water of the lake is blue, clear, and at its center, there are big snowy mountain ranges. 
The difficulty level of this trek is medium to hard, which means one walks on this trek for many hours. This trek can be completed within 12-13 days.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Chame (Drive) 

You take a drive from Kathmandu to Chame. It takes around 8-10 hours. During the journey, you can see the green hills, rivers, waterfalls, farms, and small villages. Slowly, you can start seeing big mountains too. You drive along the Marsyandi River. You will stay one night at Chame, a small town. 

Day 2: Chame to Upper Pisang

You begin your trek today. You go on a 5-6 hour trek. There are pine trees, suspension bridges, fresh, cool air, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal. The mountains look close by and large. You will be in the village of Upper Pisang. 

Day 3: Upper Pisang to Manang 

You trek for 5-6 hours to Manang. The scenery changes, and it is dry and rocky. It looks like a kind of mountain desert. You will see prayer flags, stone houses, and small monasteries. You can also see Gangapurna Glacier and Annapurna III. Manang is a beautiful village, surrounded by mountains. 

Day 4: Rest day in Manang 

You stay in Manang to give Rest to  your body. You may go on a day hike to Ice Lake or an observation point. There are views of the glaciers, snowcapped mountains, and valleys. This is an important part of your trip to ensure you do not experience altitude sickness. 

Day 5: Manang to Shree Kharka 

You walk for around 4-5 hours. The trail is quite narrow in some areas. The place is more remote and peaceful. You see huge open valleys and strong winds from the mountains. The mountains seem very strong. You will overnight at Shree Kharka. 

Day 6: Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp 

This day is more difficult. Today you walk for 4-6 hours. There is an area where there has been a landslide, and the track is rocky to walk on. Keep an eye out for your footing. The view is quite dramatic and untamed. You can feel the high altitude here too. Tilicho Base Camp is surrounded by huge cliffs and snow-covered mountains. 

Day 7: Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake and Back to Base Camp 

This is the most important day. You wake up early and walk for 3-4 hours uphill to Tilicho Lake. The day's climb is steep and the air is thin. The moment you reach the lake, you will see the lake shining with a bright blue color. The lake is surrounded by snow mountain ranges. People feel a sense of pride at this location. After spending some time at the lake, you will head back towards Base Camp. 

Day 8: Tilicho Base Camp to Manang 

You return to Manang by walking. Hiking downhill is easier. It is easier to breathe, and you feels energized. You enjoy the views of the mountains. Stay overnight at Manang. 

Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka 

"It takes you about 4 or 5 hours of walking, and you gradually go up in altitude. You small plants of alpine vegetation. It is quiet, cold, and you are surrounded by mountains on all sides. Yak Kharka is where you stay." 

 Day 10 – Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi 

The walk to Thorong Phedi takes 4 to 5 hours. Yak Kharka is your base before moving to Thorong La Pass. The place is cold with thin air. The purpose of resting at the place is to prepare yourself because the following day is not easy. 

Day 11: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass and then to Muktinath 

This is the most challenging and longest day. You have to start very early in the morning. You will go up to Thorong La Pass, which is at a height of 5,416 meters. It will take you 7-9 hours to reach Muktinath. During this time, you will witness beautiful views of the Himalayas all around you. Then, you will start trekking downhill to reach Muktinath. Muktinath is a very famous temple site. You will be very proud of yourself for completing this very big challenge. 

Day 12: Muktinath to Pokhara  

Next, you will head down towards Pokhara from Muktinath by car. Along the way, you will see a change from barren mountains to green hills as well as rivers. Pokhara is a warm place, which is comfortable after many days in the mountains. You can relax near the lake, savoring your success.   

The best seasons to visit are: 

• Spring: The season starts from March to May, which means that at this time, the climate is clear with flowers blooming. 
• Autumn (September to November) - Blue skies, best views of mountains. 
• Extremely cold weather prevails during winter and snow. 
• Monsoons cause heavy rainfall and landslides.

Difficulty 

The difficulty level of this trek is quite high, and one needs to be on their feet for at least between 5 to 8 hours per day. Not only is it quite high, but it is quite rocky too. Fitness level is quite vitally important for this trek, and acclimatization too can help one avoid altitude sickness. 

Trekker’s Tips  

• Walk slowly and take rest. 
• Drink a lot of water. 
• Wear warm clothes and good shoes. 
• Start walking early in the morning. 
• Listen to your guide. 

Tilicho Lake trek is very beautiful and exciting. You see big mountains, blue clear lake, and snowy peaks all around. The trek is a little hard, but if you walk slowly and stay strong, you can finish it. When you reach the lake and cross the high pass, you feel very happy and proud. It is a big adventure in the Himalayas and gives you memories for life. If you want a safe and happy trip, you can choose Trekkers Home to guide you and make your journey comfortable and special.