Trekking to the Tilicho Lake is one of the rewarding and challenging trips in your lifetime that follows the eastern portion of the world-classic Annapurna Circuit and climb Tilicho base camp. The highest lake trip includes the river valleys, villages, high mountains, mountain passes, glaciers, temples and monasteries.

Tilicho Lake is a challenging trek that takes you on a breathtaking adventure to one of the worlds highest lakes in transcendent mountain setting. This is a fascinating trek that is both strenuous and rewarding! The Tilicho Lake Trek follows the eastern portion of the world-classic Annapurna Circuit with an unforgettable odyssey through diverse and a blend of unique ethnicities along the way. The mountains on display on Tilicho Lake Trek include Annapurna I, 8,091m (26,545ft) the 10th highest mountain in the world and first over 8,000 m to have been climbed. The French summit it in 1950. Additional peaks featured here are Dhaulagiri, 8,167m (26,7795ft), worlds 7th highest, Manaslu, 8,163m (26,781ft), worlds 8th highest, and Machhapuchhre, 6,993m (22,943ft), a beautiful and sacred mountain that is off limits to climbing.

Our Tilicho Lake Trek stats with a day drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule then we follow the Marsyangdi River Valley on the classic Annapurna Circuit Trail  till Manang Village then we trek another 2 days to reach the Tilicho Base Camp- the destination of our journey. Once we explore the lake then we retrace and again follow the circuit route to Jomsom and take short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, the charming lakeside town with views of the Himalaya.

The highlights of the Tilicho trip is the world highest lake tilicho that lees at the elevation of 4900 M, the Thorung La pass at 5,416m (17,769ft), adjoining glacier below Tilicho Peak, the ancient temple of Muktinath, a pilgrimage destination, and age-old villages with traditional lifestyles. There is much to explore as we discover the Tilicho Lake Trek and all of its treasures with a good chance to see a herd of blue sheep!

There are numerous options for exploration in the Annapurna area including the unimaginable beauty of Annapurna Base Camp , the Kaligandaki Valley and the Jomsom Trekking and remote valleys as well as Trekking Peaks in the area for people looking to summit a peak in the Himalaya!

Outfitter Nepal has designed 19day adventure itinerary for the Tilicho Lake trek and we frequently departure to the lake from Outfitter Nepal, Kathmandu, look at our selected dates schedule and do let us know if the set itinerary and the set departure dates are not suitable then custom itinerary and the dates can be organized to fit your own convenient timetable. These types of itinerary and departures are most suitable for couples, families, charities and small groups of friends who want to take off straightaway. We look forward to guiding you into the world-renowned, unforgettable Annapurna Region for a once in a lifetime chance to see the most wonderful scenery on the planet!
Trip Highlight

• Sightseeing tours of historical UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
• Scenic drive from Kathmandu to bhulbhule.
• Visit of Manang village and glaciers.
• Visit of Tilicho lake and mountain views.
• Pass the Thorong la.
• Visit of Muktinath Temple and Gompas.
• Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
• Visit of the city of Lakes, the Pokhara.

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel:

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1345meters) and you will be met by our airport representative and transferred to hotel, Evening free and overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Full day of sightseeing of Kathmandu valley:

After having Breakfast we take you for the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule:

Our guide will come to pick up at the your hotel about 7 AM in the morning then we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar, From here we will see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people, overnight at Lodge.

Day 04: Trek from Bhulbhele to Chamje:

After having breakfast at the lodge we depart our trekking and The trail goes flat for the first part then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and down to Chamje through the forests. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 05: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani:

We start our trekking with descending to the river and cross another suspension bridge; we begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. We continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we will see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.). Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river and we cross a another suspension bridge and arrive Dharapani, Overnight at Lodge.

Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Chame:

We will start our trekking with narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu. The Marsyangdi River then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which takes us to follow steep ascent path up to Timang village which lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal then the trail goes through flat level until we reach Chame, overnight at Lodge.

Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang:

We start our trekking With Lamjung Himal (6893m) dazzling in the morning sun, we set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as we climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. We continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as we follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.) then a short climb from the village brings us to a rock-strewn area where we cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. we now trek through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vistas the we come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang, overnight at Lodge.

Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang:

We start our trekking with climbs to steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Humde (3320m.) will arrive then we come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above us. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point we cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, we will see the village of Braga with its splendid monaster, Large Chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us – then After a short steep climb we will reach Manang, overnight at lodge.

Day 09: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization:

Today, we hang around town. This is an important rest and acclimatization day before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit. Moreover you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one, overnight at Lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Manang to Khansar:

We start our trekking by leaving the main route of Annapurna Circuit, we take the lest route from Manang by Crossing a Bridge once the Marshyanndi Khola and follow Another Stream coming from Tilicho, about 4 hours walking we reach at Khansar and Overnight at Lodge. ( A, B, L, D)

Day 11: Day 11Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4800m):

Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4800m)- overnight at Lodge.

Day 12: Trek to Tilicho lake – visit the Lake:

Trek to Tilicho lake – visit the Lake and overnight at lodge.

Day 13: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp To Yakkharka:

Trek from Tilicho Base Camp To Yakkharka overnight at lodge- 6 hours.

Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi:

We start our trekking with climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi, overnight at Lodge.

Day 15: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La:

Today, we start our trekking quite early in the morning crossing the Thorung La (5416m.). The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we will reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it’s compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple, Overnight at Lodge.

Day 16: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom:

Today is our last day walking of our trekking and we begin with the doen path along the bank of dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as in Tibet, after walking about 6 Hours, we will arrive at Jomsom, The Administrative center of this region, overnight at Lodge.

Day 17: Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara:

We will take early flight to pokhara, and check in to hotel and visit the most beautiful city Pokhara , Relaxing Day and overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathamndu:

We take tourist bus at 7 AM to drive to Kathmandu and the driving will be fantastic along with many towns and we are able to see the settlements, Rivers, terraces and landscapes, after 6 hours driving we will arrive Kathmandu and overnight at Hotel.

Day 19: Transfer to international airport for your final flight departure:

Trip Highlight
Sightseeing around Kathmandu and Pokhara
Ascending Marshyangdi River valley
Visiting oldest Buddhist monastery in Braga village
Sightseeing around Manag village
Khanshar Village (The Lost Village of Nepal)
Trekking up to Tilicho Lake (the highest lake in the world)
Crossing the Thorung-la over 5,416m
The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath
Scenic flights from Jomsom

Tilicho Lake 5,200m collects the glacial melt of the entire northern slopes of Annapurna and the Thorong Peak it is claimed to be the highest lake in the world. In 2001, Hindu pilgrims from around the world flocked to the lake convinced it is a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayan – a holy book of the Hindus.

This trek starts right from Besisahar which goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent trek leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. We have customized this route as it is basically the same as Annapurna Circuit, from Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then we travel to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorung La at elevation of 5,416m. From the pass of the Thorung La the treks lead down to Muktinath then to Jomsom from where 35-minute scenic flight take you to the Pokhara.

From Tilicho Lake you also have the option of crossing the challenging pass of Moesokanta La Pass” to Jomsom instead of traveling to the Thorung La pass but proper additional equipment including tented camps are required to go through this pass.

Trip Facts
Best Season March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December
Trip Start & Ends Kathmandu
Destination Tilicho Lake and Thorung La Pass
Trip Route Besisahar-Manang-Tilicho Lake-Yak Kharka-Thorong La pass-Jomsom-Pokhara
Trip Style: Lodge to Lodge Trekking
Physical Rating Strenuous
Max. Altitude 5,416 m /17764.48 ft
Per Day walking Approximately 5-7 hrs walking per day

Brief Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrival at the Tribuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345m).
Day 02 – Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley.
Day 03 – Drive to Besisahar (830m) by Public Bus – 7 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 04 – Trek to Bahundanda (1,310m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 05 – Trek to Chamje (1,400m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 06 – Trek to Bagarchhap (2,160m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 07 – Trek to Chame (2,630m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 08 – Trek to Pisang (3,300m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 09 – Trek to Manang (3,540m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10 – Acclimatization day at Manang village. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11 – Trek to Khangsar Village (3,700 m) – 4 hrs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 12 – Trekking to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200m) – 5 hrs.
Day 13 – Trek to Tilicho Lake (5,200 m) and back down to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200m) – 6 hrs.
Day 14 – Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000m) – 5 hrs.
Day 15 – Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,450m) – 5 hrs.
Day 16 – Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorung La pass (5,416m) – 8 hrs.
Day 17 – Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5 hrs.
Day 18 – Morning flight to Pokhara – 30 mins. Sightseeing around Pokhara.
Day 19 – Leisure day and sightseeing around Pokhara.
Day 20 – Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m)
Day 21 – Transfer to international airport for your final departure.

Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and our representative will be displaying your name with signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Overnight at Hotel.
(No meals included)

Day 02- Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
In the morning, after breakfast, At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your trek leader/guide.

After the meeting and a hearty breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at around 9:45am. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. We visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks praying in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhanath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We will also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel. Overnight at a hotel.
Included Meals (Breakfast)

Day 03 – Drive to Besisahar (830m) by Public Bus – 7 hrs
Our trekking staff will arrive at your hotel at 7am in the morning to pick you up. After a 7-hour drive (185 kms) from Kathmandu, we reach Besishar. Upon arrival at Besisahar you will witness the stunning snow-capped mountain panorama. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 04 – Trek to Bahundanda (1,310m) – 5 hrs
Today our journey starts at Besishahar, from where the trail makes the climb to Khudi at 790m, then reach the first Gurung village (many of Nepal’s Gurkha Soldiers are Gurungs). As we continue from Khudi, the trail offers fine views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). It climbs to Bhulbhule at 825m, then goes to Ngadi before reaching Lampata at 1,135m and nearby Bahundanda at 1,310m. A brilliant start to the culture of Nepal. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 05 – Trek to Chamje (1,400m) – 5 hrs
The trail drops steeply to Syange at 1,070m from Bahundanda. On the way, you can see a large waterfall (season permitting). After crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge, we follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through the forest to Chyamje at 1,400m . Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 06 – Trek to Bagarchhap (2,160m) – 5 hrs
Our day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal at 1,675m, the first village in the Manang district. We make a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The journey continues up and down to Dharapani at 1,890 m. A stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages. Upon reaching Bagarchhap at 2,160 m the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetans can be seen along with the village surrounded by apple orchards and maize fields. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 07 – Trek to Chame (2,630m) – 5 hrs
The trail climbs to Tyanja at 2,360m, then continuing through forest, but near the river to Kopar at 2,590m. As we reach the Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame and two small hot springs by the town. Along this route we are introduced to a local community of which the residents are said to have migrated from Tibet centuries ago, noticeable by their distinct physical features and lifestyle as well as architecture and livelihood unique to Tibet. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 08 – Trek to Pisang (3,300m) – 5 hrs
The day starts through a deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2,910m. We then cross another bridge at 3,040m from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda’s rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3,200m and 3,300meters. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 09 – Trek to Manang (3,540m) – 5 hrs
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks and raise crops for a part of the year. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails form the north and the south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip at 3,325m, involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3,475m to the nearby Manang at 3,540m. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 10 – Acclimatization day at Manang village
We spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend doing some fine day walks and viewing the magnificent sights around the village. Towards the end of the day, we return to our accommodation for a night’s rest. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 11 – Trek to Khangsar Village (3,700 m) – 4 hrs
After acclimatizing at Manang we continue our adventure towards the Tilicho Lake, situated on the west end of Manang following the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola, we reach Khangsar and head towards the village region, still very traditional Tibetan and known as the Last Village of Nepal. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 12 – Trekking to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200m) – 5 hrs
Continue from Khangsar on a large path, passing a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as the Tilicho Base Camp at elevation of 4,200m. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 13 – Trek to Tilicho Lake (5,200 m) and back down to Tilicho Base Camp (4,200m) – 6 hrs
Our journey starts early in the morning at around 6am as we trying to avoid the wind. From the Base camp to the Tilicho lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as highest lake of the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return same way back to Base Camp as there are no any accommodation facilities at Tilicho Lake area. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 14 – Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000m) – 5 hrs

Continuing on from Manang, the trails ascends by nearly 500m to Yak Kharka. We make the climb steadily through Tenki Manang, leaving the Marsyangi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. Herds of yaks and vegetations appear to thin out. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 15 – Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) – 5 hrs
After a two-hour ascent the trail descends to cross the river at 4,310m. We then climb up to Thorong Phedi at 4,450m where decent guesthouses have been built in the recent years. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 16 – Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorung La pass (5,416m) – 8 hrs
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10am otherwise weather conditions (strong winds) will greatly affect the journey, particularly at the Thorung La Pass (5,416m). We climb steeply on a regular route which is quite easy to follow. However, some problems arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by heavy snow. About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the chortens and prayer flags will reward you with stunning views from the top of the pass. Another four hours of walking will take you to the holy town of Muktinath.

Muktinath means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a scared pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The prime pilgrimage month is September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple which has a gorgeous natural spring and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas. Overnight at a guesthouse.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 17- Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5 hrs
We head along the trail down to the Eklebhatti, and then follow the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is large town with many facilities, it is also headquarter and official town for whole Mustang district where all the district government offices are present. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 18- Morning flight to Pokhara – 30 mins. Sightseeing around Pokhara

A 30-minute morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrive at Pokhara airport, we then drive to the hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave, etc. Overnight at a hotel.
Included Meals (Breakfast)

Day 19- Leisure day and sightseeing around Pokhara
It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Jomsom. Overnight at a hotel.
Included Meals (Breakfast)

Day 20 – Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m) and farewell dinner
Breakfast hotel
Drive back to Kathmandu ( Approx 6 hrs drive)
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Included Meals (Breakfast)

Day 21 – Transfer to international airport for your final departure
The trip concludes today. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Included Meals (Breakfast)

Tilicho Lake is a lake located in the Manang district of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres (16,138 ft) in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas and is known as the highest lake in the world.  Another source lists the altitude of Lake Tilicho as being 4,949 metres (16,237 ft).

Mountain lakes are known to geographers as tarns if they are caused by glacial activity. Tarns are found mostly in the upper reaches of the Himalaya, above 5,500 metres (18,000 ft). Tilicho Lake is the destination of one of the most popular side hikes of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The hike takes additional 3–4 days. No camping is required, as new lodges have been built between Manang and the lake. Final approach to the lake is done in a day hike from the lodge at Tilicho Base Camp.

Trekkers attempting the Annapurna Circuit route usually cross the watershed between Manang and Kali Gandaki valleys over the 5416 meters high Thorong La pass. The alternate route skirting Tilicho Lake from the north has been gaining popularity. This route is more demanding and requires at least one night of camping. There are no teahouses or lodges past the Tilicho Base Camp lodge some kilometers east of the lake and the next village of Thini Gaon in the Kali Gandaki valley. Most groups spend two nights between these places. There are two passes leading to Thini Gaon and Jomsom; Mesokanto La and Tilicho North pass known also as Tilicho “Tourist pass”. These routes via Tilicho Lake are more often closed by snow than the higher Thorong La.
It was also the site of one of the highest ever altitude scuba dives. A Russian diving team consisting of Andrei Andryushin, Denis Bakin and Maxim Gresko conducted a scuba dive in the lake in 2000.

Surrounding mountains: Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peak