Trekking · Manang
Tilicho Lake
A turquoise glacial lake at about 4,919m above Manang — one of the highest large lakes on Earth.
Tilicho Lake is a glacier-fed turquoise basin at about 4,919m on the northern wall of the Annapurna massif — one of the highest large lakes anywhere on Earth and the single biggest draw of a trip to Manang. Ringed by snow and bare scree, its still surface mirrors the peaks on a calm morning before the wind picks up.
What to expect
The lake is reached as a strenuous multi-day side trip from Manang via Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp, including a notorious loose, landslide-prone traverse that demands care. Most trekkers sleep at base camp and start before dawn for the steep final climb, reaching the frozen-edged lake as the sun lights the surrounding ice. It is cold, thin-aired and utterly memorable.
Good to know
- Altitude: At nearly 4,919m this is serious high ground — acclimatize properly first using our Manang acclimatization guide and the national altitude sickness primer.
- Pairing: Many trekkers warm up with the Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) day hike before attempting Tilicho.
- Route detail: For the full stage-by-stage walk-in, see the national Tilicho Lake trek guide, and where it sits among the region's highlights in the best things to do in Manang.
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Tilicho Lake?+
Tilicho Lake sits at roughly 4,919m on the northern flank of the Annapurna massif, which makes it one of the highest large lakes in the world. Because of the extreme altitude it freezes over in winter and is best visited in spring or autumn from a base in Manang.
How do you reach Tilicho Lake from Manang?+
It is a multi-day there-and-back side trip from Manang via the village of Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp. From base camp, trekkers make an early pre-dawn start for the steep climb to the lake and return the same day, then retrace their steps to rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit.
Is the trek to Tilicho Lake dangerous?+
It is demanding rather than technical. The main hazards are altitude and a notoriously loose, landslide-prone traverse between Khangsar and base camp. Good acclimatization in Manang, an early start and turning back if symptoms appear are essential for a safe visit.
Do you need a permit for Tilicho Lake?+
Tilicho lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the standard ACAP permit and TIMS card that cover the wider Annapurna Circuit also cover the side trip. Confirm current permit rules and trail conditions before you set out, as they can change.
