Tilicho Lake Trek Distance – How Far is the Journey?

The Tilicho Lake trek distance is one of the most asked questions by trekkers planning to visit this beautiful high-altitude lake. Tilicho Lake, located at 4,919 meters, is known as one of the highest lakes in the world. It sits in the Annapurna region of Nepal and is a side trip from the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. The total distance of the trek depends on the route you choose, but most treks to Tilicho Lake cover around 120 to 150 kilometers in total.

Where the Trek Begins

The journey to Tilicho Lake usually starts from Besisahar, a town in Lamjung district. From Besisahar, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River valley and passes through villages like Chame, Pisang, and Manang. These places are part of the main Annapurna Circuit. The trek to Tilicho Lake is a detour that starts from Manang and takes you to the lake and then rejoins the main circuit.

From Besisahar to Tilicho Lake and back to the circuit, the walking distance is around 130 kilometers on average. If you only count the part from Manang to Tilicho Lake and back, it is around 35 to 40 kilometers.

Distance Between Main Stops

To help understand the Tilicho Lake trek distance better, here are some key points and their approximate walking distances:

Besisahar to Chame: About 50 km (can be done partly by jeep)

Chame to Manang: Around 30 km

Manang to Tilicho Base Camp: 15 to 18 km

Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (and back): Around 10 to 12 km

Return to Yak Kharka or continue to Thorong Phedi: Around 10 to 15 km

Each day, you may walk 10 to 15 kilometers, depending on the route and pace. Some trekkers prefer to take it slow to enjoy the views and allow their bodies to adjust to the altitude.

How Many Days Does It Take?

The full Tilicho Lake trek usually takes 10 to 15 days. The number of days depends on your starting point, pace, and whether you include Thorong La Pass in your trek. Many trekkers combine the Tilicho Lake trek with the Annapurna Circuit and cross Thorong La Pass after visiting the lake.

If you only want to visit Tilicho Lake and return, you can complete the trek in about 10 days. However, it’s always better to add extra days for rest and acclimatization.

Things to Know About the Route

The route to Tilicho Lake is not very technical, but it does include some narrow and rocky trails. One section between Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp is known for being steep with loose rocks. It is important to walk carefully, especially in the morning when the trail can be icy.

The trek offers great views of mountains like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The high-altitude desert-like landscape makes this trek different from other green and forested parts of Nepal.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Tilicho Lake is located at almost 5,000 meters, so altitude can be a concern. It’s important to walk slowly and take rest days, especially in places like Manang. Drinking water, eating well, and sleeping enough help your body adjust.

Some trekkers face mild altitude sickness, which includes symptoms like headache and tiredness. If the symptoms get worse, it’s best to go down to a lower place.

Final Words

The Tilicho Lake trek distance may sound long, but it is manageable with the right planning. The journey takes you through quiet valleys, strong landscapes, and high mountain paths. If you are looking for a unique and peaceful trekking experience in Nepal, the Tilicho Lake trek is a perfect choice. It may be challenging at times, but the views and the feeling of reaching the lake make it all worth it.