Plizio Visual Lab
Tilicho Lake
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
Weather…
Water temperature…
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, situated in the Annapurna massif of Nepal at an altitude of 4,919 meters. Located in the Manang district, it is a prominent side-destination along the world-famous Annapurna Circuit trekking route. The lake was formed by glacial meltwater and is flanked by imposing peaks such as Tilicho Peak. Its deep blue water creates a sharp contrast against the snow-covered slopes and the barren, high-altitude landscape. Beyond its geographical significance, the lake holds religious importance; in the Hindu epic Ramayana, it is mentioned as the site where the sage Kakbhushundi narrated the story of the Ramayana to Garuda, the king of birds. Due to its extreme elevation and challenging accessibility, the lake is a symbol of the raw majesty and rigor of the Himalayas. Ecological conditions are severe, with temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing.
- Location: Nepal
- Nearby: Ghandruk (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 23 | 30 | 42 | 103 | 218 | 358 | 264 | 191 | 63 | 3 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Tilicho Lake is accessible only on foot via a multi-day trek from the village of Manang, which is part of the famous Annapurna Circuit in the high mountains of Nepal.
Best season
The best times for trekking are during spring from March to May and autumn from September to November, when the skies are clear and the trails are mostly free of snow and ice.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is extremely challenging, featuring steep scree slopes, narrow paths at high altitude, and often snow-covered sections just before reaching the lake at nearly 5000 meters.
What to bring
Trekkers need high-quality mountain boots, warm layered clothing, sleeping bags rated for freezing temperatures, trekking poles, and possibly crampons for icy sections in the spring.
Parking
There are no roads for cars in this region; vehicles must be left in Besisahar or Chame before starting the trek into the car-free high-altitude mountain zone.
Safety
Altitude sickness is a serious risk; a slow ascent for acclimatization in Manang is mandatory, as is monitoring the weather forecast for sudden changes or storms.
Time needed
The side trip to the lake from Manang and back typically takes two to three days, embedded within the full Annapurna Circuit which takes a total of two to three weeks.
Geography
Facts
- The lake is situated at an official elevation of 4,919 meters.
- It has an approximate length of 4 kilometers.
- The average width of the lake is about 1.2 kilometers.
- Tilicho Peak (7,134 m) towers over the lake to the west.
- The lake remains completely frozen during the winter months.
- There are no permanent aquatic life forms found in the lake.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tilicho Lake (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is Tilicho Lake?
It sits at around 4,919 meters, considered one of the highest lakes in the world.
Is the hike strenuous?
Very strenuous due to the altitude and steep inclines.
Is equipment needed?
Warm clothing and good hiking boots are essential.
When does the lake freeze?
In winter, the lake freezes almost completely.
Are there accommodations at the lake?
No, you usually stay overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.
Tilicho Lake: where is it located?
Tilicho Lake is located in Nepal.
Tilicho Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Tilicho Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, situated in the Annapurna massif of Nepal at an altitude of 4,919 meters.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Nepal →
Nearby cities
Baglung
Baglung is the headquarters of Baglung District in Gandaki Province.
Waling
Waling is a municipality in Syangja District, located on the banks of the Aandhikhola river.
Ghorepani (Poon Hill)
A famous trekking stop renowned for the magical sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill.
Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, a sparkling turquoise gem in the heart of the Annapurna massif.
Ghandruk
A picturesque Gurung village in the Annapurna massif, famous for its slate houses and mountain views.
Jomsom
The gateway to Lower Mustang, located in the windy Kali Gandaki valley, famous for its apples and rugged beauty.
Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake is a serene alternative to Pokhara's Phewa Lake, ideal for relaxation and fishing amidst lush green hills.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Muktinath Temple
A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, situated at a high altitude in the Mustang district.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Nepal's largest protected area, encompassing the entire Annapurna mountain range.
Mustang Apple Orchards
In the dry, windswept region of Mustang, particularly in Marpha, farmers grow juicy apples at high altitudes, famous for their unique, cr…
Pokhara Industrial Estate
An industrial area focused on light industry and local crafts in one of Nepal's most important tourist cities.
Dhaulagiri
A massive mountain range and the seventh highest mountain on Earth.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
As Nepal's only hunting reserve, the population of blue sheep and Himalayan tahr is strictly monitored and regulated here to maintain the…
Gorkha Durbar
An ancient palace and temple complex on a hilltop, the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty.
Manaslu Conservation Area
Around the eighth highest mountain in the world lies a protected region inhabited by the endangered musk deer and blue sheep herds at ext…