How I Completed My Tilicho Lake Trek?

For years, Tilicho Lake had been etched into my travel dreams a mythical turquoise pool tucked beneath the icy giants of the Annapurna range. I had heard stories, seen photos, and watched YouTube documentaries. But nothing compared to the raw experience of being there. This blog is not just about reaching the lake; it’s about the journey, the struggles, the surprises, and how I completed one of Nepal’s most rewarding treks.

Planning the Trek

Before setting out, I spent weeks researching everything best season, routes, permits, gear, and costs. I chose to trek in late April, a time when the skies are mostly clear, the trail is not too crowded, and the snow hasn’t yet blocked the path to Tilicho Lake.

I opted for the classic route: starting from Chame, joining the Annapurna Circuit, and taking the Tilicho Lake side trip before crossing Thorong La Pass. I planned for 8 days with Adventure Vision Treks Package which were:

Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek and Tilicho Lake Trek, which included enough buffer for altitude acclimatization.

Day 1–2: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame The Bumpy Start

The trek officially began with a long, exhausting jeep ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by a rugged drive up to Chame. The road beyond Besisahar was brutal narrow, muddy, and adrenaline-pumping, especially around cliffs and waterfalls. But I took it as the first test of patience and resilience.

Chame greeted me with chilly winds, pine forests, and prayer flags fluttering against the blue sky. I spent the evening soaking in hot tea and the first real mountain views.

Day 3–4: Trekking from Chame to Manang Finding the Flow

The trail from Chame to Manang was magical. I passed through Pisang, where ancient monasteries and Tibetan-style villages charmed every step. The air grew thinner, and the views broader Annapurna II and Gangapurna looked surreal like postcards come to life.

Reaching Manang (3,519m) felt like entering a small Himalayan town. I spent an extra day here to acclimatize by exploring Gangapurna Lake and hiking up to a viewpoint. This was essential preparation before heading to higher altitudes.

Day 5: Manang to Khangsar

Leaving the Annapurna Circuit trail, I veered off toward Tilicho Lake. The trail to Khangsar was quiet, and I started to feel the isolation. It was a short trek, just 3–4 hours, but the altitude made it slower.

Khangsar was more like a settlement than a village quiet and cold. Only a few trekkers were around, and the silence was surreal. I met a group of Nepali hikers, and we shared stories over dal bhat that night.

Day 6: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp

This was the toughest day so far. The trail was narrow and landslide-prone. There were points where I had to navigate carefully along unstable gravel paths that hugged steep cliffs. Each step demanded focus.

After about 6 hours, I reached Tilicho Base Camp (4,140m). The air was thin, and altitude headaches had begun for some trekkers. I stayed hydrated, ate light, and slept early to prepare for the big day.

Day 7: The Final Push Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake

We started before dawn. Headlamps on, backpacks strapped, and hearts pounding. The climb was steep and snow-covered in places. The oxygen level was noticeably lower, and every breath took effort.

After about 3–4 hours of ascent, we reached Tilicho Lake (4,919m). And there it was a massive blue jewel, frozen in parts, shimmering under the rising sun, surrounded by snow walls and prayer flags.

It was more than a view it was an emotion. I sat silently for a long time, overwhelmed. We clicked photos, chanted "Om Mani Padme Hum", and just... took it all in.

Day 8–9: Return Journey

We retraced our steps back to Manang, where the air felt thicker and the food tasted better. The return was much faster, and our hearts were light. I didn’t go all the way to Thorong La Tilicho was my final destination for this trip.

Challenges I Faced

Altitude Sickness: Even with acclimatization, mild headaches, and nausea tested my endurance.

Landslide Zone: The trail after Khangsar required extreme caution. One wrong step could be fatal.

Cold Nights: Nights at Base Camp were freezing. Thermal layers and a good sleeping bag were lifesavers.

What Helped Me Complete the Trek?

Proper acclimatization in Manang.

Hydration and Nutrition I drank lots of water and avoided heavy meals at altitude.

Layered Clothing Managed cold and heat with base, fleece, and down layers.

Mental Preparation I reminded myself constantly why I started.

Why Tilicho Lake is Special?

Tilicho Lake isn’t just high in altitude; it’s high in spiritual and emotional value. You don’t just trek to a lake you trek through Himalayan cultures, Buddhist prayer stones, yak pastures, and breathtaking ridgelines. The experience stays with you.