Dec 14 - Dec 18, 2023 | Change
If you only have time for one side trip off the main Annapurna circuit, make time for the jaw-dropping vistas of Tilicho lake. Nestled against the backs of the Annapurna peaks, this brilliant blue lake at 5000m is a sight not to be missed. The trail to the lake is scenic but challenging, winding along loose eroded cliff sides to the Tilicho Base Camp lodge. From the lodge, there is a steep hike up to the lake and viewpoint that’s well worth the effort.
December is probably the most underrated month to trek, one of the driest months of the year skies are often clear from sunrise to sunset. The trails and teahouses are less crowded than in November. At higher altitudes, temperatures drop as the winter season approaches so it is important to carry warm enough clothing and sleeping bags. When properly prepared December can be a great month to trek
At a glance
On average there are 1 day with precipitation in
December. The highest point on the trek is
Tilicho Lake at
4919 m. During
December, expect high temperatures of around
-1.1°C (30°F)
and lows down to
-17.1°C (1°F)
at Tilicho Lake.
Itinerary (5 days)
Add side trips by clicking '' in the itinerary below.
Extra rest days and overnights can be added once the itinerary is created. However any side trips must be added in this step before the itinerary is created.
Thu Dec 14 (day 1) |
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Manang (3540 m)
Acclimatization wise it is also possible to spend the 2nd night at Khangsar instead of Manang if you wish and the group agrees Overnight |
Fri Dec 15 (day 2) |
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Manang (3540 m) Overnight |
Sat Dec 16 (day 3) |
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Khangsar (3745 m)
About 2-3 hours from Manang |
Shree Kharka (4080 m)
About 2-3 hours from Khangsar |
Tilicho Base Camp (3900 m)
About 6-9 hours from Manang, about 4-6 hours from Khangsar, or about 2-3 hours from Shree Kharka Overnight |
Sun Dec 17 (day 4) |
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Tilicho Lake (4919 m)
About 2-4 hours up to the lake and about 1-1.5 hours back. While it's possible to see Tilicho Lake in the morning and make it to Yak Kharkha the same day it's more leisurely to add an extra rest day. This option would also give more time to explore the lake. |
Shree Kharka (4080 m)
About 2 hours from Tilicho Base Camp |
Yak Kharka (4020 m)
About 5-6 hours from Tilicho Base Camp, or about 4 hours from Shree Kharka Overnight |
Mon Dec 18 (day 5) |
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via Tilicho Lake Itinerary Reviews
Annapurna Circuit Classic finish via Poon Hill, via Tilicho Lake, and Classic Start from Besi Sahar led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Tilicho lake was a great side trip. It can be quite a strenuous day if coming from Manang and climbing Tilicho on the same day, but it's definitely worth it!
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
This part of the trek was much more challenging and dangerous than I expected however it was very rewarding and worth the effort! Pasang was, of course, a most excellent leader!
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Mingma Nuru Sherpa
great view and worth all the efforts!