Jan 14 - Jan 18, 2026 | Change
via Tilicho Lake
side trek
(5 days)
Annapurna Region, Nepal
View full itinerary: Annapurna Circuit
Highlights:
Manang and Tilicho Lake
Difficulty:
strenuous
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.
Weather Conditions in January
change startJanuary is one of the coldest and driest months, which makes it good for Himalayan views while wearing lots of layers. While there is little rain, skies in the hills and valleys further from the high mountains can be hazy from dust and pollution. The days are short and the nights long, so you can finally catch up on War and Peace while hiking the Himalayas. Now that’s something to be proud of! Go with the e-book version, your back or your porter’s back will thank you for it. At high altitudes, temperatures can drop to well below freezing. Even during the day, temperatures may not rise much above freezing, if at all, and the snow that does fall doesn’t melt and can become hard and icy. This can make crossing high passes more difficult. During this season it may be wise to bring crampons or at a minimum a good trekking pole.
At a glance
On average there are 2 days with precipitation in
January. The highest point on the trek is
Tilicho Lake at
4919 m. During
January, expect high temperatures of around
-2.1°C (28°F)
and lows down to
-19.1°C (-2°F)
at Tilicho Lake.
via Tilicho Lake
Side trek
(Elevation Profile)
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.
| Wed Jan 14 (day 1) |
|---|
|
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 |
| Thu Jan 15 (day 2) |
|---|
|
Manang (3540 m) Overnight |
| Fri Jan 16 (day 3) |
|---|
|
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 |
| Sat Jan 17 (day 4) |
|---|
|
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 |
| Sun Jan 18 (day 5) |
|---|
Treks departing around Jan 14, 2026
Feb 8 - Feb 19, 2026 unconfirmed
Annapurna Circuit via Marpha, via Kagbeni, Chamje Start, Classic Start from Besi Sahar, via Tilicho Lake, Classic finish via Poon Hill, via Upper Mustang, Chamje Start, via Tilicho Lake, and via Marpha
(12 days)
Annapurna Region,
Nepal
1 interested &
0 confirmed trekkers
For 1 person to join this trek
Guide & Permits Only
Price drops to $321 if 1 interested trekker joins this trek
via Tilicho Lake Itinerary Reviews
by Benjamin (France) on Nov 25, 2025
Annapurna Circuit Classic Start from Besi Sahar, via Tilicho Lake, and Bus to Tatopani and trek to Poon Hill led by Rajkumar Sunar
by Axel (France) on Oct 26, 2025
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake led by Pemba Chiri Sherpa
The Tilicho Lake trek was absolutely exceptional — the landscapes are out of this world, and reaching the lake feels like a real achievement. The climb can be very intense, especially at high altitude, but it’s 100% worth the effort. I’d definitely recommend taking some extra time if you can, to rest and truly enjoy each part of the journey rather than rushing it. The challenge is amazing, the views are unforgettable, and the sense of accomplishment at the top is just pure magic.
by Samuel (Australia) on Oct 26, 2019
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!
by Elsa (Canada) on Apr 15, 2019
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!
by Nee (Malaysia) on Oct 25, 2017
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Mingma Nuru Sherpa
great view and worth all the efforts!
