Dec 14 - Dec 18, 2023 | Change

via Tilicho Lake side trek (5 days)
Annapurna Region, Nepal

View full itinerary: Annapurna Circuit
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Highlights: Manang and Tilicho Lake

Difficulty: strenuous
via Tilicho Lake

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 December

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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.

via Tilicho Lake Side trek
(Elevation Profile)

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)

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
Expect typical high termperatures of about 7.2°C (45°F) and lows of about -8.8°C (16°F) in December.

Manang
Fri Dec 15 (day 2)

Manang (3540 m)

Sat Dec 16 (day 3)

Khangsar (3745 m)

About 2-3 hours from Manang
Expect typical high termperatures of about 5.9°C (43°F) and lows of about -10.1°C (14°F) in December.

Khangsar

Shree Kharka (4080 m)

About 2-3 hours from Khangsar
Expect typical high termperatures of about 3.9°C (39°F) and lows of about -12.1°C (10°F) in December.

Shree Kharka

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
Expect typical high termperatures of about 5.0°C (41°F) and lows of about -11.0°C (12°F) in December.

Tilicho Base Camp
Sun Dec 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.
Expect typical high termperatures of about -1.1°C (30°F) and lows of about -17.1°C (1°F) in December.

Tilicho Lake

Shree Kharka (4080 m)

About 2 hours from Tilicho Base Camp
Expect typical high termperatures of about 3.9°C (39°F) and lows of about -12.1°C (10°F) in December.

Shree Kharka

Yak Kharka (4020 m)

About 5-6 hours from Tilicho Base Camp, or about 4 hours from Shree Kharka
Expect typical high termperatures of about 4.3°C (40°F) and lows of about -11.7°C (11°F) in December.

Yak Kharka
Mon Dec 18 (day 5)

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!