Feb 9 - Feb 13, 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.
February has a slightly higher chance of precipitation than January and a slight increase in the chance of clouds, but in general it is typically a very dry month. While there is little rain, skies in the hills and valleys further from the high mountains can be hazy from dust and pollution. 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 3 days with precipitation in
February. The highest point on the trek is
Tilicho Lake at
4919 m. During
February, expect high temperatures of around
-0.1°C (32°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 Feb 9 (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 Feb 10 (day 2) |
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Manang (3540 m) Overnight |
Sat Feb 11 (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 Feb 12 (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 Feb 13 (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!