May 3 - May 7, 2025 | 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 May
change startMay is the end of the ‘Spring Season’ when temperatures are more moderate and the pre-monsoon moisture increases the chance of precipitation as the month progresses. It can be hot and humid in the valleys at low elevations, so make sure you carry enough water. Like the rest of the spring, clear mornings typically give way to cloudy afternoons. At high altitudes, the precipitation can turn to snow, although at trekking elevations the accumulation does not usually get too deep. May is also the season when many 8000 m peaks are climbed so base camps of these mountains will be busy with activity.
At a glance
On average there are 12 days with precipitation in
May. The highest point on the trek is
Tilicho Lake at
4919 m. During
May, expect high temperatures of around
7.9°C (46°F)
and lows down to
-5.1°C (23°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.
| Sat May 3 (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 |
| Sun May 4 (day 2) |
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|
Manang (3540 m) Overnight |
| Mon May 5 (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 |
| Tue May 6 (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 |
| Wed May 7 (day 5) |
|---|
via Tilicho Lake Itinerary Reviews
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!
