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

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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.

Images from via Tilicho Lake Side Trek

Weather Conditions in July

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July is well into the monsoon season. Low elevations are hot and humid, with at least some rain likely during each day. At higher altitudes, the weather is cool and damp. But the clouds are usually the most frustrating part of monsoon trekking.

At a glance
On average there are 23 days with precipitation in July. The highest point on the trek is Tilicho Lake at 4919 m. During July, expect high temperatures of around 6.9°C (44°F) and lows down to -1.1°C (30°F) at Tilicho Lake.

via Tilicho Lake Side trek
(Elevation Profile)

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Itinerary (5 days)

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 Jul 17 (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 15.2°C (59°F) and lows of about 7.2°C (45°F) in July. Overnight more info on Manang

Fri Jul 18 (day 2)
Manang (3540 m) Overnight

Sat Jul 19 (day 3)
Khangsar (3745 m) About 2-3 hours from Manang Expect typical high termperatures of about 13.9°C (57°F) and lows of about 5.9°C (43°F) in July. more info on Khangsar
Shree Kharka (4080 m) About 2-3 hours from Khangsar Expect typical high termperatures of about 11.9°C (53°F) and lows of about 3.9°C (39°F) in July. more info on 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 13.0°C (55°F) and lows of about 5.0°C (41°F) in July. Overnight more info on Tilicho Base Camp

Sun Jul 20 (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 6.9°C (44°F) and lows of about -1.1°C (30°F) in July. more info on Tilicho Lake
Shree Kharka (4080 m) About 2 hours from Tilicho Base Camp Expect typical high termperatures of about 11.9°C (53°F) and lows of about 3.9°C (39°F) in July. more info on 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 12.3°C (54°F) and lows of about 4.3°C (40°F) in July. Overnight more info on Yak Kharka

Mon Jul 21 (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!

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