Tilicho Lake
Lake High-altitude Himalayan lake near Annapurna Circuit
Tilicho Lake sits high in Nepal’s Annapurna region at around 4,900 metres. Trekkers on variations of the Annapurna Circuit visit for high-altitude lake views, glaciated ridgelines and the challenge of thin-air trekking.
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Tilicho Lake is a high-altitude mountain lake in the Annapurna range of central Nepal, within Gandaki Pradesh. It is well known among trekkers as one of the highest lakes visited on popular trekking routes in the region.
The lake occupies a glacial basin beneath surrounding peaks and is visited primarily as a high-altitude trek objective. The alpine terrain and thin air make the route physically demanding, and weather can change rapidly.
Tilicho was visited and documented by mountaineers and trekkers as the Annapurna region opened to foreign visitors in the mid 20th century; since then it has become a recognised side-route from the Annapurna circuit and approaches to Muktinath.
The lake lies north of the main Annapurna massif, within Mustang/Manang border areas of the Gandaki region, reached by multi-day trekking trails from villages on the Annapurna circuit.
- Elevation: Sits at an altitude of about 4,919 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes frequented by trekkers.
- Trekking note: Trekking routes approach the lake from the Annapurna circuit and Muktinath directions; high-altitude conditions make acclimatisation essential.
How to Get to Tilicho Lake #
Tilicho Lake is reached as part of the Annapurna region trekking network rather than by road. Typical access begins with travel to Pokhara (domestic flight or road from Kathmandu), then road transport to the Annapurna Circuit trailheads (e.g., Besisahar/Chame) and several days of trekking via Manang toward Tilicho. There are no motor roads to the lake itself - expect a multi-day, high‑altitude hike from the Annapurna Circuit villages with mountain trails and passes.
Tips for Visiting Tilicho Lake #
- Go in the pre-monsoon (April-May) or post-monsoon (late September-November) windows for the clearest skies and more stable trail conditions; monsoon months bring heavy snow or washouts at high elevation and poor views.
- Acclimatize on the Annapurna Circuit (spend extra nights in Manang or similar) before attempting the climb to Tilicho Lake - altitude-related issues are the main risk and many people underestimate how much rest they need.
- Aim to arrive at the lakeshore at first light for the best reflections and calmer winds; afternoon clouds and strong alpine winds commonly disturb the surface and reduce visibility.
Best Time to Visit Tilicho Lake #
Best time to visit Tilicho Lake is the pre-monsoon (April-May) or post-monsoon autumn (Sept-Nov) when trails are clearer and views are reliable.
Weather & Climate near Tilicho Lake #
Tilicho Lake's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 10°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. The driest month with just 11 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 84 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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