Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary: 12, 14 & 16-Day Options

Which Itinerary Is Right for You?

Tilicho is a high side trip off the Annapurna Circuit, so your itinerary depends on one decision: do you visit the lake and turn back, or continue over the Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath and complete the full loop? Every version keeps the vital Manang acclimatisation day before the lake.

Most trekkers start by jeep from Kathmandu or Pokhara to the roadhead at Chame, and exit by flight or drive from Jomsom.

The Classic 14-Day Itinerary

This is the route most trekkers walk, well-paced, keeping the Manang rest day and a buffer near the pass, and finishing over the Thorong La to Muktinath.

Day 1: Drive Kathmandu → Chame (2,670 m)

A long jeep day up the Marsyangdi valley to the Manang district headquarters. (8–10 hrs by jeep.)

Day 2: Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

Past the great curved rock face of Paungda Danda, climbing through pine forest with first views of Annapurna II. (5–6 hrs.)

Day 3: Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)

The high, scenic route via Ghyaru and Ngawal to the trading village of Manang, hub of the upper valley. (6–7 hrs.)

Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Manang

A vital rest day. Hike to a viewpoint, gompa or the Ice Lake above the village, then sleep low. Do not skip this. (2–4 hrs optional walking.)

Day 5: Manang → Khangsar (3,734 m)

A short day branching off the circuit, climbing gently west to the last permanent village on the Tilicho approach. (3–4 hrs.)

Day 6: Khangsar → Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m)

The day on the infamous exposed, landslide-prone traverse across loose scree to the base-camp lodges. Start early and watch for falling stones. (4–6 hrs.)

Day 7: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and return to base camp

A pre-dawn start for the long, steep climb to the lake, then a careful descent to sleep lower at base camp. A hard, high day. (6–8 hrs round trip.)

Day 8: Tilicho Base Camp → Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

Retrace the traverse and rejoin the circuit, walking to the grazing settlement of Yak Kharka. (6–7 hrs.)

Day 9: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi / High Camp (4,540–4,925 m)

A short but high day to the foot of the pass. Rest, hydrate and prepare for an early start. (3–5 hrs.)

Day 10: Cross Thorong La (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,760 m)

The big day: a cold, dark, pre-dawn start to the pass, the trek's high point, then a long descent to the temple town of Muktinath. (7–9 hrs.)

Day 11: Muktinath → Jomsom (2,720 m)

Descend through the windswept Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom, the roadhead and airstrip. (4–6 hrs.)

Days 12–14: Buffer, travel and contingency

Fly or drive out via Pokhara, with flexible days for an extra acclimatisation stop, weather delays at the pass, and a rest day.

The 12-Day Lake-Focused Itinerary

For trekkers short on time who are already reasonably acclimatised. It keeps the Manang rest day but trims buffer days and merges some descent stages. It is demanding and leaves little margin for bad weather at the pass.

• Days 1–4: Jeep to Chame; trek to Upper Pisang, Manang, and the Manang acclimatisation day.
• Days 5–7: Khangsar → Tilicho Base Camp → Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and back to base camp.
• Days 8–9: Rejoin the circuit to Yak Kharka, then Thorong Phedi / High Camp.
• Days 10–12: Cross the Thorong La to Muktinath, descend to Jomsom, and fly or drive out.

The 12-day plan has almost no spare days for the pass. If you have not been at altitude recently, the 14- or 16-day version is far safer, see the Tilicho altitude sickness guide.

The 16-Day Relaxed Itinerary

The most forgiving version, ideal for those on their first high-altitude trek or anyone who wants margin for weather. It adds acclimatisation and contingency days at the points that matter most.

• Extra day around Manang or Khangsar for a second acclimatisation hike before the lake.
• An optional night at Tilicho Base Camp either side of the lake day, easing the effort.
• A contingency day at Thorong Phedi, so you can wait out a storm rather than force the pass.
• A rest day in Muktinath or the Kali Gandaki, exploring the temple complex and the edge of Mustang before flying out.

The extra days mean better acclimatisation, more safety margin at the pass, and a far less rushed experience of one of the Himalaya's great high lakes.