Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919 metres in the Manang district, cradled beneath the north face of Tilicho Peak in the Annapurna massif. It is one of the highest lakes of its size anywhere in the world and the highest big lake in Nepal.

Fed entirely by glaciers, Tilicho is a vivid turquoise when free of ice and frozen solid through the long winter. The lake has a place in Hindu tradition as Kak Bhusundi, where the sage is said to have first narrated the Ramayana; pilgrims and trekkers alike regard reaching it as a powerful experience.

Most visitors come as a side trip from the Annapurna Circuit, branching off at Manang and staying at Tilicho Base Camp before the long, high day-walk to the lake. The trail to base camp crosses notoriously loose scree slopes and the altitude is serious — acclimatisation on the main circuit beforehand is essential. Some trekkers continue over the challenging Tilicho Pass / Mesokanto La toward Jomsom instead of returning to the circuit.

There is no settlement at the lake itself; lodges are at Tilicho Base Camp. The viewing window is short — late spring and autumn — and even then the lake may be partly iced.