Tilicho Lake | Besisahar

Tilicho Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Manang District of Nepal, situated at an elevation of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet). It is one of the highest lakes in the world.

Visual Characteristics

The lake is noted for its deep turquoise-blue water, a color resulting from suspended glacial silt. It is surrounded by the "Great Barrier"-a massive, vertical wall of ice and rock connecting Tilicho Peak (7,134m) and the Annapurna Massif. The surrounding landscape is a stark, high-altitude desert of scree slopes and glaciers.

Location & Access Logistics

Route: Typically accessed as a 2-3 day detour from the Annapurna Circuit. The trail splits from the main route at Manang or Khangsar.

Base: Trekkers stay at Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m). From there, it is a steep 3–4 hour ascent to the lake.

Trail Condition: The path between Khangsar and Base Camp involves crossing several active landslide zones on narrow, shifting scree paths.

Permits: Covered by the ACAP and TIMS card.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The lake is fed by the meltwater of the Tilicho Peak glaciers. It was famously brought to Western attention by the 1950 French Annapurna expedition led by Maurice Herzog, who initially mistook it for a potential route to Annapurna I. It remains a critical ecosystem for rare high-altitude fauna, including the Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Snow Leopard.

Key Highlights & Activities

The "Great Barrier": A 10km long ridge that presents one of the most imposing mountain walls in the Himalayas.

Mesokanto La Pass: For highly experienced trekkers with camping gear, a route exists from Tilicho Lake over the Mesokanto La (5,099m) directly into Jomsom, bypassing Thorong La.

Ice Formations: In late autumn and winter, the lake surface freezes partially or entirely, creating intricate ice patterns.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Tilicho Base Camp: Features several large teahouses with basic food and dormitory/private rooms.

Teahouse at Lake: A very basic seasonal tea hut occasionally operates near the lake shore during peak trekking months.

Connectivity: Mobile signal is virtually non-existent at the lake and highly unstable at Base Camp.

Best Time to Visit

October–November: Best visibility and stable weather.

April–May: The lake begins to thaw; surrounding peaks are heavily snow-capped.

Winter: Highly discouraged; the trail is often blocked by heavy snow and the risk of avalanches in the landslide zones is extreme.

Facts & Legends

A verified technical detail is that despite its height, Tilicho Lake is deep enough that it does not freeze solid to the bottom. In Hindu mythology, the lake is believed to be the ancient Maheshwar Sarovar, where the sage Kak Bhushundi narrated the Ramayana to Garuda (the king of birds).

Nearby Landmarks

Tilicho Peak (7,134m) – Directly West

Khangsar Village – 8km East (Last permanent settlement)

Manang Village – 15km East

Thorong La Pass – Approximately 2 days' trek back on the main circuit route