Tilicho Lake Trek Guide 2026: The World's Highest Lake on the Annapurna Circuit

A turquoise jewel near the sky

Tilicho Lake, at 4,919m, is one of the highest lakes in the world — a vast, glacier-fed turquoise sheet of water cradled beneath the Tilicho and Annapurna peaks. Reaching it is a spectacular and increasingly popular side trip from the Annapurna Circuit.

The route

The Tilicho detour branches off the Annapurna Circuit at Manang. From Manang you trek via Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m), then make a long day hike up to the lake (4,919m) and back. From there, adventurous trekkers can rejoin the Circuit, or take the challenging Mesokanto La route toward Jomsom (a serious high alternative to Thorong La). Most simply day-trip the lake and return to rejoin the standard Circuit over Thorong La.

The famous landslide section

The trail to Tilicho Base Camp crosses a notorious landslide-prone scree slope — a section of loose, eroding mountainside that demands care, an early start (before the day warms and rocks loosen), and a steady head. It's the main hazard of the route and a reason to go with an experienced guide.

Difficulty & altitude

This is a strenuous, high-altitude addition. The day hike to the lake from Base Camp gains and loses serious altitude at nearly 5,000m, so good acclimatisation (built up over the Circuit) is essential. Adding Tilicho extends the Circuit by roughly 2–3 days.

Acclimatisation bonus

Beyond its beauty, the Tilicho detour aids acclimatisation for the Thorong La crossing — the extra high days help your body adapt, making it a smart as well as scenic addition for those with the time and fitness.

When to go

October–November and March–April, matching the Circuit's best seasons. Avoid winter (snow and cold make the high lake and scree dangerous) and the monsoon (the landslide section is most hazardous when wet).

Is it worth it?

For trekkers with the extra days, fitness, and acclimatisation, absolutely. Standing beside the immense, silent, turquoise Tilicho Lake high in the mountains is one of the Annapurna region's most breathtaking experiences — a worthy crown to the Circuit. For costs see our Nepal trekking cost guide, for fees the permits hub, and compare with the best treks in Nepal.

Want to crown your Circuit with Tilicho? Contact us to build it into your Annapurna itinerary.