With an extra 4 days, you can add this beautiful and challenging side trip to our Annapurna Circuit Lodge Trek in 2026.
It goes like this…
Tilicho Lake Side Trek
Day 8: Manang to Shree Kharka. 13,290 feet. 4 to 5 hour hike. Lodge.
The trek from Manang to Khangsar is a scenic hike taking about 4 to 5 hours and covering a total of 5 to 6 miles in distance. Departing through the western gate of Old Manang, our trail gently descends from the plateau to the glacial riverbed and crosses a suspension bridge over the Jharsing Khola / Khangsar Khola. From the river, we pass through a cool coniferous forest before starting a steady, winding climb upward to the traditional Tibetan-style settlement of Khangsar, which is famous for its unique stone architecture and sweeping views of the Kang Guru Peak and the Great Barrier ridge. From Khangsar, it is a gradual climb along a mountain ridge for just under 2 hours to reach the quiet Shree Kharka.
Day 9: To Tilicho Base Camp. 13,780 feet. 5 to 6 hour hike. Lodge.
Today is a challenging hike enroute to Tilicho Lake. While covering only 4.5 miles and with little elevation change, the route requires caution as it crosses a wide and exposed landslide (scree) zone prone to falling rocks. The most demanding portion of the hike is the traverse across a stretch of loose gravel and rocks with sheer drops below and steep slopes above. The key is to cross this area quickly, carefully and keeping an eye out for loose rocks from above. The only real ascent is the final stretch to reach base camp nestled beneath massive peaks. Tilicho Base Camp is essentially a cluster of guesthouses. While isolated, these lodges are surprisingly modern, offering a variety of meals, basic rooms, and sometimes hot showers and Wi-Fi. It serves as the staging point for the early morning ascent to Tilicho Lake.
Day 10: Tilicho Lake (16,240 feet) & return to Base Camp. 6 to 8 hour hike. Lodge.
The round-trip from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake is a demanding, high-altitude day hike. It requires ascending roughly 2,600 feet to the lake and returning, taking most groups between 6 and 8 hours total. Starting before dawn, the hike begins with a steep, relentless series of switchbacks directly up the mountain face, followed by an exposed, undulating traverse across a barren, rocky plateau before reaching the glacial lake. Our efforts are well-rewarded, as we can now soak in this beautiful alpine environment. While going downhill is faster, the steep scree slopes and loose terrain require careful footing and patience. Depending on the speed of the group, it is possible to return to the base camp for a late lunch, then continue down to Shree Kharka to make the following day shorter.
Day 11: To Yak Kharka. 13,550 feet. 5 to 7 hour hike. Lodge.
Today we rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit Trail. The hike from Tilicho Base Camp to the tiny settlement of Yak Kharka takes approximately 5 to 6 hours of hiking and covers about 8 miles. Leaving Tilicho Base Camp, we’ll retrace our route to Shree Kharka, cross the river and ascend towards Khangshar. We’ll eventually rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail and head towards Yak Kharka, a pleasant alpine grazing area with nice lodging and great views of Manaslu, the Annapurnas and Tilicho Peak.We’ve just added Hike the Thorong La Pass at 17,765 feet
