Tilicho

This is hands down the most exciting and sought after side trips in the entire Annapurna circuit and one cannot blame anybody for wanting to do this side trip. The reward you will get by doing this side trip is simply out of this world and words cannot describe how awesome the experience is going to be. Although Tilicho lake is not the highest altitude lake in the world, at 4919m, it is definitely very high. The highest altitude lake is Ojos del Salado (6390m) in Argentina but technically it is classified as a pool. The highest proper lake is lake Cazadero (5990m) also in Argentina. But there is no reason for Tilicho lake to lose its morale for it is the most stunning lake. And it is a big lake too, the area that it covers is a little under 3.5 square km. Tilicho lake is a stunning glacial lake with Tilicho peak and the grand barrier nearby keeping their watchful eyes over the lake. How could one ever turn away from such a beauty? This big blue lake has the ability to satisfy any person's desire to see paradise. If Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (take your pick) pose in front of the Tilicho lake your eyes would still be fixed on the lake, that stunning lake! Some people not only take this side trip for the sheer beauty and experience but also for some crazy antics. In 2000, a Russian diving team made a world record for the highest altitude scuba dive. Surely only Russians are capable of such a record. But just recently on 7 March 2016 that record was broken by a Polish guy by scuba diving at 5985 m in Cazadero lake, Argentina. Surely, only a Polish could have broken a record held by a Russian ;) Nonetheless, you don't have to scuba dive to take away the experience of being at Tilicho lake. From the west of Tilicho lake, there are two passes as well, the first is Mesokanto pass (5121m) and the second one is Tilicho pass (5134m) also known as Tourist pass. These passes will take you to the Mustang valley a few days early than the Thorung pass. However, the trails are not marked well, and you will miss both Muktinath and Kagbeni. Also, the stretch from the pass to the village of Thini doesn't have any lodges in between, therefore you may need to camp as well. Anyways, back again to the beauty of Tilicho lake. If you decide to do this side trip then be well prepared because this side trip will add at least 3-4 days to your itinerary. A possible itinerary for this sidetrip could be: **Day 1:** Leave for Shree Kharka or Tilicho base camp from Manang. **Day 2:** Leave for the Tilicho lake and return to either Tilicho base camp or Shree Kharka. **Day 3:** Return to Manang. To get to Khangsar from Manang take the trail going to Thorung-La. After around 200m after the end of Manang village, you will come across a prayer wheel wall. Turn to the left and follow the trail going west. You should see a blue and white mark at the beginning of the trail. Cross the Thorung Khola via the bridge and keep moving towards the west. Climb the hill and don't veer off the trail. You should reach the village of Khangsar in under 2 hours now. From Khangsar you can either take a turn to the north where there is a very small settlement of Chyongo or cross the tiny Marshyangdi river immediately towards the south. If you take the turn to Chyongo from there you catch the trail towards the west. Always keep in mind the blue and white trail markers will be there to remind you whether or not you are on the right trail. Both of these trails will meet later on so it isn't a brain teaser to decide which route to take. You can either choose to stay at Tilicho base camp or Shree Kharka based on your walk time. Lunch packs won't be necessary as there will be lodges in between serving you food. Just make sure the lodges at higher altitudes are open for business during the off season. The next morning you set off for the wonderful experience that is the Tilicho lake. If everything goes right you should be back in Manang on the third day. For your convenience, here are the phone numbers of lodges at Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base camp: Shree Kharka: Himalayan lodge, +977-9860459415 Shree Kharka: Tilicho peak lodge, +977-9843781269 Tilicho Base Camp: Tilicho View, 994660048 (Vsat number) **Altitude:** 4919m/ 16138 ft **Lunch pack:** not required