The blue water
Strong colour among the snow.
Solundir — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sunuwargr — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nirojsedhai — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yugesh Pandey — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kctri — CC BY-SA 4.0
Tilicho Lake is a glacial lake in Manang District in the Annapurna range and one of the highest lakes in the world. Its strong blue colour lies beneath the ice-covered wall of Tilicho Peak, a sight well worth the effort. Trekkers usually come here as a demanding side trip from the Annapurna Circuit. It lies at 4,919 m, though other sources give 4,949 m. No aquatic organism had been recorded here as of 2003, according to Nepal's hydrology department. In 2000 a Russian team made a record high-altitude scuba dive in the lake. Hindus believe it is the Kak Bhusundi lake mentioned in the Ramayana, a religious tradition handed down through the generations. The path climbs from Tilicho Base Camp up a long slope, then the lake opens suddenly between bare heights and a wall of ice reaching down to the water. In spring and autumn snow lingers around its edges, and the surface freezes in the cold. The air is thin and the wind fierce, so walkers do not stay long at the shore. It is about 16 km in a straight line from Manang, but the walk takes a day or two to the camp, then 6 to 8 hours there and back. Spend a day or two in Manang to acclimatise, since altitude sickness is a real danger, and descend if symptoms appear. The route between Manang and the camp is prone to landslides, so ask about it. March to May and September to November suit it best.
Strong colour among the snow.
Reaching down to the lake.
A white mass above the shore.
Annapurna range, Manang District, Nepal
Yes. It is at high altitude with landslide-prone slopes on the way, and it demands fitness and acclimatisation.
March to May or September to November, avoiding winter and the rains.