Fly directly to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at 4,919 metres, landing beside its dramatic turquoise waters beneath the Annapurna range without the demanding side-trek normally required.
The Tilicho Lake Helicopter Tour is a 1-day trip in Pokhara, rated easy, no trekking required difficulty, reaching a maximum elevation of Tilicho Lake, 4,919m (16,138 ft). The best time to do this trip is Autumn (Sep - Nov) & Spring (Mar - May). The package includes group sizes of 1-5 people per helicopter, not applicable, single-day tour accommodation, breakfast included at tilicho lake.
| Country | Pokhara |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy, no trekking required |
| Max Elevation | Tilicho Lake, 4,919m (16,138 ft) |
| Duration | 1 |
| Best Time | Autumn (Sep - Nov) & Spring (Mar - May) |
| Meals | Breakfast included at Tilicho Lake |
| Accommodation | Not applicable, single-day tour |
| Group Size | 1-5 people per helicopter |
How high is Tilicho Lake?
Tilicho Lake, at 4,919 metres, is among the highest lakes in the world and a demanding side-trek addition to the standard Annapurna Circuit, requiring additional days and significant altitude gain to reach on foot. This helicopter tour offers direct access to its dramatic turquoise waters, set beneath sheer cliffs of the Annapurna range, in a single morning from Pokhara.
Many Annapurna Circuit trekkers skip the demanding Tilicho Lake side-trek given the additional time and altitude gain required. This tour offers a way to see one of the world's highest lakes without needing to add days to a trekking itinerary or possess advanced acclimatisation.
This tour suits travellers wanting to see one of the world's highest lakes without the extended side-trek and additional altitude acclimatisation the ground route demands.
| Option | Duration | Altitude Gain Required |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter Tour | 1 day | None, direct landing |
| Trekking Side-Trip | 2-3 extra days on the Annapurna Circuit | Significant, from Manang area |
The helicopter tour removes both the extra trekking days and the altitude acclimatisation risk of the ground-based side-trek to Tilicho Lake.
View Himalaya's Tilicho Lake Helicopter Tour starts from USD 1,150 per person for a shared group flight, with private charter options available. Contact View Himalaya for current pricing.
Given the lake's extreme altitude, this tour is highly weather-dependent, and early morning departures offer the best chance of stable flying conditions.
Truly one of the highlights of our travels in Asia. Our guide went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable. A particular highlight for us was completed in a single morning from Pokhara. We'd book with View Himalaya again without hesitation.
Truly one of the highlights of our travels in Asia. Our guide's English was excellent and he explained the local culture in real depth. A particular highlight for us was tilicho Lake at 4,919 metres, among the highest lakes in the world. Thank you to the whole View Himalaya team for making this happen.
A genuinely well organised and memorable trip. Our guide went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable. A particular highlight for us was dramatic turquoise waters set beneath sheer Annapurna range cliffs. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
One of the best trips we've ever taken. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was a scenic flight over the Marshyangdi valley and Annapurna Circuit trekking route. Highly recommend View Himalaya to anyone considering this trip.