- Location: Khangsar 33500, Nepal
- Height above sea level: 4919 m
- Dimensions: 4 × 1.2 km
- Area: 4.8 square meters. km
- Greatest depth: 75 m
In Nepal, at an altitude of almost 5000 m, one of the most inaccessible high-mountain lakes in the world - Tilicho - is located. To it conducts set of various tracks, therefore each traveler can choose an ascension to the taste.
Geography and biodiversity of Lake Tilicho
This inaccessible pond is located in the Himalayas, more precisely, on the territory of the Annapurna mountain range. To the north-west of it rises the peak of Tilicho, covered with ice and snow caps.
If you look at the lake Tilicho from above, you can see that it has an elongated shape. From north to west it stretched for 4 km, and from west to east - for 1 km. The pool is filled with the waters formed as a result of the melting of the glacier on the eponymous peak. Sometimes large chunks break away from the glacier, which float on the surface of the reservoir, like icebergs in the ocean. Since the beginning of winter and until the end of spring (December-May), Lake Tilicho is icebound.
In the pond is found only plankton. But in its vicinity there live blue sheep (nahurs) and snow leopards (snow leopards).
Tourism in the Tilicho region
Despite the inaccessibility, this high-altitude reservoir is very popular with tourists. Most often to Lake Tilicho in Nepal come:
- supporters of eco-tourism, dreaming to relax in the bosom of a picturesque and intact water body;
- naturalists trying to find traces of snow leopards;
- rock climbers, who hope to conquer complex mountain areas;
- Scientists who want to explore the lake bottom;
- lovers of hiking, wishing to get acquainted with the Himalayan landscapes.
Most travelers choose a famous hiking route called " Track around Annapurna ". If you follow it, the pond will be away from the main path. Here at Lake Tilicho you can make a rest or relax in a tea house that works during the tourist season.
The reservoir often becomes the object of scientific expeditions. Basically they are conducted in order to measure its maximum depth. According to recent studies conducted by Polish scientists, the depth of Lake Tilicho can reach 150 m, but this has not yet been proved.
The southwestern shore of the reservoir, located under the peak of Tilicho, is considered dangerous because of the high probability of an avalanche. In general, the whole trip to Lake Tilicho can be called complex and risky, so it should be done by physically trained tourists who have at their disposal special equipment.
How to reach Lake Tilicho?
In order to contemplate the beauty of this alpine reservoir, you should drive north-west from Kathmandu . Lake Tilicho is located in the central part of Nepal, about 180 km from the capital. It can be reached from the city of Jomsom or the village of Manang . In the first case, it will be necessary to pass through the Mesokanto-La Pass, which is at an altitude of 5100 m, making several halts at night. It should be noted that on the way to the reservoir there are army units, which should be avoided.
From the village of Manang, you should follow the west through the Khansar village, the Marsyandi Khola gorge and the Tilicho camp, located at an altitude of more than 4,000 m. You can walk along the Marsjandi Khola, along the "lower" or "upper" trail to the lake Tilicho height of 4700 m.