Trip Overview
In the Annapurna range of the Central Nepal Himalaya lies Tilicho Tal (lake), at 4,919m one of the highest of its size in the world. Stretching about 2.5mi / 4km long and about 0.6mi / 1km wide, it lies at the foot of the 23,400′ / 7,134m summit of the same name, north of the Grande Barriere a 10km / 6mi long wall of rock, ice and snow. We soon leave the lodges on the main trail to head up toward Tilicho Tal. These high Himalayan reaches are the habitat of the Himalayan tahr (mountain goat) and the snow leopard, among other mammals. From our camp by the shores of the lake, we climb up to the Mesokanto La (pass, 16,730′ / 5,100m) where we are rewarded with the first views of the Kali Gandaki valley. We descend to stay at the charming Thakali village of Marpha. Here on we follow the Kali Gandaki upstream to Kagbeni, and up a side valley to the shrine at Muktinath, sacred to Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims alike. The trip ends in Jomsom with an early morning flight to Pokhara. This is a splendid summer trek, as rewarding as it is challenging. The Tilicho lake trek is among the finest serious Nepal treks best experienced in the Monsoon.
Tilicho Lake is one of those places that has had next to mythic connotations. Many regard it as the highest lake in the world. It was for long almost totally closed save for a few climbers and expeditions, and since 1974, when Nixon changed the China policy, part of the area above Thini on the Jomosom side became a totally off-limits military area. From the Manang side it was rarely if ever visited.A much sold guide book informed potential trekkers that the path to Tilicho was “a figment of some ones fantasy” and the locals in Manang had little knowledge of the route too, and were often thought to be Slightly unfriendly as they were known for not being particularly keen on working as human beasts of burden for various expeditions that had passed. When asked to porter they had simply refused! Manang is no ordinary village. Its people are heavily involved in international trade, due to passport privileges granted in the past.
Trip Information -Tilicho Pass Trekking Trip Highlights
Trekking Duration: 1 days
Starting from: Beshi Sahar
Best Season: Feb,Mar,Apr,May – Sep,Oct,Nov
Ending at: Pokhara/ Jomsom to Kathmandu by flight/Bus
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Highest access of the trek: 5099 meters Tilicho Pass.
Culture: Mixed culture based on Gurung ,Thakali & Magar
Mode of trekking tour: Tea House and Camping trek.
Himalayan sights: Lamjung Himal, Annapurna (I,II,III,IV), Machhapuchhre Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dhawalagiri range, Tilicho peak, Tibetan ranges
Splendid breathtaking place: High mountain pass, great Himalayan view, popular hot Spring along the route, etc
Itinerary
Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day 02:Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for trek
Trek start = DAY 03: Kathmandu to Besisahar to Khudi [800 m/2624]: 8 – 9 hrs drive
We start our journey into the hills through the winding roads along the Trishuli River. Enroute we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greenery, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenarios. Upon arrival at Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour’s drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
DAY 04: Khudi to Sirung [2200m/7216 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs
Our first day`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down hill sections across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual then it becomes steeper. The mountains that we see from Khudi become closer as we walk higher. The villages and people are an interesting. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu in Sirung. Sirung offers us a home-stay where we also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the number of visitors is more than four, the group may have to split to stay at different houses for the night. At this juncture, we will have first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
DAY 05: Sirung to Chamje [1,410m/4,626ft]: 5 – 6 hrs
We trek through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. Always following the Marsyangdi River, we walk in a fantastic landscape through little waterfalls, forests and villages. We will not feel tough until we reach Syange (1100 m), but after Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. Overnight at Chamje. (B, L, D)
DAY 06: Chamje to Dharapani [1,960m/6,430ft]: 5 – 6 hrs
Today we enter the Manang region passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. On the way is the village namely Tal. Tal lies on a flat plain next to the sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. While hiking, sometimes we may have to give a pass to a large group of donkey caravan. Overnight at Dharapani. (B, L, D)
DAY 07: Dharapani to Chame [2,710m/8,891ft]: 5 – 6 hrs
Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route on the west. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be treated to some of the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day hard trek. Overnight at Chame.
DAY 08: Chame to Pisang [3,300m/10824ft]: 5 – 6 hrs
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be gone. We cross and re-cross the river again and again on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. Upon walking through these wonderful sites we reach at Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.
DAY 09: Pisang to Manang: 6 – 7 hrs
Today, we will have disjunctures of two routes that we follow. If taken upper route (Himalayan Glacier recommends), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, we will have outstanding sceneries. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today. On the way, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.
DAY 10: Manang: Rest
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. The upcoming next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. Further, we pay an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, upon wherre we will be at a village’s monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang.
Day 11:Manang to Khangsar (3,600m) 4/5 hrs
This day trek continues to Khangsar village crossing Khangsar Khola. The trekking continues descending down to Khangsar Khola and crosses over a bridge and enters in the village which has Tibetan life style and culture. The village is also known as the last village of Nepal in high altitude. We stay overnight in Khangsar.
Day 12:Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp Trek (4,916m.) 5/6 hrs
On this day, trek continues to Tilicho Lake from Khangsar village ascending up to a high ridge. From the ridge the views are unpredictably impressive and eyes staking. You can spend some time there enjoying the magnificent panorama of the area and continue to Tilicho Peak Base Camp where we stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 13:Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake Trek (5,315m) 4/5 hrs
The sacred Tilicho Lake is situated at 4920m and is highest lake in the world. A high route and low route connect Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp. The low route undulates between 4000-4250 meters through 100 meter-high rocks jutting out of a steep slope. O/N Camping
Day 14:Tilicho Lake to Nama Phu 3,510m via Meso Kanto La 5,099m 5/6hrs
We start our trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass. Mesokanto Pass is a dry place. We will pass altitude of 5099m at Mesokanto Pass and reach to spot called Nama Phu. O/N Camping (BLD)
Day 15: Nama Phu to Jomsom 2,713m 6/7 hrs
Today we trek to Jomsom from Mesokanto. Jomsom, at an altitude of 2800m is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. The entire panorama is filled with a golden, glittering light, which forms a dramatic contrast. O/N Tea house (BLD)
Trek End = Day 16:Jomsom to Pokhara: 25 minutes by flight
After breakfast, your trekking crews will help you with your bags to the airport and offer farewell for the last time. Our representative in Jomsom will make all the arrangements for your flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will have to check in at the hotel. Then, you can either rest or stroll in the beautiful streets of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara
Day 17: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 25 Minutes
Day 18 :Final Departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Beauty Nepal Adventure representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Notes: Airfare is not included in the tour price.