Tilicho Lake Thorong la Pass Trek

Location: Kathmandu

Kathmandu Altitude: 1445 Meters

Accommodation: Hotel

Our trek to Thorong La Pass starts in Kathmandu. So we will first reach Kathmandu on the first day via flight. Our trekking staff will wait to pick us up from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From there, we will head toward our respective hotels and stay overnight.

The second day of the Thorong La Pass Trek is a meet-and-greet event. We will head towards the office of Nepal Guide Treks and meet our crew members and teams that support us throughout the trek. In addition, we will get enough time to learn about our guides and porters. Similarly, the trekking guidelines and instructions will be insightful knowledge before starting.

Besides, we can also explore Kathmandu city and its beauty. Several destinations around Kathmandu Valley attracts thousands of tourist every year. For religious purposes, we can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and others. Similarly, for historical insights about the valley, we can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Narayanhiti Palace, and more.

Location: Chame

Chame Altitude: 2670 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

The third day brings one of the longest journeys by road in our trekking package. We will set off for Chame from Kathmandu Bus Stop. As we proceed to our destination center, we will leave the hustling and bustling lifestyle of Kathmandu city and enter the naturally gifted Dhading District. The green hills and the Trishuli River will keep up the spirit of successfully commencing the Thorong La Pass Trek.

From Dumre, we part ways to reach Lamjung and Besi Sahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung District. We will stop there for lunch and a short rest before continuing our journey to Simalchaur and Bhulbhule. From there, we will drive alongside the banks of the Marsyangdi River and reach Ngadi in around an hour. Our journey continues through a road to Bahundanda, Ghermu Phant, and finally Syange in the next couple of hours.

From Syange, we will pass through some major settlements of Chyamje, Dharapani, Bagarchap, and Koto. These villages provide us insights into the Buddhist religion and its significance, as it features several Buddhist monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. From Koto, it only takes around an hour to reach Chame at 2670 Meters above sea level.

Location: Pisang

Pisang Altitude: 3200 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

The driving journey is already completed. Now it’s time to embark on a real trek. Today, we will hike from Chame Village to Pisang Village, which should take around 5 hours. We will leave Chame early in the morning and follow the trail alongside the Marsyangdi River and reach Thalekhu. There are several temples and religious builds that provide us with the religious significance of the area. We can see the religious rock wall, the Paungda Danda Rock, in the area too.

From Thalekhu, the trial continues to Bratang Village at 2850 meters. The trail is rugged and rocky, so it is an ideal idea to prepare with sturdy hiking boots and physical fitness. As we hike uphill from Brathang Village, we have to cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River, leading towards Dhikur Pokhari.

From Dhikur Pokhari, we enter the Pisang area. There are two regions in Pisang: Upper Pisang and Lower Pisang. Upper Pisang lies at 3300 meters above sea level, while Lower Pisang is at 3200 meters above sea level. Tonight, we stay at a teahouse at Lower Pisang.

Location: Manang

Manang Altitude: 3540 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House/Guest House

Today, we will embark on five hours of hiking from Pisang to reach Manang at 3540 meters above sea level. We still have to follow the path alongside the Marsyangdi River for this journey. First, the trail reaches Ghyaru Village, where there is an ancient Buddhist Monastery. From Ghyaru, we have to hike through the ups and downs of the remote and rugged pathways that lead us to Ngawal. From there, we can have excellent views of the snow-capped peaks like Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak.

From Ngawal, our trek continues through the Buddhist Settlements around the area rich in Tibetan monasteries, chortens, and mani walls. Finally, after passing through Braka Village, we will make it to Manang, one of the most beautiful settlements in Nepal.

Location: Manang

Manang Altitude: 3540 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House/Guest House

Acclimatization is the main source of retaining energy during treks. So it is no wonder that acclimatization is necessary during high-altitude treks. As we have already embarked on our trek above 3500 meters above sea level, we have to be cautious about the potential hazards that come along. Altitude sickness, cold temperatures, and extreme weather can impact badly on our trek. So ascending gradually to a high altitude and descending for an overnight stay is recommended.

Similarly, trekkers must be strict in their diet, hydration, safety measures, and other essentials during the Thorong La Pass Trek. If you have any symptoms of altitude sickness, it is recommended to hike to a lower altitude. Symptoms of altitude sickness include difficulty in breathing, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and slight fever.

Location: Kangsar

Kangsar Altitude: 3745 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

After acclimatization day, we will continue our trek through the banks of the Marsyangdi River. There is no green vegetation around the area, but we assure you that the trail from Manang to Kangsar is still alluring with the magnificent vistas of mountains and the local villages.

We hike through the sandy and rugged pathways that lead us to Kangsar after a couple of hours. Tonight, we will stay at a tea house in Kangsar and prepare to embark on Tilicho Base Camp.

Location: Tilicho Base Camp

Tilicho Base Camp Altitude: 4140 Meters

Accommodation: Tented Camp

Today, we will approach Tilicho Base Camp, the lap of the Highest Altitude Lake in the World. We set our journey from Kangsar, a Buddhist village, to Base Camp, which takes around 5 to 6 hours of walking.

As we leave Kangsar Village behind, we will be hiking through the sandy trails that are steep and treacherous. So, safety measures should be applied while hiking through this region. We can have stunning views of Pusen Danda, Syagang, Thorong Peak, Khatungkang, and many other peaks on the way.

After reaching Tilicho Base Camp, we set up a tent camp to stay overnight.

Location: Tilicho Lake | Base Camp

Tilicho Lake Altitude: 4949 Meters

Accommodation: Tented Camp

This is one of the most beautiful days of the Thorong La Pass Trek. Today, we will visit Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world. Located at 4949 meters above sea level, Tilicho Lake offers magnificent views of the surroundings and the tranquility of the freshwater stored in Nepal’s Himalayan region.

The reflection of the snowcapped peaks that dances in the water of Tilicho Lake gives us a soothing experience to us. Similarly, Hindu and Buddhist devotees consider the freshwater lake holy. Hindu devotees believe that Tilicho Lake is the Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in Holy Ramayana. As per the myth, Sage Kak Bhusundi told the happenings of Ramayana to Garuda near this lake.

After detailed sightseeing and exploration of Tilicho Lake, we will hike back to the Base Camp for an overnight stay.

Location: Yak Kharka

Yak Kharka Altitude: 4040 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

The eleventh day of Thorong La Pass Trek marks the beautiful exploration of Yak Kharka at 4040 meters. Since the altitude is over 4000 meters, trekkers must prepare with their physical fitness, altitude, and safety measures. We will follow the same trail we used to reach Base Camp before. First, we will descend to Kangsar and then reach Manang.

From Manang, we will hike uphill through the rugged terrains enjoying the magnificent views of Kangsar Peak, Gungang Himal, Chulu Peak, and more. The trail leads us to Gunsang Village, a traditional Buddhist settlement. We will pass through several chortens, mani walls, and monasteries before we reach Yak Kharka at 4040 meters above sea level.

Location: Thorong Phedi/High Camp

Thorong Phedi Altitude: 4500 Meters

High Camp Altitude: 4700 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

Today, we will embark on a journey to the base camp of one of the high-altitude passes of Nepal, Thorong La Pass. To reach Thorong Phedi (4500 meters), we will leave Yak Kharka behind early in the morning and set our hike to Ledar Village. As we leave Ledar Village behind and embark on our trek, we will cross a suspension bridge to reach Thorong Phedi. The total time to reach Thorong Phedi is around 3 to 4 hours of walking. From there, we have to hike for some more time to reach High Camp at 4700 meters above sea level.

The route is almost sandy and rocky, requiring a high physical fitness level. So, prepare with your physical fitness, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and rest sufficiently to do this more efficiently.

Location: Muktinath | Thorong La Pass

Muktinath Altitude: 3800 Meters

Thorong La Pass Altitude: 5416 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

Today, we will reach Muktinath, one of the holiest places for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. In the meantime, we will also reach the high altitude pass, Thorong La Pass, at 5416 meters above sea level. We will climb a mountain from Thorong Phedi, which appears physically demanding. As we reach Thorong La Pass, we experience the wide and stretched snow-capped mountain ranges, green valleys, and gorges deep down. The majestic views of peaks like Yakwakang, Dajong Paldip, Purkung Himal, Tawa Himal, Purbung Himal, and others will add spice to our journey.

From there, we will commence our trek to Ranipauwa before reaching Muktinath. Muktinath is considered one of the must-visit places for both Hindu and Buddhist people. We can participate in religious rituals in the temple. The 108 sprouts of the temple are believed to wash all the sins from our life. Similarly, the eternal flame gives an extra soothing vibe in our journey. Tonight, we will stay at a tea house in Muktinath.

Location: Tatopani

Tatopani Altitude: 1268 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

After we complete our major missions of Thorong La Pass Trek, it’s time to descend to a lower altitude, and the first thing we do is reach Tatopani at 1268 meters from Muktinath. Jeep facilities from Muktinath take you back to Pokhara, but we will stop at Tatopani for refreshments.

Tatopani is a natural hot spring where most trekkers bathe and refresh after the exhausting journey to the Himalayan region of Mid-Western Nepal. We will drive across several settlements like Jomsom, Marpha, and Ghasa Villages to reach Tatopani. It takes around 6 hours of drive on a jeep from Muktinath to reach Tatopani.

Location: Pokhara

Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters

Accommodation: Hotel

The fourteenth day of the Thorong La Pass Trek marks our return from Tatopani to Pokhara. It takes a few hours to reach Pokhara on a jeep. Our jeep takes us through several villages like Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Dhampus, and Naudanda before we reach Pokhara.

Upon reaching Pokhara, we will shift to our respective hotels, where we rest and stay overnight.

Location: Pokhara

Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters

Accommodation: Hotel

Today, we will explore Pokhara City and its beautiful destinations. We will start our day with a pleasant breakfast at the hotel and set off for sightseeing activities. First, we will hike to Sarangkot Hill, where we can see the Annapurna Mountain Range. The picture-perfect views of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other peaks are worth watching. Similarly, the traditional settlements around the route are very pleasing to experience.

After that, we will explore Phewa Lake, where boating is a famous activity. Tal Barahi Temple is located in Phewa Lake, where we can get insights into the Hindu culture and religion. Similarly, we will go sightseeing over several other places like Mahendra Gufa, Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum, Shanti Stupa, and Begnas Lake. After completing the exploration, we will return back to our respective hotels.

Location: Kathmandu

Kathmandu Altitude: 1445 Meters

Accommodation: Hotel

We will return to Kathmandu after successfully completing our Thorong La Pass Trek. We will take a bus from Pokhara Bus Stop and then embark on a beautiful journey through Tanahun and Dhading District before reaching the capital city of Nepal.

The green fields, lush green forest, and Marsyangdi and Trishuli River views are worth watching. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will stay at a hotel, rest, and prepare for our return.

Today is the last day of the Thorong La Pass Trek. We will drive to Tribhuvan International Airport and catch a plane that will fly us back to our home country.

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