Tilicho Lake Trek ( Via Mesokanta La Pass )

Once you arrive at the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, via a flight to the Tribhuwan International Airport, our airport representative member will welcome you. Then, he will take you on a short drive through the bustling city streets towards your designated hotel. After reaching the hotel, he will also assist you with check-in procedures. Spend some quality time at the hotel, resting and enjoying lunch. Then, you can visit the Nepal Guide Treks office for a short pre-briefing meeting.

During the gathering, your trek guide will feed you the necessary details about an upcoming adventure of the Tilicho Lake Trek. You will get to know about the permits, transportation, porters, food, accommodations, etc during the journey. After the completion of the meeting, you can introduce and socialize with your fellow trekkers. In the evening, you are kindly requested to attend our Welcome Dinner event and enjoy the authentic delicacy of delectable Nepali cuisines.

Click here for detailed info about World Heritage Sites’ of UNESCO in Nepal.

On the second day of our Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary, we will take you on a guided tour of some of the popular places in Kathmandu. Today, we will be visiting the wonderful historical and cultural sites of the valley. You will tour the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath, Durbar Squares (Royal Palaces), Bouddhanath Stupa, and Swyambhunath, riding in a comfortable private vehicle. Our knowledgeable city guide will provide you with information and valuable insights into the monuments that you will visit.

After an informative and enriching excursion to the Kathmandu Valley, you will be dropped off at your hotel. Enjoy the remaining time at the hotel, anticipating and packing for the adventure, knocking on the door.

Approximately 200 kilometers, 7-9 hours

From now onwards, we will actually begin on the exhilirating journey of Tilicho Lake Trek. Eat your breakfast at the hotel and stay ready with your belongings. We will come to pick you up for a picturesque drive towards the starting point of our trek, Chamje.

We will leave the Kathmandu Valley by driving west on the Prithivi Highway. We will gradually come out of the valley’s outskirts and pass by several countryside towns and villages. With scenic landscape views like forests, rivers, waterfalls, farmlands, etc, we will reach Dumre. Continuing further, we will arrive at the gateway town of the Annapurna Circuit, i.e., Besisahar. Now, we will shift from the Prithivi Highway to the rough, narrow, and graveled road towards Chamje. You can catch the wonderful vista of distant Himalayas and lush biodiversity as we will be driving within the Annapurna Conservation Area by now.

Finally, we will arrive at Chamje, a charming settlement beside the Marsyangdi River. We will enjoy the local foods and cozy accommodations provided by the traditional teahouses in this village.

13-15 kilometers, 6-8 hours

From today, we will be on the trail. After waking up in Chamje, our day begins with a delicious breakfast served by a friendly teahouse owner. Then, we will set off towards our first trekking destination, Bagarchhap.

We will leave the village, walking alongside the Marsyangdi River. We will cross this river via a suspension bridge. Then, we will ascend through the lush forested area. Continuing walking for a few hours, we will reach Tal. Tal is the gateway to the Manang district. We will enjoy this day’s lunch in this village, observing its open and flat surroundings. Then, we will be back on the trail, passing through small villages and farmlands. The route slowly becomes steeper and narrower as we ascend to the valley. We will traverse several uphill and downhill stone stairs to arrive at another notable village, Dharapani. From Dharapani, we will ascend gradually across the time-honored monasteries and chortens towards Bagarchhap.

Bagarchhap is a quaint Buddhist village with Tibetan-style houses (stone built with flat roofs) and Tibetan-influenced culture. We will stay for an overnight in this hamlet, soaking up its serene ambiance and delectable cuisines.

13 kilometers, 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we will leave Bagarchhap village and start trekking towards Chame. We will follow the ascending trails that will take us all the way to Danaque. After a brief rest, we will enter the forest area, leading us to Timang village. Descending through the forest, we will walk past several small settlements until we reach Koto for lunch. From Koto, we will trek further towards Chame.

The view of the Annapurna range and Lamjung Himal becomes more prominent as we arrive at Chame. Chame is the headquarters of the Manang district. Here, you can find several accomodation options with a bit more advanced facilities and services. It also has the relaxing natural hot springs where you can dip and rejuvenate after a long day of trekking.

14-15 kilometers, 4-5 hours

Today, we will ascend to Pisang from Chame. After breakfast, we will begin trekking, following the upstream of the Marsyangdi River. En route, we will pass through Telekhu to Bharatang villages. With the fantastic scenery of apple orchards in Bharatang, we will continue to trek further. We will cross the suspension bridge spanning over the gushing Marsyangdi River. After a river crossing, we will traverse the vibrant forest of pine and fir. Marveling at the occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains, we will ascend to Dukur Pokhari. From Dukur Pokhari, we will walk past the Lower Pisang village before arriving at our destination, Pisang.

We will spend a relaxing night in this cultural village.

16 kilometers, 7-8 hours

From Pisang, we will begin to trek towards the Upper Manang region. There are two routes to reach Manang from Pisang. The lower route is shorter and easier, which passes through villages like Humde, Mungji, and Barga before reaching Manang. The upper route is relatively challenging and more scenic. You will pass through villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal to reach Manang by this route.

We will probably take the easier route, which will give you insights into the small airstrip in Humde and the giant old Barga Monastery in Barga village. Walking across the arid landscapes and enjoying the close-range views of the snow-covered mountains, we will reach the Manang village for an overnight stay.

Manang is a popular stop among trekkers to rest and acclimatize before ascending to the higher elevations. Today, we will stay in this village, resting, rejuvenating, and adjusting to the higher altitude environments. Acclimatization also means being active. So, after lunch in the teahouse, we will head out for short acclimatization hikes and exploration of the village.

There are several options for a short detour in Manang. You can pay a visit to Praken Gompa, Gangapurna Lake, Gangapurna Glacier, Bhojo Monastery and more. After discovering the magnificent highlights of the Manang, we will return to the teahouse by early evening and have a restful time.

6-7 kilometers, 2-3 hours

After waking up well-rested and acclimatized at Mannag, we will enjoy breakfast and head towards the attractive destination, Khangsar. Leaving Manang, we will shift from the main Annapurna Circuit trail and take the less-trodden routes leading towards the remote corners of the Manang Valley.

Coming out of Manang, we will follow the descending trails by the Marsyangdi River. After crossing this river via a bridge, we will enter a dense coniferous forest. The forest opens to narrow trails leading all the way to Khangsar village.

Khangsar is the final settlement enroute to Tilicho Lake and onwards to the Mesokanta La Pass. We will settle in for the night at a cozy teahouse accommodation in Khangsar.

10 kilometers, 5-6 hours

Today, we will trek towards the Tilicho Lake Base Camp. After a morning breakfast, we will leave Khangsar. With the stunning view of the Khangsar River, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and the Grand Barrier, we will climb uphill on the barren, arid landscapes. You will pass by the lush juniper and burberry bushes. Following the well-marked trails, we will walk past the wide alpine meadows. With the enthralling views of the surrounding mountains, we will reach the small village of Sri Kharka.

From Sri Kharka, the trail starts to become narrower and steeper. We will continue on the trails of loose rocks along the landslide-prone areas. We will also cross a few small streams while making our way toward the Tilicho Base Camp. On the final tread of the trek, we will make a steep ascent towards the Tilicho Base Camp.

The Base Camp of Tilicho is a secluded area with untouched nature and a tranquil setting. From here, you can marvel at the spectacular vistas of the gratifying Himalayas up close. There are a handful of accommodations in the Tilicho Base Camp. We will stay for the night at one of the fine teahouses.

Around 4 kilometers, 3-4 hours

Today, we will ascend from the Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho High Camp. We will walk on the steep and challenging trails, which are mostly rocky and potentially slippery as well. The steep ascent over the narrow, loose rock paths requires careful footing. While the trails are complex to navigate, they are also well-marked. So it will not be difficult to find your way and chase the destination.

There are no settlements between Tilicho Base Camp and High Camp. So, carry adequate water and snacks for proper hydration and regular energy supply. Marveling at the grand views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, rugged terrains, and snow fields, we will make it to the Tilicho High Camp. Upon reaching a suitable campsite, our expert team will set up cozy tents for an overnight stay.

Today is our second acclimatization day, which we will spend resting, exploring, and acclimatizing at the high-altitude location of the Tilicho Lake High Camp. Give your body time to relax and rejuvenate. Fuel up with healthy and nutritious food served by our camping crew. After a leisurely lunch, you can consider walking around the high camp for acclimatization purposes. The light activity helps you to adjust quickly to the low oxygen levels of the thinner high-altitude air.

We will also visit Tilicho Lake on this day. Following the steeper paths of rocks and ice, we will ascend towards Tilicho Lake. This giant turquoise lake is amidst the foothills of Tilicho Peak’s north side. The holy Tilicho Lake holds historical and religious significance to both the Hindus and Buddhists. Enjoy a rewarding moment in the peaceful Tilicho surroundings, soaking in the magnificence of raw natural beauty. The breathtaking Himalayas encircling the serene lake will make you feel that you are in a paradise land. After taking in the worthwhile time, we will return to the Tilicho High Camp. We will spend the night at a beautiful campsite under the starry sky.

15 kilometers, 7-9 hours

Today, we will reach the highest elevation of the journey at Mesokanta La Pass (5,120 meters). We will start early to ensure ample daylight for the trek. We will leave the Tilicho High Camp after a quick breakfast. The weather at high altitudes can change in a minute. So, we will begin on the trail a bit earlier than on the other days to take advantage of the good morning weather.

From the Tilicho High Camp, we will head northwest on well-defined but complex terrains. We will ascend steeply through the rugged and rocky mountainous trails towards Mesokanta La Pass. This pass connects the Annapurna Circuit with remote Mustang regions. As we continue to ascend, the Mesokanta La Pass comes into view, marked by the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The dramatic view of the lofty Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri ranges, Tilicho Lake, and Mustang Valley from the top of this pass will keep you spellbound.

We will begin to descend steeply through the loose rocks and narrow trails towards Chauri Kharka. Gradually, the routes start to become flat and well-maintained. We will pass through the sweeping alpine moorlands and enter the more greener landscapes. We will finally reach Chauri Kharka, at the base of lush hills. We will spend an enjoyable night at the wide, flat grassland in Chauri Kharka.

16 kilometers, 5-6 hours

After a delicious breakfast in a camp, we will prepare to move towards our next destination, Jomsom. Leaving Chauri Kharka behind, we will begin to descend through the verdant meadows and big Yak pastures. With the stunning views of surrounding hills and mountains, we will descend to Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, the trails are a mix of rocky and forested areas all the way to Tukuche. We will have a short lunch break at Tukuche and continue on the trail. We will traverse the barren semi-desert landscapes and several small villages. Following the straightforward trails of the Kali Gandaki River Valley, we will finally reach Jomsom.

Our trekking journey concludes here. This night, we will reside at one of the finest teahouses in Jomsom and prepare to fly for the Pokhara the next day.

30 minutes

Today, we will take a short, scenic, and exciting flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. After early breakfast, we will head towards the small airport in Jomsom. We will board a plane and start flying towards Pokhara. The flight treats you to astounding vistas of the snow-clad mountains, Kali Gandaki Geroge, and desert-like Mustang landscapes. After landing at Pokhara Airport, you will be swiftly transferred to your designated hotel.

This day in Pokahara will be spent more lesireuly unlike the before. We will arrive early after around half an hour of flight. So there is much more time to unwind and explore. After having lunch at the hotel, you can set off to enjoy a laid-back stroll by the lakeside. You can consider visiting other attractive places in Pokhara, such as the World Peace Pagoda, Bindabasini Temple, International Mountain Museum, David’s Falls, etc. Spend the night enjoying lavish hotel accommodation.

Approximately 200 kilometers, 6-8 hours

Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and leave for Kathmandu. Today, we will return to the capital as our wonderful Tilicho Lake Trek has come to an end. Boarding a private vehicle, we will set off on a scenic overland drive toward Kathmandu.

Driving along the Prithvi Highway, we will make the return journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu. With the captivating view of surrounding hills and valleys, we will drive past the different popular rivers like Seti, Marshyangdi, and Trihsuli. We will pass through scenic countryside villages dotted with terraced farmlands. The popular stops en route are Damauli, Mugling, Kurintar, Malekhu, and Naubise. From Naubise, we will take the Tribhuvan Highway as we enter the Kathamandu Valley.

After arriving in Kathmandu, we will drive and drop you off at your respective hotel. After a long day’s drive, you can spend a restful time at your hotel.

Today, you will be having a leisurely day in Kathmandu. You can spend this day the way you like. Still, to suggest, you can visit the remaining beautiful sites in the valley, like the Garden of Dreams, Central Zoo, etc.

Consider visiting the Asan market and Thamel area for gifts and souvenirs back home. While strolling around the markets, you can also sample the mouthwatering street foods from the roadside stallholders.

In the evening, we will host a Farewell Dinner party for the celebration of the successful journey of Tilicho Lake Trek and give you a proper send-off.

Now, it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal. Stay ready, being well-packed and fueled up with meals for the homeward journey. Our airport representative member will come to pick you up at your place of stay, following the departure schedule. He will take you to the airport on time. Onwards, board a flight towards your home country and safe travels!

We are looking forward to hearing from you regarding your next adventure in the mountains with us.