Annapurna Region Trekking Nepal

Tilicho Lake Trekking in Nepal

The Tilicho Lake is a famous lake from natural beauty as well as religious point of view. For the lovers of nature it a magnificent view and real opportunity to see a lake at this altitude at 4919m. For religious minded people it is a godly blessed place best suited for devotees, it is also an area of rough and wild beauty. This trek is visited by very few people though it is recommended for trekking and travel for all type of tourists. On the way we would have passed through every type of vegetation zone from lush sub-tropical to harsh semi-desert and passed over one of the highest trekking passes in the world. We will have entered a world without roads or cars and witnessed the way people have worked, played and survived for hundreds and hundreds of years. We would have essentially walked through a time warp coming out the other side with a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we live in.

The first part of the trail is same as Annapurna circuit trekking, from Manang we will go to the main valley to the west thought the Khangsar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then the trail goes to Yak Kharka and join the normal Annapurna circuit route and cross the Thorong la Pass (5416m). From Tilicho Lake we have also the option of crossing the challenging pass of Moesokanta La and arriving at Jomsom instead of traveling to Thorong La but good additional equipment with tented camp are require trekking in this route.

Tilicho Lake Trekking Highlights

World deepest Kaligandaki Gorge, World's tallest lake Tilicho, Close up view of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks of mid western Nepal, Great Himalayan panorama from Meso kanto la, Mystical and amazing landscapes.

Tilicho Lake Trekking Facts

  • Trekking Destination: Tilicho Lake 4919m
  • Group Size: Min - 2 Pax.
  • Highest Access: 5416 Thorong La Pass
  • Best Season: March/April/May/Sept/Oct/Nov
  • Transportation: Land transfer/Flight
  • Trip Grade: Strenuous
  • Mode of Trekking Tour: Tea House/Lodge
  • Trekking Hour: Approx. 5-6 hours
  • Total Days: 20 Days
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Explore Tilicho Lake (Tallest lake)

Annapurna Region Trekking

Tilicho Lake Trekking Itinerary

Day 01
Arrival at Kathmandu (1348m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuwan International Airport we will receive you with private vehicle and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu/Planet Bhaktapur in B/B plan. Our representative will give you information about further programs. As your request we go to short walk around old city area.
Day 02
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast, we drive to Changu Narayan (1500m.) which is situated approximately 20 k.m east of Kathmandu. Changunarayan is said to be the oldest temple of Kathmandu valley and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage monument list. It is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 AD and said to be the oldest temple in the valley. We then trek to Nagarkot (2175m.). Walking through the pine forest along the ridge through the villages with splendid view of the valley and mountains we arrive at Nagarkot. It is one the most panoramic destinations of Nepal for landscapes, mountain views including Mt Everest and magnificent sunrise and sun set view. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03
Drive to Beshisahar (820m) 6 hrs
Drive to Besi Sahar takes about 5 hours. Leaving Kathmandu valley you are driven on the Tribhuwan Rajpath (Highway) along the Trisuli River to Mugling. From Mugling you have to journey westwards along the Marshyangdi River. You will be trekking along the Marshyangdi River until the day you cross the Thorung La pass. (5416m) From Besi Sahar we have a short trek of 1 ½ to 2 hours towards the village of Khudi. After an hour’s walk, you will cross a bamboo bridge, which signifies the approach to Khudi. You can relax to the sound of the mighty Marshyangdi.
Day 04
Trek to Bahundanda (1310m) 5 to 5 ½ hrs
Leaving Khudi, you will pass by a local school on the right hand side. You will have to stop at Bhulbule where there is a check post for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Cross a steel bridge over the Marshyangdi River, which serves as a vital connection between both sides of the village. You will pass through flat rice fields to the village of Ngadi. Your trek leader will probably suggest a short break for lunch. After lunch, you will cross another large suspension bridge over the Ngadi River where the trail begins to ascend, straying away from the Marshyangdi River through woods. The last hour is a steep climb to Bahundanda (Hill of Brahmins) through cultivated land.
Day 05
Trek to Chyamje (1430m) 6 to 6 ½ hrs
Leaving Bahundanda, you will descend stone steps. The farmers here harvest 2-3 crops a year in these lowlands depending on the rainfall. The path levels off and from here, the small villages of Sildhunga and Tadring are seen on the hillside opposite the valley. Contouring along the undulating path you will trek until the descent to the small settlement of Syange. Then take a short break for relaxation before the descent at Ghermu Phant for a drink while enjoying an impressive waterfall on the opposite side of the valley. You need to cross a suspension bridge across Marshyangdi. You will notice the sides narrowing and getting steeper while walking up the valley. You may pass mule trains along the way. From here it is a steep climb to the village of Jagat. A series of up and down paths brings you to Chyamje, the final stop for the night.
Day 06
Trek to Bagarchhap (2160m) 6 to 7 hrs
You will cross a suspension bridge to the eastern side of the Marshyangdi soon after leaving Chyamje. You will pass along a series of overhanging rock formations. The path begins to traverse a broad ledge after a short climb. You will then come to a series of stone steps as you pass a couple of teashops while going uphill. The trail evens out after a while and you will walk beneath an archway, which is the gateway to Tal and the Manang district. "Tal" means "lake" in Nepali. You can see a broad expanse where a lake used to be. The Tibetan influence becomes more evident from here on with ‘Chorten’, ‘Gompa’ and the beautiful architectural designs of the buildings. The trail from Tal levels out for a while, a welcome relief for your legs. You will cross a bridge back to the West of the Marshyangdi about an hour later. You can see the old trail on the other side which was recently abandoned due to landslides. The trail continues upwards until the village of Dharapani where there is a police check post. Bagarchhap is just a 45 minute walk from Jagat.
Day 07
Trek to Chame (2630m) 5 hrs
Great views of Mt. Annapurna II (7937m) and Mt. Lamjung Himal (6932m) will greet you as you proceed up the valley. You will reach the village of Danakyu after a walk of 30 minutes. If you look beyond the lofty peaks of Mt. Manaslu (8156m), the eighth highest peak in the world, Peak 29 (7833m) will be visible on clear days. There is a steep climb of about an hour through pine and fir forest with spectacular scenery. You may see Langur monkeys in the forest. Then, you will reach Tamang village with spectacular views of Manaslu (8156m). Continuing on the flattish path along the river, the village of Thanchok is reached. The towering Annapurna II (7937m) is an incredible sight further up the trail. The path rejoins the main trail while descending through woodland down to Koto, which sits in the shadow of Annapurna II (7937m). The Nar Khola River flowing from the recently opened valleys of Nar and Phu joins the Marshyangdi from the right side of the valley. Chame, which is the district headquarters of Manang, is a short walk away. There are excellent views of Lamjung Himal (6932m) from here.
Day 08
Trek to Pisang (3190m) 5 hrs
A short day of trekking to Pisang. However, as it is so beautiful most of the trekkers take their own time to admire the scenery and take many photographs. You will pass through a series of Mani walls. The trail is pretty even until we arrive at the apple orchards of Brathang. The trail heads uphill for about 45 Minutes through forest, leveling off before reaching a suspension bridge. A moderate climb follows, after crossing the bridge through a forest consisting of juniper, pine and fir. The valley begins to broaden and Pisang Peak (6091m) stands out in front of you. You will pass through a couple of small lakes where sometimes birds can be seen wading. Pisang is divided into upper and lower Pisang.
Day 09
Pisang trekking to Manang (3570m) 5 hrs
This is a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Spend a time with visiting monasteries, side trip to Gangapurna Lake, doing some excursions with the wonderful views around the villages, take advice from Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalaya.
Day 10
Manang - Acclimatization day
This is a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Spend a time with visiting monasteries, side trip to Gangapurna Lake, doing some excursions with the wonderful views around the villages, take advice from Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalaya.
Day 11
Manang trekking to Khangsar village (3734m) 5hrs
From Manang the trail descent to a Chorten and turns to northwest and goes down to the River. After crossing the Jharsang khola on suspension bridge the trail goes through blue pine forest and the wheat fields before arrive Khangsar, Khangsar is a Gurung village. There you find a small monastery, Chorten, Mani walls and prayer flags. Stay overnight at camp in Khangsar.
Day 12
Khangsar Village Trekking to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m ) 4½ hrs
From Khangsar the trail climbs steeply past the Gompa and small chortens, trail goes through juniper and sea buckthorn bushes. Along the way we will cross the few streams and climb steeply to arrive Tilicho Lake,from here we can enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho Peak and surroundings mountain. Overnight at Tilicho base camp in guest house.
Day 13
Trek to Tilicho Lake (4919m) and trek back to base camp 5 hrs
Start the trekking early morning today to Tilicho lake, it will be 3 to 4 hour working to the lake we can have outstanding view of Gangapurna, Tarkekang, Khangsar Kang and the view of Manang valley and Upper Pisang are great, after spending the memorable time at Tilicho lake we will trek down to Tilicho base camp via same way for overnight stay.
Day 14
Tilicho base camp trekking to Yak Kharka (4000m): 6½ hrs
From base camp we trek down passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead you around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka, overnight at Yak Kharka.
Day 15
Yak Kharka trekking to Phedi (4450m): 4 hrs
from here the trail continue climb along the bank of the Jorsang Khola, It is some time possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep. Stay overnight at Phedi
Day 16
Phedi trekking to Muktinath (3800m): 7 hrs
From Phedi the trail becomes steep, switch backing up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the pass. The views from the trail and from the pass are outstanding, you can see the long great barrier ridged, Gangapurna, Annapurna, Thorong peak Khatung Kang peak. From the top the trail descends steeply down to Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. It is also home to many ethnics Tibetans and holy Buddhists. Overnight at Muktinath
We ascend steeply to high camp at 4590m then along an undulating trail to the flat top of throngla( 5416m) from here the trail descend steeply down to Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. It is also home to many ethnics Tibetans and holy Buddhists stay at 3800m.
Day 17
Muktinath trekking to Jomsom (2713m) via Kagbeni (2810m): 5½ hrs
Today, is easy walk after the great success of Thorong Pass, the trail gradually go down to Jharkot with the picturesque kani ( large Gompa) from here the trail stroll among meadows, streams, poplar and fruit trees, finally we arrive Kagbeni a gateway to Upper Mustang, it has posing Chortens and ochre-colored Gompas and monastery, you can visit red walled kagchode Thubten Sampheling Gompa which was founded in 1429. After lunch in Kagbeni continue trekking to Jomsom on the windy trail of Kaligandaki valley, overnight at Jomsom
Day 18
Flight Jomsom to Pokahra : 25 minutes
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during and after and frequent change of the weather prevents the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in the morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks.
Day 19
Pokhara fly out to Kathmandu. 25 minutes
Fly to Pokhara 25 minutes (1348m). After breakfast you will drive to airport for flight to Pokhara, it will take 25 minutes grateful enjoyable moment to see the great view of Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayan ranges, after arrive in Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Day 20
Final Departure:
After breakfast, rest of day is at leisure until we pick from your hotel and then transfer to airport for your onward destination. Our trip end and wish you your wonderful journey.

If above itinerary couldn’t meet your needs, we can design a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs. Please let us know whether you would like to make it shorter or longer.

Cost Includes

  • Kathmandu international airport transfer by private car / van / Jeep / Bus.
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Flights : Jomsom - Pokhara one way with required airport tax
  • 3 nights twin sharing hotel accommodations in Kathmandu/Planet Bhaktapur and 1 night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast as per the program.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) each day according to the itinerary
  • Guest house accommodation while on trekking days
  • An experienced fluent English speaking licensed holder tour and trekking guide.
  • Necessary required porters during the trekking (1 porter two guest basis)
  • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance of Nepali trekking staffs.
  • All necessary ground transportation.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permit fees and TIMS special permit for trekking.
  • A special gift from our company.

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fee cost US$ 40.
  • International airfare and departure airport taxes.
  • Your travel insurance (It is mandatory in case of emergency).
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu during your stay.
  • Any kinds of drinks, bar bills and laundry services and TIPS for crew
  • Any donation and monuments entrance fees.
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