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 Jomsom 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.
In 2001, Hindu pilgrims from around the world flocked to the lake convinced it is a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayan – a holy book of the Hindus. This trek starts right from Besisahar which goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent trek leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. We have customized this route as it is basically the same as Annapurna Circuit, from Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then we travel to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorung La at elevation of 5416 meters. From the pass of Thorung La the treks lead down to Muktinath then to Jomsom from where thirty five minutes scenic flights take you to the Pokhara.
From Tilicho Lake you also have the option of crossing the challenging pass of Moesokanta La Pass” to Jomsom instead of traveling to Thorung La pass but good additional equipments with tented camp are require to go through this pass.
From Tilicho Lake you also have the option of crossing the challenging pass of Moesokanta La Pass” to Jomsom instead of traveling to Thorung La pass but good additional equipments with tented camp are require to go through this pass.
Itinerary in Details:
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu there you will be one of our office staff will be waiting you and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Arrive in Kathmandu there you will be one of our office staff will be waiting you and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2:Kathmandu city tour.
Your sightseeing trip will start at 9AM in the morning after your breakfast. We will provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, Bhaktpur durbar square and Kathmandu durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the trek. Overnight at hotel.
Your sightseeing trip will start at 9AM in the morning after your breakfast. We will provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, Bhaktpur durbar square and Kathmandu durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the trek. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3:Drive to Besisahar (830 meters)
Our Trek staff will arrive at your Hotel at 7AM in the morning to pick you up then 7 hours driving journey to Besishar. It is about 185km driving. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Our Trek staff will arrive at your Hotel at 7AM in the morning to pick you up then 7 hours driving journey to Besishar. It is about 185km driving. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 4:Trek to Bahundanda (1310 meters)
Today our journey starts at Besisahar, from where, the trail makes a slight climb to Khudi, we then reach the first Gurung village at Bhulbhule. Our first day introduces us to the cultural elements of Nepal; we encounter a typical local house and the different faces of the various people, exchanging greetings Namaste as we pass. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today our journey starts at Besisahar, from where, the trail makes a slight climb to Khudi, we then reach the first Gurung village at Bhulbhule. Our first day introduces us to the cultural elements of Nepal; we encounter a typical local house and the different faces of the various people, exchanging greetings Namaste as we pass. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 5:Trek to Chamje (1400 meters)
Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at 1070 meters from Bahundanda crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through forest to Chyamje at 1400 meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at 1070 meters from Bahundanda crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through forest to Chyamje at 1400 meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 6:Trek to Bagarchhap (2160 meters)
Our day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal at 1675 meters, the first village in the Manang district. We make a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860 meters till another stairway. The journey continues up and down to Dharapani at 1890 meters. There we find a stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. We then reach the Bagarchhap at 2160 meters that offers the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetans design although the village which is still in the transition Zone before the dry highlands. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Our day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal at 1675 meters, the first village in the Manang district. We make a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860 meters till another stairway. The journey continues up and down to Dharapani at 1890 meters. There we find a stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. We then reach the Bagarchhap at 2160 meters that offers the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetans design although the village which is still in the transition Zone before the dry highlands. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 7:Trek to Chame (2630 meters)
The trail climbs to Tyanja at 2360 meters, then continuing through forest, but near the river, to Kopar at 2590 meters. As we reach the Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame & two small hot springs by the town. Along this route we are introduced to a local community said to have migrated from Tibet a long time past, noticeable by their different features. With them, they have bought local Tibetan house designs and maintained their ways. Overnight at Guesthouse.
The trail climbs to Tyanja at 2360 meters, then continuing through forest, but near the river, to Kopar at 2590 meters. As we reach the Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame & two small hot springs by the town. Along this route we are introduced to a local community said to have migrated from Tibet a long time past, noticeable by their different features. With them, they have bought local Tibetan house designs and maintained their ways. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 8:Trek to Pisang (3300 meters)
The day starts through deep fine forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910 meters. We then cross another bridge at 3040 meters, from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3200m & 3300 meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
The day starts through deep fine forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910 meters. We then cross another bridge at 3040 meters, from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3200m & 3300 meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 9:Trek to Manang (3540 meters)
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks & raise crops for part of the year. They also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325 meters which involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475 meters to nearby Manang at 3540 meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks & raise crops for part of the year. They also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325 meters which involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475 meters to nearby Manang at 3540 meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 10:Acclimatization day at Manang village.
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend doing some fine day walks and over viewing the magnificent views around the village & the day time is best to gain altitude. At the end of the day, we return back to our accommodation & have a night rest. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend doing some fine day walks and over viewing the magnificent views around the village & the day time is best to gain altitude. At the end of the day, we return back to our accommodation & have a night rest. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 11:Trek to Khangsar Village (3700 meters)
After acclimatized at Manang we continue our adventure for Tilicho Lake, from Manang one heads out through the western gates and then one follows the path down to the river. After crossing the the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar and ascend the slope to the village, a village still in the old Tibetan style and which is also known as last village of Nepal. Overnight at Guesthouse.
After acclimatized at Manang we continue our adventure for Tilicho Lake, from Manang one heads out through the western gates and then one follows the path down to the river. After crossing the the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar and ascend the slope to the village, a village still in the old Tibetan style and which is also known as last village of Nepal. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 12:Trekking to Tilicho Base Camp (4200 meters)
Continue from Khangsar on a large path. Pass a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as Tilicho Base Camp at elevation of 4200 meters. Overnight at basic Guesthouse.
Continue from Khangsar on a large path. Pass a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as Tilicho Base Camp at elevation of 4200 meters. Overnight at basic Guesthouse.
Day 13:Trek to Tilicho Lake (5200 meters) & Tilicho Base Camp (4200 meters)
Today our journey start early in the morning around 6 AM as we trying to avoid the wind. From Base camp to the Tilicho lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as highest lake of the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return same way back to Base Camp as there are no any accommodation facilities at Tilicho Lake area. Overnight at basic Guesthouse.
Today our journey start early in the morning around 6 AM as we trying to avoid the wind. From Base camp to the Tilicho lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as highest lake of the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return same way back to Base Camp as there are no any accommodation facilities at Tilicho Lake area. Overnight at basic Guesthouse.
Day 14:Trek to Yak Kharka (4000 meters)
Returning from Base camp you can keep high and follow a track 400meters or so above Khangsar village 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 Guesthouse.
Returning from Base camp you can keep high and follow a track 400meters or so above Khangsar village 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 Guesthouse.
Day 15:Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450 meters)
Today, after ascending for two and half hour the trail descends to cross the river at 4310 meters we then climb up to Thorong Phedi at 4450 meters where we have recently found some good Guesthouses built. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today, after ascending for two and half hour the trail descends to cross the river at 4310 meters we then climb up to Thorong Phedi at 4450 meters where we have recently found some good Guesthouses built. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 16:Trek to Muktinath (3800 meters) via Thorung La pass (5416 meters)
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10AM otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5416 meters we can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow but it is all depending on the weather condition. About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the chortens & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top with another 4 hours trek will take to the holy town of Muktinath.Muktinath means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a scared pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The main pilgrimage normally takes place in September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple this contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10AM otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5416 meters we can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow but it is all depending on the weather condition. About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the chortens & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top with another 4 hours trek will take to the holy town of Muktinath.Muktinath means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a scared pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The main pilgrimage normally takes place in September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple this contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 17:Trek to Jomsom (2720 meters)
Today we follow the trail down to the Eklebhatti, and then follow the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is large town with many facilities, it is also headquarter and official town for whole Mustang district where all the government office are available for local people in Mustang. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today we follow the trail down to the Eklebhatti, and then follow the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is large town with many facilities, it is also headquarter and official town for whole Mustang district where all the government office are available for local people in Mustang. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 18:Morning flight to Pokhara.
Today 35 minutes morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave etc. Overnight back at hotel.
Today 35 minutes morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave etc. Overnight back at hotel.
Day 19:Leisure day and Sightseeing Pokhara.
It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Jomsom. Overnight at hotel.
It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Jomsom. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20:Pokhara- Kathmandu (1345 meters).
Back to Kathmandu by bus. If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today. Overnight at hotel.
Back to Kathmandu by bus. If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21:Deperture to Onward
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
