Tilicho Lake And Thorong-La Pass Trek - 19 Days - 19 Days

Tilicho Lake at 4920m collects the glacial melt of the entire northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorong Peak. The lake sits at the foot of the extensive glacier system of the great barrier, the highest point of which is Tilicho Peak (7134m). It is claimed to be the highest lake in the world. The glaciers terminate in a vertical wall of ice 70m high that forms the west shore of the lake.

This challenging trip to Tilicho Lake is an adventurous add on to the Annapurna Circuit for the superb rewards of high altitude views of both the lake and its snowbound ridge between Khangsar Kang (7485m) and Nilgiri North (7061m). The trek starts from Besisahar which goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent trek leads us to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. Our trek route goes to the main valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village and trek up to Tilicho Lake from where we descend to Yak Kharka and then climb up to cross Thorung La pass at an elevation of 5416m. After the pass, the trek leads down to Muktinath from where we drive to Jomsom and take twenty-five minutes scenic flight to Pokhara.

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: Welcome Dinner

Drive to BESI SAHAR (800m/2625ft)
We start early to Besisahar, the starting point of the trek. Our adventure begins passing through many small villages on the way that will fascinate us with snippets of every day living in the lowland villages. Meals: Breakfast

Trek to BAHUNDANDA (1270m/4167ft) 5-6hours
On the first day of our trek, we start on a dirt road and at the northern end of the Besi Sahar, we follow a rough rock staircase down to the Puwa Khola and join the road to Khudi (830m), the first Gurung village on the trek. We cross the suspension bridge, rejoin the road on the other side of Khudi and continue to Bhulbule (840m). Himalchuli and Manaslu II at 7879m dominate the horizon. Now leaving the road we cross a suspension bridge over Marsyangdi Khola from where the trail travels up past an impressive 60m waterfall surrounded by tropical tree screw-pine and making our way through rice terraces with the continuing views of Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli we reach Ngadi (900m). Crossing Sisneri Khola we reach a Tibetan settlement and porters stop and making its way between hills and the river, passing a signposted detour to hot springs and then ascend steeply to a well-placed rest stop from where we climb to through bamboo grooves to Bahundanda. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to CHAMJE (1410m/4626ft) 5-6hours
After breakfast, we descend through amphitheater shaped rice terraces along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. We start gradually walking up after crossing the suspension bridge in the Marshyangdi River and reach Jagat (1330m) from where we walk on a rocky trail to Chamje. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to BAGARCHHAP (2160m/7087ft) 6 hours
We cross a suspension bridge in Marshyangdi River and passing under a house-sized boulder we climb a rocky trail and a steep stone staircase to Sattale (1480m). Now climb past fields and bamboo and rhododendron and make a short descent to Tal Besi (1590m). Now the trail crests a ridge topped by a razor-wired army base to enter Manang district and opens into a large plain. At the foot of a large waterfall, is Tal (1700m). From Tal the trailhead north and cross a suspension bridge and continue through the cliffy way right above the river and reach Dharapani (1960m). Beyond Dharapani, the wide trail climbs gradually over a spur through a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple, and oak to reach Bagarchhap after half an hour. Bagarchhap is the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to CHAME (2710m/8892ft) – 5-6hours
Now entering the Manang Valley we continue up with views of high Himalayan peaks to the south. Climbing through forests of pine and fir we reach Danaque also called Syal Khola (2210m) after where we climb steeply, crisscrossing sections of road through rhododendron forest to reach the scruffy settlement of Timang (2630m). Finally climbing through the forest we cross two traditional villages of Thanchowk and Koto and reach a large village of Chame. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to UPPER PISANG (3310m/10860ft) 600m – Ascent; 4-5 hours
A narrow steep path through a very dense pine forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up we will be surrounded by Himalayan Peaks all the way to Pisang. We will have an extra half an hour climb towards a big hill to reach Upper Pisang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to MANANG (3540m/11615ft) 5 hours
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. 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 3325m 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 3475m to nearby Manang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization day at MANANG VILLAGE
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend doing some fine day walks and overviewing 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to KHANGSAR VILLAGE (3745m/12287ft) 4 hours
We continue our adventure for Tilicho Lake, from Manang heading out through the western gate and then following the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar we ascend the slope to the old Tibetan-style village and which is also known as the last village of Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to TILICHO BASE CAMP (4045m/13272ft) 5 hours
From Khangsar village we continue on a large path pass a monastery. The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge to the junction from where 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 on which we continue to reach a high crest, and descend on switchbacks carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as Tilicho Base Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to TILICHO LAKE (4920m/16143ft) & back down to BASE CAMP 6 hours
Today our journey starts early in the morning to avoid the wind. From Base camp to Tilicho Lake takes 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as the highest lake in the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we return back to Base Camp as there are no accommodation facilities at the Tilicho Lake area. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to YAK KHARKA (4020m/13190ft) 5 hours
Returning from Base camp we keep high and follow a track 400m or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead us around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to THORUNG PHEDI (4540m/14896ft) 3-4hours
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi. A small place although busy settlement catering to the needs of trekkers and climbers. It is situated at the bottom of the Thorong La pass. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross THORUNG LA PASS (5416m/17770ft) &Trek down to MUKTINATH (3800m/12468ft)
Starting early in the morning for the long day trek switchbacking up moraines and following rocky ridges. As we cross over at an altitude of 5416m we can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply on a regularly used and easy trail. 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 all depends on the weather condition. About four hours climb takes us to the pass marked by the Chortens and prayer flags. As we reach the top we are rewarded with a magnificent view of the mountains. From here another 4 hours trek will take us to the holy town of Muktinath in the evening. Muktinath means the place of Nirvana. It is a sacred pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. 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 which has a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to JOMSOM (2760m/9056ft)
From Muktinath, we trek to Jomsom. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Flight to POKHARA (884m/2900ft)
From Jomsom, we take 15 minutes Trans Himalayan flight to Pokhara that takes us through two high peaks Annapurna and Dhaulagiri giving us a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the best views of the surrounding Himalayas. You have a full afternoon at Pokhara in leisure on your own. Meals: Breakfast

Drive back KATMANDU
We return back to Kathmandu on a scenic drive through cultivated lands and local villages. In the evening you will be invited to join FAREWELL reviewing great photos and share experiences of the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Fly back HOME or extend your HOLIDAYS
If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India or Bhutan tours, etc. Meals: Breakfast

Cost Include

All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
2 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
15 Nights stay in Tea House during the trek.It means, sharing Bathroom
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter ( 2 Trekkers-1 Porter )
During the Trek, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only
Welcome and Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu
National Park Permit and TIMS for Annapurna
1 Night accommodation in Pokhara, includes breakfast
Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag that needs to be returned to office after trek completion
ACH Kitbag and T-shirt for you
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara includes airport departure taxes
Cost Exclude

Nepal Visa fee
International airfare and departure tax
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature
Travel insurance including evacuation
1 Lunch in Kathmandu
Tips for local staffs, guides, and porters
Entrance Fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Desserts, Mineral Water, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi