Tilicho Lake Trek

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Tilicho Lake trek stands as a hidden gem in Nepal, boasting the world's highest lake at 4919m altitude. Nestled within the stunning Annapurna region, the trek combines the allure of Tilicho Lake with the renowned Annapurna Circuit. Serving as a focal point for trekkers, Manang village in the Manang valley offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the Manangi people, deeply influenced by Tibetan traditions. Renowned for their hospitality, the locals provide a warm welcome amidst the backdrop of breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, including the world's deepest gorge between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. The trek presents rugged yet picturesque trails, showcasing crystal-clear Tilicho Lake, vibrant wildflowers, terraced rice fields, and majestic views of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu. Given the strenuous nature of the trek, a good level of fitness is essential for success. Optimal trekking seasons are from March to May and September to December.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about eight hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1400 After early morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about eight hours. During the drive you will follow Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers passing through several villages and you will enjoy views of green hills and snowcapped mountains. From Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved road and from there to Bhulbule is graveled. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 2: Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (1410m.) takes about seven hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation LODGE Elevation 1410 Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. Follow the winding mountain path down to Syange (1100m) and then climb steeply through sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. From here it is a few ups and downs before you reach Chamje. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 3: Trek from Chamje (1410m) to Dharapani (1960m) takes about six hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation LODGE Elevation 1960 The first part of the trail descends to the Marshyangdi river at which point cross a suspension bridge and make a steep climb to Sattale (1550m). From here descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to the village of Tal (1700m) where you will find hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path follows winding cliffs. You will pass through the small village of Karte (1900m.) and cross a suspension bridge as you approach the Mani entrance to Dharapani (1960m.). Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 4: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m) takes about five and half hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation LODGE Elevation 2675 Trek along the Dudh Khola that originates from the south face of Mt. Manaslu. With Annapurna II as your backdrop, you will arrive at the village of Bagarchhap, distinct with its prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and Buddhist monastery. Continue to climb through forests of pine and oak, before passing by Danaque (2210m.). The trail goes through flat path until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 5: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours. — Elevation 3100 With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. The trail then enters fir and pine forest, and emerges out to a high, rocky cliff which is extremely steep that leads to Bhratang (2950m.). You now walk through a short stretch of pine forest as the path opens up to a wonderful vista of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m). Afterwards follow a long section of Mani wall to lower village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 6: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m) takes about five and half hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation LODGE Elevation 3440 Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m). Descending to Hungde (3320m), you come to wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where the north-east face of Annapurna III and Annapurna IV (7525m) rises majestically. Further to this point you cross Marshyangdi Khola over a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Mungji has large Chortens and mani walls and is surrounded by tall peaks of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and Tilicho Peak (7145m.). A short steep climb from here reaches Manang. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 7: Rest day at Manang. — Today is an important rest day for acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La Pass. There are optional walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 8: Trek from Manang to Khangsar takes approximately five hours. — The path is gradual descent and you cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream). You trek through dry land though you can see shrubs on the both sides. The panoramic views of Annapurna range completely mesmerize you. Khangsar is a Gurung village. There you find a small monastery, chorten, Mani walls and prayer flags. Stay overnight in camp/lodge. Day Day 9: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m.) takes about four hours. — Elevation 4150 Stay overnight in camp/lodge. Day Day 10: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Mesokanto Pass (5315m.) via Tilicho Lake takes about eight hours. — Elevation 5315 The trail is quite narrow and you trek over icy path. The panoramic views of Annapurna range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri along with more than ten mountains completely mesmerize you. Stay overnight in camp/lodge. Day Day 11: Trek from Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2741 m.) via Thimi (2760 m.) which takes about six hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation LODGE Elevation 2760 From Mesokanto Pass, the trail goes steep down to Jomsom. This day you trek through pine forest. Before you reach Jomsom, you cross Thimi inhabited by mostly Buddhists. Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 12: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 25 minutes. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation hotel Elevation 914 The flight is a scenic one with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, especially Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. and Kaligandaki River. The flight to/from Jomsom happens only in the morning because of high wind speed in afternoon time that restricts smooth flight take off and landing. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara Day Day 13: After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. — Food Breakfast/lunch/dinner Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1400 En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE