Tilicho Lake is one of those places that have had next to mythic connotations. Many regard it as the highest lake in the world (5200m). 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 Jomosom side became a very off-limits military area. From the Manang side it was rarely if ever visited. The trekking 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.
The route goes along the Marshangdi River and Gorge through the remote valley of Manang also known as the district behind the Mountains, to crest the arid, windswept northern flank of Annapurna at the Thorong-La. The route then passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal). The trail goes through the must challenging pass “Moeso Kanta Pass” of Annapurna area to Jomsom.
Highlights of the Trek
Magnificent view of Mt. Annapurna, Gangapurna, Fish tail, tilicho peak, , Tilicho Lake, Manang Village, thakali culture.
Facts of the Trip
Tour Region: Annapurna Region.
Best season: September to December & Feb to May.
Transportation: By tourist bus / private.
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort & tea house /camping
Grade: moderate/ adventurous
Trekking style: tea house / camping
Highest access of the trek: 5450
Culture: Gurung, Magar, Thakali,
Himalayan sights: Annapurna and fishtail
Attraction: visit situated highest places lake in the world, close Mountain View.
Travel Insurance
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Trekking. Insurance for the guide and supporters which we will arrange,
Note: - B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= dinner
Note : The departure schedule can be changed on any unavoidable circumstances such as weather hazards, trail slides, and avalanches.
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by an Himalayan Idol representative and transferred to Hotel.
Day 02 : Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
After morning breakfast in the hotel, the tour starts with the scenic view of beautiful hills, countryside lifestyle driving along the Trishuli River. Overnight at lodge.
Day 03 : Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda
We will be walking through fairly lush ground, slowly climbing up to Bahundanda, a village perched high above the valley floor, surrounded by rice paddies. Here we get to experience what rural Nepal is all about. Our hikes for the next few days will be following the mighty Marsyandi River, a raging torrent of water during the monsoon rainy season.
Day 04: Trek from Bahundanda to Tal
Today we will be leaving the lush rice paddies and the sub-tropical jungle, as we begin our ascent towards the village of Tal, nestled on a plateau. Tal means lake, but no lake can be found here, just the imprint it has left. At only 1400 meters, the nights are already cooler and the vegetation begins to change. Due to the density of small villages in the area, we will have ample opportunity to meet the Nepalese at work and at play.
Day 05 : Trek from Tal to Bagarchap
While hiking to Bagarchap we will pass the old village and its ruins, which was completely destroyed by a massive landslide less than ten years ago. A series of bridges allow us to cross the roaring Marsyandi River, using the well-trodden paths of the porters and locals. Today’s hike is not for the faint hearted as several sections of the path allow for some rather impressive views down to the river. Bargarchap is the first truly Tibetan style village we will come across with flat, firewood covered roofs, and prayer flags blowing in the wind.
Day 06 : Trek from Bagarchap to Chame
The hiking today is a little rougher than the previous days with quite a bit of up and down, crossing the river several times on good bridges. Reaching the town of Chame, one of the larger settlements of the area will allow us to have a hot shower. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang area and is also known for its healing thermal baths and interesting architecture.
Day 07 : Trek from Chame to Pisang
Today we will have a shorter hiking day ahead of us. The landscape between Chame and Pisang changes notably, and soon we will be walking through sub- alpine terrain which is Alpine interface. The early part of today’s walk will take us through large forests and past the massive, 1500-meter rock face called Paungda Danda. Pisang proper is a cluster of homes with a few nice lodges and plenty of activity in the fields.
Day 08 : Trek from Pisang to Manang
A half-day of walking will get us to Manang. The climate here is very similar to the high Tibetan plateau, with little precipitation and large fluctuations between daytime and nighttime temperatures. The inhabitants of Manang use horses for nearly everything, and the jingling of bells will announce the arrival of a horseman and his stead. Manang has a local airport, and many good bakeries and several internet cafés. We will be staying here for three nights, allowing us to acclimatize properly before taking on Thorang-La. Day hikes will be planned but are not mandatory.
Day 09 : Rest day in Manang
Rest-day in Manang. Explore, relax, do laundry, read. Manang also has a ‘high-altitude’ medical office, which regularly holds lectures on high-altitude illnesses for trekkers and climbers. Watching an English-speaking movie in Manang’s local move theatre can also be a quite ‘surreal’ experience.
Day 10 : Trek from Manang to Khangsar
Today’s trek will be difficult, as the higher altitude is certainly felt here. Our camp for the night is located at 4420 meter. It takes about 5 hours to trek from Manang.
Day 11 : Trek from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake
Today the trail leads up to the Tilicho Lake. Tilicho lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is 4,949 m high in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas in Manang district of Nepal.
Day 12 : Exploration Day at Tilicho Lake
Rest day at Tilicho Lake, or a fairly leisurely hike around Tilicho Lake.
Day 13 : Trek to Jomsom
After morning breakfast, the trail starts with the scenic view of snowy peaks, pass and small lakes.The trail continues to Jomsom via Mesokantu la pass. Jomsom, also known as Dzongsam or New Fort, is a town located at an altitude of 2800m in Mustang.
Day 14 : Rest day at Jomsom
A rest day should be spend relaxing in Jomsom for acclimatization. There are a number of local excursions that we might enjoy. Today we visit Tibetian Buddhist monastery, Kali Gandaki River.
Day 15 : Fly to Pokhara
This morning transfer to Jomsom Airport for morning flight back to Kathmandu. During flight to Pokhara you can see the close up views of the Himalayas. After landing, transfer to the Hotel.
Day 16 : Return to Kathmandu
After half day sightseeing in Pokhara including Phewa lake, Barahi, Davis Falls, Gupteshwori we drive 6 hours from Pokhara. Enjoy the scenic countryside and the drive along the Trisuli River.
Day 17 : Final Deparutre or Join other adventure activities - Adventure Rafting, Bunjee Jump, mountain flights and many more.
Team Membership
For the Tilicho Lake Trekking we will take minimum 2 trekkers and maximum of 20 trekkers.
Fitness and what to expect
We are travelling in high and remote terrain at moderately high altitudes. Members will best have a moderate level of fitness to enjoy the experience to its fullest. The trails are sometimes steep and a couple of the trek days quite long (about 6 hours). Weather can deteriorate and rain, strong winds and even some snow are possible. However we are travelling at a mild time of the year to best appreciate the surroundings.
Hotel
There are every category of accommodation facilities that range from the international standard star hotels to budget hotels and lodges; therefore the hotel reservation is not a difficult task. You can make reservation as per you budget. 'Himalayan Idol ' is ready to make any arrangement for you as per your wish, desire and budget.
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
In the Tilicho Lake Trekking we will be dining in the Lodge.
Equipment List
Please read the list enclosed detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided by trek members. If you have any queries about items on the list please do ask.
Clothing and Equipment Check List
Body Wear
- Thermal underwear (long)
- Polarfleece jacket and pants
- Mid layer polar fleece top
- Down jacket (to –10°C)
- Gortex rain parka and overpants
- T shirt and shorts
- Underwear
- Casual wear for evenings
- Comfortable riding pants and jacket
Head Wear
- Fleece/wool warm hat
- Baseball hat or sun hat
- Snow glasses
- Riding helmet optional
Hand Wear
- Fleece gloves
- Riding gloves
Foot Wear
- Socks x 3 sets
- Trekking/riding boots
- Lightweight running shoes
Trek Gear
- Small rucksack/daypack
- Waterbottle
- Medium sized kit bag/duffel with full length zip and lockable
- Extendable ski poles (optional)
Camping Gear
- Down sleeping bag (to -10°C)
- Headlamp and batteries
Accessories
- Personal toiletries
- Personal first aid kit
- Small kit bag/duffel (to store gear in KTM) Pocket knife / leatherman
- Personal medication & personal first aid kit
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Moist towels for personal hygiene
- Camera and plenty of film
- Camping towel
How to join the trek
If you would like to join the Tilicho Lake Trekking, please fill out an Trekking Application Form and forward to us along with the deposit. If you require more information please contact us:
