| Duration: | 20 Day(s) - 19 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking |
There is no denying the fact that Annapurna region provides some of the world's best trekking routes. Among them, Tilicho Lake trek is one of them. It has a greater variety of scenery and culture than other routes. The route via Tilicho Lake and the two passes (Masokanto La 5099m and Tilicho Pass 5230m) that guard it from the Kaligandaki Valley has still many things to offer to the visitors. Comparatively, Masokanto La is low altitude pass than Tilicho, but it demands more technical knowledge on climbing.
The recently opened route takes us to the north of Annapurna Circuit, lost valley of Nar Phu which is inhabited by only about 800 people. Ample time will be spent around the valley to explore and get first hand information of the culture of the area. Leaving the valley, we cross the main Annapurna route near Manang then proceed towards Tilicho Lake and then to Meso Kanta Pass and join the trail to Manang and the Kali Gandaki Valley. We cross Thorong La Pass and reach Jomsom. We finally take our flight to Pokhara from Jomsom.
TRIP FACTS:
Trekking Region: Annapurna Region
Trekking Name: Tilicho Lake Trekking
Best Season: September to December & March to May
Trekking Type: Lodge Trek [Tea House]
Maximum Height: 5099m (Mesokanto Pass)
Transport: Flight/ Bus
Duration: 20 Days
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m): Arrival at Tribhuban International Airport (TIA) and pick up you by our private vehicle and transfer to the International Guest House 24 hrs hot and cold shower facilities.
Day 02: Sight-seeing of Kathmandu: Leave for full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley includes the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) & the biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath. Also visit Monkey Temple the Swyambhunath (2000 years old temple) and visit Patan city of fine arts. Back to hotel and stay.
Day 03: Drive Ktm - Besi Sahar (823m.): Drive to Besisahar about 6 hours stay at an altitiude of 820m.
Day 04: Besi Sahar to Bahundanda (1310m): We walk through the deep river gorge, rice fields, subtropical forest and small hamlets, past a majestic waterfall with towering peaks of Himalchuli and Manaslu.
Day 05: Bahundanda to Chamje (1430m.): A steep and slippery trail runs up and down through paddy fields, passing through tiny Tibetan villages, the trail ascends through the rhododendron forest to Chamje.
Day 06: Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m.): The path climbs the river through bamboo groves, we cross barely and potato fields to reach Dharapani and work an hour to Bagarchhap (160m) site of our first Tibetan Monastery and with the views of Annapurna 2 and Lamjung Himal
Day 07: Bagarchhap to Chame (2670m.): The trail climbs along the mule track through ine and fir forest and then follows the river for a time amongs the higher oak and maple trees. Stay at 2710m.
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3200m.): The trail follows through the river valley stay at pisang(3210m) with good views along the way of Pisang peak and Annapurna 2.
Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3540m.): Work through the fields of grazing Yak and a wide variety of crops. This large Tibetan settlement provides good views of Annapurna2, 3, 4, Gangapurna and Tarkekang.
Day 10: Acclimatization at Manang (3540m.): This is a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Time to visit monasteries take advice from Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalaya.
Day 11: Manang to Khangsar (3734m): It is our turn to trek from Manang to Kangsar. It is clearly visible the Khangsar a cutting through a gorge, with Tilicho Peak in cloud far above. From Manang, we detoured to Khangsar, one of only two accommodation options between the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake at 4920 meters (16,142 feet).
Day 12: Kangsar to Tilicho Lake (4920m): We commence our trek from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp (4150m). It is the only accommodation between Khangsar and Tilicho Lake at 4920m. The sacred Tilicho Lake situated at 16,700 feet is one of the highest lakes in the world. A high route and low route connect Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp. The low route undulates between 4000-4250 meters through 100 meter-high rocks jutting out of a steep slope. One hour from Khangsar is a monastery. We would pray to god and reach Tilicho Lake.
Day 13: Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5099m): We start our trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass. Mesokanto Pass is a dry place. However, there is no scarcity of water. Water would be made available in the camp. In this route we climb about 395m high. We will be camping at an altitude of 5099m at Mesokanto Pass.
Day 14: Mesokanto to Jomsom (2710m): Today we trek to Jomsom from Mesokanto. Jomsom, at an altitude of 2800m is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. The entire panorama is filled with a golden, glittering light, which forms a dramatic contrast. The oldest fossils from Jurassic era are found in Jomsom area.
Day 15: Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m.): We trek towards Kalopani from Jomsom after having breakfast at Jomsom. Lunch will be served on the way. Our trail follows the bank of Kaligandaki river. We would be able to have scenic view of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Tukuche, etc. The greenery starts from Marpha. In the late afternoon, we reach Kalopani. Besides, we would also observe the unique settlements of Thakalis.
Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1189m.): Working through subtropical vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and poinsettias,. The trail follows the river through a world deepest George and have a very nice view one of the longest waterfall. Stay at Tatopani and visit natural hot spring 1189m.
Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2750m.): It is our turn to trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani. Lunch will be served at Sikha. In this section too, we find mixed culture and alpine climate. We would be privileged to walk gently through the dense forests of fir, oak, alder, etc. Besides, we would also have a glance of Himalayas along the trail.
Day 18: Ghorepani to Hile (1577m.): We start our trek after having breakfast at Ghorepani. We go for having majestic mountains view and sunrise at Punhil (3193m). It is one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal. Then, we come to Ghorepani and then we descend to Hile.
Day 19: Hile to Pokhara: Having breakfast at Hile, we gradually walk down to Pokhara through the lust, green Modi river valley. Past waterfalls with plunge pools that invite us to swim. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
Day 20: Pokhara – Kathmandu: We board our early flight from Pokhara. Upon arrival at TIA, our staff will receive us with garlands and transfer to hotel. Cultural programs will be performed in the evening. Farewell dinner (typical Nepali) will be served in the hotel.
