Tilicho Lake Trekking Tour

There is no denying the fact that the Annapurna region provides some of the world's best trekking routes. Among them, the Tilicho Lake trek stands out. It offers a greater variety of scenery and culture than many other routes. The route via Tilicho Lake and the two passes (Masokanto La 5,099 m and Tilicho Pass 5,230 m) that guard it from the Kali Gandaki Valley still has much to offer visitors. Comparatively, Masokanto La is a lower-altitude pass than Tilicho, but it demands more technical climbing knowledge.

The recently opened route leads us to the north of the Annapurna Circuit — the remote valley of Nar Phu, inhabited by only about 800 people. Ample time will be spent in the valley to explore and get firsthand insight into the local culture. Leaving the valley, we cross the main Annapurna route near Manang, then proceed to Tilicho Lake, ascend to Mesokanto Pass, and join the trail back to Manang and the Kali Gandaki Valley. We cross Thorong La Pass and reach Jomsom. Finally, we fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.

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: 5,099 m (Mesokanto Pass)
Transport: Flight / Bus
Duration: 20 Days

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,320 m)

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Our staff will pick you up and transfer you to the International Guest House, where 24-hour hot and cold shower facilities are available.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Full-day sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley: visit the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the largest Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath, the Monkey Temple — Swayambhunath (a 2,000-year-old site), and explore Patan, the city of fine arts. Return to the hotel for the night.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (823 m)

Drive to Besisahar — approximately 6 hours. Overnight stay at 820 m.

Day 04: Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310 m)

Trek through a deep river gorge, rice fields, subtropical forest, and small hamlets, passing a majestic waterfall with towering peaks of Himalchuli and Manaslu in the background.

Day 05: Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430 m)

A steep and slippery trail ascends and descends through paddy fields and tiny Tibetan villages, climbing through rhododendron forest to Chamje.

Day 06: Chamje to Bagar-Chhap (2,160 m)

The path climbs alongside the river through bamboo groves and crosses barley and potato fields to reach Dharapani, then proceeds about an hour to Bagar-Chhap, the location of our first Tibetan-style monastery, with views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Day 07: Bagar-Chhap to Chame (2,670 m)

The trail climbs along a mule track through pine and fir forest, then follows a river valley among higher oak and maple trees. Overnight near 2,710 m.

Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3,200 m)

Trek follows the river valley; stay in Pisang (around 3,210 m), with good views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II.

Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)

Walk through yak-grazing fields and cultivated farmland. This large Tibetan settlement provides beautiful views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tarke Kang.

Day 10: Acclimatisation at Manang (3,540 m)

Rest day to acclimatise to the altitude. Optionally, visit monasteries, consult the Himalayan Rescue Association, and enjoy spectacular Himalayan views.

Day 11: Manang to Khangsar (3,734 m)

Trek from Manang to Khangsar, visible as a settlement carved through a gorge, with Tilicho Peak high above in the clouds. Khangsar is one of only two accommodation points between the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake.

Day 12: Khangsar to Tilicho Lake (4,150 m base camp)

From Khangsar, trek to Tilicho Lake Base Camp (4,150 m). The sacred Tilicho Lake (≈4,920 m) is one of the highest lakes in the world. A high route and a lower route connect Khangsar to the base camp. The lower route undulates between 4,000–4,250 m, passing steep slopes and rocky sections. About an hour from Khangsar, there is a monastery for prayer before you reach Tilicho Lake.

Day 13: Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5,099 m)

Trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass. Though the region is dry, water will be supplied at the camp. The climb gains about 395 m. We will camp at an altitude of 5,099 m at Mesokanto Pass.

Day 14: Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2,710 m approx.)

Descend to Jomsom. Jomsom (also called Dzongsam or “New Fort”) lies on both banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form a dramatic backdrop. The region is rich in geological history: some of the oldest fossils from the Jurassic era are found here.

Day 15: Jomsom to Kalopani (2,530 m)

After breakfast, trek from Jomsom along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River, with scenic views of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Tukuche. The greenery returns around Marpha. In the late afternoon, you’ll reach Kalopani and may observe the unique Thakali settlements.

Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,189 m)

Trek through subtropical vegetation, passing water buffalo, banyan trees, and poinsettias. The trail runs alongside a deep gorge and leads to one of the longest waterfalls. Overnight at Tatopani. Visit the natural hot springs at 1,189 m.

Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,750 m)

Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani. Lunch will be served at Sikha. The trail passes through dense forests of fir, oak, alder, etc., with occasional Himalayan views along the way.

Day 18: Ghorepani to Hile (1,577 m)

After breakfast at Ghorepani, hike to the viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,193 m) for majestic mountain views and sunrise panoramas — one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal. Then descend back to Ghorepani and continue down to Hile.

Day 19: Hile to Pokhara

After breakfast in Hile, follow the lush, green Modi River valley down to Pokhara. En route, you’ll pass waterfalls with plunge pools ideal for a refreshing dip. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 20: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Board an early morning flight from Pokhara. Upon arrival at TIA Kathmandu, our staff will welcome you with garlands and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, there will be cultural programs and a farewell dinner with typical Nepali cuisine.