Tilicho Lake Trekking is one of the most attractive trekking destinations in Nepal which passes through some of the most prominent places in the Annapurna Region with the highlight of the trek being Tilicho Lake (4920m) itself. The trek to the highest lake in the world is full of incredible view of breath-taking Himalayas, lush green hills, wide meadows, and traditional villages of the Buddhist community. Tilicho Lake Trekking is an ideal trek for nature lovers who seek peace in the lap of the Himalayas but do not mind a little tough walking.
Tilicho Lake Trekking route attaches with Annapurna circuit route which is one of the world’s most popular trekking routes starts from Chamje from where you follow the trails of Marsayangdi River leading to the villages of Tal, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Khangsar and finally Tilicho Lake. With every new destination, the climate and landscape are bound to change. The trail then takes to the tranquil Tilicho Lake sitting peacefully amid bare hills behind which the snowy peaks glitter.
Afterward, the trek again joins the main trekking route and moves on to the meadows of Yak Kharka. One of the highlights of this trek is the tough climb to cross the highest pass in Nepal, Thorung La Pass (5416m) from where a stunning view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges can be seen. Crossing Thorung La Pass (5416m), the trek leads to Muktinath temple, one of the holiest shrines of Hindus all over the world.
While trekking in Manang valley featured the continuous view of the Annapurna range, trekking in Mustang district features a splendid view of the Dhaulagiri range. Hence, enjoying the view of Dhaulagiri massif, you head down to the windy town of Jomsom via Kagbeni before flying above the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki River to arrive in Pokhara. Tilicho Lake Trekking, therefore, is an excellent chance to explore the Himalayan life in Nepal.
Tilicho Lake is one of those places that have had mythic connotations. The Annapurna undoubtedly provides some of the world’s best trekking routes, including as it does a greater variety of scenery and culture than can be found in any other comparable area.
Welcome to Nepal. One of our representatives will be at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, to welcome you. You will then be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Early in the morning, you start your drive to Bhulbhule, the starting point of this trek. You will be following Trishuli River for the first half of your drive and Marsyangdi River for the second half. Enjoying the view of lush hills and highway-side settlements, you arrive in Bhulbhule via Besi Sahar. Overnight in Bhulbhule.
From Bhulbhule we take an hour's public jeep to Vhamje and the start trek to Dharapani on a high road with the incredible view of high hills, waterfalls, gorge, snow-covered peaks, and scattered settlements. Crossing the suspension bridge over Marsayangdi River below Chamje and following the river upstream, you will reach the village of Tal, the first village in Manang district. You will cross the waterfall at Tal and continue walking uphill until you reach Dharapani. Overnight in Dharapani.
After getting your permit checked, you will exit Dharapani and ascend to Bagarchhap via Odar. You will cross Marsyangdi River several times as you continue to follow the trails of Marsayangdi to reach Chame. As you gain altitude, the air starts to get cooler. Throughout the trail, you will be accompanied by the view of Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), and Kangaru Himal (6981m). Overnight in Chame.
Leaving Chame, you will enter a forested path filled with pine trees and continue to move alongside Marsyangdi River. With the panorama of Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV (7525m), you arrive in Dhikur Pokhari before crossing the suspension bridge over Marsyangdi River to enter Pisang. In the evening, you can visit the temple and monastery in Pisang that host a stunning view of Pisang Peak (6091m). Overnight in Pisang.
You cross the suspension bridge over Marsyangdi River and ascend towards Ghyaru from where you will cross a Mani wall to arrive in Ngawal. You will continue to walk through the alpine forest to reach Manang via Lophelling Monastery, Sher Gompa, Braka Monastery, and Bodzo Gompa. You will have the breath-taking vista of snow-capped mountains including the Annapurna range, throughout the trek. If time would suffice, you can also visit Gangapurna Lake, situated on the base of Gangapurna Himal (7454m). Overnight in Manang.
Today, we spend the day exploring the outskirts of Manang. We hike up to the beautiful Gangapurna Lake from where an amazing panorama of Marsayangdi River valley, the Annapurna range, Gangapurna (7454m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m) can be seen. We also visit the ancient monasteries and the old village of Tenki while in Manang. Overnight at lodge.
You leave Manang to start walking on the trail filled with pine trees to reach the village of Khangsar. As you walk onward, Tilicho Peak (7134m) starts to appear on the horizon. Surrounded by the snowy peaks from all sides, you ascend until you reach Khangsar. In Khangsar, you will visit the local monastery sitting quietly in the lap of the Himalayas. Overnight in Khangsar.
As you leave Khangsar, you will come across wide pasturelands dotted with grazing yaks. You will ascend on a hill from where you get to observe the glorious view of the entire valley as you climb up the hill. You will then walk by the cliff above Kangsar Khola to arrive at Tilicho Base Camp. Enjoy the peaceful environment amid the mountains. Overnight at the base camp.
Today, you will visit the enchanting Tilicho Lake. You will make a steep climb uphill on a path filled with snow and ice almost throughout the year. After the tough climb, you will reach the mesmerizing Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world for its size. After spending some time around the lake, you will move back to base camp. The descent is as tough as the ascent, so you must be careful while walking and must maintain the pace of your walk. Overnight at the base camp.
Today's trail will lead you out of Marsayangdi valley as you leave behind the trees and enter a rather sparsely vegetated area. The trail will pass through Khangsar village and continue uphill alongside Thorung Khola. You will cross a long Mani wall and walk through meadows with grazing yaks to arrive at the temporary yak herders' settlement in Yak Kharka. You will have a beautiful vista of the surrounding mountains like Tilicho Peak (7134m), Khatungkang (6484m), Chulu (6584m), and so on from Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Leaving Yak Kharka, you will ascend towards Ledar. Accompanied by the continuous view of the surrounding peaks, you will walk through towering cliffs to reach Thorung Phedi. You'll pass small teashops on your way to Thorung Phedi. From Thorung Phedi, a close-up view of Thorung Peak (6144m), Syagang (6026m), Khatungkang (6484m), Purbung Himal (6590), and others can be observed. Overnight in Thorung Phedi.
Today's trek will begin early in the morning as you will be crossing one of the highest passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass (5416m), which connects Manang with Mustang. The climb to Thorung La Pass is quite challenging as you will be required to walk on the moraines on a frozen path. After reaching the top, however, you will realize that your journey was worth it as the snow-capped mountains smile back at you. Later, you will descend alongside Thorung Khola to arrive at the holy temple of Muktinath. Overnight in Muktinath.
Early in the morning, you will visit Muktinath, one of the great religious sites of Hindus. The trail will then lead you to the apple orchards of Kagbeni. Then, you will follow the trails on the riverbed of Kali Gandaki River as you move forward with a view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and other snowy peaks. You will cross a concrete bridge over Kali Gandaki River to enter the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
After a hearty breakfast in Jomsom, you will take the morning flight to Pokhara. You will fly above the beautiful Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges and through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki River. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will rest for a bit before heading on to explore the lake city. You can go for a boat ride in Phewa Lake under the reflection of Machhapuchhre (6993m). Overnight in Pokhara.
You will catch an early morning bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You will again be dropped at the hotel so that you can freshen up and rest. Later, you can visit the nearby market to shop for souvenirs to take back home. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
You will be driven to the airport for your scheduled flight back home.
