Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the stunning adventurous treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Tilicho Lake (4919m) situated at the highest altitude in the world is famous for changing its colour in the winter season. Though there is science behind this fact this lake has great significance for Hindu devotees as it was marked on the holy book of Hinduism named “Ramayan”. Not only from the point of view of religion but also due to the eternal beauty and dashing trail of the Tilicho Lake trekking it has been loved by many trekkers from inside and outside of Nepal.
Tilichol Lake is the world’s highest lake is consisting of the popular Annapurna trekking trail. Besides, the Annapurna Tilicho Lake trek takes about 10 to 12 days from Kathmandu. It has a most challenging trail where the paths are set with hundreds of stone slabs till the end, so we strongly advise against approaching it without sufficient preparation. Tilicho Lake Trek is part of the popular trip Annapurna circuit trek. The trekking begins from Beshi Sahar passing the trading centre like Manang and Chame is the best way to inspect the social life of local people.
More than two ethnic groups have been living in this area dwelling under the protection of nature. Moreover, the housing system of this valley is really interesting in that it features the classic Nepalese house with the perfect traditional extract. All the houses are completely made up of stone and each top storey is whitewashed. It’s a golden opportunity to visit the major Buddhist monasteries symbolizing the art and the Dharma along the trails. Finally, after crossing Manang one should head to the Khangshar village to trek up to Tilicho Lake.
Annapurna Trekking Trail combined the most popular treks like Nar Phu Valley Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trail, Pisang Peak Climbing, Cholu west climbing, Jomsom Muktinath Trek and Upper Mustang Trek. Besides the hardness of the trek, there is heart holding view on each corner of the trekking route which cannot be ignored despite tiredness from walking. One can observe massive natural diversity and animals like Himalayan Thar (goat) and snow leopard.
An outstanding scenario of the mountainous chain of Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Khangshar Kang, Tarke Kang and upper Pisang Peak can be seen along the trail of this trek. It is so surprising that the landscape varies continuously after every step with the very rare scheme. So, some places are full of pure pine and fur trees whereas some territories are covered with silvery snow. anyway, the Annapurna Tilicho trek won’t let you down.
In addition, the Tilicho Lake trail linked the world’s popular and longest Thorong La pass (5416m). It’s a major attraction and challenging pass in the Annapurna region. Tilicho lake freezes all the time being occupied by the melt of Mt. Annapurna and the Thorung- la pass (5416m). consequently, this lake has been explained as the “great ice lake” in many maps of the Annapurna Tilicho Lake trekking trail as well as in the books related to the Tilicho Lake. Thus, the Tilicho lake trek is one of the great adventurous treks in Nepal where one can explore the beautiful lake with the evergreen mountainous trail.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu with transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Jagat 1,290 m via Besisar 800 m – 08 hrs.
Day 03: Trek to Dharapani 1,920 m – 05 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Chame 2,670 m – 05 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m – 05 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Manang Village 3,450 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Rest day at Manang for local hikes and acclimatization.
Day 08: Trek to Khangsar 3,734 m – 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m – 04 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,920 m and walk to Siri-Kharka 4,010 m -06 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m – 05 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m – 04 hrs.
Day 13: Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m – 07 hrs.
Day 14: Drive to Jomsom 2,715 m – 02 hrs.
Day 15: Fly or drive to Pokhara and transfer to the hotel.
Day 16: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure.
Day 17: Final departure from Kathmandu homeward bound.
On arrival at Kathmandu international airport get transferred to hotels after being received by our guides and staff, at hotel check-in and join in for group briefing regarding treks and other useful information, with welcome dinner.
Morning where morning drive leads you away and beyond Kathmandu valley heading low warmer areas with views of snowcapped mountains to reach at Nepal Mid-West to reach around Lamjung area in Besisar town. From here drive continues on rough jeep road heading higher up past farm villages and terraced fields as drive end at Jagat village for an overnight stop, in this nice village.
From Jagat, the walk begins on a winding path to Chamje into the forest with views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain range, then walk to Tal village located on the nice valley from here two hours walk to Dharapani village for an overnight stop. Dharapani is a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of the Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
Morning walk starts into rhododendron and pine forest past Bagarchap and Danque village, to reach at Timang village, from here on with more Buddhist culture overlooking view of Mt. Manaslu, as trek leads to a large town at Chame for an overnight stop, a major town and headquarter of Manang district.
From here onward walk gets closer into mountains heading through a beautiful alpine forest, following Masrsyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village, as walk heads uphill into pine trees to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few lodge and views of Chulu and Pisang peak, after a lunch stop walk downhill to Pisang village for an overnight stop.
Pisang village situated within Manang valley facing stunning mountains views where altitude gains slowly from here onward, as the walk takes you to short uphill with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu, and Pisang peak to reach Hongde village. From here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes as walk leads to Manang village on route visit old Braga monastery enriched with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos, and the superb panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village.
Necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading high altitude and at Thorang -la, here explore Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.
From Manang, our route leads off and away and beyond Manang Valley to reach Tilicho Lake, on leaving the main Annapurna Circuit trail heading into the complete wilderness and getting closer to high Himalayan peaks. The walk leads through Manang village where our path diverts heading due south to reach first at Khangsar village for an overnight stop, a remote and last settlement of Manang on route to Tilicho Lake and towards Mesokanto-La pass.
After Khangsar, morning leads to a climb facing tremendous views of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peaks, as walk leads into the sheer wilderness of arid and barren landscapes, with few bushes of juniper and Burberry prickly plants. The walk leads into the narrow trail with short climb and ups to reach at Tilicho Base Camp for an overnight stop with views of snow-clad peaks at close distance.
Morning walk takes you to our main highlight of the adventure heading steep climb for short while and then descends to the shore of beautiful turquoise-colored Tilicho Lake, a magnificent spot surrounded by high peaks of Tilicho and Gangapurna Himal. Enjoy a hike around the lake, regarded as a sacred spot by both religions Hindu and Buddhist, truly a most mind-blowing experience to visit this lovely emerald lake of Tilicho, with a scenic moment at Tilicho Lake, afternoon heading to a climb and then on the gradual level path to reach at Siri-Kharka.
On completing our visit to another side of Manang valley around Tilicho Lake, a morning walk leads to Khangsar village on the uphill path than on level ground to reach at a nice place in Yak Kharka for an overnight stop.
Morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walking progress crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, then leading at Thorung Phedi for short rest and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for overnight t stop.
Starting early morning to reach the highest point of the great adventure, after breakfast climb up to Thorang-la at above 5,416 m marked with Buddhist prayer flags, offers superb vista landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m. Muktinath a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation.
From Muktinath village, after ending our walks drive towards Kaligandaki river valley to reach at Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang region with a small airstrip, at Jomsom for an overnight stop.
Morning from Jomsom hotel transfer to its small airport where pleasant flight with exciting views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range reach you at Pokhara by its serene Phewa Lake for an overnight stop. (Option for an overland drive to Pokhara from Jomsom takes more than 6 hours past Tatopani village and Beni town)
Morning from Pokhara an exciting overland journey back to Kathmandu on route observe farm villages and towns and then reach Kathmandu by afternoon, rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
Last day in the land of Himalayan wonders, as per your international flight time depart from the hotel for the airport for your international flight back to home countries or other respective destinations.