Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto La Pass Trek

Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto La Pass Trek

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Region
    Annapurna Region
  • Duration
    12
  • Transportation
    Flight/Drive
  • Max Height
    5100m
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Trip Grade
    Adventure
  • Accomodation
    Hotel/Lodge
  • Group Size
    Mini. 2 Pax
  • Best Season
    September - December & February to June
  • Meals
    Various
  • Start / End Point
    Besisahar/Jomsom

Trip Overview

Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto La Pass Trek is a great adventure that few groups of trekkers and adventurers have ever dared. This trip is one of the hardest and challenging destinations in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Due to its remote and isolated location, but a very scenic area around the hidden pockets of high Manang Valley. Exciting and enjoyable adventurous trekking away from the popular mainstream trail, where you will be in the complete mountain wilderness.

Leave your footprint to the world’s highest Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest glacial lakes in the Himalayas, as well as around the world. Located at 4,919 m and approx. 4 km in length with 1.2 km wide, and 200 m in deep. A picturesque country to experience for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, amidst pristine mountain surroundings. Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto La Pass Trek take you to the highest point at 5,099 m / 16,729 ft. The alternative route avoids the popular Thorang-La Pass and most trekked trails to Jomsom, the headquarters town of the Mustang district.

The adventure begins by taking an exciting overland journey from Kathmandu to Nepal Mid-West around the low warm farm areas of Lamjung district. Reaching Besisahr town, and then heading towards cooler hills entering into Manang district at Tal and Dharapani villages. The walk starts on a gradual uphill through a pleasant trail amidst a forested area towards Chame, the headquarters town of the Manang region.

Stunning Manang Valley & Massive Annapurna Himalayas

From Chame on the high trail to Manang Valley past Pisang village, as walk follows through nice lovely villages. Facing grand views of the Annapurna Himalayas and Chulu peaks, then walk leads to the famous Manang village. Enjoying the rest day to support acclimatization at the right height of 3,540 m, a village with magnificent surroundings. Lined with snow peaks of Annapurna-II, A-III, and A-IV with Gangapurna Himal in the south, with Chulu range towards the north.

After a pleasant time at the main Manang village, our route diverts from the main Annapurna Circuit trail. The adventure follows beyond Manang High Valley heading towards our main destination at beautiful Tilicho Lake via Base Camp of Tilicho. The walk leads past the last village of Khangsar and Sri Kharka, then reaches Tilicho Base Camp. The last place with a lodge on our route to Mesokanto-La Pass before reaching Jomsom.

 Hidden Gems of Manang and Mustang District

An adventure around remote pockets of scenic Manang Valley with various breathtaking views. Enjoy the pristine surrounding at scenic Tilicho Lake, enclosed by the towering peaks of Tilicho, Gangapurna Himal, and Nilgiri. From here adventure leads to the sheer wilderness to cross over the high Mesokanto-La pass, and then on a pleasant downhill to Jomsom.

At Jomsom for the last overnight around high Annapurna Himalayas and Mustang areas, next morning a short scenic flight to Pokhara. A perfect and beautiful place to conclude our marvelous adventure is Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto-La Pass Trek.

Highlights of The Trek

  • An exciting adventure within remote corners of high and scenic Manang valley.
  • Explore the hidden areas of Annapurna and Manang valley away from the main trails.
  • Enjoyable walk with constant views of beautiful country and high snow peaks.
  • A scenic journey in the shade of high Himalayas and immense and impressive culture.
  • Walk into the beautiful emerald-colored Tilicho Lake and cross high Mesokanto-La.

Short Trip Profile

Mode of trekking: Overnight in the best local lodge with tented camps for a few nights after Tilicho Base Camp to                                                       Jomsom.
Trekking Grade:    Moderate to Adventurous.
Highest Spot:           Crossing Mesokanto-La Pass at 5, 099 m / 16, 729 feet.

Trek duration:         12 Nights and 13 Days with drives and flights.
Total Trip Days:      16 Nights and 17 Days from the main arrival to departure.
Best Seasons:            Spring from March to May and autumn/fall starts from September to November.

Brief Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu optional tour and preparation for the trek.
Day 03: Drive to Dharapani 1,920 m – 07 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Chame 2,670 m – 06 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang village 3,130 m – 05 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Manang village 3,540 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization and a short hike.
Day 08: Trek to Khangsar 3,734 – 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4, 800 m- 04 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,919 m – 04 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to the base of Mesokanto-La Pass at 4,870 m-05 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Nama Phu 3,510 m via Mesokanto-La Pass 5,099 m-06 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Thini-Gaon 2,850 m past Kaisang -06 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m – 02 hrs.
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel by the Phewa Lakeside.
Day 16: From Pokhara drive / fly to Kathmandu 1,345 m – 06 hrs.
Day 17: International departure homeward bound.

Details Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu international airport get transferred to the hotels,
after being received by our guides and staff. At the hotel check in to your nice room, and then join for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information, with a welcome dinner in a lovely Nepali Restaurant.

At Kathmandu a free day for an optional sightseeing tour around UNESCO World Heritage Sites and places of great cultural and historical interest. For the rest of the day prepare for an adventurous trek to Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto-La Pass.

Depart from the hotel early morning for a long interesting drive beyond Kathmandu valley. A journey leads to low warm farm areas with views of snowcapped mountains then reaching around Nepal Mid-West at Lamjung district in Besisar town. From here drive continues on hilly tracks heading higher past farm villages and terraced fields. Where air gets much cooler as the drive heads past the nice villages of Jagat and Chamje and then reaching to the overnight halt at Dharapani village. Dharapani is a nice village with impressive Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna and Manaslu circuit trekking trail

Morning walks follow a nice gradual trail into rhododendron and pine forest, heading past Bagarchap and Danque villages. A trail leads up to Timang village, facing a grand view of Mt. Manaslu, a possible lunch stop at Timang village. Afternoon walk on the nice lovely gradual trail with few short climbs reaching at the large town of Chame for an overnight stop. A major town and headquarter of Manang district.

After Chame walk leads closer towards high mountainous terrain, following Masrsyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village. On crossing a bridge climb to Dhukure Pokhari, a small place with few lodges facing views of Chulu and Pisang peaks. Having lunch, afternoon walk downhill to Pisang village for an overnight stop, check into a nice simple lodge.

On leaving Pisang village, the starting point of Manang valley offers stunning views of Annapurna, Chulu, and Pisang peaks. From here altitude gains slowly on reaching a high ridge facing the grand vista of Manang valley enclosed by giant peaks on both sides of the valley. After a short rest down to Hongde village.

A village with a small airstrip, where small planes often fly to Pokhara, the walk continues reaching at Braga village. Stopping here for a short tour of an old Braga monastery enriched with Buddhist relics, ancient wall paintings, and frescos. From the monastery enjoy a great panorama of Annapurna Himalayas, a short walk on a pleasant trail reaches Manang village for lunch and an overnight stop.

Today the last day of this wonderful trek, morning leads to short distance walks and then taking local transportation. The exciting drive leads Necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading towards high terrain and to Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto-La Pass. At Manang explore the lovely village, located beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike and climb take you close to Gangapurna Glacier and Manang glacial Lake.

From Manang, our route diverts away from the main Annapurna Circuit trail heading to remote corners of Manang valley. The walk leads past Manang village towards the south to Khangsar village for an overnight stop. The last settlement of Manang on route to Tilicho Lake and towards Mesokanto-La pass.

After Khangsar, morning leads to climbing facing tremendous views of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peaks. The walk follows within a sheer wilderness of arid and barren landscapes, with juniper and Burberry bushes. Walk on a narrow path and climb to an overnight halt at Tilicho Base Camp an isolated place with few simple good lodges. Enjoy great views of snow-clad peaks at close distance.

Start the morning walk carrying a packed lunch for the day hike from Tilicho base camp, and climb for short while. Soon walk leads downhill reaching at the shore of beautiful turquoise-colored Tilicho Lake. A magnificent spot surrounded by the 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 spectacular spot to experience. After a wonderful moment at Tilicho Lake, walk back to Tilicho base camp for last overnight in the comfort of a lodge, before Jomsom is reached.

From the base camp of Tilicho, an exciting walk on completely dry and harsh terrain, the walk follows a faint path. Hardly walked by a few groups of trekkers, slowly the trail leads to a steep climb. Heading close to another pass of Tilicho-La further west end, as the tough walk finally ends for the day. On reaching a small flat area around rocks and moraine at the base of Mesokanto-La Pass.

Overnight in a tented camp, meals are provided by our expert cook and kitchen staff rest of the day, preparing for the long climb to cross Mesokanto-La pass.

Start the morning climb leads to a long Big Day of the adventure, as the climb heads closer with a steep haul on top of Mesokanto-La Pass. At the highest point of the trek, enjoy the grand views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Gangapurna Himal peaks.
Walk slowly leads to a long descent over rocks and boulders reaching at the bottom of the pass. Reaching at Mustang area for overnight camp a small pasture field of Yak herder called Nama Phu.

After a tough walk of the previous day, morning leads an easy trek downhill to Kaligandaki valley facing excellent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiris peaks.

Walk on a pleasant scenic trail to Kaisang, and then head further to a large village of Thini-Gaon for an overnight stop, located above Jomsom and Kaligandaki Valley. Stayed overnight in the comfort of a nice simple lodge with the friendly hospitality of local Thakali natives. The main tribes of Lower Mustang and Kali Gandaki Valley, are interwoven with Buddhism religion.

From Thini-Gaon, a slow downhill to a bridge after a short hour of morning walk. Crossing over abridges, then reaching at Jomsom. Jomsom is the headquarter town of Mustang district, with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River. An interesting town to explore after checking into the nice good lodge.

Morning short walk to Jomsom airport for a scenic short flight to land at beautiful Pokhara. During airborne enjoy fabulous views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks, as the plane lands at Pokhara. From the airport a short drive to a lovely hotel by the famous Phewa Lakeside.
Pokhara is a renowned tourist destination in all Himalayas, a picturesque city located on the laps of Annapurna Himalaya. A great place full of charm and beauty with natural wonders.

Morning enjoys the glorious view of Annapurna Himalaya with majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the Fish Tail. Taking an exciting drive back to Kathmandu after a great experience and overwhelming time on Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto-La Pass Trekking.

(Options for 30 minutes flight to Kathmandu)

After a great experience around Annapurna Himalaya with a memorable adventure on Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto-la Pass Trekking. Depart from the hotel for homeward bound flights or to respective destinations.

  • Airport Pick up drop off by private vehicle.
  • Two night Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • One night’s standard hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Meals During Trek: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
  • Trekking permit: ‘Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and ACAP Permit
  • Nayapul to Pokhara by private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu to Besi Sahar and Pokhara to Kathmandu tourist A/C bus ticket.
  • All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
  • Four-time tea or coffee.
  • During the trek necessary toilet paper
  • Fresh fruit during the trek
  • NHT’S Dawn jacket and sleeping bag (If you needed and to be returned after trek)
  • One Government license holder trekking guide as included his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Trekking gear, sleeping bag, down jacket, duffle abg, trekking Pole and t-shirt.
  • Medical kit bag.

Cost Excludes:

  • Your Travel and rescue insurance.
  • All the expenses in the mountain over than scheduled itinerary (due to strike, delay or canceled flight)
  • All the Bar bills and personal expenses (phone call, laundry service, battery recharge, a bottle of water, hot water, shower.
  • Tips for the guide and porter.

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