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Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek

Trip code
Package name Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek
Duration 19
Max. elevation 5416 m
Level Moderate
Transportation <span style="font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Ground or Air&nbsp;</span>
Accomodation Tea Houses Lodges during Trek
Starts at Kathamdu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route Besisahar-Dharapani-Chame-Pisang-Manang-Khangsar-Yak Kharka- High Camp-Thorong La Pass- Muktinath-Jomsom-Pokhara
Cost USD 1,220 per person

Highlights

Overview

Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek is an amazing adventure where the walk leads beyond the scenic Manang Valley. Heading off the beaten path around remote far flung corners of Manang's southern windswept country with sheer mountain wilderness.

Located at an altitude of 4,919 m / 16,138 feet high considered Nepal’s and the world's highest lakes. But recently a new and unexplored area within Manang close to Lamjung Himal, a lake has been discovered by explorers.

The newly found lake known as Kajin Sara at 5,200 n high and 83 m higher than Tilicho Lake. Nevertheless, Tilicho still retains the world's highest lakes, where hundreds of trekkers venture every season as a side trip. The Tilicho Lake is combined with the famous and popular Annapurna Circuit Trek, the trip to Tilicho Lake as an extension. Before heading towards Thorang-la pass or traversing Mesokanto-La Pass, southwest of Tilicho areas to reach Jomsom town in Mustang district.  

Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek leads to incredible scenery where one feels and experiences as out of this world. The Tilicho Lake is also regarded as a holy site for the Hindu religion, which is mentioned in the Ramayana Epic. Adventure to Tilicho Lake Base Camp and its beautiful surroundings is one of the best adventures. 

Where one can enjoy the thrills of pure wilderness, around its pristine environment, although a desert-like appearance. But engulfs you with its magnificent picturesque surroundings of high snow-capped peaks with great contrast with brown rocky landscapes terrains. 

Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek begins with interesting long drives to reach the starting point of the trek at Dharapani village. A nice mountain village located at the junction of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit trekking routes within the Manang district. The trail leads on a gradual wide path through lovely woods of pine and rhododendron trees. Enjoy the views of Annapurna IV and III past villages of Bagarchap and Danaque with apple orchard farms. Then reaching the big town of Chame, the headquarters of the Manang area, as the walk progresses towards the high country of Manang. 

The trail leads through Pisang village to enter a wide and scenic Manang Valley, surrounded by a high mountain range. Overlooking views of Annapurna Himalayas in the south with Chulu’s and Pisang peaks towards the north. 

A beautiful walk as the snow peaks follows you to the main Manang village after visiting the old monastery of Braga. Manang is a perfect altitude for acclimatization and enjoying a rest day, before heading towards Tilicho Lake Base Camp. It is also a great place to explore scenic viewpoints and its traditional villages adorned with the ancient cultural heritage of Buddhism.

From Manang adventure leads towards our main highlight to Tilicho Lake Base Camp and its dramatic landscapes. Leaving the main popular trail of Annapurna Circuit walks leads to remote parts of southern Manang. Finally reaching our main highlight destination at Tilicho Lake Base Camp, where the hike leads to beautiful Tilicho Lake. A spectacular place in the Western Himalayas, enclosed by staggering snow-capped peaks of Gangapurna Himal, Tilicho, and Nilgiris peaks.

After a mesmerizing moment walk leads back on the same scenic route to join the Annapurna circuit trail. Following the high path to the base of Thorang-La pass and then having a rest at High Camp. The next early morning a big climb to the top of Thorang-La pass, standing on the highest point. Facing overwhelming views of mountains that encircle the top of Thorang-La, overlooking towards massif Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Includes views of Chulu’s and Damodar Himal as far towards Manaslu Himal in the Far East direction. 

Slowly the walk heads to a long descent reaching around the Mustang area at the holy site of Muktinath. Revered as a sacred pilgrimage for Hindu followers, from Muktinath, the walk leads towards Kaligandaki River valley to reach Jomsom town. From Jomsom enjoy a short, scenic flight to land at scenic Pokhara and close to its serene Phewa Lake. Pokhara is a most popular and renowned tourist destination for all types of adventure holidays around the Mid-West Himalayas. 

A perfect place to conclude our marvelous experience on Tilicho Lake Trek. 
After a great time around the high mountains, valleys, and hills of the Annapurna Himalayas.   

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival at Kathmandu-Nepal international airport, our staff and guide will receive with traditional welcome. A short drive to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city, on checking into your nice rooms. After getting refreshed from the jet-lag, join at the hotel lobby and at meeting room for trek briefing provided by our guide or leader. Information about the hotel, lodge on treks with full details of trekking trails, food and accommodation on treks. As well with do’s and don’ts with welcome group dinner in an authentic Nepali restaurants with local cultural program along with Nepali meals.


Day 2 : Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

Morning after breakfast, the city / cultural guide will meet you at the hotel for tour around Kathmandu World Heritage Sites. As well visiting interesting places ofsteeped with history and culture. After the tour back at the hotel, preparation for Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek. 


Day 3 : Trek to Dharapani village 1, 820 m - 07 hrs.

A long and exciting drive to the starting point of trek to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, start the day. As early as possible for an interesting long overland journey heading Mid-West from Kathmandu. The road follows on main busy highway to Bhesisar the headquarter town of Lamjung district. From here the drive leads along the 

Marsyangdi River to Syange village, then climbs on winding rough hilly tracks.

Reaching Jagat a nice mountain village, where air gets much cooler as the dirt tracks follows through Chamje. Then entering district of Manang from Tal Besi towards Dharapani for overnight halt, in the comfort of a nice lodge.

Dharapani located on a river gorge, which is also the route of Manaslu Circuit, a pleasant and lovely village. 


Day 4 : Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

Enjoy the walk today, after a long hour drive of previous day feeling fresh, start the first day walk. A pleasant with gradual up on winding trail through lovely cool forest of pines and rhododendron. Walk through Bagarchap and Danaque villages,

from here onwards within strong Buddhist religion and cultures. As you come across Buddhist monuments of Stupa and Mani Walls. The trail leads to a steep climb reaching Timang a large village of mixed tribes of hill people Gurung, Magar and Manange. A possible lunch stop facing grand views of Lamjung peaks in the south with Manaslu Himal towards North East. From here a slow and easy walk to Kodo village, where route to Nar-Phu and main Manang village branch-off.

After Kodo village a short walk up to reach Chame for overnight stop, in a large town of Chame, the headquarters of Manang district. Facing views of Lamjung Himal over a green rolling hills and rocky ridges. 


Day 5 : Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.

From Chame town, morning walk follows the Marsyangdi River heading west through dense woods of pines, firs and rhododendron trees. The trail leads to a nice settlement of Bhratang and then cross a bridge with climb to a ridge at Dukure Pokhari. A small place with few Tea-House on a ridge top with grand views of Pisang Peak and Chulu’s range. Having lunch here a few hours walk downhill to Pisang village, located beneath towering Pisang Peak with views of Annapurna IV and II. Overnight in a nice homely lodge or guest house, from here the altitude gains gradually.


Day 6 : Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 04 hrs.

Enjoying a pleasant overnight in the comfort of nice lodge at Pisang village, today’s walks is quite short. From here entering into scenic Manang Valley towards the main Manang village, a slow morning walk with climb to a high ridge.

From the hill top facing grand views of Manang valley outlined by series of snow-capped peaks. Facing Chulu’s in the north with Annapurna, Gangapurna Himal and Tilicho Peak towards South-West direction. Includes views of Hongde village with a small airstrip which on the route to Manang village. Walk downhill within a valley and tree lines reaching Hongde village close to Manang airport. 

After a refreshing stop, continue walk on winding gradual path to Braga village with an oldest monastery of Manang. Having time for short visit of the monastery stand above the Braga village on a sandy hillock. A short climb to enter the monastery interior enriched with ancient idols of Lord Buddha and famous saints and gurus. From the monastery stunning panorama of snow-mountain range of Annapurna’s and Chulu’s with towering Pisang peaks. From Braga a short walk with few minutes climb to Manang village, enclosed by staggering mountain range. Located on a plateau above Marsyangdi River valley, an exciting place to enjoy additional day in Manang.  


Day 7 : Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.

A great place for an extra day at main Manang village with the right altitude for acclimatization. Before heading towards picturesque Tilicho Lake Base Camp, enjoy the day exploring the scenic areas. The best walks is to Gangapurna Himal ice fall and glaciers, a few hours walks both ways. Stands on the southern ridge from Manang village and above Marsyangdi River, the view includes Manang small glacial lake. Enjoy the dramatic panorama of Chulus towards north with Annapurna II, IV and III close to where you stand. Rest of the afternoon explore the Manang village of typical Tibetan traditions and cultures.


Day 8 : Trek to Khangsar 3,734 - 05 hrs.

A moderate day walks on scenic trails to Khangsar, on leaving Manang village, our route diverts; from the main popular trail of Annapurna Circuit for some days.

Walking on nice gradual path down on winding path with few short steep climb to reach a small settlement. Reaching Khangsar for overnight stay in the comfort of nice homely environment guest-house.


Day 9 : Trek to Tilicho Base Camp 4,150 m / 13, 615 feet-05 hours.

The walk from Khangsar, although a gradual trail but needs to be cautious from the rock falls on a narrow path. Walk continues crossing smaller fast streams and over a small bridge, where some section can be damaged from previous landslides. However the walk is enjoyable and taking care as you step on rocky path to Tilicho Base Camp. Reaching by late afternoon and for lunch either in Sri-Kharka or at Base Camp with overnight stop.


Day 10 : Hike to Tilicho Lake 4,919 m/16,138 feet, and to Shiri-Kharka 4,000 m -06 hrs.

A great day and short exciting walks towards our main highlight of the adventure, a nice scenic walk at a mere distance. After few hour of good steady treks, reaching on the shore of picturesque Tilicho Lake. An amazing place enclosed by towering staggering Gangapurna Himal, Nilgiri’s and Tilicho peaks.

Due to its cold temperature, vegetation like moss and water plants or fish does not exists. But the lake surroundings is full of wonderful flora and fauna. 

Despite its freezing temperature, a team of professional Russian scuba-dived in the lake, thus performing the world’s highest-altitude dive. 

Tilicho Lake, is 4 km in length with maximum width of about 1.2 km. Its average depth is 85 m / 279 feet. The surface area of Tilicho Lake is 4.8 sq.km or 1.9 sq. miles. The lake is also regarded as holy by the Hindu followers, which is recorded in the ancient epic Ramayana of the legendry tales of Tilicho Lake.

After a marvelous and exciting time at Tilicho Lake, back to Tilicho Base Camp.

Having refreshing break for late lunch, then continue walk up for few hours reaching Shri-Kharka for overnight halt. A small settlement with few nice little lodge for trekkers.


Day 11 : Trek to Khangsar - 05 hrs.

Morning enjoying the magnificent views of surrounding landscapes with giant peaks, retrace the journey back to Khangsar for overnight.


Day 12 : Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs.

Enjoy good breakfast along with grand vista of surrounding scenery, then moving on gradual up. Reaching the main routes of Annapurna Circuit, the walk follows to smaller settlements. As walk gets closer heading west facing views ofChulu West peak with towering Gangapurna Himal. The walk leads to cross a small stream to reach Yak Kharka for lunch and overnight. Enjoy the afternoonmarveling the snow peaks, and walk around with chances of spotting some wildlife. Like herd of Goral (mountain antelopes) Himalayan Thar, if lucky the elusive Snow Leopard with some pheasant like snow-cock / hens. 


Day 13 : Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.

Start the morning on a gentle wide trail to Lehdar, a small place with few lodge. Located on route to Chulu West base camp, walk on winding ups and down to cross a stream. A steep climb and then on nice easy path to Phedi, the bottom of Thorang-La Pass, a settlement with number of lodges. Phedi located at the end ofManang valley. After a refreshing short break, a steep haul up to High Camp for lunch and last overnight around Manang areas. Transfer into a nice simple lodge and enjoy lunch, having time for short walk as exercise for long walk next day.


Day 14 : Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m via Thorang-La pass 5,416 m /17,700 ft.

The toughest day walks of the adventure after Tilicho Lake Base Camp trek, an early morning start. Walk leads on nice narrow path for short while, and then climb begins on winding and undulating ups. Reaching a flat spot with a small hut near a glacial ponds, continue walk up to the top of Thorang-La. After a strenuous climb rewarded with glorious jaw-dropping views of Mid-Western Himalayan peaks, as far towards Mt. Dhaulagiri range. Includes views of Mustang Himal towards west with Damodar Himal, Chulus and Annapurna with Manaslu in the far eastern horizon. The pass is marked with a sign board with thousands of prayer flags, after an overwhelming moment. A long descent reaches to another Phedi with few small Tea-Shops, after a pleasant rest. Journey continue for another last hour on easy flat trail to Muktinath holy site and its nice village for overnight.

Muktinath regarded as holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites around the Himalayan range, the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.


At Muktinath enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, provides wide-range of food 

menu, along with views of Dhaulagiri Himal.


Day 15 : Trek to Jomsom 2, 715 m - 04 hrs.

The motorable road has reached as far as neat to the Muktinath Temple and the Village. As today will be the last day of trekking, enjoy the walk downhill through exciting village of Jharkot. The village with an old ruined fort or Dzong, walk heads further down to reach Kaligandaki River valley. A pleasant nice and gradual walks all the way to Jomsom, a big town and headquarters of Mustang district. 

Enjoy the lovely comforts in a good lodge accommodations, having lunch with time to browse around the streets of Jomsom. The home of Thakali the main tribes of Lower Mustang and Kaligandaki Valley, a prosperous people.Who have been on trade with Tibet across the border, as well famous in running Hotels and restaurants.    


Day 16 : Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel.

Morning as time for short flight to Pokhara, transfer to Jomsom airport, as plane arrives. Then, get on board in a small aircraft for sweeping panoramic flight of less than half hour. During airborne enjoy views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas above rolling green hills of Ghorepani and Poon hill. As the plane landsat Pokhara airport, transfer to a nice hotels close to beautiful Phewa Lakeside. 

Pokhara one of the most charming city around the whole Himalayas, located on the laps of massif Annapurna Himalayas. Where majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail dominates the Pokhara valley.


Day 17 : Fly or drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Morning leaving the hotel in Pokhara, drive in a private vehicle or on regular Tourist Bus, as per size of a group. The scenic and interesting overland journey to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway. After hours of driving reaching back to your hotel in Kathmandu, rest of the day at leisure.


Day 18 : Free day as contingency and for individual activities.

Enjoy an extra day in Kathmandu with individual activities or get into shopping spree. Interested people can join for another interesting tour of other cities of Kathmandu valley. Sightseeing around Patan / Lalitpur or the famous Bhaktapur city Durbar Square, worth a visit.


Day 19 : International departure for homeward bound.

After an enjoyable and most mesmerizing time in Nepal, around the Annapurna Himalayas on Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trek. As time for departure, our staff transfer you to international airport for flight homeward bound or to next port of call.


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