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. The route via Tilicho
Lake and the two passes (Masokanto La 5099m
and Tilicho Pass 5230m) that guard it from
the Kaligandaki Valley beyond is still used
and offers the adventurous and fit trekker
high mountain scenery at its very best.
Tilicho Lake situated at the highest altitude
in the world at 4919 meters, scenic Manang
valley attached with Annapurna and Thorong
Peak. Tilicho is not a prohibited area but
virtue of its remoteness and altitude, few
tourists takes off the popular Annapurna circuit
to hike up to the lake Annapurna Region. The
most popular trail Annapurna circuit attaches
the area. The rugged and picturesque trails
show you crystal-clear lake Tilicho, dotted
wild flowers, close and superb giant Himalayan
panorama.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
19
Days
Type of Trek :
Tea house/ Camping
Max Altitude:
3180 m.
Minimum Pax:
1 +
Mode of travel:
Land Transportation
Grade:
Strenous
Detailed Itinerary
Day
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
(823m.) takes almost six hours. You drive
along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to
Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved
road by the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar
(823m.). Besisahar is the district headquarters
of Lamjung district. From here, you can
see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries
surrounding the valley and the daily activities
of local people.
Trek from Besisahar
to Bahundanda (1305m.) takes about six
hours. The first part of the trail passes
thorough flat level along the bank of the
Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries
and the local culture of Gurung community.
After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards
to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours.
At this point, you can see the area surrounded
by eye-catching scenarios with snow capped
mountains.
Day
3
Trek from Bahundanda
to Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours.
A steep trail descends for early half an
hour and then follows flat path through rice
terraces, before crossing a stream at the
bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs
again and traverses the hillside high above
the river before reaching the village of
Lali gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms
a steep V-shape and you follow the winding
mountain path down through Syange (1100m.)
where there is a beautiful waterfall above
it and along the river for some distance.
The trail then climbs steeply and the path
is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m
above the riverbed. Eventually you descend
to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated
on a shelf which juts into the precipitous
Marsyangdi valley.
Day
4
Trek from Chamje
(1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about
six hours. The first part of the trail descends
to the river and after crossing a suspension
bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.)
on a path so steep that it seems one slip
would send you hurtling down into the valley.
You continue on an undulating path above
the river and at one point where a tributary
flows in from the opposite bank, the main
river becomes covered with huge boulders
that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag
path to the top of the hill, you see the
level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before us. Though
it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area
looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain
paths just traveled on. You descend to a
grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with
its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the
valley narrows and the path becomes high
and winding, and in several areas hewn from
the rock itself. Beyond the small village
of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking
before the path drops again to the river.
You cross a suspension bridge, and climb
the short distance to the stone kani marking
the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and our
camp for the night.
Day
5
Trek from Dharapani
to Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half
hours. As The Marsyangdi then veers to the
left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible
ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote
village with prayer flags fluttering in the
breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing
to climb through forests of pine and oak,
you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There
is a small wooden bridge which takes you
to follow steep ascent path upto Timang.
It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal.
The trail goes through flat level until you
reach Chame where there are government offices,
shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative
headquarters for the Manang district.
Day
6
Trek from
Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five
hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling
in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang.
You continue through a fir and pine forest,
climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite
bank becomes an impassable cliff. From
this point the valley becomes extremely
steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang
(2950m.). A short climb from the village
brings you to a rock-strewn area where
you cross a wooden bridge and follow a
high, winding path, before crossing back
to the right bank again. You now walk through
a pine forest and as the forest ends, the
valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle
U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before
us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna
II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the
north-east. Continuing on, you come to
a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower
village of Pisang.
Day
7
Trek from Pisang
to Manang (3440m.) takes about five and half
hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a
steep ridge which affords good views of the
Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.).
Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde
(3320m.), you come to a level area from where
the north-east face of Annapurna III rises
majestically above you. From the wide plains
of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.)
also becomes visible. Just beyond this point
you cross the considerably reduced flow of
the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge
to the tiny village of Mungji. Large chortens
and mani walls abound and the tall peaks
of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna
II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna
(7455m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7145m.).After
a short steep climb you reach Manang. You
camp here for the night, amidst the fluttering
prayer flags, which adorn the houses.
Day
8
Rest day at Manang.
This day is for acclimatization before crossing
the Thorung La. You can either take a walk,
such as crossing the river to see the tremendous
icefall coming down from the Annapurnas or
climbing high above the village for a full
panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang
Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue
Association [HRA] aid post in the village
which makes an interesting and educational
visit. Moreover you can visit Ganagapurna
Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable
one.
Day
9
Trek from Manang
to Khangsar takes approximately five hours.
The path is gradual descent and you cross
a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream).
You trek through dry land though you can
see shrubs on the both sides. The panoramic
views of Annapurna range completely mesmerize
you. Khangsar is a Gurung village. There
you find a small monastery, chorten, mani
walls and prayer flags.
Day
10
Trek from Khangsar
to Tilicho Lake takes about six hours. The
path is covered by small crystals and shrubs
can be seen on both sides. Tilicho Lake is
situated at the highes. From here you can
enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho
Mountain and many others.
Day
11
Trek from Tilicho
Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5315m.) takes about
seven hours. The trail is quite narrow
and you trek over icy path. The panoramic
views of Annapurna range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri
along with more than ten mountains completely
mesmerize you.
Day
12
Trek from
Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2741 m.) via
Thimi (2760 m.) which takes about six hours.
From Mesokanto Pass, the trail goes steep
down to Jomsom. This day you trek through
pine forest. Before you reach Jomsom, you
cross Thimi inhabited by mostly Buddhists.
Day
13
Trek from Jomsom
to Kalopani (2530m.) takes about six hours.
Your trail follows flat level along the bank
of Kali Gandaki river until you reach Kalopani,
a Thakali village and the southern-most limit
of Tibetan Buddhism. En route, you find Larjung
which is situated near Dhaulagiri Glacier.
The first part of the trek passes through
the windy area covered with pine forests,
rhododendron forests and birches are seen.
At Kalopani, you are quite amazed at the
panoramic view of Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri
I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).
Day
14
Trek from Kalopani
to Tatopani (1190 m.) takes about six and
half hours. While crossing steeply descent
path through forests you reach Ghasa (2010m.),
a Thakali village. The surrounding area of
Ghasa is famous destination for bird watching
and wild Marijuana. From here, the trail
descends steeply upto Rukse Chhahara (Rukse
Waterfall) which is amazing to look at as
it is the highest waterfall. Situated here
is the deepest gorge of the world between
two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri
I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse waterfall.
The trail again descends slightly to Tatopani
through different human settlements. You
can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani situated
at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It
is popularly believed that taking bath in
Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases.
Day
15
A rest day at
Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring
bath. It is believed that one who takes bath
get rids of skin diseases. After several
days trekking, it is a great idea to take
bath at hot spring and relax.
Day
16
Trek from Tatopani
to Ghorepani (2750m.) takes about six and
half hours. Your trail passes through flat
level of the land at some distance. Then
the trail begins ascending steeply for
at least one hour. While trekking you cross
through the Kali Gandaki river with panoramic
view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Now the trail ascends gently all the way
to Ghorepani passing through small villages
like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While trekking
you pass through rhododendron forests and
come across the wild life such as monkeys
and birds of various species. Ghorepani
(Watering to Horse) is a small pass and
the village of Deorali. Although there
is time enough to continue, it is better
to stay here overnight so that you can
make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.)
for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri
I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak,
Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Baraha Sikhar
(Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna
South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal.
The view you can see from here is probably
the best view in the world.
Day
17
Trek from Ghorepani
to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Hille (1475m.)
takes about five hours. Early morning trip
to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise
view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche
Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha
Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.),
Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III
(7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna
IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung
Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped
mountain peaks. After breakfast, you again
follow gradual descent path through the
forests of rhododendron and oak upto Banthanti.
It is a small village where you can stop
for refreshments. Then the trail descends
to Ulleri (1960m.), a big Gurung village
from where you can enjoy view of Annapurna
South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. From
here the trail upto Tirkhedhunga is steeply
descent passing terraces and some villages.
After a short walk of 15 minutes from Tirkhedhunga,
you reach Hille.
Day
18
Trek
from Hille to Nayapul (1050m.) via Birethanti
takes almost three hours and drive from
Nayapul to Pokhara which takes about one
and half hours. This day’s trek gradually
descends following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung
Stream) all the way to Birethanti before
you cross the Modi Khola over the suspension
bridge. You are amazed to pass small villages,
see the magnificent waterfalls and walk
through the sparse forests.
Day
19
Departure
from Pokhara to India or Kathmandu
The
price includes the following services:
Airport pick-up and drop off services
Trekking permit
Entry permit fee
Trekking guide
A cook
Necessary porters
Necessary kitchen helpers
Necessary sherpas
All surface transportation to the starting
point and from the ending point of the
trek
All meals three times a day (breakfast,
lunch, dinner, juice, tea, coffee, hot
chocolate, fruits etc.)
Necessary Camping equipment such as
tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet
tent, mattresses, down sleeping bag, down
jacket, cooking utensils, fuel etc.
Camping charges
Necessary insurance for trekking stuff
First Aid and kits
Rescue assistance
The
price does not include:
Personal nature expenses such as all kinds of drinks, beverages, etc.
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. The route via Tilicho
Lake and the two passes (Masokanto La 5099m
and Tilicho Pass 5230m) that guard it from
the Kaligandaki Valley beyond is still used
and offers the adventurous and fit trekker
high mountain scenery at its very best. 
