Tilicho Lake Trek
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Nepal
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Trip grade: Strenuous
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Destination: Annapurna region
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Activities: Trekking
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Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
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Meals: Full-board on trek
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Transportation: Private vehicle/Plane
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Maximum altitude: Thorong La High Pass (5,416m)
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Group size: 2 pax min
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Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Tilicho Lake Trek is a remarkable trekking experience in the Annapurna region. Trekking to Tilicho Lake offers the finest trekking experience in the Himalayas with the lake situated at the highest location on earth so it is considered. The hike to Tilicho is challenging but the reward is immense with a spectacular Himalayan panorama.
Tilicho Lake is situated at 4,920 meters and is formed by the glacial melt of the northern slope of Annapurna Mountain and Thorung Peak. It’s a holy lake for Hindus and pay a visit to take a holy bath in it’s pristine water. Located in an isolated area in the Annapurna region, the hike to Tilicho Lake is a challenging and off-the-beaten-path trek.
The trail to Tilicho Lake follows the regular Annapurna Circuit trek path where it takes a detour from the village of Manang ascending up to Sri Kharka. Upon reaching Tilicho Lake it again joins the Annapurna Circuit trail at Thorong Phedi then crosses over the Thorong La High Pass to get to Muktinath and eventually to Jomsom. So it can be considered at a side-excursion trip during Annapurna Circuit trekking.
Ascending up to Tilicho, you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks like Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, and Lake Tilicho Trek Peak. The trek follows the Marsyangdi River valley, passing through mountain villages, lush forests, and beautiful alpine meadows. The trek is challenging due to the high altitude and steep terrain, but upon reaching Tilicho Lake the awesome views and the sense of accomplishment make it all worthwhile.
Tilicho Lake Trek is an excellent adventure in the Himalayas and for those seeking an exclusive and adventurous trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
Tilicho Lake Trek Highlights
- Visit the natural wonder of Nepal – Pokhara.
- Crossing over one of the world’s highest pass -the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Witness stunning views of Machhapuchhre, Mt. Annapurna south, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I & others.
- Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,920m) – one of the lakes located at world’s highest point.
- Muktinath Temple with 108 spouts sacred for both Hindus & Buddhist.
- Jomsom – the windswept town & headquarters of Mustang.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1080m) via Beshishar (823m/7-8 hrs Drive)
Day 03: Trek from Syange to Dharapani (1,860m/5-6 hrs)
Day 04: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,650m/5-6 hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,115m/5 - 6 hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540m 5 - 6 hrs)
Day 07: Rest and acclimatization day at Manang (3,519m)
Day 08: Trek from Manang to Siri Kharka (4,060m/4-5 hrs)
Day 09: Trek from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m/5 hrs)
Day 10: Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,920m) & back to Siri Kharka (4,060m/5-6 hrs)
Day 11: Trek from Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,020m4-5 hrs)
Day 12: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m/4-5 hrs)
Day 13: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath Temple (3,760m) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m/9 hrs)
Day 14: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743m/5-6 hrs)
Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (822m/35 minutes)
Day 16: Fly or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m/25min)
Day 17: Final Departure
Arrive in Kathmandu and one of our representatives will receive you and then transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the time is free to explore the city where your hotel is located which is usually at Thamel – the popular tourist hub in Kathmandu where every needs and facilities for the tourist are located like hotels, pubs, restaurants, departmental stores, trek gear shops etc. Or you can simply rest at your hotel if you are jet lagged and get ready for an amazing Himalayan trek.
We're going to drive to Syange in a private tour car today from Kathmandu. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the travel could take seven or nine hours. There is concrete and paving on the road leading to Besisahar.
For a maximum of two to four hours, we will experience an exciting dirt road trip from Besisahar to Syange. We'll designate the best car for the conditions of the road. All of our drivers have extensive experience and hold valid licenses to drive on public roads.
If the weather permits, you can also see stunning scenery, rivers, and waterfalls throughout this trip, as well as peaks like Mount Machhapuchhre, Mount Lamjung, and Mount Annapurna II and III.
After breakfast, we set off on foot from Syange, crossing a huge bridge close to Tal to approach the Manang district. The trail winds through fields of barley, rice, and potatoes; the waterfalls never stop accompanying us. One of the largest settlements in the Manang valley, Dharapani, is reached after passing past the village of Kodo.
We have breakfast today and then resume our hike. We will climb up to the settlement of Chame by navigating via a couple steep forested ridges and other landslide locations. But we shouldn't overlook raising our gaze, as the spectacular views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m) await us. We also find a few little hot springs, which should provide us with some temporary relaxation.
You will take the upper trails which pass through Upper Pisang and Geru to reach the village of Barge. Barge village is popular for the Barge Monastery – the biggest in Manang. Along the trail you will come across several Buddhist shrines and monasteries and finally reaches the big town of Manang. The trekking trail provides fantastic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and Tilicho.
There are two ways to go to Manang from Pisang. We select the route that goes through Ghyaru and Upper Pisang. Outstanding vistas of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and other mountains are guaranteed from this higher approach. It gets colder and drier as we go closer to Manang. A quick trip to Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang District, should lift our spirits, nevertheless.
It's our acclimatization day today. We headed out on a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Lake Gangapurna in order to stay in shape for the trails that followed. To learn more about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), we can trek to Vraga Village and visit the Himalayan Rescue Association.
It’s an easier trek today taking the upper route leading down to a river. After crossing the river continue the hike on taking you through coniferous forests. The Tibetan village of Khangsar is reached after walking for about three hours. Then continue the journey to reach Shri Kharka.
En route witness good views of Gungang Himal and Mt.Chulu.
Leaving Shri Kharka in the morning and heading towards Tilicho Base Camp. It’s an easy path today but passes through landslide-prone areas. From the trail witness the impressive rock formations along with magnificent snow peaks – including Tilicho Peak.
Today’s a special day as you will be hiking to Tilicho Lake. Start early in the morning from the base camp to avoid the afternoon wind. The trail is quite steep and after hiking for two to three hours will reach Tilicho Lake – one of the highest lakes in the world. A well-known French expedition team referred to Tilicho Lake as The Great Ice Lake. The lake is surrounded by majestic peaks like Tilicho Himal, Annapurna Range, and Nilgiri Himal. During the winter, the lake will be completely frozen. After spending time at Tilicho Lake, retrace the same route back to Siri Kharka.
The trail descends from Siri Kharka to Khangsar village. En route pass al ong Tare Monastery which is a thousand-year-old monastery. The journey continues following a rock wall that takes us out of Khangsar and leads us to Thorong Khola Valley and finally to Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka offers wonderful views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. If luck favors you might encounter blue sheep or snow leopard on the way.
Now you will leave the Marsyangdi Valley and follow the Jharsang Khola towards Thorong Phedi. The trail passes through pine and fir forests to enter the high Himalayas which appear completely different as seen from the lowlands during the first half of the trek. If luck favours you might spot wildlife like blue sheep or even snow leopard en route. Thorong Phedi is the stopping point for trekkers to spend overnight before attempting to cross the Thorong La High Pass.
This day is the most challenging day of the entire trek which involves crossing Thorong La High Pass which is one of the highest passes in the world. You will ascend up to Thorong La then descend down to Muktinath. Afternoon will be too windy to cross the pass so you will start early morning battling icy air and high altitude but still enjoying the views. Upon reaching the top of the pass witness even great views of peaks like Khatungkang, Gangapurna, and Annapurna ranges.
After enjoying a great photographic moments you will descend to Muktinath enjoying another good view of Dhaulagiri. With continue descending will reach Muktinath temple. It’s the holy temple for both Hindus and Buddhists which has 108 water spouts and an eternal flame which is burning there for ages. Stay overnight at Muktinath.
Today is the last day of trekking and the route heads down the valley loosing elevation and gradually rejoining the Kali Gandaki River Valley bottom to reach Jomsom. Upon reaching Jomsom you may feel like a big change from the serene trails and villages which you passed during the trek. Rest and explore around in Jomsom town.
Take the early morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom which is a short flight of about 35 minutes. Upon reaching Pokhara the rest of the time is rest at your hotel or explore the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. In the evening you can visit the lakeside area closer to Phewa Lake with many restaurants, pubs, eateries which is like the tourist hub of Thamel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast you can either choose to fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara (20 minutes) or take an overland drive to Kathmandu (6-7 hours drive). Upon reaching Kathmandu check-in hotel and the evening is all set for Farewell Dinner at one of the authentic Nepali restaurants.
The trip concludes and our office representatives will take you to the international airport in Kathmandu to catch your onward flight to your next destination or fly back home. You need to be at least 3 hours prior to your flight time at the airport.
Thank you for visiting Nepal and we hope your Himalayan Holiday has come true. Have a safe flight back home!
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu & Pokhara with breakfast as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu to Syange drive by local bus or private vehicle.
- All trekking accommodations with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
- Jomsom/Pokhara airfare
- Four seasonal sleeping bags (to be returned after trip completion) & Marron Treks duffel bag
- A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide)
- Experienced Government licensed English Speaking Guide & Porter (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
- Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Farewell dinner with Nepalese cultural program.
- All government and local taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
- Other expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.)
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tips for guides and porters (Tipping is expected).
Route Map
Trip Info
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 4- or 5-star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (4-star), Hotel Manaslu (4-star), Radisson (5-star), Yak & Yeti (5-star), or similar. During the trek, you will be accommodated in a local mountain lodge, better known as Tea House. These lodges and teahouses provide good services and are equipped with basic amenities. We will endeavor to provide you with the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise the quality of food or the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional foods like Sweet potatoes, buckwheat barley, etc. This way, you could not only get a real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala curry, etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a serious risk while trekking in the Himalayas. It's important to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at lower altitudes before heading higher. By spending time at lower altitudes before pushing higher, your body has time to adjust. Our trekking packages have enough acclimatization days planned where you'll be spending a day or two at lower altitudes, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Electricity & drinking water
For an additional cost, you can use the electricity in all tea houses and lodges to recharge your batteries. The lodges have packaged mineral water for sale, or you can fill your bottle with boiling water. To make water drinkable, you can use water purification tablets too. But, due to hygienic issues, you should avoid drinking water from taps, rivers, or wells in trekking areas.
Communication
At lodges, restaurants, and hotels, Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee in the most popular trek regions, like Everest, and Annapurna. However, at high elevations, phone calls are the only means of connection. Our office in Kathmandu is in constant communication with your trek guide. In Kathmandu, you can purchase a local sim card for communication purposes. At high elevations, the mobile signal might not be as strong, though.
Luggage
Our porters are paired with one trekker for every two hikers, and one porter can safely carry 30 kg maximum weight. Therefore, we advise you to fill your duffle bag not more than 15 kg with your belongings. You may carry a small backpack with your valuables and informational documents. The things you are not taking along on the trek can be stored in a hotel in Kathmandu free of cost.
Typical Trek Day
Mostly your trek day starts with breakfast at 7-8 am, followed by a 3-4 hour morning trek. Lunch break is around an hour, then you continue trekking to your destination for the day. After reaching the teahouse lodge, you can relax, explore nearby areas, and enjoy dinner at 6-7 pm. Evenings involve socializing, a trek briefing, and leisure activities before bed.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical and evacuation costs. Having travel insurance with you makes your trip secure and hassle-free.
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you can actually connect with nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides who are very well-versed in the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the trek region you are traveling in. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining but also equally informative.
Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high-altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitudes are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our field staff are covered by insurance.
