Tilicho Lake Trek

Tilicho Lake Trek  short Overview

Under the stretched azure sky lie the pristine white peaks. Among the gigantic beats of snow, a cerulean lake stretches out in the high altitude. Tilicho Lake trek in the Manang district is considered the most top lake in the world. Located at 4949m, Tilicho Lake shoulders the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek range in the Himalayas. In religious texts, Tilicho Lake seems to have been mentioned in the Ramayana.

Consequently, the lake ties religious significance for Hindus. The Tilicho Lake, however, is far from only a pilgrimage site. The trek offers demanding physical exercise. It also provides fantastic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including the Muktinath peak. Manang district offers a rustic vibe, rarely seen in other treks. The terraced hills perch in the north with locals herding yaks along the ridges.

Highlights of Tilicho Lake trek

• Tilicho Lake Trek showcases the expansive sapphire like Tilicho Lake. Moreover, the lake is considered the highest in the world.
• The trek offers beautiful vistas of Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, and Tilicho.
• The trek goes through ancient towns like Manang. Manang is home to Tibetan Buddhist culture as a result of trade routes to Tibet.
• Stunning view of the world’s highest Tilicho Lake.
• The trail passes through the mountain terrain and beautiful Marshyandi river.
• Enjoy the Tibetian and rich Buddhist culture of locals.
• Get to have a stunning view of Mt Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna 1 (8091), and Dhaulagiri (8167m) Crossing Throng La Pass (5416m)
• Visit the old monastery in Braga village and Muktinath temple.

Overview

Tilicho Lake Trek is a 13 days long journey. The journey simply begins with a city tour in Kathmandu. Likewise, the preparation takes place afterward. Chame follows the first stop at Besisahar. Therefore, the actual trek begins as trekkers move to Pisang (3230m).

The following day leads to Manang after trekking for 5-6 hours. Manang is a small rustic town. Manang is almost like an expansive rugged terrain with yaks scattered here and there. A zig-Zag trail leads to Ice Lake (4600m) with a small stupa at the ridge. Day 8 bears trek to Tilicho Base Camp.

Beyond the base camp, there are no tea houses. Hence, trekkers finish the trek to Tilicho Lake in one day. After viewing the lake, trekkers go back to Siri Kharka. Similarly, the trail leads them back to Manang, followed by Pisang. Finally, it ends at Besisahar.

Conclusion

Tilicho Lake is a pilgrimage or only an unforgettable journey. Therefore, trekkers approach the trek during September. Meanwhile, March-April is also apt for trekking in this region.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Nepal. Transfer to Hotel.

Tilicho Lake Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy quality accommodation in one of the finest Three Star hotels in Kathmandu. After enjoying your refreshment, you will visit our office to talk about the trip. We'll brief you about the journey in detail. Your trek guide will prepare necessary documents, TIMS Card and National park permits on your behalf. Afterward, you are free to do whatever you like. Enjoy the nightlife of the beautiful Kathmandu City. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing world heritage site Kathmandu durbar square and Monkey temple or Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa. Preparation of trekking.

Indulge in a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. Explore some of the ancient monuments, religious artifacts, and historical palaces. An experienced tour guide will take you to some of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. The half-day tour can only accommodate a visit to a few destinations. You can either begin the journey with a scenic drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square or a visit to the nearby Swoyambhunath.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient site with royal palaces and temples, lies at the heart of the city. Swoyambhunath lies atop the hill that offers a panoramic view of the entire city. You can choose to visit any of the destinations. Afterward, you'll drive to the other side of the town to visit Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupatinath is an ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. You will find many temples, monuments, Natural Park, and a cremation ground inside the temple premise. The tour ends with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest spherical stupa in the country. You will get to observe the unique lifestyle, culture, occupation, and delectable cuisines of native Tibetans — overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, and drive towards Chame 2,670 m/8,759 ft- 5/6 hrs.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel while basking in the morning sun. Afterward, you'll embark on a private jeep along with your trek guide and drive towards Besisahar. A scenic half-day drive takes you along the massive Trishuli River and Budi Gandaki River towards Besisahar. Besisahar lies in the Lamjung District and serves as the gateway to Manang. It offers entrances to many other trek trails. Embark on a free jeep and begin driving along the beautiful Marsayangdi River towards Chame village in Manang District. The road goes past lush forested hills and multi-ethnic settlements towards Chame. A 65km long journey can prove to be a fatiguing experience. Spend the evening relaxing by the beautiful sight of Lamjung Himal.

Day 04: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m/10,597 ft – 5/6 hrs

Chame is the headquarters of the Manang District. The officials at the village will check your permit. Leaving Chame, you'll begin to trace the uphill trail that goes past lush forests of rhododendron and pine towards Pisang. Along the way, you'll make brief stops at different villages such as Telekhu village (2720m), Bhratang (2850m), and Dhikur Pokhari (3060). After almost 5 hours into this trek, you'll arrive at Lower Pisang. You can choose to stay put at the lower valley or take a short hike to reach Upper Pisang Village. You will begin to witness traditional Tibetan-styled villages en route. The locals build the house with wood, thatched roof, and mud walls. Catch the natural sights of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6091m) in the distance. Overnight in Lower Pisang.

Day 05: Trek to Manang 3,450 m/11,318 ft – 5/6 hrs

Enjoy the early morning view of the Himalayas as you have breakfast. Leaving Lower Pisang, you'll begin to climb the rocky trail towards Upper Pisang. You'll encounter a well-paved path here on that leads towards Manang Town. Walk past the Buddhist villages of Ngawal and Ghyaru. Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Hungde and head towards Bhraka village via Beding. The trail offers an ample sight of the nearby Annapurna III and Annapurna IV. Cross the Marsayangdi River and continue walking to arrive at Manang. Overnight in Manang.

Day 06: Trek to Ice lake 4,600 m/15,091 ft acclimatization in Manang- 5/6 hrs

Manang is a large town and remains home to Gurung, Tamang, Tibetan, and Magar tribes. You will spend the day acclimatizing at Manang. Use this opportunity to explore the beautiful town and make a short hike towards the Ice Lake. Make a short descent to Braga village that shows you a large sign pointing towards the Ice Lakes. Begin climbing through the rocky path towards the glaciated area. Enjoy the magnificent sight of Annapurna massif in your left as you arrive at Kicho Tal (Ice Lake). It lies below the towering Chulu East. The first lake is a Lower Ice Lake. To explore the higher Ice Lake, you must trek for another 10-15 minutes. The Upper Ice Lake is home to a large Stupa decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. Afterward, you will begin to descend back to Manang.

Day 07: Trek to Khangsar (3734m/12250ft) – 04 hrs

Leaving Manang, you’ll begin trekking north. Take a detour on the right of the main trail that leads towards Thorong La. The detour will take you towards Tilicho Lake. Continue trekking alongside the icy Khangsar River. Almost 4hr in the trek, you’ll arrive at the quaint Buddhist settlement of Khangsar. The thatched-roof and mud walls give the impression of the Tibet. Spend the day acclimatizing at Khangsar and preparing for the upcoming climb towards Tilicho Lake.

Day 08:  Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13615ft) – 04 hrs

The day begins with a beautiful hike along the large Buddhist Monastery. Visit the monastery and head towards a big ride. Catch the beautiful sight of Annapurna massif along the trail. Enter a narrow valley and begin climbing towards a crest at 4,650 meters. Large Buddhist prayer flags decorate the crest. Take a detour and continue along a new path towards the slopes to reach a side valley. A short downhill hike will bring you to Tilicho Base Camp located at an altitude of 4,150 meters. Spend the evening enjoying the marvelous sight of the nearby mountains.

Day 09: Visit Tilicho Lake (4920m/16141ft) and trek back to Siri Kharka (4000m/13123ft) – 6/7 hrs.

The trek materializes as you make your way towards Tilicho Lake. The motorable road stops at Tilicho Base Camp, and everyone must walk on foot to the top. Leaving the base camp, the trail begins to rise through moraines. Enjoy the beautiful sights of Tarkeghyang, Gangapurna, and Khangsar Kang peaks along the trail. After a short hike, you'll reach the Tilicho Lake. Tilicho is the highest lake in the world. The icy-cold Tilicho Lake is a turquoise-colored oligotrophic lake. Roam around the lake and enjoy the dramatic sight of the nearby valleys before retracing your path back to Siri Kharka. The trail drops along the Tilicho Base Camp through the landslide-prone area towards Siri Kharka.

Day 10:  Trek to Manang 3,450 m/11,318 ft – 5/6 hrs

Leaving Siri Kharka, you’ll begin retracing your path back to Manang. The trail descends through the rocky path overlooking the beautiful mountains, Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. Walk past a Buddhist monastery en route to Kangsar village. From here, the trail goes past coniferous and head towards the Kangsar River. Cross the river and continue along the riverbanks to arrive at the main trail. A short downhill trek will bring you back to Manang. Spend the evening relishing a warm Tibetan tea and stew. Overnight in Manang.

Day 11:  Trek to Pisang 3,230 m/10,597 ft- 5/6 hrs.

fter early morning breakfast, you’ll embark on a downhill trek towards Pisang village. Walk past Mungji village and arrive at the intersection. Continue trekking along the beautiful Marsayangdi River. Enjoy the majestic panorama of Annapurna III and Annapurna IV peaks. The trail goes past Beding and Bhraka village towards Hungde airstrip. Climb uphill towards Ghyaru village and continue walking towards Ngawal. After a delicious lunch, you’ll continue on your trail towards Pisang village. From Upper Pisang, you will take a drop to continue towards Lower Pisang Village. Spend the night at Pisang village.

Day 12:  Drive to Besi Sahar.

On the last of the trek, you’ll retrace your path and drive back to Besisahar. After early morning breakfast, you’ll embark on a public jeep and begin driving through the narrow hilly roads towards Chame. Catch the beautiful sights of the Gurung and Tamang villages en route. Bid farewell to the subjective view of Lamjung Himal as you begin descending from Chame village towards Besisahar. Almost 6hr of drive through the uneven and rocky road will bring you back to Besisahar. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the beautiful village. Overnight in Besisahar.

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

You can choose to visit the famous tourist getaway of Pokhara or head back to Kathmandu today. Pokhara lies almost 100km west to Besisahar. A 3hr of the scenic drive along the Trishuli River will take you to Pokhara. Stay overnight at Hotel.

The Next day OR as you flight schedule airport departure.

 

Cost Information

Equipment

For Head

1. Sun hat / Scarf
2. Sunglasses and Headlight

For Upper Body

1. Water Proof Jacket
2. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
3. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

For Lower Body

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant

For Hand

1. Gloves

For Feet

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

Other Accessaries

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toilet paper etc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

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