Tilicho Lake Trek - 19 Days

One of our team will be at the airport to pick you up for the hotel transfer. Here we will go over the tour in more detail and you will meet your guide.A chance for you to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is free to explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu

After breakfast we have a full day visiting many of the holy heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley.It includes visits to the Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) – Swaynunath Buddhist Shrine, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.

We leave a busy Kathmandu early soon after breakfast for the drive to the trek start point. It is a great drive and introduction to the rolling hills and rushing rivers of Nepal. Some good views of the mountains on the way,we lunch in Besi Sahar From here we take a local jeep to Syange (1080m) More rivers, local villages and beautiful mountain scenery. The trail runs up and down through paddy fields, passing through tiny villages and ascends through the rhododendron forest to Jagat (1330m). .

The trek begins as we zigzag our way across bridges over the Marsyangdi River. The trail leads fairly steeply uphill before leveling to reach the settlement of Tal. Tal commands some great views of cascading waterfalls and valley views. We are now entering the Manang district. We trek on through barley, rice and potato fields pristine pine forests to the village of Khotro (1860m).From Khotro we drop down to the valley floor to a long suspension bridge there is a true alpine feel. Passing Karte and Nache village to a stone Kani, the formal entrance to Dharapani. A junction for treks either to Manaslu the Manang valley.

After registering at the ACAP office in the village, we start a lovely day with a climb over a spur then through a beautiful forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple, and oak. We stay on the south bank of the river before a climb through forests to Danaque (2210m).The area is known for its apple orchards. The rest of the day is a series of up and downs along a mule track through forests of oak and maple trees and along a river to reach Chame a great place to overnight. There is a long wall with many prayer wheels Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang District. There are fine views of Lamjung, Annapurna II/IV (7525m).

Another fine day ahead today we start with a climb past Mani walls to a field of buckwheat and on to the tiny village Telekhu (2840m). The trail is mostly level walk in forests with some dramatic scenery on the way through a deep gorge. The pine-scented trail rounds a bend to reveal the first views of dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous curved slab of rock. We need to trek over a ridge marked by prayer flags and stone cairn and then continue on a steep descent to the upper Marsyangdi. The trail follows through the river valley with great mountain views along the way of Pisang peak and Annapurna II at Pisang. Pisang marks the beginning of the upper the Manang district.

It is a longish day today trail but a very rewarding one with some stunning mountain views. From upper Pisang, the high trail enters pine groves to reveal a turquoise lake. We really feel we are in Buddhist country with the prayer wall ,painted Mandalas and many prayer wheels on the way. We hike through fields of grazing yak and a wide variety of crops. The trail climbs a steep ridge on the right side of the Marsyangdi River to reach Ngawal (3660m). Wow! From here we have one of the really great viewing points of the whole Annapurna Ridge with the Marsyangdi river valley view. On the way, we pass more pine forests, through villages and farming terraces. The large Tibetan settlement of Manang provides Fantastic views of Annapurna II/III/IV, Gangapurna and Tarkekang. Stay at 3570m.

We need to take today adjusting to the altitude for the push to come. Visit to take advice from Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalayas nearby. The view of the milky blue glacier lake at the foot of spectacular Gangapurna icefall is stunning. We take some hikes to higher altitudes today.

Today we start with a descent from old Manang passing by a Chorten to reach t he Marsyangdi River to then cross a suspension bridge .The trail stays close to the river bed and soon we approach Khangsar. From here superb views of the Great Barrier open up before us. There you find a small monastery, Chorten, Mani walls and prayer flags. Stay overnight at camp in Khangsar.

From Khangsar the trail climbs steeply past a Gompa and small chortens and up through juniper and buckthorn bushes. On the way we cross a few streams and up to reach a crest (4650m) with prayer flags it is tough going. From the crest we have a zig zag descent down a scree slope to Tilicho Base Camp Hotel. A fantastic high mountain feel with panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many others

The trail to the Tilicho starts up a side valley then traverses onto moraine, hard work making the long climb to 4710m. There is an outstanding view of Tarkeghyang, Gangapurna and the Khangsar Kang from here. Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world at (4920m), presents a particularly dramatic spectacle. Sometimes its turquoise water reflects the surrounding peaks but more often its frozen solid. After spending time soaking up the surreal surroundings, we trek back down to Tilicho base camp via the same way for our overnight stay.

We continue to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail follows this valley north as it steadily gains elevation. You have left the large pine trees way below, the vegetation now consists of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. We keep to the high track 400meters or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar then follow an unmarked trail which leads around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gunsang and Yak Kharka. It’s fun to see large yaks grazing at Yak Kharka. The view of Annapurna III is excellent.

From Yak Kharka, we follow along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descend to cross a stream over a wooden bridge at 4310m. Blue sheep, and even the elusive Snow- leopard, sometimes magically appear. The crow-like bird choughs, large lammergeiers, and Himalayan griffons circle high overhead. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep at Phedi. Overnight at Phedi 4400m.

The trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, switchbacking up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the Thorung La pass (5416m). This is also a magic day among many as the snow capped monsters reach out to touch you. The long Great Barrier ridge, as well as Annapurna, Gangapurna and the heavily glaciated peak of Khatung Kang (6484m) in all their . From the pass the trail descends crossing meadows steeply down to Muktinath. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is also home to many ethnics Tibetans and holy Buddhists.

Our final day on trek we head for Jomsom but not before taking in the atmosphere of Muktinath with a visit to the temple. Its an easy day today downhill to Jomsom. The trail leads through meadows, crosses streams, that run through fruit trees to finally arrive at Kagbeni,the gateway to Upper Mustang;A fascinating place with its many Chortens and ochre-colored Gompas and ancient monastery. After lunch in Kagbeni we continue trekking to Jomsom on a windy trail along the Kali Gandaki Valley, overnight at Jomsom.

An early morning short mountain flight to Pokhara. The views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki are stunning. On arrival in Pokhara we transfer to our hotel and Relax.The Mountains have not left us however as Pokhara has perhaps the best mountain backdrop on the planet. Relax in one of the lake restaurants perhaps some swimming or boating.

Today we take a morning flight back to Kathmandu arriving at our hotel around midday. The rest of the day is free.We often organise a farewell meal in a local restaurant in the evening