Tilicho pass trekking

Tilicho pass trekking

Tilicho is the beautiful mountain peak which is in the Annapurna region, in the north-central part of Nepal. Tilicho Peak is, 7134 m high above sea level. Tilicho Lake and pass trekking is famous and unique because of the beautiful Tilicho Lake which is the highest fresh water lake in the world at an altitude of 4920 m. Tilicho pass trekking is also known as Mesu Kanto La (pass), 5340 m, offers beautiful Himalayan views of Mount Manaslu 8163 m, Mount Dhaulagiri 8167 m, Mount Annapurna I. 8091 m & other snowcapped mountains of Annapurna region.

Tilicho Pass trekking was for a long time virtually closed, save for a few climbers and expeditions. Since 1974, when Nixon changed the China policy, part of the area above Thini on the Jomsom side has become a very off-limits military area.

Tilicho pass trekking is an exciting and beautiful route, is very technical, particularly the downhill section from the Mesokanto-La, and we do not recommend it for beginners, but with views of peaks at over 8000 meters and a variety of landscapes, plants and animals, it is well worth the effort.

Tilicho pass trek starts from Besi Sahar 5 hours’ drive from Kathmandu walking on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Also, a jeepable road goes all the way up to Manan. However, jeeping to Manang is not recommended due to the excessive altitude gain in too short of a period. Rather do the Annapurna Circuit trek and go through Upper Pisang, Ghayru, and Nawal for better acclimatization. The Annapurna Circuit trek, basically along the Marshyangdi river valley which some diversions as above bring you to Manang and you will be well acclimatized if you stay at least two nights at either Upper Pisang, Ghayru or Nawal. A rest day in Manang for further acclimatization, then a two-day trek to Tilicho Lake Base Camp. Tilicho Pass is harder and requires physical fitness. There is not a proper tea house/hotel for 2–3 nights so that we need to camp. After passing Tilicho or MesoKanto La, the trail descends to Jomsom. Then you can either bus or jeep further south or walk out on the second half of the Annpurna Circuit. Either way you go through Tatopani with its inviting and large hot springs then continue via Beni to Pokhara via trekking or Jeep drive to Ghorepani - Nayapul and Pokhara. Depending on or your desire and time frame, walking out or driving out, either part way or all the way, can be arranged.

Asian Hiking Team, a local government licensed trekking agency, operates trekking to Tilicho Lake, and over the pass to Jomsom. Up to Tilicho Lake, basic guest houses can be used. Continuing on we over the pass, we must camp. So it is possible to do guest house basic trekking plus alpine style for two nights. We will provide tents and basic food for two nights if there are small groups or individuals. If the group size is more than 5 persons, we need to manage all camping gear. In the guest house/lodge, there are usually running hot and cold water facilities. Private rooms are available in most guest houses. Most bathrooms are shared. Every guest house serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice, curry and lentil soup). All guest houses on our routes have a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Many of them have western food on the menu. Soft drinks, snacks, wine and beer are available in most of the guest houses and trail side restaurants.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu - Arrival in Kathmandu airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel (B).

Day 02: Kathmandu - Free day in Kathmandu to make the final preparations for trek (BB).

Trekking Starting

Day 03: BesiSahar - Travel to Besi Sahar 800 m by local bus/Car/Van 5/6 hours overnight Hotel (B/L/D).

Day 04: Dharapani - Drive by Jeep to Dharapani 1943 m 3-5 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 05: Chame - Trek to Chame 2713 m 5 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 06: Upper Pisang - Trek to Pisang 3115 m 4 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 07: Manang - Trek to Manang 3450 m 4.30 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 08: Manang the rest for Acclimatization (B/L/D).

Day 09: Khangshar village 3765 m, 5 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 10: Tilicho Phedi 5020 m, 4.30 hours, overnight hotel (B/L/D).

Day 11: Tilicho High Camp, 52420 m, 4/5 hours, overnight camp (B/L/D).

Day 12: Tilicho pass /Mesakanta la Pass 5465 m – Yak kharka 4500 m 8/10 hours, overnight camping (B/L/D).

Day 13: Jomsom - trek to Jomsom 2720 m 5-6 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 14: Jomsom drive to Tatopani 1189 m drive by Jeep 6/7 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 15: Ghorepani 2850 m 6 hours, overnight Guest house/Lodge (B/L/D).

Day 16: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara, overnight Hotel (B/L).

Trekking End

Day 17: Kathmandu by Tourist Bus (B/L).

Day 18: Last minute, transfer to the airport for your onward journey or next trip (B).