Snow Dragons Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Himalayan Explorers
Trip Name: Tilicho Lake Trek
Destination: Tilicho Lake
Difficulty: Difficult.
Walking duration: Between 5 to 7 hours, plus rests.
Style: Tea House Trek - incl. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Support: Guide and porters.
Transportation: Local bus or own jeep (more expensive)
Duration: 18 days
The waters of Tilicho Lake come from glacial melt from the entire northern slopes of The Great Barrier. These waters are trapped in a giantglacier bowl, formed millions of years ago, with a glacier on one side and desert on the other. It is claimed to be the highest elevated lake in the world, and is certainly one of the most spectacular. Turquoise Blue waters for nine months of the year, with white peaks reflected - and totally frozen over in winter. TilichoLake is holy to Hindu and Buddhist alike, with pilgrims coming from around the world to gaze and to pray. For the mountain lover it is an Eldorado or a Shangrila - nestled below the vertical ice-encrusted 1000m high walls of The Great Barrier on one side, and a near desert like landscape on the other.
The French expedition, who successfully climbed Annapurna in 1950, when trying to find the mountain itself received a shock. When they reached the lake there was no sign of Annapurna, just the lake and The Great Barrier, neither of which were on the map!! They had to return and approach the mountain from the west.
Joint for both is that you start the Lake section from the town of Manang.
After a day in Kathmandu we drive northwest through verdant landscape to start the trek. Lowland Hindu settlements gradually give way to mountain villages perched high on the hillsides. The sub-tropical vegetation changes into alpine forests, and agriculture changes accordingly. We often choose the Upper Pisang to Bagra route, which commands superb views of Annapurna II and IV.
Our aim is to reach Manang, the largest village in the region, where we spend an acclimatization day of rest. Manang consists of rough hewn stone houses, each one like a small medieval fortress. From its streets you are treated to surreal close up views of Gangapurna and Anapurna III, and a giant ice fall that defies description.
The Tilicho trail leads you to the quaint village of Khangsar, where there are a number of lodges. Although most people push on to a lodge by the monastery 2 hours further. The trial now follows a series of exposed scree slopes, that are a bit like walking on the moon - a bit spooky, and steep in places. The landscape is one of the most varied in Nepal for such a short section. It changes abruptly from alpine shrub-forest, with the occasional Yak grazing, to desert sand and conglomerate towers of pebbles, that seem to defy gravity. All set against a tapestry of snow and ice peaks and blue sky. Along the way you are almost guaranteed to spot Blue Sheep (mountain goats with giant curved horns), and the occasional eagle.
You reach Base Camp, a motley collection of lodges. The next day one can ascend to the lake and back to Base Camp in one day. From here you can take a short cut to Yak Kharka to join the Circuit route, eventually crossing Thorong La Pass, and descending into the Kali Gandaki valley.
Or, option 2, camp by the lake, and continue over the xxxxxx or the xxxxxx pass to reach Jomsom in two to three days. A guide and camping equipment is necessary.
Day 01: Welcome to Nepal. Airport pick up and hotel transfer, trip planning (permits, equipment check etc.).
Day 02: After breakfast, we visit to Syambhunath (Monkey Temple) and gain a view of Kathmandu valley and city. The afternoon is free to explore and shop, with a quick trip-planning meet before bed.
Day 03: (1) After breakfast, we drive by road from Kathmandu to Chamje village, the starting point of the trek. Stunning waterfalls nearby the village is the popular hangout spot in Chamje village.
Day 04: (2) The starting day of the trek. We walk through the various vegetable plantations, waterfalls and mixed communities that are believed to be migrated from Tibet. We cross the suspension bridge below Chamje and scramble two steep sections to reach the village of Tal. Further walking through numerous uphill and downhill section, we reach Dharapani, the biggest villages in the Manang district.
Day 05: (3) We scramble through the forested route and cross the landslides on route to Chame. Today we get the excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV.
Day 06: (4) Continuing with some uphill and downhill movements, we reach the Paungda Danda rock. Today, we get opportunity to enjoy the wilderness of nature. Paugda Danda Rock is dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m for the river. Further descending via captivating landscapes to the Manang valley floor, we reach Pisang.
Day 07: (5) We follow the Upper Pisang route enjoying the superb view of Annapurna, Pisang Peak and others. As we approach Manang, the climate changes abruptly and becomes colder and drier.
Day 08: (6) Today we appreciate the splendor of nature along with magnificent Annapurna ranges. Visiting Tore monastery adds more perspective to the trek.
Day 09: (7) Today, we trek through grassy fields to Tilicho Lake Base Camp. We camp in Tilicho Base Camp as there are no lodges out there
Day 10: (8) Initially, we make an uphill ascent and traverse onto a moraine to reach Tilicho Lake. Today we get the spectacular view of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Mukinath peaks.
Day 11: (9) The returning journey from Tilicho Base Camp leads us out of the Marsyangdi valley. We enjoy the beauty of Annapurna range all along the way.
Day 12: (10) The uphill walk to Thorong Phedi offers the best view of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syangang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Phedi in Nepalese dialects refers to the foot of a mountain.
Day 13: (11) Crossing Thorong La Pass, the highest passes in the world, is the ultimate objective of today’s trip. We start early to cross the pass safely.
Day 14: (12) Today we explore Muktinath Temple; an ultimate destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. We walk through meadows, cross streams and Kagbeni village to reach Jomsom.
Day 15: (13) After breakfast, we take a short flight to Pokhara. Try paragliding, visit the Mountain Museum or The White Stupa (for great views), or simply take a few hours to relax. Late afternoon we take the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel - farewell dinner with guide
Day 16: (14) Free day in Kathmandu, or departure (please specify when booking).
