Tilicho Lake and Thorong la Pass Trek-17 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 17 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1-10
  • Max. Altitude 5416 M.
  • Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November

Highlights

  •  Muktinath is a Vishnu temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
  •  Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world situated at an altitude of nearly 5000 meters
  •  Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
  •  Dynasty  views of  Mountain and peaks

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world situated at an altitude of nearly 5000 meters. It lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal in the western part of the country, more precisely in Mustang district. Tilicho Lake to Jomsom Trek takes us to the magnificent lake surrounded by alpine scenery.  Tilicho Lake to Jomsom Trek traverses through the Thorong Pass of the Annapurna region, along the frosty melt of the entire northern slope of Annapurna. Hindu pilgrims from around the world flock to the lake as it is regarded as a holy spot also mentioned in the Hindu scripture of Ramayana – a holy book of the Hindus.  This trek/tour starts right from Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district, where you reach after a pleasant bus ride from Kathmandu. From Besisahar, you will drive up to Chamje along a road recently constructed by the Nepal Army to provide access to the Manang district.

The trail follows along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent trek leads you to the fine village settled by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. We have customized this route as it is basically the same as Annapurna Circuit, from Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake.   We then we travel to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorong La at elevation of 5,416m.  Tilicho Lake to Jomsom Trek is an exciting adventure that combines parts of Jomsom Muktinath Trek with the parts of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.  After our already stunning journey, we take a short scenic flight back to Pokhara to enjoy the famous tourist city for a day.

Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader.  If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) Boudhanath (massive Buddhist stupa). We can also visit Swyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, which was built roughly 2000 years ago.  Finally, we can visit Patan, city of fine arts. In the afternoon, you will be meeting with your trekking guide and will check all the necessary things. Overnight stay at the hotel.

      Our staff will arrive at your hotel at 7AM in the morning to pick you up. After a 7-hour drive (185 kms) from Kathmandu, we reach Besisahar. Upon arrival at Besisahar you will witness the stunning snow-capped mountain panorama. we descend to the river towards Syange, a village along the banks of the river.  There is a beautiful waterfall.  Crossing the suspension bridge, we climb uphill for an hour and a half until we reach Jagat.  There is a hot spring near Mashyandi River, about 15 minutes drive from the main village.  There is also a temple for the goddess.  The beautiful sceneries viewed from Jagat are Chipla and Jhitai villages, with high and steep slopes where magnificent, well-engineered terraced hillsides can be found.  We continue on, crossing another suspension bridge, and eventually reaching Dharapani. About 10 minutes up the hill from Dharapani, there is a Thorong La Village, where there is a 104- year old Buddhist Monastery.over night Dharapani

        On the 7th day of our trek, we will move into Chyamje (2713m). In Chyamje, basically we will be surrounded by lush forests with massive mountains in our background. We will travel through a thick forest, enjoying the waterfalls on the way to our destination. Chyamje is working as a trade center for the Manang district. Overnight at guesthouse.

          For the trek to Pisang we'll follow the path over a narrow river valley with dense forests.  Our exhaustion goes away after we see the best mountains views of Pisang (3292m).  It takes about three hours to arrive there. Overnight at guesthouse.

            For the trek to Manang, there consists two ways. Both routes can be followed. Afterward, we cross the Jharsang Khola. There lies a Gurung village known as Khangsar where you can find a small monastery and prayer flags. Through this trek you will get an opportunity to view magnificent view of Annapurna Himal.  Overnight at guesthouse.

              This is a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Use the time visiting monastery, and/or a side trip to Gangapurna Lake. You can also visit Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic. Taking some rest in this day will help us feel energized for the trekking to come. In the evening you can explore around the area. Overnight at guesthouse.

                After acclimatizing at Manang the previous day, we continue our adventurous trek towards Tilicho Lake, situated on the west end of Manang, following the path down to the river.  After crossing the Khangsar Khola, we reach Khangsar and head towards the village region, still very traditional Tibetan and known as the last village of Nepal.  Overnight in guest house.

                  Continuing from Khangsar on a large path, we pass a Gompa (monastery) while on the way. The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection whereby one path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep trail; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continuing along the new path, we reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. On the other side of it is the Tilicho Base Camp lying at an elevation of 4,200m. Overnight stay at a guesthouse or a tented camp.

                    Our journey starts early in the morning at around 6 AM as we try to avoid the wind. From the Base camp, it takes around 3-4 hours trek to reach Tilicho Lake. Tilicho Lake is a wonderful lake situated at one of the highest altitudes in the world. Its beauty is almost unparalleled as we can relish the lake and the adjoining high mountains, while being on the lap of the nature. After spending some time around Tilicho Lake, we will return same way back to the Base Camp as there are no any accommodation facilities at Tilicho Lake area. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                      Continuing on from Tilicho Base Camp, we continue  along the Jarsang Khola Valley, reaching Yak Kharka at 4000m. Herds of yaks and vegetation appear to thin out. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                        Today you will carry on to the direction to Thorong Phedi High Camp (4780m). After reaching there you would not be able to view any trees.  It is a majestic high alpine landscape.  Then, you will ascend to the Base Camp. Thorong Phedi is popular as a tiny village situated near the Marshyandi River. Below the river there is a huge meadow land. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                          Muktinath is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhist. We need to climb another 1000 meter to reach Muktinath.  First of all we walk all the way through Khingar (3400m) continuing to Jharkot (3500m) which will be an inspiring stronghold for natives. If you are planning to carry on the first part of Muktinath, we will be staying that night at Ranipur to acclimate more steadily. It has other advantages too. That will give us some time to visit Hindu places and to see the sights near the areas. Overnight at hotel.

                            On the 12th day the trek continues throughout the Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha. Marpha is supposed to be home for many apple orchids as well as all the range of food products.  Apple Brandy is a local area of expertise. It is said that if you got an opportunity to taste that Brandy you are a lucky one. Overnight at guesthouse.

                              We head back to Pokhara for sightseeing about the area.  There are temples we can visit, and there are also plenty of other activities such as canoeing, biking, and generally wandering around.  Phewa Lake is a beautiful place to hangout, and it offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range.  

                                From Pokhara you will return to Kathmandu taking nearly 6 to 7 hours. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful scenery from the window and during the stops we can get out and capture some photographs. On the way you can take your lunch. Overnight stay in a hotel.

                                  We will transport you to the airport.  Thanks for trekking with Adventure Himalayan Travels.  We look forward to seeing you again!

                                    This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

                                    Route Map
                                    Tilicho Lake and Thorong la Pass Trek-17 Days Map
                                    What's Included
                                    Includes
                                    • 12 nights and 13 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
                                    • Transportation from Kathmandu to trekking departure point, Jomsom to Pokhara airfare, and Pokhara back to Kathmandu
                                    • English speaking local expert guide, porters(porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person)
                                    • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
                                    • Annapurna Conservation permit (ACAP)
                                    • Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at bed and breakfast, one night accommodation in Pokhara at bed and breakfast
                                    • Airport transfers and escort
                                    • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
                                    • Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
                                    • Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
                                    • Insurance for all staff & porters.
                                    • Trekking achievement certificate
                                    • Adventure Himalayan Tshirt
                                    Excludes
                                    • Nepal visa - Multiple Entry 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
                                    • International flight
                                    • Insurance for clients (i.e. helicopter evacuation, etc.)
                                    • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
                                    • Electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
                                    • Hot shower during trek
                                    • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
                                    • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
                                    • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
                                    • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking. 
                                    Dates and Prices
                                    Date PriceAvailability 
                                    Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 07, 2023End DateEnds: SaturdayDec 23, 2023PricePriceUS$1325StatusStatusAvailable
                                    Start DateStarts: MondayDec 11, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdayDec 27, 2023PricePriceUS$1325StatusStatusAvailable
                                    Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 14, 2023End DateEnds: SaturdayDec 30, 2023PricePriceUS$1325StatusStatusAvailable
                                    Start DateStarts: MondayDec 18, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdayJan 03, 2024PricePriceUS$1325StatusStatusAvailable
                                    Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 21, 2023End DateEnds: SaturdayJan 06, 2024PricePriceUS$1325StatusStatusAvailable
                                    Start DateStarts: MondayDec 25, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdayJan 10, 2024PricePriceUS$1325StatusStatusAvailable
                                    Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 28, 2023End DateEnds: SaturdayJan 13, 2024PricePriceUS$1325StatusStatusAvailable
                                    Client Reviews
                                    • Tilicho Lake and Thorong la Pass Trek-17 Days

                                      rating

                                      We have done 11 days trekking in Annapurna region, which was absolutely amazing. The trek was organised perfectly and we are very grateful for that to our guide Durga. Would love to come back for more trekking, and I would defently choose Rana’s agency again.

                                      L
                                      LauraLithuania,Nov 02, 2022
                                      TripAdvisor
                                    • Tilicho Lake and Thorong la Pass Trek-17 Days

                                      rating

                                      Couldn't ask for a better partner (Rana) and team to partner up with on my Yoga & Trekking trip.
                                      Every one of my clients has been treated in the best possible way, and always felt welcomed and well taken care of.
                                      The whole trip has been amazingly planned. I as a teacher could fully focus on guiding yoga classes and I even had time to myself and to enjoy the trek since everything was in Adventure Himalayan teams hands and I could fully trust them.

                                      I’m very excited to work on many more adventures together!🫶

                                      A
                                      Agne Yogic AdventuresLithuania,Oct 22, 2022
                                      TripAdvisor

                                    Send an Inquiry