The Thorong La Pass Trek via Tilicho Lake is a submerged alpine adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal, where a side trip to the world’s highest lake on the globe, Tilicho, adds extra flavor to the overall journey of 17 days.
Designated as one of the most thrilling trekking destinations under the Annapurna Conservation Area, the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass voyages are for those seeking the ultimate adventure of a lifetime in the Himalayas, which itself is a sweet poison. They can be demanding, but they are definitely the most rewarding.
Following the classic Annapurna Circuit route beginning from the common starting point of Dharapani, the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek takes you gradually to discover the hidden gems of the tenth tallest mountain globally, Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Thorong La Pass, and Tilicho Lake, secluded from the modern world and its rampage.
Tilcho Lake is solely a pilgrimage for adventurers and nature lovers whose hearts, souls, and minds basically lie within the foothills of the Himalayas, which has been one of the most revered lake sanctuaries for Hindus and Buddhists. The Thorong La Pass is the gateway to enter the wonderland of the Himalayas, which only a few special ones get to open.
Hence, the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass odyssey is brilliant for collecting the everlasting pristine and serene memory of the Himalayas while you go voyaging with the professional Sherpa guides of the Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks.
What to expect in Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek?
The Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass excursion is a moderately difficult trekking experience due to the dramatic landscapes, rugged terrain, and harmonious amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist religious beliefs that fills the trekkers and travelers with a sense of greater accomplishment.
It is for those who prefer the same level of adventure in the Himalayas without having to begin the actual expedition of the majestic mountains, offering many short and sweet rambles as well including Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 10 Days and Ghorepani Poonhill and Mardi Himal Trek - 11 Days, where the trekkers can anticipate:
Glorifying mountain views of the almighty mountain gods
In typical Nepali culture, the mountains and hills of the country are the incarnations of gods and goddesses who watch over the nation, which you will get to see from almost every corner of Nepal.
The country is blessed with at least one mountain governing each region, including the Annapurna region, which is primarily dominated by Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), the tenth-highest peak internationally that you will get to relish throughout your journey to the north-central Gandaki province of Nepal.
Along with the peak of Annapurna, you will be in the omnipresence of panoramic Himalayas, including Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m/22,910 ft), Pisang Peak (6,091 m/19,984 ft), Thorong Peak (6,144 m/20,158 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,457 ft), and many more.
The unique landscape of the Annapurna region
The Annapurna trekking region of Nepal has diverse and unique landscapes ranging from lush subtropical forests to high arid deserts, followed by gushing waterfalls, river streams, terraced farms, typical mountain villages, and rhododendron woods.
During your Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass trek, following the footsteps of the locals guided by our Sherpa guide, you will ramble around the Marsyandi River Valley, passing by deciduous forests of oak, birch, and juniper in a cooler temperature, gradually transitioning to alpine meadows and spectacular mountain vistas.
After a few days, you will begin to walk over the tree lines, barren slopes accompanied by contrastingly white snowy hills, and mountains where the oxygen level particularly gets thin while the wind is strong, inhabited mostly by Managis.
Similarly, the contrast between the deep blue lake and rugged snowy terrain while you enter Tilicho Lake is uncanny, mesmerizing everyone, while the Thorong La Pass shades purple.
Culturally abundant villages
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Adventure traverse along the Annapurna Conservation Area, covering an area of 7,629 square kilometers in the Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas. It is also Nepal’s largest conservation site, inhabited by numerous ethnic communities.
The region is predominately settled by the indigenous communities of Gurung, Magars, Brahmins, Manangis, and Thakali, who have carried out their authentic norms, values, and practices for centuries unbothered by any modern civilization.
Furthermore, the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass trekking routes pass by a nicely dotted chain of Buddhist stupas, gumbas, monasteries, and chortens, showcasing the locals' deeply religious and cultural beliefs.
Hence, during your trek to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass, you will surely be fascinated by the peek into the unique culture, tradition, and socio-norms of the region. At the same time, you make your way through the traditional villages flanked by stone roofs and woods.
Manang, the hidden gem of the Annapurna region
Manang is another promising valley of the Annapurna Region, located above 3,519m in the Gandaki zone of Nepal to the east of the Marshyangdi River and to the west by the Thorong La Pass.
The quaint village is famous for its short side trips, exciting mountain biking, and cultural indulgence as you begin to observe the various cultural and religious monuments such as Milarepa’s Cave, Braga Village, Bhojo Gompa, and several others.
Further, the mountain landscapes from Manang look just like a crown jewel. No wonder it is one of the busiest towns inside the Annapurna region that has spell-binding grandeur and full-speed gushing rivers nestled in the Himalayas, where you will get to spend a soulful night during your trek to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.
Visit to the valley of apples, Jomsom
Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,720 m (8,920 ft) above sea level to the north of the city of Pokhara in Mustang district, Jomsom is the renowned valley of apples that must not be missed.
Set in the serene ambiance of the Himalayas, Jomsom has a small airport, which makes it easy to access from all over the country and also serves as the main gateway to travel to Muktinath Temple and Upper Mustang.
The majority of the locals are Thakalis, with their distinctive attire, culture, customs, and religious beliefs. They are extremely hospitable to expand your cultural endeavor while you form a strong connection through interaction with the help of our Sherpa guide during Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek.
The tranquility of the holy Muktinath Temple
The place that is considered the Mukti Kshetra or place of liberation as described in various Hindu scriptures as well as Buddhist texts, Muktinath, is the holiest sacred temple of Lord Vishnu (one of the major Hindu deities) at an altitude of 3,800 m, which is also the temple at the highest altitude in the world.
Its existence itself is very mythical, with 108 icy water stones sprouting with a never-diming flame. The legend says it is one of the eighth most sacred pilgrimages named Swayam Vyakta Kshetras, 108 Divya Desam holy for Lord Vishnu's devotion, and 51 Shakti Pithas dedicated to the goddess Sati (Shakti).
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple in seeking liberation, as a bath under the 108 sprouts is believed to wash off all human faults and sins committed knowingly or unknowingly and bring good luck along with the fulfillment of your inner desires.
Even if you are not able to connect religiously, the place is worth a visit because the environment itself is so serene that it might help you discover the real purpose of your life on a side trip to Muktinath Temple.
Tilicho Lake, the eighth wonder of the world
Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world, elevated at 4,919 m. It is often linked to the eighth wonder of the world, which was also referred to as the Great Ice Lake by the renowned French expedition team.
The vividly green and blue glow of the lake, surrounded by fully snow-clad mountains, resides in the hearts of every adventurer and nature lover, along with the religious significance of the lake as mentioned in the Ramayana as the Kak Bhusundi Lake possessing the superpower to fulfill every wish, clean the karma, and cure each sort of aliment.
The surreal creation of nature on the gathering of the melting glacier of Thorong La Peak, in the Himalayas of Annapurna, features silver and gray on the horizon making each second worth spending around the lake that you will delve into during our 17-day adventure to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.
Adventurous Thorong La Pass
Thorong La Pass is the most crucial segment of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, located in central Nepal, to the north of the tenth-highest peak in the world, Annapurna I (8,091 m), in between the peaks of Khatung Kang and Yakwa, rising 5,416 m above sea level.
It is regarded as the most adventurous section of the overall journey to Tilicho and Thorong La Pass, which involves hiking on steep, rocky trails for 5–6 hours a day before the occasional weather fluctuation in the afternoon at the high altitude.
Your endurance, stamina, and determination will be out on the challenge times and again to reach the highest point of the Annapurna trekking region, which grants you the ultimate sense of achievement on making it up to it.
The view is simply out of this world, a piece of heaven in Nepal that can lead to several overwhelming emotions at the same time. Well, many have cried tears of happiness. Let’s go and grab this experience of a lifetime with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks to find out yourself, as we offer the best-discounted price for group departures.
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek itinerary
The itinerary to go on an odyssey to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the individual preferences of trekkers on the route, starting point and ending point, weather conditions, and acclimatization.
Regardless, the 17-day itinerary to go trekking to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass is the standard one that can be tailored to meet your specific needs and requirements. It begins traditionally from Dharapani and traces Chame, the villages of Pisang, and Manang in the first half to see and be at the serenity of the lake at the tallest elevation, Tilicho.
From Tilciho Lake onwards, the second phase of the epic journey to Thorong La Pass initiates via Khangsar, Yak Kharka, and lastly to the maximum elevation of the high mountain pass Throong La, which descends to Muktinath and eventually to Jomsom.
Onward, the drive or flight is to return to Kathmandu via Pokhara, the city of tourists, where you can sightsee some of the iconic backdrops of the Macchpuchare (fishtail), Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges.
We believe it is one of the best ways to explore the Annapurna region via Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass, which has allocated a rest day in Manang and several descents back after ascending to the higher altitude to let your body adjust adequately. It also helps to mitigate several altitude problems that could have arisen due to the rush of steps.
Moreover, this 17-day itinerary to trek Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass can be customized, providing you with the flexibility necessary for a successful and joyful trek in the Himalayas. Hence, remember Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks for personalized service during your trek in Nepal, Bhutan, India, Tibet, and Singapore.
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trekking Cost 2024
Our Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass trek cost for a group of 7–10 trekkers is USD 1,225. While it is USD 1,275 for a group of 4-6 people and USD 1,325 for a group of 2-3 individuals, the package cost comes to around USD 1,375 if you are looking for solo trekking in 2024.
The standard package to trek in Nepal with Adventure Himalaya Travels and Treks in 2024 is usually 10 pax for USD 1,225, which can be modified as per the size of the group and your budget planning, which could range from USD 1,225 to USD 1,375.
Please note that when making an upgrade in trekking days, accommodation, and food options, the package cost naturally gets slightly higher, which can get you a deluxe room, tourist-class accommodations with an attached bathroom, a single room during the trek, and other luxury items even in higher altitude treks like Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.
Nonetheless, you will not be at any disadvantage, as this trekking package cost covers the expenditure of almost every trekking essential, including food, accommodations, permits, trekking equipment, a salary for guides or porters along with their meals, accommodations, and other necessary gear.
Please go thoroughly through the cost include and exclude section to learn more about the services included and excluded in the standard trip cost for Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass in 2024.
