Tilicho Lake And Thorong-La Pass Trek – 19 Days

Tilicho Lake And Thorong-La Pass Trek, a unique way to experience the incredible wonders of the Annapurna Region. Tilicho Lake is one of the most popular destinations of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The Lake nested at 4920 meters collecting the glacial waters of the entire northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorong Peak. One of the extensive glacier systems of the great barrier. The glaciers terminate in a vertical wall of ice 70 meters high that forms the west shore of the lake. Snowbound by a ridge between Khangsar Kang (7485m) and Nilgiri North (7061m). The next attraction is Thorong La Pass. A high mountain pass with an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) in the laps of Damodar Himal, north of the Annapurna Himal. The highest point of your trek.

Tilicho Lake And Thorong-La Pass Trek takes you across village inhabited by a wide diversity of people, lush agricultural fields and apple orchards, the deep wilderness of sub-tropical and alpine forests, high mountain meadows, cliffs and ridges, river networks, lakes, and high mountain pass on the foothills of the Himalayas. On this trek experience the wonders of the region and compliment it with the people you meet.

Overview:

The Tilicho Lake And Thorong-La Pass Trek starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Besisahar has long been the starting point of various treks of the Annapurna Circuit. From Besisahar trekking across terraces farms with grand views of Himalchuli and Manaslu dominating the horizon reache village of Bahundanda. Next trekking along banks of the mighty Marsyangdi River following a series of steep stone paved stairs head towards Chamje. Then move on towards Bagarchhap, following the deep wilderness of bamboo, rhododendron, blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple, and oak.

From Bagarchhap, traversing through the lush woodlands of Pines and Fir enter the beautiful Manang Valley and to the settlement of Chame. Next following the trails of steep narrow valley head to Upper Pisang. Along the way witness the Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500-meter from the river. Along with Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast.

Tilicho Base Camp

Then traversing across with the scenic views of high alpine landscapes and an endless range of mountains in the background head towards the bustling settlement of Manang. Situated in the broad valley of the Marsyangdi River. After an acclimatization day exploring wonders of Manang proceed to Khangsar village nestled on the banks of the Khangsar River. Then move on following screed slopes to a side valley towards the Tilicho Base Camp.

Following cliffs with sheer drops and moraine that cuts along the side of the mountain head towards Tilicho Lake. Along this section witness grand views of the mountain giants of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar, Muktinath peaks, and other endless peaks. At Tilicho soak in the energy and relax on the brown banks of the turquoise waters. The following day traversing across alpine vegetation and green meadows reach Yak Kharka a high alpine pastureland of the region. Then following the trails of high alpine grassland with patches of shrubs and dwarf junipers. Along the mountain giants of Gundang, Syagang, Thorung, and Khatungkan reach Thorung Phedi. The last village perched on the foothills of the high Thorong La pass.

Thorong La

The next day cross the high mountain pass of Thorong La at an elevation of 5416 meters. The highest point of your trek. From the top of the pass witness, grand views of the Annapurna, Mukut, and Mustang ranges with the Kali Gandaki valley seen far below. Following the downhill, path reach the ancient settlement of Muktinath.

Muktinath is one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means the place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple. Here visit the ancient temple and witness grand views of the landscape, the green apple orchards, and snow-white peaks on the backdrops of brown, grey hills. Next head towards Jomsom following the river down south, through the wide, windswept, and barren valley. Jomsom is an important settlement of the region and provides basic to grandeur amenities. The following day catch a picturous flight to Pokhara. At Pokhara explore the attractions around and eventually head back to Kathmandu which marks the end of the Tilicho Lake And Thorong-La Pass Trek.

Head on this unique way to experience the incredible wonders of the Annapurna Region with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry and Permits: 

The following permits are required for trekking to Tlicho Lake and Thorong-La Pass Trek:

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit for all foreigners: US $500 per person for the first 10 days and US $50 per person per day thereafter.
• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR

TIMS Permit :

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

 Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. The region has several tea-house along the trail and is run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities to luxury ones. You will have an opportunity to taste various cuisines which you will miss it most of trekking trails of Nepal.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. Luxury hotels and teahouse are situated along the trail that suits your budgets providing comfortable beds with a pillow, electric blankets, hot and cold shower, free WIFI, and many more.

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

Autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region. As the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region. The end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason in winter.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given, we highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.