Tilicho Lake Trekking

Namaste & welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a representative from Mandala Holidays. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mandala Holidays display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the Hotel. (Overnight at hotel)

Kathmandu, the city of peace, lives true to this description. The city is charming, busy, bustling, serene, alive and asleep – all at once. Kathmandu, which is derived from the Pahari word for ‘wood shelter’, is an abode of serenity and tranquillity, with its monasteries, temples and spiritual melting pots. While the natural beauty of the city is more than enough for travellers to throng Kathmandu year after year. There will be a guided tour to UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely Boudhanath- the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath- the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. At Patan Durbar Square, we will delight in the architectural wonders of the Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred by a private vehicle along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway towards Dumre and then follow a rough road near the Marsyangdi River until you get to Besisahar—a small town at the bank of the river (about a six-hour drive).

From Besisahar, you'll have lunch and then begin an easy trek along the narrow trail to Pam Khola. Cross the stream and begin to trek along the Marsyangdi River towards the Gurung village of Khudi passing scenic ride paddies and subtropical forests. (Overnight at Khudi)

After breakfast in Khudi, you'll make your way through more of the Marsyangdi Valley with views of the Annapurna range, trekking along wooden and bamboo bridges before reaching the village of Bhulbule. The trail then comes to a picturesque waterfall on the river bank and as you hike along rice terraces with beautiful views of the Manaslu range.

Following a gentle incline, you'll come to the village of Ngadi and stop for lunch. The trail then continues a more challenging ascent towards Bahundanda, which means 'hill of the Brahmins'. Located at the top of a hill, this is the most northerly Brahmin settlement in the Marsyangdi Valley and there will be time to explore the area before dinner. (Overnight at Bahundada)

After breakfast in Bahundanda, you'll start a steep descent through more rice paddies before crossing a stream at the bottom of a waterfall. From here, the path climbs up to Hani Gaon as you wind through fields along the river, crossing a long suspension bridge before arriving in Syange village.

You'll gradually make your way uphill from the river where you'll begin one last steep climb and then descend again, eventually landing in Jagat. This village, with its iconic stone houses, has a great view of the Marsyangdi valley. (Overnight at jagat)

After breakfast in Jagat, you'll descend along a rocky path until the trail nearly reaches the river before it begins to climb again through a tropical forest. You'll go up and down a few more times like this, and then follow a level track to a beautiful Gurung village of Chamje. Keep an eye out for the long and scenic waterfall on the opposite bank and views of the Annapurna range beyond.

From Chamje, it's time to descend back to the Marsyangdi River and then cross a suspension bridge as you climb to Sattale on a steep path, which at certain points has huge boulders that cover the rushing water. Keep climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill and you'll catch your first glimpses of the village of Tal situated on a beautiful gorge by the river. (Overnight at Dharapani)

The valley then narrows and the winding path becomes higher with more areas of strewn rocks. Continue past the small village of Karte and enjoy the cliff-side path before the path drops again to the river. You'll cross yet another suspension bridge, and then climb upstream to the stone entrance marking the larger village of Dharapani.

After breakfast in Dharapani, you'll begin a series of uphills and downhills as you start to see different types of vegetation and landscapes, as well as key Himalayan peaks. In fact, early in the trek, you'll notice that the Marsyangdi River veers to the left where Annapurna II becomes visible. Here begins a nice trail to get to Bagarchhap, a village known for traditional Tibetan architecture and plenty of prayer flags.

From here, the altitude gains and you'll continue to climb through oak and pine forests as you pass through Dhanakyu near a heavy waterfall. Further on, you'll enter an alpine area where the air gets cooler passing through farms and pine forests. The river soon enters a gorge where the path consists of steep stone steps. This is a good place to take a break and turn around for views of Manaslu—the 8th highest peak in the world.

The steep ascent will then head into rhododendron trees to Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering another pine forest. From here, the trail climbs through fir and pine trees to get to the larger village of Chame, the headquarters for the Manang district with plenty of shops, conveniences, and teahouses. (Overnight at Chame)

Enjoy views of Lamjung Himal while having breakfast in Chame before you set off for Pisang. You'll ascend the valley passing apple orchards, rolling hills, small villages, and fir and pine forests towards a high, rocky area called Dhukur Pokhari—a nice place to stop for lunch. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep as you follow the trail to Bratang. Wander through this area that was once used as the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution.

A brief climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you'll cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing again back again. Make your way through more pine forests until you're greeted with expansive vistas of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. From here, you'll come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower windswept village of Pisang with views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Once settled in Pisang, you can take an optional hour-long climb to Upper Pisang and explore the village's ancient Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery (with even better views). (Overnight at Lower Pisang)

After breakfast in Pisang, you'll hit the trail to Manang. The path ascends a steep ridge through forests leading to views of the Manang Valley, Humde village, and Tilicho peak. From here you can take in the rolling hills and expansive plains of the Sabje Khola Valley where the Annapurna massif soon becomes visible. You'll then cross a wooden bridge over the Marsyangdi River to get to the tiny village of Mungji, as well as the village of Bhraga, with its notable monastery including chortens and mani walls surrounded by more snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Continue trekking along the rolling hillside until you reach the large village of Manang. Once settled, you'll have opportunities to explore more of the area's Tibetan culture, truly a standout in this remote mountainous region. (Overnight at Manang)

Today is a rest day so take advantage of being able to sleep in before breakfast. This is an important opportunity to acclimatize to the higher altitude before tomorrow's crossing of the Thorung La mountain pass.

You can choose to take it easy in Manang and explore the busy village's streets or pick between several day trips that come with amazing views. (Overnight at Manang)

After breakfast in Manang, you and your rested muscles will begin a half-day trek to Khangsar Village along the trail headed for Tilicho Lake. The path heads out of Manang through the western gates and then follows the path down to the river. You'll walk along the bank and through the valley of weathered rocks with views of Annapurna II.

Once you get to the Khangsar Khola on the bridge, you'll ascend to the nice Tibetan-style village of Khangsar, also known as the ‘last village of Nepal’. (Overnight at Khangsar)

After breakfast in Khangsar Village, you'll continue trekking along a wide new path until you get to a Buddhist monastery. From here, climb towards a high ridge where you'll reach an intersection where the new trail and the old trail collide; take the new trail and ascend to another steep ridge before descending back down along switchbacks.

You'll eventually reach a scenic valley and then cross a little stream putting you at Tilicho Base Camp, your spot for the next two nights.

Today, you'll start with an early breakfast before a nice roundtrip loop to Tilicho Lake in the Manang district. It takes about 3 hours to get to this clear body of bright turquoise water, one of the highest lakes in the world. You'll hike through high alpine landscapes with plenty of snow-covered rocks—a striking contrast against the vibrant hue of the lake.
Have lunch and take your time to enjoy the lakeside surroundings before returning to base camp for the night.

After breakfast at base camp, you'll follow a gently winding trail high above Shree Kharka village with more views of the Himalayan giants as you pass through juniper bushes and the ruins of old Shree Kharka. From here, follow an unmarked trail that leads you down to an old village Khangsar. This is where you'll stop for the night. (Overnight at Khangsar)

Today, depart khangsar on a Jeep. Pass through apple farms and small villages along the way, and stop for dhalbhat, a traditional Nepalese dish, for lunch. Stop at Besisahar, the day’s ending point, and stay there overnight. Freshen up and relax at the hotel in the evening. Overnight at Besisahar

In the early morning, make your return to Kathmandu by private Jeep transfer. The trip typically takes 5 hours. Upon reaching Kathmandu you will be escorted to your Hotel. In the evening our office representative will come to pick you at your hotel for your Farewell Gala Dinner at a Nepali Restaurant.

Our office representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your International Departure. Mandala Holidays family wishes you the best time ahead. If you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as jungle safari at National parks, rafting, mountain biking etc.