Overview
The route of this trek is filled with the scenery and culture dramatically changes from subtropical forests, paddy fields, and the world’s deepest river gorge to ice flows, a high mountain pass, arid cliffs, and mountain views. The trek starts with the view of the Manaslu range, Tibetan-like Buddhist villages, and woodlands, through the Marshyangdi Valley.
Trip Highlights
- The Thorong La Mountain Pass, with an elevation of 5,416 meters
- One of Nepal's Classic Treks
- The route is richly varied, taking you through layers of scenery and culture, from the subtropical Marsyangdi Valley
- Take a side trip to Tilicho, a high-altitude lake at 4,919 m
- Visit to Muktinath Temple
Itinerary
Namaste & welcome to Mandala Holidays! 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 with Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the Hotel. (Overnight at hotel)
We have to begin very early today as we need to go a long drive to arrive at our trek starting point. After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at around 7:00 am and nearly after a 7-8 hours drive we reach Besishahar. Enrooted we see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers granaries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenarios. However, the condition of the road is not equally fine in all portions of our drive today. Approx 185 Km driving to Besisahar from Kathmandu. (Overnight at Hotel)
Our day begins to drive with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal (1675m), the first village in the Manang district. We make a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway till another stairway. The journey continues up and down to Dharapani (1890m). There we find a stone entrance Chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. We then reach the Bagarchhap at 2160 meters that offers the typical flat-roofed stone houses of local Tibetans design although the village which is still in the transition Zone before the dry highlands. (Overnight at Local tea house)
The trail climbs to Tyanja (2360m), then continuing through the forest, but near the river, to Kopar. As we reach the Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame the two small hot springs by the town. Along this route we are introduced to a local community said to have migrated from Tibet a long time past, noticeable by their different features. With them, they have bought local Tibetan house designs and maintained their ways. (Overnight at Local tea house)
The day starts through the deep fine forest in a steep and narrow valley crossing a river on a long bridge. We then cross another bridge, from where the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there, the trail joins to climb to Pisang. (Overnight at Local tea house)
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks & raise crops for part of the year. They also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip (3325m) which involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga (3475m) to nearby Manang (3540m). (Overnight at Local tea house)
After acclimatized at Manang we continue our adventure for Tilicho Lake, from Manang one head out through the western gates and then one follows the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar and ascend the slope to the village, a village still in the old Tibetan style and which is also known as the last village of Nepal. (Overnight at Local tea house)
The day starts from Khangsar on a large path, passing a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. 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 screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Go on along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switchbacks carved out through the scree slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as Tilicho lake Base Camp at elevation (4200m). (Overnight at Local tea house)
Today our journey start early in the morning around 6:00 am as we try to avoid the wind, From the Base camp to the Tilicho lake, it takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as the highest lake in the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return the same way to Base Camp as there are no accommodation facilities in the Tilicho Lake area. (Overnight at local tea house)
Returning from Base camp you can keep high and follow a track 400m or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead you around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka. (Overnight at local tea house)
Today, after ascending for two and a half hours the trail descends to cross the river and then climb up to Thorong Phedi (4450m) where we have recently found some good tea houses built. (Overnight at local tea house)
Today is the longest and hardest day of the whole trip. We start our walk early in the morning with packed lunch and the trail becomes steepest initially and reaches high camp. Walk at your own pace viewing with sunrise and glimpse of the mountains. We continue walking to the top, It takes 3-4 hrs to the Throng top and with a great feeling of victory take a short break for picturesque scenery and down to the Mustang part of mountains and the Kaligandaki valley far below to the West. Finally, we made it to Muktinath after a 6-7 hrs long walk. (Overnight at tea house)
Today, we wake up early to the marvellous sounds of temple bells and visit the famous pilgrimage centre to the Muktinath Temple area. After breakfast, it is an easy trek down to Kagbeni. The trail descends through a dramatic, arid landscape all the way to Kagbeni. To reach Kagbeni one must travel on either side of the Kaligandaki River. The left fork continues up the river to Kagbeni. Perhaps your lunch spot will be at Kagbeni. After a few hours walking from Kagbeni, we reach Jomsom, a large town and the headquarter of the Mustang region. It has an airstrip just above the Kaligandaki River and is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age-old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. (Overnight at Tea House)
This morning we pack our bags and get ready for the exciting mountain scenic flight to Pokhara. The flight transit between two high peaks Mt. Annapurna (8091m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) allows us to enjoy the best view of the surrounding Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. We have a full day at Pokhara to enjoy its nature. Our guide will take you sightseeing in Pokhara valley and visit the highlights of Pokhara and the surrounding areas. We will visit the pilgrimage sites of the Hindu temple Bindabashini, which is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Pokhara. We will have a 2 hour of boating in Phewa Lake and visit the Taal Barahi temple which is located on the island in the middle of Phewa Lake and other popular places such as David falls (Waterfall), Ghupteshower cave etc. (Overnight at hotel)
You could choose the afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Some hours before the flight, you may take an optional sightseeing tour around Pokhara or enjoy adventure activities such as boat riding, paragliding, etc. While returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara, be sure to catch the left side of the aeroplane for the best views of the Himalayas. Or if you would like to choose by bus, we will arrange a ticket in the tourist coach at the riverside seat and start your journey at 7:30 am from Pokhara. Seats on the left side of vehicles are nice to enjoy the scenery. The road follows through the Trisuli River where you can see many people rafting on the river. After 6/7 hours you will reach Kathmandu (beside Thamel) and transfer to your hotel. The day is at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. ! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration "Farewell dinner" at a traditional Nepalese restaurant together with Mountain Guide Trek staffs for successful completion of the Tilicho Lake Throng La Pass Trek! (Overnight at hotel)
Today is the last day in Nepal for this trip. You will be saying goodbye to the mountains as a journey in Nepal, which comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Mandala Holidays will take you to the airport.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions
- Arrival and Departure Airport transfers
- Sightseeing Transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley and Pokhara
- English speaking professional Tour guide
- Entry fee to monumental sites
- Trek Transfer by Private Vehicle
- Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu flight
- 3-nights accommodation (Twin Sharing) in Kathmandu on BB Basis
- 1- night accommodation (Twin Sharing) in Pokhara on BB basis
- 11 nights accommodation (Twin Sharing) in Tea House during the trek AP Basis
- English speaking professional Trek guide and Porter
- Farewell Gala Dinner
- First Aid Kit
- Permit fee and TIMS card
- Salary, Insurance of Trek Guide
- Nepal Government Tax, VAT and Company Service Charge
Exclusions
- Nepal entry Visa Cost
- Lunch and Dinner during stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Trekking Gears and Equipment
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance and Rescue (It is necessary in case of emergency)
- Extended Stay due to any natural disaster
- Anything not included in inclusions
Gear Lists
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TREKKING GEAR
1. Ruck sack bag with rain cover.
2. Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
3. Head Torch with spare batteries.
4. U V protection sunglasses.
5. Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
FOOTWEAR
1. Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes
2. Pair of lightweight Slipper/Sandals
CLOTHING
1. Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants.
2. Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts.
3. Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
4. Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower.
5. Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
6. Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck.
7. Full sleeves sweater.
8. Rainwear ( Jacket & Pants ).
9. Pair of waterproof, warm gloves.
10. Woolen cap.
11. Sun shielding Hat.
TOILETRIES
1. Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
2. Sun screen lotion small pack.
3. Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Camera (Optional)
2. Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
3. Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional