Tilicho lake Trek

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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 7-8 hours drive we reach Besishahar. Enrooted we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers granaries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenarios. However, the condition of road is not equally fine in all portion of our drive today. Approx 185 Km driving to Besisahar from Kathmandu. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

Today our journey starts at Besisahar, from where, the trail makes a slight climb to Khudi, and we reach to first Gurung village at Bhulbhule. Our first day introduces us to the cultural elements of Nepal; we encounter a typical local house and the different faces of the various people. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at (1070m) from Bahundanda crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through forest to Chyamje. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

Our day begins 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 tea house on full board basis)

The trail climbs to Tyanja (2360m), then continuing through 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 tea house on full board basis)

The day starts through deep fine forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge. We then cross another bridge, from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

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 tea house on full board basis)

Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend doing some fine day walks and over viewing the magnificent views around the village & the day time is best to gain altitude. At the end of the day, we return back to our accommodation & have a night rest. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

After acclimatized at Manang we continue our adventure for Tilicho Lake, from Manang one heads out through the western gates and then one follows the path down to the river. After crossing the 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 last village of Nepal. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

From Khangsar on a large path, pass 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 switch backs carved out through the screed 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 Base Camp at elevation (4200m). (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

Today our journey start early in the morning around 6:00 am as we trying to avoid the wind, From Base camp to the Tilicho Lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as highest lake of the world. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return same way back to Base Camp as there are no any accommodation facilities at Tilicho Lake area. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

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 tea house on full board basis)

Today, after ascending for two and half hour the trail descends to cross the river than climb up to Thorong Phedi (4450m) where we have recently found some good tea house built. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

Today is 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 at high camp. Walk on your own pace viewing with sunrise and glimpse of the mountains. We continuing walk to the top takes 3-4 hrs to the Throng top and with a great feeling of victory take a short breaks for picturesque scenery and down to the Mustang part of mountains and the Kaligandaki valley far below to the West. Finally, we made to Muktinath after 6-7 hrs long walk. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Today, we wake up early to the marvelous sounds of temple bells and visit the famous pilgrimage center to 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 you lunch spot will be at Kagbeni. After few hours walking from Kagbeni we reach at Jomsom, a large town and the headquarters 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 tented camp on full board basis)

This morning we pack our bags and get ready for the exciting mountain scenic flight to Pokhara. The flight transit through between two high peaks Mt. Annapurna (8091m and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m and give us an opportunity to enjoy with best views of surrounding Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. We have full day at Pokhara to enjoy with its natures. Our guide will take you for sightseeing in Pokhara valley and visit the highlights of Pokhara and the surrounding areas. The place to visit pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Bindabashini, which one most important popular Hindu temple in Pokhara. Two hour boating in Phewa Lake and visit the Barahi temple which one in island in Phewa Lake and others popular place David fall (Water fall), Ghupteshower cave etc. (Over night at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

You could choose afternoon flight to Kathmandu, till some hours before 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 airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Or if you would like to choose by bus, we will arrange ticket in tourist coach at river side seat and start your journey at 7:30 am from Pokhara. Left site's seats of vehicles are nice to enjoy the scenery; the road follows by Trisuli River where you see many people rafting on the river. After 6/7 hours you will arrive at Kathmandu (beside Thamel) and transfer to your hotel. The day 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 traditional Nepalese restaurant together with Mountain Guide Trek staffs for successful completion of the Tilicho Lake Throng La Pass Trek! (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Today is last day in Nepal for this trip; you are saying good bye to the mountains as journey in Nepal, 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.