Overview
A pristine Tilicho lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by the snow capped mountains is a must-visit for all adventure seekers who can make the trip for the sheer beauty alone.
Tilicho lake is considered as the highest lake for its size in the world. Covering 3.5 square kilometers of its area, it lies underneath the Tilicho peak(7134 m), on the north of the Grande Barriere a 10km / 6mi long wall of rock, ice and snow.
Lately, there has been surge in travellers footfalls in different routes of Annapurna region & Tilicho lake happen to be the most striking one. Often taken as a side trip while trekking to Annapurna circuit, this natural lake is a true example of beauty & essence. Tilicho lake is one of the most photographed spots in Nepal that leads us through an intriguing or occasionally surrealistic landscape of weathered slopes and rocks.
En route, there is a wonderful perspective of many fascinating mountains. The Black Rock- Khangsar Kang (7485 m asl) towering over great barrier is admirable.
The Close-up mountains, The Mananagi culture, breathtaking waterfalls, valleys & high settlements all add up to make this trek a highly coveted one.
History
- According to the Nepali Department of Hydrology & Meteorology (2003), no aquatic organism has been recorded in the lake.
- Tilicho Lake was the site of one of the highest ever altitude scuba dives
- Denis Bakin and Maxim Gresko conducted a scuba dive in the lake in 2000
- Hindus believe that Tilicho Lake is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in the epic Ramayana
- Crow translates to Kak in Sanskrit, hence the name Kak Bhusundi for the sage
- The mountains surrounding the lake are Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, and Tilicho.
Highlights
- Appealing views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri mountains.
- Rhododendron forests
- Beautiful sunrise from viewpoint: Poon Hill
- Homestay in Gurung Homestays & their culture
- Adventurous pass Mesokanto La 5120m
- Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Top things to do
- Reserve the window seat while flying Jomsom-Pokhara
- Capture the panoramic view from famous vantage point: Poon Hill
- Try authentic Nepali Dishes offered in tea houses
- Bring your country flag & capture photo with Tilicho lake in Background
- Set Up Camp at Tilicho Lake
Physical fitness
At times, Tilicho lake trek could be so exhausting you might want to take a pause but if you walk slowly & steadily you can avoid exhausting walk. There are several ascends & descends involved so any light exercise that is convenient to you is recommended.
Drink enough liquids in order to protect yourself from altitude sickness.
Best time to go
The recommended time for Tilicho lake trek is between march-mar & Sept-Nov. The weather is clear & pleasant during these months which is good for hiking.
What to Expect
- Wide variety of food menus available
- Guest house with bed and breakfast
- Facilitated toilets in lowlands
- Paid hot showers & charging facility
- Guest Houses with full occupancy
- Camping
Includes & Excludes
What's included ?
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Accommodation at 3-star Hotel or similar category in Kathmandu
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- All your standard Meals (B, L and D) during the trek
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trekking Guide
- Domestic flights (as per the itinerary)
- Down jacket, sleeping bag(to be returned after the trek use) Free T-shirt
- Experienced English speaking tour guide
- Guest House or Tea House During the trek-twin sharing basis
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Welcome and farewell dinner at finest local restaurant
What's excluded ?
- Additional Add-ons to this trip*
- Gratuities for staff (as an appreciation)
- Hot Shower, Wi-Fi, Power charging during the trekking or mountaineering
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal arrival visa (USD25 for 15 days and USD40 for 30 days in Cash) and two passport photographs
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Detailed Itinerary (17)
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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
We are delighted to provide an airport pickup service as an innovative customer offering, so our chauffeur will assist you with baggage & escort you to your Hotel. He will also help you with the check-in. Later in the evening, we will be hosting a welcome dinner
Highlights: Music, Cultural dance, the lively Thamel, one-stop shop for backpackers, clubs & pubs, an array of restaurants.
Accommodation: Kathmandu 4 star hotel.
Elevation: 1,400 metres
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Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Highlights: Any 4 World Heritage sites
Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Basantapur Durbar Square
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel
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Day 3 : Drive to Chamje
Hours of Driving: 6-7
Elevation: 1,410m
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: river banks paths, narrow trail, short steep ascent
Highlights: Marsyangdi river, long suspension bridges, gorgeous Manaslu range, rice terraces, waterfalls, small village settlements, hot springs
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 : Trek from Chamje to Dharapani
Walking Hours:5-6
Elevation: 1,960m
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: forested lands, farming lands, gradual uphill climb
Highlights: waterfalls, mixed culture, Marshyangdi River, approaching views of Annapurna
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 : Trek from Dharapani to Chame
Walking Hours: 6
Elevation: 2,710m
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: steep ascends, landslide spots, forested ridges
Highlights: Hot spring, Chame village, local hospitality
views -Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m).
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 : Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m)
Walking Hours: 6
Elevation: 3,300m
Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: up and down trails, river crossings, quite village paths, steep narrow valley paths
Highlights: Paungda Danda rock face, gorgeous landscapes
Views-Annapurna II, Pisang peak
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 : Trek to Manang
Walking Hours: 6-7
Elevation: 3,540m
Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: narrow gorge, steep slopes, Forested paths, riverbank trails.
Highlights: U – shaped Manang Valley, waterfall, river valley, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 : Trek to Khangsar
Walking Hours: 3
Elevation: 3745m
Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: narrow gorge, river crossings, rocky trail,
Highlights: Khangsar village, Tore monastery, Khangsar River, old culture
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 : Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
Walking Hours: 5-6
Elevation: 4140m
Difficulty: Difficult
Accommodation: camping
Topography: uphill climb, grasslands, steep inclines
Highlights: Tilicho base camp, stunning views of valley, Tilicho peak, mountain views
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 : Visit Tilicho Lake & trek back to base camp
Walking Hours: 5-6
Elevation: 4920m
Difficulty: Difficult
Accommodation: camping
Topography: Tough inclines, rocky paths,
Highlights: Tilicho lake, stunning views of Himalayas-Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 11 : Trek to Yak Kharka
Walking Hours: 5
Elevation: 4040m
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: Grassy lands, flat trails, valley crossings, dry trail
Highlights: Alpine vegetation of valley, old Khangsar village, rivers- Gumsang, Yak Kharka views-Annapurna III
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 12 : Trek to Thorang Phedi
Walking Hours: 4
Elevation: 4420m
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Topography: narrow tracks, gradual ascends, river crossings, unsteady hill
Highlights: Ledar village, beautiful landscapes, views-Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 13 : Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La pass
Walking Hours: 7-8
Difficulty: moderate
Accommodation: Basic teahouse
Elevation: 3800m at Muktinath & 5416m on the Thorong La Pass.
Topography: narrow paths, river crossings, uphill rocky paths, steep descends
Highlights: Thorong La Pass, Muktinath a God of Salvation, entire Annapurna range
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 14 : Trek to Jomsom
Walking hours: 6
Difficulty: moderate
Accommodation: Basic teahouse
Elevation: 2,715m
Topography: Steep descents, wider trails, long descends
Highlights: Muktinath a God of Salvation, Kagbeni, village laden, views of Dhaulagiri range, meadows, streams
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 15 : Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Today we take an Early morning flight to Pokhara. The comfortable stay & food is amazing in Pokhara
Flight: 30 minutes
Elevation: 823m
Highlights: Music, souvenir shopping, lakeside view. an array of restaurants, a wide variety of food menus
Accommodation: Pokhara 4 star hotel
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Day 16 : Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
An early morning flight will take you to Kathmandu. On reaching Hotel we will be having farewell dinner together in the evening.
Highlights: Bird's eye view of lake city Pokhara, Towering hills, a glimpse of fishtail mountain
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell dinner
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Day 17 : Departure from Kathmandu
Today as per your flight schedule, our chauffeur will take you to the airport from this amazing country, Nepal
| Start Date | End Date | Status | |
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| 4th Dec, 2019 | 21st Dec, 2019 | 10 space left | |
| 11th Dec, 2019 | 28th Dec, 2019 | 6 space left | |
| 18th Dec, 2019 | 4th Jan, 2020 | 8 space left | |
| 17th Dec, 2019 | 3rd Jan, 2020 | 8 space left | |
| 24th Dec, 2019 | 10th Jan, 2020 | 8 space left | |
| 31st Dec, 2019 | 17th Jan, 2020 | 10 space left |
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