Overview

Trip introduction

Tilicho Lake and Mesokonta La Pass Trek is a chance to experience Himalayan nature at its best. During this trek, we get to be at the highest lake in the world; Tilicho Lake. And during our 19 days of adventure, we trek through beautiful forests, picturesque landscapes, diversified vegetation, and fabulous views of the Annapurna Himalayas like never seen before. While we embark on this journey, the initial part of this adventure is that of our Annapurna Round Trek. Whereas after acclimatizing at Manang we head towards Khansar and visit Tilicho Lake via Tilicho Phedi.

Our Tilicho Lake and Mesokonta La Pass Trekking trail then cross Mesokonta La pass at an altitude of 5100m. Though it is not the highest but a technical one. Finally, we descend towards apple kingdom Marpha, across Lete Khola. And visit Tatopani for experiencing a natural hot spring followed by a trek to Ghorepani. We drive back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu which concludes our trek.

If you would like to join our Tilicho Lake and Mesokonta La Pass Trek, please fill out this quick inquiry form and let us know. We will answer with the best recommendation and suggestions regarding the planning and preparation for this trek. And we assure you to reach your expectation regarding your queries on Tilicho Lake and Mesokonta La Trekking. Nepal Mountain Trekkers is always there for you. In addition, we are offering a special discount on this and all our packages to promote tourism in Nepal which has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to hotel::

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a representative of Nepal Mountain Trekkers shall be there at the airport terminal to welcome you to the land of the Himalayas. You shall then be transferred to your respective hotel and into your rooms. There you can relax and rest your jet-lagged body and after that, in the evening you can tour the iconic Thamel area of Kathmandu. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Trek preparation and equipment arrangement::

Today you have a free day in our mesmerizing city of Kathmandu valley. During this free day, you have an adequate amount of free time for any individual activities that you want to do and we also have enough time to do some trek preparations. Not only that but you can also book a half-day sightseeing tour at places of significance around Kathmandu-Patan or Bhaktapur cities like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the valley. And later in the evening, we shall have a briefing on the details about trekking such as an introduction to the trek guide and checking all the necessary trekking equipment, etc. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Syange by private jeep::

We start our wonderful adventure with an interesting overland drive towards Nepal mid-west, leading to Besisahar town (headquarter of Lamjung district). From here transfer to another vehicle and continue to drive on dirt road passing villages of Khudi, Bhulbhule, and Ngadi following the Marshyangdi River upstream. Drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Syange a small village for an overnight stop in the comfort of a nice lodge. Stay overnight at Syange.

Day 4 : Syange to Dharapani (1,943m/6,375 ft): 6-7 hrs::

From Syange our walk begins with a climb leaving Marshyangdi River behind reaching Jagat village, a farm village with many lodges for trekkers. After Jagat walk leads on a winding path to Chamje, and back at Marshyangdi River crossing to the east side into the forested area, with superb views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. As the walk continues reaching a nice village at Tal Besi, from here another 3 hours walk leads to our overnight stop at Dharapani village. Dharapani is a nice village located at a junction of the Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail. Stay overnight at Dharapani.

Day 5 : Dharapani to Chame (2,713m/8,900 ft): 6-7 hrs::

After Dharapani walk leads into rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagachap and Danque, then at Timang village with more Buddhist cultured village including views of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft. From Timang village few hours’ treks lead to Koto and then to Chame town for an overnight stop, Chame is a large major town in the Manang area and a headquarters town of the district. Stay overnight at Chame.

Day 6 : Chame to Pisang (3,185m/10,450 ft):5-6 hrs::

From Pisang onwards walk leads close to mountains through alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill through alpine woodland to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with a few teahouses and a lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak, with a possible lunch stop, and then descends to lower Pisang village for an overnight stop. Stay overnight at Pisang.

Day 7 : Pisang to Manang (3,351m/10,994 ft): 4-5 hrs::

With morning views of mountains, from here onward altitude gains as the walk leads through the forest with short uphill and views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s, and Pisang peak. Walk downhill to reach the flat valley at Hongde village, from here onward tree lines fades for barren, arid landscapes with a cold, dry arctic climate. Before Manang, visit the old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall paintings and frescoes, and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour’s walk reaches Manang village. Stay overnight at Manang.

Day 8 : Manang acclimatization day.::

A necessary rest day at Manang for acclimatization before reaching higher areas to Thorang-La pass, in Manang short hike around Manang village, this is a large village situated on the windswept valley by the bank of Marshyangdi River below Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range, a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and Manang glacial Lake. Stay overnight at Manang.

Day 9 : Manang to Khangsar (3,750m/12,303 ft):4-5 hrs::

After a wonderful and enjoyable rest at Manang village with its interesting Buddhist culture and traditions, the morning walk leads to another highlight of this trip, as our route diverts from the main Annapurna circuit trail reaching one of the last villages of Manang at Sri-Kharka through Khansar on route Tilicho Lake. Trek leads south-west with fantastic views of surrounding landscapes and snowcapped peaks to reach at Sri-Kharka a small settlement with few lodges after an hour walk from Khansar village. Stay overnight at Khansar.

Day 10 : Khansar to Tilicho Phedi (4,500m/14,763 ft): 6 hrs::

Today a short day walk reaching the more barren and arid country, after a short downhill then with uphill over high terrain as altitude gain on reaching our destination at Tilicho Phedi. Tilicho Lake is regarded as a holy place by Hindu and Buddhist religions, Tilicho Lake is blessed with amazing views of surrounding snow-capped peaks in the comfort of nice lodges located by the bank of emerald Tilicho lake after lunch enjoy the magnificent scenery with Tilicho peak, Annapurna III and Gangapurna mountains. Stay overnight at Tilicho Phedi.

Day 11 : Tilicho Phedi to Tilicho Lake (5,020m/16,469 ft): 3 hrs::

After a great time at Tilicho Phedi, the morning walk continues leading further towards remote corners of Manang valley, as the trek reaches the base of Mesokonta-La or Tilicho Base Camp, which is the highest overnight camp of this adventure at 5,020 meters high. Overnight camp is set on a meadow with chances of seeing some wildlife like antelopes, musk deer, or an elusive snow leopard. Stay overnight at Tilicho Lake.

Day 12 : Tilicho Lake to Mesokonta Pass (5,100m/16,732 ft) – Yak Kharka (4,200m/13,779 ft): 6 hrs::

Today hard and tough day of this adventure, starting early morning to cross two high passes, heading up the high slope traversing high Tilicho pass than with a short descent to the base of Mesokonta pass, with short rest then climbing the last pass of this adventure over Mesokonta-la at 5,100 meters, the top festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, here with mind-blowing scenery of surrounding high peaks. After feeling high with the tough climb, descend on the trail to Yak Kharka (4,200m) with an overnight camp in a small cattle herders’ temporary shelter. Stay overnight at Yak Kharka.

Day 13 : Yak Kharka to Marpha (2,667m/8,750 ft): 5 hrs::

Today we shall head onwards to Marpha (2,667m) from Yak Kharka. It is quite long and steep descending along the yak pasture, you will see the mind-blowing Annapurna Himalayan ranges, Nilgiri, Tilicho peak, and beautiful Jomsom valley far below. Finally, you will reach the Marpha, a village of apple fruit. Stay overnight at Marpha.

Day 14 : Marpha to Lete Khola (2,200m/7,217 ft): 6 hrs::

We wake up early as we have to reach Lete Khola today. We now start our trek via Tukche at 2,590m and apple farm projects which produce apple and vegetables for the whole region, after Tukche we shall reach Larjung. After that, we follow Kali Gandaki River, and with a steep climb through the forest, we shall then reach Lete Khola to rest and sleep. Stay overnight at Lete Khola.

Day 15 : Lete Khola to Tatopani (1,190m/3,904 ft): 6 hrs::

After having our breakfast, we continue our trek to Tatopani from Lete Khola. We shall cross an ethnic Thakali village Ghasa and then while passing through Kali Gandaki valley, we reach Tatopani. One can enjoy the beautiful views of hills on the way to Tatopani. In Tatopani, There are natural hot water springs for your refreshment. One can also enjoy the delicious foods, shops, and even book shops in the village for the rest of the day. Stay overnight at Tatopani.

Day 16 : Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350 ft): 7 hrs::

Crossing the Kali Gandaki River we slowly climb steeply up the village of Sikha, which is inhabited by Magars. We start walking from Sikha along the path that leads to the Rhododendron forests and you can see the Annapurna South, hidden by a ridge smiling at you. We will walk past the villages of Banthanti and Nangathanti through the forest to reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a settlement of communities of Poon Magars. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.

Day 17 : Ghorepani to Nayapul walk and Drive to Pokhara (820m/2,690 ft): 6-7 walk and 1 hr drive::

After enjoying a lifetime of remembering the experience of trekking in the Ghorepani area we shall return back to Nayapul. Our lunch will be at Nayapul. After having lunch at Nayapul, we will explore Nayapul for about some time. After that, we shall drive back to Pokhara which approximately takes about 1 hour. Upon reaching Pokhara we shall spend some of our free time visiting the lakeside in the evening as it’s our last day here at this magical place called Pokhara. Stay overnight at Pokhara.

Day 18 : By Plane or bus: Pokhara – Kathmandu::

Waking up early in the morning we shall be able to view the rising sun piercing the white snow-covered mountains. After having breakfast we shall return back to Kathmandu. It will take us about 7 to 8 hours by road and by air it will take us about 25 minutes. After reaching Kathmandu you shall be transferred to your respective hotel. Then later in the evening, you can spend your leisure time visiting the Thamel area. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 19 : Departure Day::

The beautiful, exciting and adventurous trekking experience in this Himalayan nation comes to an official end today as you shall be leaving for your onward destination. You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport at least three hours prior to the flight by a representative of Nepal Mountain Trekkers. We hope that the sort of adventure from this exciting trek and you have cherished every memory created out of this trek. We hope that you shall visit this small yet beautiful Himalayan nation again for more adventurous and other activities.

Price Includes

• Airport pick up and drop service
• 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu( Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
• All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
  • Single Accommodation: You won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
• All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
• Transportation costs: Private Vehicle  With other driving fares such as driving from Ghandruk  to Pokhara
• Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
• Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
• Trekking permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
• Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets are made available for rent
• Rescue Arrangement Service
• 13% VAT and 10% company service charge.
• First aid medical box.
• Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

• Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
• International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses
• Tip for guides and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments