TILICHO LAKE & MESOKONTO PASS TREK
Overview
WORLD’S HIGHEST LAKE – DEEPEST GORGE & ALPINE PASS!
This trek has everything and will take you through Mesokanto La Pass (4949m) and to the enchanting emerald green Tilicho Lake at an amazing altitude of (4919m, spectacular views of the awesome Annapurna Massif makes this a 14-day trek full of adventure and with memories to last a lifetime!
This trek includes Tilicho Lake (the world’s highest lake) and takes you to the culturally rich settlement of Manang. The trail takes you through the Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest gorge on earth) and through one of the highest altitude passes in Nepal – Thorong La Pass all within the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will visit the spiritually rich Muktinath Temple (3802m), sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, located at the base of Thorong La Pass. On the trail you will pass through sub-tropical forests and climbing higher will pass through Rhododendron and Cyprus forests. The highlight and camera lover’s dream are the awesome views of the Annapurna Ranges and Tilicho Lake.
The 14-day trek starts after your arrival in Kathmandu. We will drive to Chamje and then start trekking towards Dharapani via Chame and Pisang we will reach Manang. From Manang, we leave for Khangsar and then trek towards Tilicho Base Camp where we will stay the night. Early the following morning we trek for around 9 hours before reaching Yak Kharka. The next day we trek to Jomson.
Sherpa Teams are confident that your journey into this region will leave you with many unforgettable memories.
Key Features of Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto Pass Trek
- Tilicho Lake and Mesokanta Pass Trek is an alternative trek to the Thorong La Pass trek.
- Unique wilderness trekking trail through Manang Village & to Jomson in the Annapurna region.
- The Mesokanto pass trek is off the usual beaten track with amazing views.
- This trek offers an experience of the culturally rich Tibetan people.
- Incredible view of Annapurna ranges, Pisang peak, Tilicho Peak, Chulu east and west, and beautiful Tilicho Lake (the highest lake in the world).
- Mesokanta Pass trek offers more adventure and technical know-how.
Altitude Chart
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative, and taken to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek to Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto Pass. No Meals.
Today, after an early breakfast, we will drive for about 5 to 6 hours before reaching Besisahar - about 190 kilometers from Kathmandu. After reaching Besisahar we will head by jeep to Syange where you will have some incredible views of Mt. Annapurna II (7937m), Mt. Manaslu (8156m) and Mt Lamjung (6983m).
The journey today takes us along a trail through a gorge with amazing waterfalls cascading down into it and with numerous views of snow-capped peaks along the way. The winding trail takes us from Syange and via Jagat village (1410m), and then reaches Chamje village. After crossing the bridge there is a steep climb before we reach the village of Tal (1700m), situated next to the Marsyangdi River. Leaving Tal we continue on before reaching today’s destination, Dharapani village where we will stay the night..
Today we begin trekking from Dharapani climbing higher and a noticeable change with cooler conditions. You will see a change in the landscape at this higher elevation as the trail passes through forests before reaching the Tibetan village of the Bagarchhap with its distinctive Tibetan architecture. Climbing higher we reach the apple growing region and farms along with pine forests and views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. The trail then follows the Marsyangdi River heading upstream and passes the villages of Manang and Koto before reaching Chame. It is a very easy walk from Koto to Chame where we spend the night. Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang region.
After leaving Chame we pass through Telekhu and along the trail have some breathtaking views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m) until we have to re-cross on a suspension bridge to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river we t head higher passing a pine-forest as we trek through the upper reach of the Manang valley to Pisang. Tonight we stay at Pisang. Today’s trek is around 6 hours.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The town of Pisang is the start of our trek in the upper Manang area. Today we head to Braga; a Tibetan village with its unique architecture with its houses constructed one upon the other. One of its main attractions is its Gompa (Buddhist fortification), the largest in the Manang region. Manang is popular with trekkers and is also a place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. Today’s trek is around 4 to 5 hours. We stay here for the night.
Medical professionals recommend that before heading to higher elevations that trekkers spend some time acclimatizing. They also recommend staying active. From Manang you will be blessed with views of Annapurna II; Annapurna III (7555m); Gangapurna (7454 m); and to the south to Tilicho (7132 m); and the Grand Barrier (a 7000m ridge)to the west; Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) meters in the north. Today, to better acclimatize to these higher altitudes we will climb up to Khangsar (3756m). Tonight we stay at Manang.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Leaving Manang we trek for 4 to 5 hours before reaching kangsar Village (3756m). The trail then goes uphill towards Siri Kharka, passing through a small religious village along the way. The trail is quite demanding physically, but once we reach higher altitudes the views will compensate, with amazing views of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. We have to be careful to avoid slips on the gravelly path and potential avalanches. Tonight we will stay at Tilicho Base Camp.
Guest house accommodation.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today the trail takes us from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake ( world’s highest lake 4,919m) and takes us about three to four hours from Base camp. Staying at Tent Camp
An early start at around 4.30 a.m. sees us ascending 500 meters up and through the Mesokanta La Pass before heading down to Yak Kharka where we stay the night. Staying at Tent Camp
Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomson it takes about 6 hours all the way down each to Jomson is headquarter of Mustang District and overnight at Jomson
Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20 minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal (lake), Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum and Devi's Falls.
Today we head back on a 6 to 7 hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!
Sherpa Expeditions & Trekking staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!
Services
Cost Included In Your Package
- Free airport transfer on arrival and departures by private vehicles
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner/ the main course) during the trek in the mountain.
- Two night's hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfasts.
- Tent Camp accommodation at Tilicho Lake and Yak kharka with very basics foods
- One night hotel accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Sherpa Teams’s experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
- All salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance for the guide.
- All necessary papers including Annapurna conservation permit and TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System)
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Trekking lodges (Tea House) throughout the trek
- Assistant guide for the group 8or above
- Transportation from Kathmandu – Besishar- Syange, and Pokhara - Kathmandu by local bus/ Tourist / Shared Jeep
- Jomsom to Pokhara flight with airport tax
- Seasonal fresh fruits are every evening after dinner.
- Appreciation of certificate after the successful trek.
- Sherpa Team’s complimentary free T-shirt or route map and a duffel bag (if required)
- Oximeter to measure your oxygen and Pulse level during the trek in the mountain, it’s very useful for all the trekkers to be aware of the high altitude sickness.
- Compressive first aid box (Guide will carry it throughout the trek).
- Emergency rescue operation assistance in arranging in case of complex health conditions (funded by your Travel Insurance)
- All government, Local taxes, and official Expenses
Cost Excludes
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Extra accommodations and meals before and after the Anapurna base camp trek
- International airfare
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses such as shopping, hot shower, hot and cold drinks, tea, coffee, hot waters, alcohols, snacks, water, Wi-Fi, battery re-charge, heater charge, fee
- Travel insurance - make sure to cover an emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuations from the high altitude up to 600 m
- Personal clothing or gears
- Additional cost, the itinerary modifications or delay caused by out of management control due to the weather condition, illness, change of government policies, strikes, and physical condition, etc.
- Gratitudes to the guides and staffs (Recommended by local culture )
- And any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price "inclusive section" of this program
Equipments
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
Good to Know
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Manang & Mustang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
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The Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek is a challenging and adventurous trekking route in Nepal that combines the scenic beauty of Tilicho Lake with the thrill of crossing the Mesokanto la Pass. Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 4,919 meters, while Mesokanto la Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,099 meters. This trek offers stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and an opportunity to explore the remote and untouched regions of the Annapurna region.
The complete Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek usually takes around 10-14 days. However, the duration can be customized according to your preferences and time availability. The trekking itinerary includes acclimatization days to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
The Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek. The trail involves steep ascents, descents, and crossing high mountain passes. It is important to have a good level of fitness, prior trekking experience, and the ability to handle high altitude conditions. The trek requires proper acclimatization and physical endurance.
The best time to do the Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, considering the weather conditions and your preferences.
For the Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek, you will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.
Accommodation during the trek is in teahouses or guesthouses along the trail. These provide basic facilities such as a bed, blankets, and shared bathrooms. It is advisable to bring a sleeping bag for extra comfort and warmth. The teahouses also serve meals and snacks, offering a variety of local and international dishes.
Yes, it is possible to do the trek independently. However, hiring a guide and/or a porter is highly recommended for a more enjoyable and safe experience. They can provide valuable assistance, navigation, and insights into the local culture. Additionally, they can help carry your backpack, allowing you to focus on the trek itself.
The Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek offers several highlights, including breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, crossing the challenging Mesokanto la Pass, exploring the unique culture and traditions of the local communities, and the opportunity to visit the stunning Tilicho Lake.
Altitude sickness can be a concern during the Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek, as you reach high altitudes. It is important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. The trekking itinerary includes gradual ascents and acclimatization days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. It is advisable to consult with a doctor and prepare accordingly.
The Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto la Pass Trek requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance. The trek involves long walking days, steep ascents and descents, and crossing high mountain passes. Regular exercise and prior trekking experience will help in preparing for the physical demands of the trek. It is recommended to consult with a doctor and engage in a fitness training regimen before embarking on the trek.