Tilicho Lake is one of those places that has had next to mythic connotations. Many regard it as the highest lake in the world. It was for long almost totally closed save for a few climbers and expeditions, and since 1974, when Nixon changed the China policy, part of the area above Thini on the Jomosom side became a totally off-limits military area. From the Manang side it was rarely if ever visited. A much sold guide book informed potential trekkers that the path to Tilicho was “a figment of some ones fantasy” and the locals in Manang had little knowledge of the route too, and were often thought to be slightly unfriendly as they were known for not being particularly keen on working as human beasts of burden for various expeditions that had passed. When asked to porter they had simply refused! Manang is no ordinary village. Its people are heavily involved in international trade, due to passport privileges granted in the past.
Tilicho Lake 5200 meters collects the glacial melt of the entire northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorong Peak it is claimed to be the highest lake in the world. In 2001, Hindu pilgrims from around the world flocked to the lake convinced it is a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayan – a holy book of the Hindus.
This trek starts right from Besisahar which goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent trek leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. We have customized this route as it is basically the same as Annapurna Circuit, from Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then we travel to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorung La at elevation of 5416 meters. From the pass of Thorung La the treks lead down to Muktinath then to Jomsom from where thirty five minutes scenic flights take you to the Pokhara.
From Tilicho Lake you also have the option of crossing the challenging pass of Moesokanta La Pass” to Jomsom instead of traveling to Thorung La pass but good additional equipments with tented camp are require to go through this pass.
Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).
There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02- Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
In the morning after breakfast at 9 AM, we host a Pre-Trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduced your trek Leader/Guide mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other participants. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip.
PLEASE ADVISE US IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-TRIP MEETING.
In THE PRE-TRIP MEETING All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Four copies of Passport size photos each.
3. Travel Insurance Policy.
4. A writing pen
5. Notepad.
After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast your sightseeing trip will start at 9.45 AM in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Bodhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.
The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel. Later, we are supplied with our Trek Pack and departure information for tomorrow. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03- Drive to Besisahar (830meters) by bus. 7 hours.
Trekking staff will arrive at your Hotel at 7.00 am in the morning to pick you up then 7 hours driving journey to Besishar. It is about 185km driving. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 04- Trek to Bahundanda (1310 meters) 5 hours.
Today our journey starts at Besisahar, from where, the trail makes a slight climb to Khudi, we then reach the 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, exchanging greetings Namaste as we pass. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 05- Trek to Chamje (1400meters). 5 hours.
Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at 1070meters 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 at 1400meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 06- Trek to Bagarchhap (2160meters). 5 hours.
Our day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal at 1675meters, the first village in the Manang district. We make a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860 meters till another stairway. The journey continues up and down to Dharapani at 1890 meters. 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 Guesthouse.
Day 07- Trek to Chame (2630meters). 5 hours.
The trail climbs to Tyanja at 2360 meters, then continuing through forest, but near the river, to Kopar at 2590meters. 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 & 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 Guesthouse.
Day 08- Trek to Pisang (3300 meters) 5 hours.
The day starts through deep fine forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910meters. We then cross another bridge at 3040meters, from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3200m & 3300meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 09- Trek to Manang (3540 meters). 5 hours.
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, at 3325meters 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 at 3475meters to nearby Manang at 3540meters. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 10- Acclimatization day at Manang village.
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 Guesthouse.
Day 11- Trek to Khangsar Village (3700 meters). 4 hours
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 Guesthouse.
Day 12- Trekking to Tilicho Base Camp (4200meters) 5 hours.
Continue 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. Continue 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 of 4200 meters. Overnight at basic Guesthouse.
Day 13- Trek to Tilicho Lake (5200 meters) and back down to Tilicho Base Camp (4200meters) 6 hours.
Today our journey start early in the morning around 6 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 basic Guesthouse.
Day 14- Trek to Yak Kharka (4000 meters) 5 hours
Returning from Base camp you can keep high and follow a track 400meters 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 Guesthouse.
Day 15- Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450 meters) 5 hours.
Today, after ascending for two and half hour the trail descends to cross the river at 4310meters we then climb up to Thorong Phedi at 4450meters where we have recently found some good Guesthouses built. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 16- Trek to Muktinath (3800 meters) via Thorung La pass (5416 meters) 8 hours.
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5416 meters we can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow but it is all depending on the weather condition. About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the chortens & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top with another 4 hours trek will take to the holy town of Muktinath.
Muktinath means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a scared pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The main pilgrimage normally takes place in September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple this contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 17- Trek to Jomsom (2720meters) 5 hours.
Today we follow the trail down to the Eklebhatti, and then follow the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is large town with many facilities, it is also headquarter and official town for whole Mustang district where all the government office are available for local people in Mustang. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 18- Morning flight to Pokhara.
Today 35 minutes morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave etc. Overnight back at hotel.
Day 19- Leisure day and Sight in around Pokhara.
It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Jomsom. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20- Drive back to Kathmandu (1345meters).
Back to Kathmandu by bus. If you are interested in continuing onto Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Kathmandu Shopping Tour or Scenic Everest Flight. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21- Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trek can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Note : On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Q.What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?
A. Trekking is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or disease must seek medical advice before considering the trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
A. Yes, our Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall, he/she will be displaying an Kiwi Adventures Treks & Expedition sign board. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?
A. 11 night’s Trekking Guesthouse, 4 nights three/four star hotels in Kathmandu.
We use standard rooms from three/four star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes teahouses/Lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you sleeping bags if needed (which need to return after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. We usually provide single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. The dining room is downstairs around a fire. All food will be cooked to order in the little kitchen. You should not enter the kitchen unless asked to do so.
Gypsum cardboard Children’s clothes Useful clauses
Toilet Facilities – On trek, common toilet facilities are available at Tea Houses.
Q. What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
A. In trekking most teahouses (lodges) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.
Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Q. What sort of transportation you use?
A. Kiwi Adventures Treks & Expedition is all about providing you with local insights as well as adventure, with that in mind, where we think you will get more out of your holiday by using different means of transport that is what we do. Using a variety of private transport is an integral part of our Himalaya tours and enhances the experience!
We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, van or land cruiser. These small light vehicles are more manoeuvrable and flexible enabling us to take you through the Narrow roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.
For the internal flights from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu, the airlines we use are Yeti, Sita, Gorkha and Agni.
Q. What is the best season for this trekking?
A. Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, October, November, December are the best time to do trek.
Q. What is the weather & temperature like in trekking?
A. Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler the days are generally warm. Winter (January and February) will be bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be bit of snow during the month of January, February and December. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?
A. These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring your adapters!
Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls.
Q. Can I use credit cards in the places visit in trekking?
A. In most cities yes, to some extent, however once you leave those cities behind, all you need is cash.
Q. How much additional money do I need per day?
A. In Kathmandu, you can allocate US$ 10 – 25 for a lunch / dinner. It’s all depends on your spending habits. US$7 to 10 US$ a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and few drinks in trekking.
Q. Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
A. This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from 20USD to 1000 USD per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small way to show your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of personal involvement with your guide.
Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?
A. In most places bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you will need to bring with you.
Q. Are the Kiwi Adventures Treks & Expedition staff insured?
A. Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters. Please, Click on LEGAL DOCUMENT page (Company) to view insurance details.
Q. What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tour?
A. *Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy.
*Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy
*Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separate
*Flight tickets
*Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.
Q. Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
A. A hoilday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Q. Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
A. Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.
Q. What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
A. In major places (Namche Bazar, Lukla), we arrange guesthouse with hot shower. And in rest of the places, hotel water in bucket will be provided for shower; it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower.
Q. Do you know about how many total miles the trek is?
A. Total distance of the entire trek is about 75 miles.
Cost Includes
• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus.
• Standard twin sharing accommodation in four/five star hotel in Kathmandu breakfast included.
• Standard twin sharing accommodation in two/three star hotel in Pokhara breakfast included.
• Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private car / van / bus.
• Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
• All your standard Meals during the trek.
• Twin sharing Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trek (15 nights Trekking Guesthouse) .
• Local k2 Summit Trek licensed English speaking Guide during the trek.
• The required number of local staff and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
• Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
• Annapurna conservation Park permits.
• Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
• All our government taxes.
• Official expense.
Cost Excludes
• Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara .
• Your travel insurance (compulsory, please contact us if you wish to sign up for the Global Rescue membership plan).
• International airfare and airport departure tax.
• Nepal entry visa, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. You will also require 2 passport size photos.)
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
• Personal trekking Equipment.
• Tips for trekking staff. (Tipping is expected).
• Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
