Tilicho Trek

Arriving and Receiving at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. B.D (Bed and Dinner)

Visit Pashupatinath Temple (sacred shrine and focal point of Hindu in the world, listed in world heritage site), Boudhanath (One of the biggest monastery of the world listed in the world heritage site) and Kathmandu Durbar square (Historical Palace, listed in the world heritage site) overnight at hotel. B.B. (Bed ad breakfast). Briefing about the trek at hotel or in the company.

Drive from Katmandu to Besi Sahar (823m.) and it takes almost six hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar (823m.). Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. This headquarter is the centre from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns

Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) and it takes about six hours. The first part of the trail passes thorough flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of Gurung community. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. At this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow capped mountains

Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) which takes about six hours.A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above it and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and down to Chamje through the forests.

Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) and it takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone khani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the night.

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) which takes about five and half hours.As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent path upto Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.

Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) which takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.).In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.

Pisang to Manang 3440 Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) and it takes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, you can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7145m.).After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. You camp here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags, which adorn the houses.

Rest day at Manang. Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town. This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit. Moreover you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one.

Manang to khangsar Trek from Manang to Khangsar which takes approximately five hours. The path is gradual descent and you cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream). You trek through dry land though you can see shrubs on the both sides. The panoramic views of Annapurna range completely mesmerize you. Khangsar is a Gurung village. There you find a small monastery, chorten, mani walls and prayer flags.

Khangsar to Tilicho 4919 Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Lake and it takes about six hours. This day you trek gradual up until you reach destination. The path is quite covered by small crystals and shrubs can be seen on both sides. Somewhere in trekking you cross few streams. Tilicho Lake is situated at the highes. From here you can enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many others.

Day 13 Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass5315 Trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5315m.) and it takes about seven hours. The path is full of ups and down until you reach Mesokanto Pass. The trail is quite narrow and you trek over icy path. The panoramic views of Annapurna range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri along with more than ten mountains completely mesmerize you.

Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom 2741 Trek from Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2741 m.) via Thimi (2760 m.) which takes about six hours. From Mesokanto Pass, the trail goes steep down to Jomsom. This day you trek through pine forest. Before you reach Jomsom, you cross Thimi inhabited by mostly Buddhists. There are not tea houses available from en route from Tilicho Lake to Jomsom.

Fly Jomsom to Pokhara. Lunch at Pokhara and one day sightseeing tour in Pokhara. Visit Magendra Gufa, David Fall, Boating on Fewa Lake. Hotel and dinner at Pokhara.

Fly/ drive from pokhara to Kathandu. Arrive in Kathmandu by two oÂ’ clock at Kathmandu by tourist Bus or by flight depending upon their schedule. Transfer to Hotel. Nepali style dinner with cultural show.