Tilicho Lake Trekking with Thorong-la Pass 16 Days

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport via your respective airlines, our office staff and guide will warmly welcome you. They will then transfer you to your hotel located in the heart of the city.

Once you've checked into your rooms and refreshed yourself, you will join the other members of your group for a comprehensive briefing on the Tilicho Lake Around Manang Valley Trek. Our experienced guide will provide you with essential information about the trek and your stay in Nepal with us. In the evening, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant, accompanied by a traditional Folk Culture program of Nepal.

You will start your day by meeting your guide for a tour around Kathmandu after eating breakfast at the hotel. In the Kathmandu Valley, you will tour UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Boudhanath Stupa (a center of Tibetan culture ), Swayambhunath Stupa (commonly known as the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple (a Hindu pilgrimage site devoted to Lord Shiva), Durbar Squares(Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan).

Authentic Nepali cuisine will be served for lunch at a nearby restaurant during the sightseeing tour. You will make all the necessary preparations for your hike following the visit, as suggested by Holiday Planner Nepal. You will return to the hotel as the day draws to a close, where dinner will be provided. Spend the night at your Kathmandu hotel.

You will have a filling breakfast early in the morning and prepare for a drive to Dharapani. You will embark on an intriguing and picturesque long-distance drive along the Nepal Mid-West Highway. Most of the roads in this section are serpentine, filled with waterfalls, rivers, and traditional villages. The journey then takes you through various captivating locations, starting from the commercial center of Besisahar town. Then, a minor road initiates and continues on a dirt road through several villages like Khudi, Bulbule, and Ngadi progressively. 

Then, you will follow the Marsyangdi River upstream. The drive meanders through lush rice terraces, fields, and charming villages, ultimately leading you to the next destination in the route: Syange. After reaching Syange, refresh for a bit and start your drive. From Syange, you will begin with an off-road uphill climb, leaving the Marsyangdi River behind and heading towards Jagat. 
Jagat is a quaint farming village that offers a variety of lodges for trekkers and a suitable break from the drive. It was a former salt route toll depot to Tibet. Trekkers who begin the journey from Besisahar will make an overnight stop in Jagat. 

From Jagat, your journey continues along a winding path leading to Chamje. Afterward, you'll cross over the Marsyangdi River on the eastern bank and enter a forested area. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Manaslu Mountain ranges. As your drive progresses, you'll traverse a broad path leading to Tal Besi, another beautiful settlement along the trekking route. This attractive village is set in a flat valley behind an impressive waterfall. Then, passing Tal Besi, you drive for about half an hour to reach Dharapani. Dharapani is a charming village situated at the junction of the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu trekking trails.

Upon reaching Dharapani, settle in an accommodation option and have dinner. After dinner, rest and stay overnight in Dharapani. Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also savor hot tea and coffee during your stay.

After departing from Dharapani, your trek continues along a winding trail that takes you through picturesque rhododendrons and pine forests. Along the way, you'll pass by Bagarchap and Danque villages before heading uphill to Timang village. As you progress, you'll enter more villages with a strong Buddhist cultural influence, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu.

A few hours of trekking from Timang will lead you to Koto, and from there, you'll make your way to Chame town, where you'll spend the night. Chame serves as a significant and central town, functioning as the headquarters of the Manang district.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also relish hot tea and coffee during your stay.

As your trek progresses, you'll notice the air getting cooler as you approach the mountains. In the morning, you'll walk through an alpine forest filled with rhododendrons and pine trees, all while following the Marsyangdi River upstream. There will be a few short uphill and downhill sections as you make your way to Bhartang village. From Bhartang village, your trek continues uphill into a cooler woodland, ultimately leading you to the small village of Dhukure Pokhari, where you'll find a few teahouses and lodges.

Dhukure Pokhari offers breathtaking views of Chulus and Pisang peaks, making it a perfect spot for a possible lunch break. In the afternoon, your journey descends, bringing you to the lower Pisang village, where you'll spend the night.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also enjoy hot tea and coffee during your stay.

Pisang village offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding landscapes. Here, the altitude gradually increases as the trek leads you into a small forested area, featuring a short uphill section that provides panoramic vistas of Annapurna II, III, Gangapurna, Chulus, and Pisang Peak.

Upon reaching the ridge top, you'll enter a flat valley at Hongde village. From this point onward, the tree line vanishes, giving way to barren, arid landscapes with a cold, dry Arctic climate. Before arriving in Manang, take the opportunity to visit the old Braga Monastery, which houses ancient Buddhist relics, historic wall paintings, and mesmerizing frescoes. The monastery also offers stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayas. A leisurely one-hour walk from here will bring you to Manang village.

The houses in and around Manang are built in the traditional Tibetan style, and the locals are renowned for their rich cultural traditions.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also enjoy tea and coffee during your stay at Manang.

This day serves as a necessary rest day dedicated to acclimatization, preparing you for the higher altitudes as you progress towards Tilicho Lake and the challenging Thorang-La Pass. During your stay in Manang, you'll have the opportunity to take short walks and explore the village along with its picturesque valley. Manang is the primary and largest settlement in the region, nestled in a windswept valley along the banks of the Marysangdi River, framed by the towering Annapurna II-III and Gangapurna mountain range. A pleasant uphill walk from Manang rewards you with views of the Gangapurna Glacier and the emerald Manang Lake, offering a glimpse of the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy tea and coffee during your stay.

After leaving Manang village in the morning, our trek leads to another highlight of this journey. Our path diverges from the main Annapurna Circuit trail, taking us to Khangsar, one of the last villages in Manang, where we will spend the night. Khangsar is situated along the route to Tilicho Lake.

After departing from Khangsar, the morning trek continues into the remote regions of the Manang Valley. Following a challenging afternoon walk, you'll arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, which stands as the highest overnight camp during this adventure, perched at an elevation of 4,800 meters.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can savor hot tea and coffee during your stay at Tilicho Base Camp.

From this point onward, you'll traverse through a dry landscape. In the morning, the trek descends for some time, followed by an uphill climb that takes a few hours, ultimately leading you to Tilicho Lake.

Tilicho Lake holds deep spiritual significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, making it a sacred spot. The lake also offers magnificent views of snow-capped peaks. After a memorable visit to the beautiful Tilicho Lake, you'll return to the comfort of a nice lodge at the base camp for Lunch.

After an enchanting adventure at Tilicho Glacial Lake, with its breathtaking views, the return journey will bring you to the isolated and charming spot known as Siri Kharka. Here, you'll find a handful of cozy and straightforward lodges where you will spend the night. These lodges offer splendid vistas of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peaks, providing a picturesque backdrop to your evening.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy tea and coffee during your stay at Siri Kharka.

After a delightful time spent around Tilicho Lake, the return journey takes you back to the main Annapurna Circuit trail. You'll initially climb and then follow an easy, winding path that leads to Yak Kharka. This part of the trek offers captivating views of snow-capped mountains. Upon crossing a small stream, you will arrive at Yak Kharka, where you will spend the night. This small settlement provides picturesque vistas of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Chulu Peaks.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, which covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy tea and coffee during your stay at Yak Kharka.

In the morning, your journey begins by heading towards the end of the Manang Valley, where you'll find the base of Thorang-La. After crossing a short bridge, you'll embark on a steep climb that takes you high above the Jarjung stream. This challenging ascent will eventually lead you to Thorang Phedi, which serves as a base for the upcoming ascent to Thorang High Camp, where you will spend the night.

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy tea and coffee during your stay at Thorang High Camp.

Starting with an early breakfast, your trek from Thorang High Camp begins with a steep climb on winding trails through the barren landscape. This challenging ascent leads you to the pinnacle of your adventure, Thorang-La Pass, which stands at an impressive altitude of 5,416 meters. This pass represents the highest point of your journey.

Reaching the summit rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the stunning scenery, featuring dramatic landscapes and snow-capped peaks. After taking in the awe-inspiring vistas, you'll begin a long downhill descent that eventually leads you to Muktinath, situated at an elevation of 3,800 meters.

Upon arriving at Muktinath village and the temple area, you will spend the night. This location holds profound spiritual significance for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, with "Muktinath" translating to 'a place for Nirvana and self-liberation.'

Your package includes the best available accommodation and a comprehensive meal plan, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy tea and coffee during your stay in Muktinath.

Today, after breakfast, you will leave Muktinath behind and head to Pokhara by car. Once you finish packing your bag with your guide, you will hop into the vehicle and drive to Pokhara, Nepal's largest tourist city.

The drive from Muktinath to Pokhara begins with a descent, leaving the high Himalayan region behind and descending into Nepal's lower hills and valleys. You will drive along the cliffside of Kali Gandaki, which is the biggest river gorge in the world. During the day, you can see the dramatic change in the landscape as the scenery shifts from the dry, arid terrain of Mustang to the greener, terraced hills of the lower region.

Along the way, you can take photographs and admire the traditional villages and their way of life, giving you time to observe the culture. Almost midway through the journey, you will have a short break for lunch and tea. The road conditions can be unpaved or bumpy, where construction work may be ongoing. But as you reach close to Pokhara, smoother roads wait ahead.

Driving approximately 7-8 hours, you will arrive at Pokhara, where the vehicle will drop you off at your hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, your guide will assist with check-in. Later, you can have the much-awaited hot shower, rest, relax, and replenish from the tiring trekking journey. If you have some time left, you can enjoy the nightlife of Pokhara, stroll around, and observe the lakeside area. You can have dinner at the hotel or any preferred restaurant in Pokhara. 

Afterwards, return to your hotel, prepare for the following day, and rest further. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Today, as you wake up, get refreshed, and get ready for the drive from Pokhara to Sarangkot. A private vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to the Sarangkot viewpoint. The drive will take about 40 minutes, depending on road conditions, and cover 11 kilometers to reach the hilltop.
Then the journey to Sarangkot will begin in the Lakeside area of Pokhara and take you through winding roads, lush greenery, and charming villages. At the end of the drive, you will reach the Sarangkot hill station just in time to witness the beautiful sunrise.

Sarangkot is a hilltop station located at an altitude of 1,592 meters. Sarangkot is well-known for its panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It's a favorite place to view the sunrise, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-capped peaks, producing a breathtaking visual spectacle. Sarangkot also offers stunning views of Pokhara and Phewa Lake below.

Once you reach the viewpoint, immerse yourself in the sunrise view. The shifting colors of the sky and mountains are beautiful images that you will never forget. Remember to dress warmly, as early-morning temperatures can be frigid. After a while, you can have a short tea break where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains with a sip of a warm cup of tea.

You can soak in the view and click beautiful photographs for an enjoyable morning sightseeing in Sarangkot. After the quality time in the viewpoint, begin your return journey. You can hop in the private vehicle, which will drop you back to Pokhara.

Once you reach Pokhara, have breakfast, relax for a bit, and get ready to start your Pokhara Sightseeing Tour. In the sightseeing tour, you will visit the following landmarks:

• Lakeside Pokhara: You will visit Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal. You can spend quality time while boating across the lake, visiting the Tal Barahi temple in the middle. The lakeside area is a vibrant space with restaurants and pubs. It is also a good place for walking and peace.
• Tal Barahi Temple: It is located in the center of Phewa Lake and is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima. The temple is two-storied and represents the protector deity of female force. You can see pilgrims carrying male animals and fowls across the lake for sacrifice.
• World Peace Stupa: It is a white, dome-shaped hilltop stupa located in Anadu Hill. The stupa symbolizes purity and offers a stunning view of Annapurna and Pokhara. The World Peace Stupa features four images of the Buddha, each facing a different direction. The peace pagoda has several trekking trails that cross Phewa Lake, or one can cycle along tracks to the top of the hill. Reaching the hilltop can be part of a blissful silence and cool breeze. You can meditate or interact with the local monks.
• Pumdikot: It consists of a 51-foot-tall Shiva statue, which has religious significance. The Shiva statue is in a sitting position, with the right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. The left hand holds a Trishul, which symbolizes the power to destroy for balance. There are 108 stone-paved steps to reach the top of the Shiva statue.

After the sightseeing tour, you can have lunch in the area. The private vehicle will then drop you off at the hotel or at a predetermined location. Once you reach the destination, your Pokhara Sightseeing Tour with Trekking Planner Nepal ends. Later in the evening, have dinner and rest at the Pokhara hotel. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

The journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu will be an overland drive, retracing the same scenic route you took on your remarkable Tilicho Lake and Around Manang Valley Trekking adventure.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your respective hotels, where you can enjoy a free afternoon for individual activities and relaxation.

(Alternatively, there are flying options available, offering a half-hour scenic flight to Kathmandu with sweeping panoramas of the majestic mountains.)

On your final day in Nepal, the land of Himalayan wonders, your departure will be coordinated based on your international flight schedule, whether it's to your homeward destination or your next connecting adventure.

Dedicated staff and guide from Trekking Planner Nepal will ensure your safe transfer to Kathmandu airport, bidding you farewell after a memorable and fulfilling experience on the Tilicho Lake and Around Manang Valley Trekking expedition.

Your package includes standard meals, with breakfast to start your day, as well as the opportunity to savor tea and coffee before your departure. Best wishes!