Experience the ultimate Himalayan adventure on the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek, journeying to one of the world’s highest alpine lakes and crossing a challenging high-altitude pass. This trek combines diverse landscapes from lush forests to arid high-altitude terrain with rich cultural experiences in ancient mountain villages, all while showcasing spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Trek Highlights:
Tilicho Lake (16,138ft) – One of the world’s highest lakes with turquoise waters
Thorong La Pass (17,769ft) – Challenging high-altitude mountain pass
Ancient Manang Village – Traditional Tibetan-influenced culture and monastery
Muktinath Temple – Sacred site with 108 water spouts and natural flame
Diverse Landscapes – From subtropical forests to high-altitude desert terrain
Spectacular Mountain Views – Annapurna range, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagir
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have a trek briefing session where you’ll meet your guide who will provide detailed information about the journey ahead. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, or simply rest and prepare for your upcoming trek.
Points of Interest:
After an early breakfast, we’ll depart Kathmandu by tourist bus for Besisahar, the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The journey takes approximately 6 hours along the Prithvi Highway, offering spectacular views of terraced farmlands, lush hills, and river valleys. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli River until Muglin, then continues alongside the Marsyangdi River, passing through several Gurung villages. The bus will make stops for meals and refreshments along the way.
Drive Distance: 180km | Drive Duration: 6 hours
Points of Interest:
Today we’ll take a jeep ride from Besisahar to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. This exciting off-road journey follows the Marsyangdi River through rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. The road conditions can be challenging, but the breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), lush forests, and charming villages make it worthwhile. We’ll pass through several settlements including Khudi, Bhulbhule, and Tal before reaching Chame by late afternoon.
Drive Distance: 65km | Drive Duration: 5 hours
Points of Interest:
Our first full day of trekking begins with a climb through alpine forests of pine and oak. The trail follows the northern bank of the Marsyangdi River, passing through apple orchards and a beautiful valley surrounded by high peaks. After crossing a suspension bridge, we’ll hike through a spectacular rock face called Paunga Danda, considered sacred by the local people. The trail then opens to reveal stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Pisang Peak (6,091m) before we reach Lower Pisang. From here, we’ll take the more challenging but scenic route to Upper Pisang, offering magnificent mountain vistas.
Trek Distance: 15km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate
Points of Interest:
Today we’ll take the high route from Upper Pisang to Ngawal, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. The trail climbs steeply to Ghyaru (3,670m), a beautiful stone-built village with panoramic mountain views. After exploring the ancient monastery here, we continue along a high traversing path to Ngawal. This alternative high route provides better acclimatization and more impressive mountain scenery than the lower route through Humde and Braga.
Trek Distance: 10km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Points of Interest:
From Ngawal, we descend to join the main trail and continue to Manang, the largest settlement in the upper Manang Valley. The path offers spectacular views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Before reaching Manang, we’ll visit Braga village to explore its 900-year-old Tibetan-style monastery housing ancient Buddhist artifacts, thangkas, and statues. Manang is a fascinating village with traditional stone houses reflecting Tibetan architectural influence.
Trek Distance: 9km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Points of Interest:
Today is dedicated to proper acclimatization, crucial for safely crossing the high Thorong La pass in the coming days. Rather than complete rest, we’ll take an acclimatization hike to either Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake (Kicho Tal). The turquoise Gangapurna Lake is fed by the Gangapurna Glacier and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. The more challenging Ice Lake trek reaches 4,600m and provides spectacular mountain views. In the afternoon, you can attend the free altitude sickness prevention lecture offered by the Himalayan Rescue Association or explore Manang’s many bakeries, coffee shops, and souvenir stores.
Optional Hike Distance: 5-10km round trip | Hike Duration: 3-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Points of Interest:
After proper acclimatization in Manang, we begin our journey toward Tilicho Lake. The trail climbs gradually out of the Manang Valley, following the Jarsang Khola (river) through sparse juniper vegetation. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly barren with amazing views of the surrounding peaks. We’ll pass through the small settlement of Khangsar before reaching Shree Kharka, a small settlement with basic facilities but spectacular mountain views.
Trek Distance: 9km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate
Points of Interest:
Today’s trek is one of the most challenging of the journey, not just because of the altitude gain but due to the terrain. After leaving Shree Kharka, we’ll soon reach the infamous “landslide area” – a steep traverse across loose scree slopes where the trail is narrow and exposed in places. Trekking poles are essential here. The landscape is stark and lunar-like, with minimal vegetation. Upon reaching Tilicho Base Camp, you’ll be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and spectacular mountain views.
Trek Distance: 7km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty Level: Challenging
Points of Interest:
This is the highlight day of the trek, requiring an early pre-dawn start. The trail from Base Camp to Tilicho Lake climbs steeply through rocky terrain. The final approach reveals the breathtaking Tilicho Lake – one of the highest lakes in the world at 16,138ft. The turquoise waters against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks create an unforgettable panorama. After spending time at the lake, you’ll return to Base Camp for lunch before continuing down to Shree Kharka, rejoining the main Annapurna Circuit route.
Trek Distance: 15km round trip | Trek Duration: 8 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging
Points of Interest:
After the challenging previous day, today’s trek is relatively moderate. From Shree Kharka, we’ll rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail and continue toward Thorong La Pass. The path climbs gradually through high alpine landscapes with expansive views of the surrounding peaks. Yak Kharka, as the name suggests (“yak pasture”), is a small settlement where herders traditionally brought their yaks to graze in the summer months.
Trek Distance: 10km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate
Points of Interest:
Today’s relatively short trek takes you to Thorong Phedi (“foot of the hill”) and then up to High Camp, the staging point for crossing Thorong La Pass. The trail from Yak Kharka crosses several streams and moraines, with some steep sections. After reaching Thorong Phedi, many trekkers continue the steep climb to High Camp to reduce the elevation gain required on the pass crossing day. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and rocky, with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Trek Distance: 6km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Points of Interest:
Today is the highlight and most challenging day of the entire trek. We’ll start very early (around 4:00 AM) to cross Thorong La pass before the strong winds that typically develop later in the day. The ascent is steep but steady, taking 4-5 hours to reach the pass marked by colorful prayer flags and a small teahouse. At 17,769ft, Thorong La is one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Mustang region, and Tibetan plateau.
After celebrating at the pass, we begin the long, knee-testing descent of about 5,597ft to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The descent offers changing landscapes as we enter the arid region of Upper Mustang, dramatically different from the lush valleys on the eastern side of the pass.
Trek Distance: 16km | Trek Duration: 8 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging
Points of Interest:
Today we’ll trek down from Muktinath to Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang district. The trail descends through the beautiful village of Jharkot with its ancient fortress monastery, then continues to Kagbeni, a medieval-looking village at the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, the route follows the Kali Gandaki riverbed – the deepest gorge in the world when measured from the nearby peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The wide valley is often very windy in the afternoon as you approach Jomsom.
Trek Distance: 14km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate
Points of Interest:
An early morning flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering spectacular aerial views of the mountains and valleys you’ve been trekking through. The dramatic 20-minute flight passes between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains before landing in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside city. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and recover from your trek.
Flight Duration: 20-25 minutes
Points of Interest:
Option B: Jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara (Budget-Friendly Option)
Drive Distance: 155km | Drive Duration: 8 hours
After breakfast, we’ll board a tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows the scenic Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River, offering views of terraced farmlands, rural villages, and distant mountains. We’ll make stops for meals and refreshments along the way.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. You might choose to do some souvenir shopping in Thamel or visit any cultural sites you missed at the beginning of your trip. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural performances to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
Drive Distance: 200km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours
Points of Interest:
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. If you’re extending your stay in Nepal or planning another adventure, our team will be happy to assist with arrangements.
Airport Transfer: Scheduled according to your flight time (typically 3 hours before international flights)
Practical Information:
In Kathmandu and Pokhara:
3-star hotel accommodation included in package
Breakfast included at Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels
Upgrade options available to higher-class hotels
Single accommodation readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara (additional charge)
During the Trek:
Comfortable guesthouses/teahouses on twin-sharing basis
Basic facilities with shared bathrooms in most locations
Limited electricity and hot water availability at higher elevations
Private rooms subject to availability (additional charge may apply)
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging difficulty, involving up to 8 hours of daily trekking at altitudes up to 17,769ft at Thorong La Pass. Any reasonably active person with proper preparation should be able to manage this trek. The main challenges include:
High altitude (reaching 16,138ft at Tilicho Lake and 17,769ft at Thorong La Pass)
Long daily hiking hours (5-8 hours on average)
Weather variations depending on season
Varied terrain including steep ascents and descents
The challenging Thorong La Pass crossing
The difficult landslide area near Tilicho Base Camp
Previous trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
You should be able to hike 5-8 hours daily while carrying a daypack (3-5kg). Prepare with:
Cardiovascular training: 3-4 times weekly for 2-3 months (hiking, jogging, swimming)
Strength training: Focus on leg and core strength
Practice hikes: Complete several 5-8 hour hikes before your trek
Stair climbing: Excellent preparation for ascents and descents
Consistency is more important than intensity. You don't need to be an athlete, but better fitness means a more enjoyable journey.
Follow the proper acclimatization schedule in your itinerary
Ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m in sleeping altitude per day)
Stay hydrated (3-4 liters of water daily)
Avoid alcohol and tobacco
Consider Diamox (Acetazolamide) after consulting your doctor
Recognize symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite
Inform your guide immediately if symptoms appear
Descend if symptoms worsen
Our itinerary includes proper acclimatization days in Manang to minimize altitude sickness risk.
Visiting Tilicho Lake (16,138ft) and crossing Thorong La Pass (17,769ft) are the most challenging parts of the trek and require special preparation:
Two permits are required:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
We handle all permit arrangements as part of our service. You'll just need to provide:
Daily walking times vary throughout the trek:
Most days involve 5-6 hours of actual walking time
The longest days are the Tilicho Lake visit (8 hours) and the Thorong La Pass crossing (8 hours)
Some days are shorter, around 4-5 hours
The acclimatization day in Manang involves optional short hikes
Walking times are estimates and may vary based on your pace, weather conditions, and group size. Your guide will ensure a comfortable pace with regular breaks for rest, hydration, and photography.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara:
Three-star hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
Breakfast included
Private bathroom facilities
During the Trek:
Guesthouse/teahouse accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
Simple but clean rooms with beds, pillows, and blankets
Shared bathroom facilities in most teahouses
Common dining areas with heating
Accommodation quality varies by location, with better facilities at lower elevations and more basic facilities at higher elevations like Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong Phedi.
Meals are NOT included in your package price during the trek.
Tea-houses along the route offer:
Breakfast Options:
Porridge, muesli, or cornflakes
Pancakes, Tibetan bread, or chapati
Eggs prepared in various ways
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Lunch and Dinner Options:
Dal Bhat (traditional Nepali meal with rice, lentil soup, and vegetables)
Momo (Tibetan dumplings)
Noodle soups and pasta dishes
Fried rice or noodles
Soups and stews
Vegetarian options are widely available and often recommended as meat storage can be unreliable at higher elevations. Food prices increase with altitude as supplies must be carried by porters, especially at remote locations like Tilicho Base Camp.
Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency procedures:
For minor issues: Your guide carries a first aid kit and can provide basic treatment
For altitude sickness: Immediate descent is the primary treatment
For serious emergencies: Helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu can be arranged
Communication: Guides carry mobile phones and can contact emergency services where signal is available
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is mandatory
Your safety is our priority, and our guides make decisions based on your wellbeing, not the itinerary.
Medical facilities are limited but available at key points:
Manang: Has a high-altitude medical post with Western-trained staff
Jomsom: Has a small hospital with basic facilities
Pokhara: Full medical facilities with Western-standard hospitals
Your guide carries a first aid kit for basic treatment. For serious medical emergencies, helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu is necessary.
Key items include:
Moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers
Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -5°C)
Daypack (25-35L) for carrying daily essentials
Trekking poles (highly recommended, especially for the landslide area near Tilicho Lake)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Water bottles and purification method
Sunglasses (100% UV protection) and sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Personal first aid kit and toiletries
We provide a duffel bag for you to use during the trek. Please check the full equipment list for a comprehensive packing guide.
The itinerary includes various transportation modes:
Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar (Day 2)
Jeep from Besisahar to Chame (Day 3)
Flight (20-25 minutes, included in standard package)Option: Jeep (7-8 hours, budget-friendly alternative)
Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Day 16)
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
All transportation mentioned in the itinerary is included in the package price.
Daily Expenses on the Trail:
Meals: $25-35 per day (3 meals)
Hot showers: $3-7 per shower
Wi-Fi: $3-5 per day
Battery charging: $2-5 per device
Extra snacks and drinks: $2-8 per item
Note: These are approximations and actual expenses depend on your personal spending habits. Prices increase at higher altitudes, especially at Tilicho Base Camp and Thorong Phedi.
Other Expenses:
We recommend carrying enough Nepalese Rupees for the entire trek as ATM access is extremely limited:
Tipping is expected and an important part of the trekking culture in Nepal:
Mobile Coverage: Available in most villages but can be spotty and unreliable
Wi-Fi: Available at most teahouses for a fee ($3-5 per day)
Internet Speed: Generally slow, suitable for basic messaging but not video calls
Local SIM Cards: NCell and Nepal Telecom SIM cards can be purchased in Kathmandu
Signal Strength: Decreases at higher altitudes and in remote areas like Tilicho Base Camp
To enter Nepal, you'll need a tourist visa. Here's how to obtain one:
Visa on Arrival: Available at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
15-day visa: $30 USD
30-day visa: $50 USD
90-day visa: $125 USD
Bring cash (USD preferred), a passport-sized photo, and your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Expect processing time of 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Online Application: You can also apply online before arrival through Nepal's Department of Immigration website
Complete the form and print the confirmation
Pay the visa fee upon arrival
We can provide guidance on the visa process, but obtaining the visa is your responsibility.
We offer flexible customization options for your trek:
Private Departures: Choose your own start date
Itinerary Modifications: Add or remove days, change pace, or include side trips
Extensions: Add experiences like Chitwan National Park or activities in Pokhara
Accommodation Upgrades: Request higher standard lodges where available
Special Interests: Focus on photography, culture, or wildlife
Simply contact us with your preferences, and we'll create a customized itinerary that meets your needs.
Payment Terms:
20% non-refundable deposit required to confirm booking
Balance payment due upon arrival in Kathmandu
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations 20 days or more before departure: 20% of total trip price deducted
Cancellations less than 20 days before departure: 100% charge, no refund
Trip rescheduling fee: $200 per person
For complete details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page on our website.
Medical consultation is essential before your trek – consult with a doctor regarding any medications you plan to take or bring during the trek, as high altitude can affect how medications work in your body. Disclose all medications you plan to bring to your trek leaders and guides.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is commonly used for altitude sickness prevention, but should only be taken after consulting with your doctor about proper dosage and potential side effects. This is particularly important for the Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek due to the high altitudes reached (16,138ft at Tilicho Lake and 17,769ft at Thorong La Pass).
Vaccinations recommended before coming to Nepal include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza. Consult your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before travel for personalized vaccination advice.
Spare days are essential – plan 2-3 additional days beyond the standard itinerary to avoid missing international flights due to unpredictable Himalayan weather. This is especially important for this trek due to potential weather challenges at Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass. Schedule your international departure at least 2-3 days after your planned trek completion.
Day activities: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu are worth exploring before or after your trek. Day biking excursions are available as an alternative activity option, with all necessary equipment and guides provided. Rafting adventures on the Trishuli & Budhigandaki River can also be arranged for those seeking additional excitement. Bungy & Paragliding options are available in Pokhara
Group discounts: Special rates are available for groups booking together, with larger groups qualifying for greater savings. Contact us for specific pricing based on your party size.
Key Equipment Highlights
Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability to changing conditions
Warm sleeping bag – Rated for at least -10°C/14°F
UV-protecting sunglasses – For protection against intense high-altitude sun
Headlamp with spare batteries – Essential for navigating in dark conditions and pre-dawn Thorong La crossing
Water bottles/hydration system – For maintaining proper hydration at altitude
Trekking poles – For stability on rough terrain, especially crucial for the landslide area near Tilicho Lake
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
Travellers | PRICING FROM (USD) |
---|---|
1 | 1376 |
2-3 | 973 |
4-7 | 860 |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.
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