Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek

duration 21 days
usd 2,150 All inclusive
difficulty Hard

Among the hardest available treks but still these treks are in reach of most people however one must be fit. These trips go above 5000 meters and for the duration of 15 – 20 days walking up to 6-7 hours in a day.
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 17,769 feet at Thorong La pass

trip overview

Go to the highest lake in the world nestled right in the middle of the Himalayas and climb even higher to the Thorong La pass in this great Himalayan adventure.

The trip combines all the adventure you could have in western Nepal in one neat itinerary. You will travel through beautiful hilltop villages towards the ancient kingdom of Manang. From there, you will travel to the highest lake in the world which lies more than 16,000 feet above the sea level. There is more to come. We will take you to another ancient kingdom of Mustang before returning to Pokhara to relax at the end of the journey.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival.

A representative of Mountain Kick will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (4,600 feet). Rest overnight at your hotel musing over your Himalayan adventure ahead.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Pre-trip meeting.

See Kathmandu first before embarking on your adventure. This ancient city is dotted with royal courtyards, monasteries and temples which offer a glimpse into local culture. Your journey starts the next day and we will brief you on your big trip.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Drive to Syange (3,609ft) via Besisahar (2,490ft) by Jeep.

We will leave for Syange in the morning in a private vehicle. It takes about seven hours to get to Besisahar through serpentine roads in the hills with stops for lunch and snacks. There are several small towns among green hills and it’s certain that you will not be bored. From Besisahar, Syange village is about one hour’s ride away. You will be treated with beautiful views of Mount Annapurna II, Mount Macchapuchhre and Mount Lamjung from this village.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 04
Trek to Bahundanda (4,298ft).

This trip has a tough uphill climb right in the beginning. It takes five hours of continuous laboring till we reach the top of Bahundanda hill. What makes matters worse is the heat. But once you get to the top, the view of the valley below is beautiful to say the least.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
Trek to Chamje (4,593ft).

We descend from Bahundanda and follow the Marshyangdi River all the way to Chamje. There are several villages on the way and also a few waterfalls so the day will be exciting. We will reach Chamje in about five hours.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner
day 06
Trek to Bagarchhap (7,087ft).

It is another day for five hours of trekking. We cross the Marshyangdi River and pass through forests and some more waterfalls till we reach Bagarchhap. The rhododendron forests are very beautiful and are a welcome distraction from your fatigue.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
Trek to Chame (8,629ft).

The first part of the trek is an climb through a forest till we reach Lattemarang. From here, it is an easy downhill walk to Chame. You will be treated with beautiful views of the Himalayas throughout the way. There is a hot water spring at Chame which will ease your pain after so many days of continuous walking.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner
day 08
Trek to Upper Pisang (10,597ft).

We trek uphill through forests first and then vast farmlands as we pass through several villages to reach Pisang village. Half of the way is pretty smooth for walking but the other half is challenging and we will have to struggle for most parts. You will notice the vegetation and landscape is very different this high from the sea level. It takes six hours to reach Upper Pisang.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 09
Trek to Manang (11,614ft).

We will have to walk for five hours through farm villages separated by rocky trails. Some part of the trip will be spent walking on the sides of steep mountains. We will gain quite an altitude as we trek alongside rivers to reach Manang. Here we walk past world’s highest commercial airport, the Manang Airport, and the ancient Buddhist monastery of Braga.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 10
Rest at Manang.

Spend the day sightseeing in Manang. You will again have to climb again the next day so rest well.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 11
Trek to Khangsar Village (12,139ft).

After the rest day at Manang, you will have gathered your energy. So this will be an easy four hours of hiking. We walk west and follow a river for four hours to Khangsar. The Himalayas will seem so much closer as we move forward.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 12
Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (13,780ft).

You will walk for five hours in one of the remotest places on Earth. There is no proper track to follow. You have to walk on the slopes of mountains with loose soil slipping as you tread. You will need trekking poles here because you do not want to fall down to 1,000 feet deep gorge. But once you reach the base camp, the beauty of it will make you realize that the trip was worth taking risk for.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 13
Trek to Tilicho Lake (16,138ft) & back down to Tilicho Base Camp (13,780ft).

You will gain more than 2,500 feet in altitude in this tough day of hiking. At 16,138 feet, Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world. It takes four to five hours to reach there. The glacial lake is breathtaking and if you are a daredevil, you might want to take a dive into the freezing water. Just a thought. We will return to the base camp after staring at the lake for a couple of hours.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 14
Trek to Yak Kharka (13,156ft).

We walk along rivers and valleys and descend to Yak Kharka. It is an easy five hours of downhill trekking.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 15
Trek to Thorong Phedi (14,600ft).

You have to climb up for five hours. This will definitely put a lot of pressure on your legs but we will pass through several villages and stops to keep you fresh. Consider views of the Himalayan peaks as pain relief.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 16
Trek to Muktinath (12,172ft) via Thorung-La pass (17,769ft).

This is a very long and hard day of trekking. We start before sunrise and walk through a windy trail to Thorong-La Pass, the highest point in our travel. A steep downhill trail takes us to Muktinath from there. You have to trek for eight hours this day. The Muktinath Mandir is one of the holiest shrines for both Hindus and Buddhists as is believed to be the home of the god of liberation, Lord Muktinath (Lord Shiva). A lot of devotees, including holy Sadhus, make the pilgrimage to this place.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 17
Trek to Jomsom (8,999ft).

We climb down for six hours by a graveled road to Jomsom. This tourist town which lies on the either side of the Kali Gandaki River is its gusty weather and happening hangouts. You might be tempted to celebrate here after your trekking in the Himalayas.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 18
Fly to Pokhara. Sightseeing in Pokhara (around 3,000ft in the city).

A less-than-twenty-minutes flight takes you to Pokhara. There are plenty of places to visit in Pokhara like the Devi’s Falls, the Bat Cave, the World Peace Pagoda, the Phewa Lake, the Sarangkot Hill and many more. Pokhara is a great place to go shopping in the day and partying in the night.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 19
Leisure day. Sightseeing around Pokhara.

Pokhara is the most happening city in Nepal and the night clubs and the dance bars here are a perfect way to relax after your long and tiring trip. And if you prefer natural getaways, Pokhara is surrounded by natural landmarks like lakes and hills which are perfect for a day excursion.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 20
Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Farewell dinner.

We take the same road back through which we had arrived at the beginning of our journey. Look out the window from your bus to see what places you remember. The view of the Himalayas in the distance will surely remind you of your travel there. We will host a farewell dinner for you before you leave.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
day 21
Final Departure.

You will be on a plane back home and we will be there to see you off. Thank you and come again.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for entering Annapurna Conservation Area and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
Fully paid bus tickets for Kathmandu-Syange and Pokhara-Kathmandu ride. Other rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
Airfare for Jomsom-Pokhara flight.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 300.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?

You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Kathmandu and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six to eight hours of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customized trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook every day.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?

You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

This is high-altitude trekking at its best so anything short of good physical condition will not do. Besides, you will need to have strength and determination to walk continuously with little rest.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs.

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Camera.
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

private dates
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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.

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.

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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.