Three Passes with Tilicho Lake Trek

The first day of our journey begins by welcoming you to Kathmandu at the international airport. Our representatives will pick and drop you at the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

We will be going to religious placees and ancient architectures. Places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar square will be the main attractions and these sites have also been enlisted as world heritage sites by UNESCO.  Later, safety measures and detailed guide will be given to you by the expertise. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

The drive heads along the Prithvi Highway and on the latter stages the roads are dirty but the landscapes of the rice fields, waterfalls, and greenery through the villages are amazing to watch. The drive reaches Arughat Bazaar where shared jeeps are also available to go to Soti Khola. At Soti Khola, you can rest and prepare for the trek. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.

The bumpy and rocky trail leads you to the rough part of the Budhi Gandaki. The trails are narrow and landslides inflicted. As you walk, you will come across Liding where there is a camping site and Lapubesi, which is a village on several hills along the trails. Later, you walk on up and down trails along with slippery rocks. The tropical vegetation adds its beauty with thrilling suspension bridges till you reach Machha Khola. Overnight stay at Machha Khola.

We walk to Tatopani on the narrow trails between Budhi Gandaki and a cliff. There are basic accommodation facilities and natural hot water stream. After an hour walk leads to Dobhan, to Syaule Bhatti and then to Yaru where the scenes of Budhi Gandaki will leave you in awe as it descends rapidly in beautiful cascades. The valley leads to Yaru and after 2-3 hours, you will reach Jagat. Overnight stay at Jagat.

Walk up the riverbed then climb over a rocky point to Salleri that gives you views of Shringi Himal (7161m), descend to Sirdibas. Continue up-river on the left bank, up and down before crossing a suspension bridge and ascend to Philim. After an hour, reach Ekle Bhatti and cross high above a spectacular gorge, with pine trees. Finally, drop to Budhi Gandaki River and continue ahead to Deng. Overnight stay at Deng.

Move to the east bank and ascend to Rana and pass the trail up to Bihi. Continue in and out of gorges, cross the Serang Khola and climb sharply before circling into Ghap. Arrive in the neat village of Namrung after about 1.5 hours from Ghap, with shops, a restaurant and Thakali lodges across the flagstone square. Overnight stay at Namrung.

Today is a steep climb passing through oak and rhododendron forests and barley terraces. Multiple villages – Lihi, Simnang, and Sho, are passed until reaching Lho Gaun.  As the landslide area is passed, it is important to maintain a steady pace. Air also begins to thin as higher altitude is gained. Near Lho Gaun, long Mani stone walls decorate the trail.

Today take trails through scenic villages. Ribung Gompa lies in Lho Gaun so, and it is an ideal opportunity to visit the famous Gompa. The trek is a feast for the eyes with the amazing views of Peak 29 (7,871 m/25,823 ft), Himal Chuli (7,893m /25,896ft), Manaslu (8,163m /26,781ft), Larke (6,249m /20,502ft), and Naike (6,211m /20,377ft). Passing through Shyala village, Samagaon is ultimately reached.

Today will be a rest day to get physically acclimatized and relax the aching body. We can spend the day exploring environments and places such as Birendra Lake and Pung Gyen Gumba. This trip will cover almost a full day. We will see wonderful views of Manaslu range including the majestic Mt. Manaslu (8163m). Overnight stay at Samagaon

The trail from Samagaon leaves from the northern end of the village. With the Birendra Lake insights, we slowly begin walking along the Budhi Gandaki River, although it is smaller than the form it had earlier on in the trek. Trekking through pasture lands, the journey heads towards Samdo with the Manaslu, Samdo, and Pangboche Himal ranges. Overnight stay at Samdo.

Descending past Samdo on a wide trail, sinking to cross Budhi Gandaki. Past the trail to Tibet to the right and climb left after a Mani wall, navigating through juniper with many marmots. We cross two gorges on thin tracks. Dharmasala is a stone hut with three rooms and an almost integral roof, but the lack of doors means that it can fill up with snow and remain full of ice for months. Overnight stay at Dharmasala.

Today the first of the three passes is reached – the Larkya La pass. Reaching the pass requires ascending moraines of a glacier. At the pass, breathtaking views of Himlung (7,126m /23,380ft), Cheo (6,820m /22,375ft), and the Annapurna (8,091m /26,545ft) is obtained. After enjoying such views, descending through low pastures, you reach Bhim Phedi.

Today requires further descent, passing through yak pastures, river crossings, rhododendron forests, and terraced fields. Enticing views of Manaslu ranges to the left and Annapurna ranges to the right make for a beautiful day. Passing through the picturesque village of Tilije with a bit of uphill trek, you finally reach Dharapani.

Today takes through rough and rocky ground passing through Thanchok village until finally reaching Koto. The day offers stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m /26,040ft), Manaslu (8,163m /26,781ft), and many other snowcapped peaks. You will pass through beautiful waterfalls and river crossing. The trails follow zig-zag patterns with cattle happily grazing along

Today, Nar Phu Valley is reached. This is a restricted entry area and requires a special permit.  It is reached following Nar Khola and Greenland forest. The day starts early as there is a lot of distance to cover. The trails take you past cave shelters and pilgrims’ resting places, followed by the wide waterfall. After climbing a steep hill towards the end, you reach Meta.

Unique colorful Tibetan Buddhist chortens decorate the path from Meta. The trail provides excellent views of the magnificent Nar Phedi Monastery. Further trek through scenic canyon and gorges takes you to a monolith guarding the trails to Phu. Just before reaching the village, remains of ruined forts atop flatlands can be observed.

A days’ rest to allow acclimatization is fully warranted at this point. Also, reaching Phu Gaon would be a waste if not exploring the popular Tashi Gompa and villages. Phu Gaon is quaint, simply watching villagers spin yak or sheep wool, pounding mustard makes for an interesting observation.

With a well-rested day, you hike along Nar Phedi until reaching Nar Village. Nar Phedi consists of a monastery, and that is it. From Nar Phedi, a winding path up a hill passing through wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens, you reach Nar Village. During the day, especially women are found with back-strap looms. This is for weaving wool fabric used for making rugs and blankets.

Today begins before sunrise as you make your way towards Kang La Pass. More than 1,000 m/3,280 ft is ascended, but this is not a difficult pass. On top of the pass, views of the Annapurna II (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Gangapurna (7,455m /24,458 ft), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m /23,406ft) welcomes you. Then you descend towards Ngawal. Kang La Pass trek only began in 2003 AD; hence it is a hidden gem worth exploring.

From Ngawal, you trek along Humde, Braka and finally reach Manang. The trail to Humde is a steep descent, and then the trails get gentler. You get a view of rocks sculpted by wind and also stunted pines along this trail. The views of several snow-capped peaks, especially of Annapurna ridge, keep you company as you trek along.

A good rest day is warranted at this point. Manang is a livelier destination of the Annapurna Circuit with attractions such as the Gangapurna lake, Lama monastery, Ice lake, etc. It also offers views of Annapurna III (7,555m /24,787ft) and the Gangapurna glacier. If there is any need for antibiotics and painkillers, this is the last stop.

From Manang, you take the trails towards the western gate and follow the trail down the river. After crossing the river, you will continue towards the southern side and reach Khangsar village. Finally, passing through a beautiful monastery, you will reach Sri Kharka. The entire trek will have the beautiful backdrop of the Annapurna Range

Today starts early, with the trek to Tilicho Base Camp; otherwise, it gets windy. Though rough and a bit tiring as the trek is along narrow paths, the initial climb is well worth it for the beautiful view of Tilicho Lake (4,920m /16,141ft). The trail goes through the middle of the landslide area, providing a view of impressive rock formations.

Today, you finally get to the great Himalayan lake – the Tilicho Lake (4,920m /16,141ft) nestled at the foot of Tilicho Peak (7,134m /23,406ft). The trail is a bit steep initially and then ascents. Yaks and deer can be spotted grazing along the trail. A lake is also an important place for Hindus. After admiring its beauty, you head back to Sri Kharka. This is a gentle walk.

Trek from Sri Kharka to Yak Kharka is a scenic retreat. It offers amazing viewpoints of Annapurna III (7,555m /24,787ft) and the Gangapurna (7,455m /24,458ft). The trail follows along the beautiful Marsyangdi river. Herds of mountain goats can be found grazing along the trail.

This day you hike on the lower part of Thorong La Pass, Thorong Phedi. It is a small, beautiful, and busy village. The trail passes through plateau shaped barren desert, and high peaks keep you company as you trek along. The trail is flat with a gradual ascend.

Today, you ascend to the final pass of the trek. Over 1,000m /3,280ft of altitude is gained, making for a cold and challenging hike. But the view at the top will make it worth your while as you get to gaze at the high peaks of the Himalayas. Enjoying this view, you descend to Muktinath.

Having come this far along, you will need to visit Muktinath temple. It is one of the most important temples of Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is known to provide salvation from the sins of life. After this pilgrimage visit, you pace down to Jomsom. But first, there is a climb to Lubra Danda and a walk down to a scenic Thakali village – Lubra village. Then you pace your way down to Jomsom.

From Jomsom, you will fly to Pokhara. After such a long trek, you might need a long hot shower and rest. You can have it all at Pokhara. The city has a great selection of food and fun nightlife. It also boasts high-quality spas, yoga, and other relaxation treatment. This luxury has been rightly earned after such an adventurous trek.

Today is dedicated to the scenic city of Pokhara. Pokhara has a lot of facilities for entertainment apart from the scenic beauty of the landscape. The city boasts beautiful lakes, with the most famous being Phewa Lake. As you paddle along this lake, enjoy the reflection of Macchapuchhre (7,000m /23,000ft). Apart from this visit to Davis fall, Gupteswar Gupha, International Mountain Museum, Peace Stupa, etc., can be planned.

Finally, with the trek over, you head back to Kathmandu. Driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes around 7 hours and covers a distance of 200 km/125 mi. The road passes through hilly and winding terrain. Scenic views of hills, mountains, villages are offered while driving. After the drive, a final night at Kathmandu awaits, perfect for a cultural event or trying out some local Newari cuisine.

After gaining an once-in-a-lifetime experience, you will head back to your country or you can join another trip with us.