Tilicho Mesokanta Pass Trekking
Tilicho Mesokanta Pass Trekking
Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal
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The Annapurna region of the Central Nepal Himalaya lies Tilicho Tal (lake), at 4,919m one of the highest of its size in the world. Stretching about 2.5mi / 4km long and about 0.6mi / 1km wide, it lies at the foot of the 23,400′ / 7,134m summit of the same name, north of the Grande Barriere a 10km / 6mi long wall of rock, ice and snow. We soon leave the lodges on the main trail to head up toward Tilicho Tal. These high Himalayan reaches are the habitat of the Himalayan tahr (mountain goat) and the snow leopard, among other mammals. From our camp by the shores of the lake, we climb up to the Mesokanto La (pass, 16,730′ / 5,100m) where we are rewarded with the first views of the Kali Gandaki valley. We descend to stay at the charming Thakali village of Marpha. Here on we follow the Kali Gandaki upstream to Kagbeni, and up a side valley to the shrine at Muktinath, sacred to Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims alike. The trip ends in Jomsom with an early morning flight to Pokhara. This is a splendid summer trek, as rewarding as it is challenging. The Tilicho lake trek is among the finest serious Nepal treks best experienced in the Monsoon.
Tilicho Lake is one of those places that has had next to mythic connotations. Many regard it as the highest lake in the world. It was for long almost totally closed save for a few climbers and expeditions, and since 1974, when Nixon changed the China policy, part of the area above Thini on the Jomosom side became a totally off-limits military area. From the Manang side it was rarely if ever visited.A much sold guide book informed potential trekkers that the path to Tilicho was “a figment of some ones fantasy” and the locals in Manang had little knowledge of the route too, and were often thought to be Slightly unfriendly as they were known for not being particularly keen on working as human beasts of burden for various expeditions that had passed. When asked to porter they had simply refused! Manang is no ordinary village. Its people are heavily involved in international trade, due to passport privileges granted in the past.
Tribhuvan International airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
We start our journey into the hills through the winding roads along the Trishuli River. Enroute we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greenery, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenarios. Upon arrival at Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour’s drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
Our first day`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down hill sections across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual then it becomes steeper. The mountains that we see from Khudi become closer as we walk higher. The villages and people are an interesting. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu in Sirung. Sirung offers us a home-stay where we also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the number of visitors is more than four, the group may have to split to stay at different houses for the night. At this juncture, we will have first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
We trek through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. Always following the Marsyangdi River, we walk in a fantastic landscape through little waterfalls, forests and villages. We will not feel tough until we reach Syange (1100 m), but after Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. Overnight at Chamje.
Today we enter the Manang region passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. On the way is the village namely Tal. Tal lies on a flat plain next to the sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. While hiking, sometimes we may have to give a pass to a large group of donkey caravan. Overnight at Dharapani.
Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route on the west. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be treated to some of the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day hard trek. Overnight at Chame.
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be gone. We cross and re-cross the river again and again on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. Upon walking through these wonderful sites we reach at Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.
Today, we will have disjunctures of two routes that we follow. If taken upper route (Himalayan Glacier recommends), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, we will have outstanding sceneries. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today. On the way, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. The upcoming next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. Further, we pay an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, upon wherre we will be at a village’s monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang.
This day trek continues to Khangsar village crossing Khangsar Khola. The trekking continues descending down to Khangsar Khola and crosses over a bridge and enters in the village which has Tibetan life style and culture. The village is also known as the last village of Nepal in high altitude. We stay overnight in Khangsar.
On this day, trek continues to Tilicho Lake from Khangsar village ascending up to a high ridge. From the ridge the views are unpredictably impressive and eyes staking. You can spend some time there enjoying the magnificent panorama of the area and continue to Tilicho Peak Base Camp where we stay overnight in a tented camp.
The sacred Tilicho Lake is situated at 4920m and is highest lake in the world. A high route and low route connect Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp. The low route undulates between 4000-4250 meters through 100 meter-high rocks jutting out of a steep slope. O/N Camping
We start our trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass. Mesokanto Pass is a dry place. We will pass altitude of 5099m at Mesokanto Pass and reach to spot called Nama Phu. O/N Camping.
Today we trek to Jomsom from Mesokanto. Jomsom, at an altitude of 2800m is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. The entire panorama is filled with a golden, glittering light, which forms a dramatic contrast. O/N Tea house (BLD)
After breakfast, your trekking crews will help you with your bags to the airport and offer farewell for the last time. Our representative in Jomsom will make all the arrangements for your flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will have to check in at the hotel. Then, you can either rest or stroll in the beautiful streets of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Beauty Nepal Adventure representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
