Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek

Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto La Pass Trek.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from A One Nepal Trek will warmly greet you and arrange transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can rest or take a casual stroll around the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, we will gather for a trip briefing and enjoy a welcoming Nepali dinner.

• Included Services: Airport Transfer | Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 02: Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar & Overland to Chame (2,670m)

• Drive Duration: ~10 hours Our journey begins early with a picturesque drive along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers to Besisahar. From there, we switch to a local 4WD jeep for a scenic off-road ride following the canyon trails up to Chame.
• Included Services: Bus & Jeep Transport | Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse (BLD)

Day 03: Chame to Pisang (3,200 m / Upper Pisang 3,300 m)

• Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours Wake up to brilliant morning views of the Himalayas. Today’s trek leads through dense pine forests to the dramatic rock wall of Paungda Danda. Continuing along the riverbed, we arrive at Pisang, where you will enjoy front-row views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. (Option to stay in Upper Pisang for an elevated evening panorama).
• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse Accommodation (BLD)

Day 04: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)

• Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours Today we enter the rain-shadow zone of the Annapurnas. The trail winds past ancient chortens, Mani walls, and traditional Tibetan-style stone villages like Nawal or Braga. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak as we make our way into the cultural hub of Manang.
• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse Accommodation (BLD)

Day 05: Acclimatization & Exploration Day in Manang (3,540 m)

Proper acclimatization is essential before climbing higher. After a relaxed morning, we take a short side hike up to the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint or Chongkor Lookout (gaining ~300m elevation) to help your body adapt to the thinner air, returning to our lodge for rest.

• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse Accommodation (BLD)

Day 06: Manang to Khangsar Village (3,734 m)

• Trek Duration: ~4–5 hours Branching off from the main Annapurna Circuit route, we head toward the remote western valley. We cross a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River and ascend steadily through juniper pastures to the traditional settlement of Khangsar.
• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse Accommodation (BLD)

Day 07: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m)

• Trek Duration: ~4–5 hours The path leads through dramatic high-altitude landscapes and across famous landslide zones featuring unique rock formations. Taking a careful, steady pace, we arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, surrounded by towering alpine cliffs and glaciers.
• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse Accommodation (BLD)

Day 08: Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)

• Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours We start early in the morning with a steep climb up to the breathtaking Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest alpine lakes. Marvel at the sparkling turquoise waters reflecting the massive Tilicho Peak glacier wall. After taking in the views, we settle into camp near the lake shores.
• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse / High-Altitude Lodge (BLD)

Day 09: Cross Mesokanto La Pass (5,467 m) to High Camp / High Pastures

• Trek Duration: ~6–7 hours An exciting highlight of the trek! We traverse the challenging Mesokanto La Pass (5,467 m), offering 360-degree views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After celebrating at the top, we begin our steep descent into the high alpine pastures toward Jomsom.
• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Tented Camp / Basic Teahouse (BLD)

Day 10: High Camp to Jomsom (2,720 m)

• Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours Descending through arid Mustang landscapes and rocky ridges, the trail joins the wind-swept Kali Gandaki River valley. We arrive in Jomsom, the commercial hub of Mustang, where you can enjoy hot showers and celebrate completing the high pass.
• Included Services: Licensed Guide & Porter | Teahouse / Hotel Stay (BLD)

Day 11: Scenic Flight/ Private drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (820 m)

• Flight Time: ~20 minutes Early in the morning, take a memorable mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying between the giant peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon landing in Pokhara, transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Phewa Lake or exploring the vibrant Lakeside shops and cafes.
• Drive Time: 6-7hourse drive by 4wheel. on the bank of Kaligandaki River.
• Included Services: Domestic Flight/Drive | Airport Transfers | Hotel (BB Plan)

Day 12: Tourist Bus Drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu

• Drive Duration: ~6–7 hours After breakfast, we board a luxury tourist bus for a scenic return journey to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a final evening of shopping or souvenir hunting.
• Included Services: Tourist Bus Transport | Hotel (BB Plan)

Day 13: Final Departure Transfer & Farewell

Your Himalayan adventure comes to an end. At the designated time, an A One Nepal Trek representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your return flight home. Safe travels!

• Included Services: Airport Drop-off Transfer

Cost Includes

• Airport Transfers: All airport pick-up and drop-off services.
• Accommodation in Cities: 2 nights in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara in standard hotels with a Bed & Breakfast (BB) plan.
• Accommodation on the Trek: 11 days in teahouses during the trek with full-board meals.
• Meals: All 3 meals per day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) along with a cup of tea with every meal.
• Ground Transportation: Tourist-standard bus transport from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Pokhara to Kathmandu & Sharing drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. (Note: Guest and guide private drive from Jomsom to Pokhara; flight fare from Jomsom to Pokhara is extra depending on the date).
• Staff Support & Logistics: An experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant trekking guides based on group size (maintaining a ratio of 2 trekkers to 1 porter), covering their salaries, insurance, equipment, food, and lodging.
• Trekking Gear Provided: Down jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag, and a trekking map (Note: Down jackets and sleeping bags must be returned after trip completion).
• Permits & Paperwork: All necessary official paperwork and permits, including the National Park permit and TIMS card.
• Safety & Documentation: Comprehensive medical supplies/first aid kit, a trekking area map for clients, and an official trip completion certificate issued by the company.
• Taxes: All applicable government and local taxes.

Cost Excludes

• Nepal Visa Fees: On-arrival visas are available at the immigration entry point (please bring accurate USD cash and two passport-sized photographs).
• City Meals: Lunches and dinners while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Optional Flights: Flight tickets from/to Jomsom–Pokhara or other destinations (extra charges apply based on date and time).
• Itinerary Additions: Any extra charges for additional programs or extensions outside the standard itinerary.
• Travel Insurance: Personal travel, medical evacuation, and high-altitude rescue insurance.
• Gratuities: Local donations and tips for guides and porters.
• Personal Expenses: Extra pots of tea, bar bills, electronic device battery recharging, extra porter hires, bottled or boiled water, hot showers, and other miscellaneous personal items.

Fixed Departure

Route Map

Altitude Graph

Trek Highlights

• Dramatic Mountain Vistas: Panoramic views of three iconic 8,000m giants: Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), and Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) alongside majestic surrounding peaks.
• Diverse Landscapes & Ecosystems: Walk through lush rhododendron forests, roaring glacial streams, cascading waterfalls, and high-alpine mountain terrain.
• Rich Cultural Immersion: Experience traditional mountain hospitality and the unique cultures, seasonal traditions, and daily life of local Gurung, Magar, and Manang communities.

Safety, Health & Field Facilities

Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities:

• Experienced Field Crew: Led by licensed, English-speaking, safety-trained guides with extensive high-altitude experience.
• First Aid & Emergency Protocols: Guides carry comprehensive first-aid kits. Local health posts are available along the route, with emergency road transport accessible within a few hours if required.
• Physical Fitness: Expect an average of 5–6 hours of walking daily with a lightweight daypack (2–5 kg) while our porters carry your primary duffel bag.

Personal Travel Insurance

• Mandatory Requirement: All clients must hold comprehensive travel insurance prior to starting the trek.
• Coverage Scope: Your policy must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking (up to 5,500 m), medical expenses, emergency helicopter evacuation, and flight cancellation. (Please secure travel insurance in your home country before departing for Nepal, as A One Nepal Trek does not sell insurance policies).

Accommodation & Lodging

• Teahouses & Mountain Lodges: Accommodation is provided in hand-picked, hygienic local teahouses on a twin-sharing basis.
• Amenities: Rooms are comfortable and clean with shared or private bathroom facilities depending on the village elevation. Lodging standards and pricing are regulated by regional tourism management committees.

Meals & Drinking Water

• Varied & Fresh Menus: Enjoy freshly prepared daily meals including traditional Nepali Dal Bhat, ethnic Himalayan specialties, and popular international options (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian).
• Safe Drinking Water: Bottled water is available along the trail, but to help reduce plastic waste in fragile ecosystems, we strongly encourage using boiled water or treating local water with purification tablets/filters.

Recommended Packing Checklist

• Footwear & Apparel: Waterproof trekking boots, light flip-flops/sandals for lodges, rain jacket, waterproof pants, thermal layers, and moisture-wicking t-shirts.
• Gear & Accessories: Wide-brim sun hat, UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen, trek poles, headlamp, and a lightweight sleeping bag (sleeping bags and down jackets can be provided upon request).
• Personal Items: Personal prescription medications, basic toiletries, and a reusable water bottle/hydration bladder.

Environmental & Eco-Tourism Policy

The Himalayan environment is breathtakingly beautiful yet ecologically sensitive:

• Leave No Trace: We enforce a strict “zero impact” policy on natural environments and traditional communities along our routes.
• Conservation Partnering: We work alongside organizations like KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) to minimize single-use plastics, promote responsible waste disposal, and respect local traditions.

Best Trekking Seasons

• Autumn (September to November): Crystal-clear skies, moderate daytime temperatures, and incredible mountain visibility.
• Spring (March to May): Warm temperatures, blooming rhododendron forests, and ideal high-pass crossing conditions.

Booking Guidelines & Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial Contact & Consultation: Reach out to A One Nepal Trek to discuss itinerary customization, dates, and group pricing.
2. Passport Copy Submission: Provide a clear copy of a passport valid for at least 6 months past your travel dates for all group members.
3. Trip Deposit: Confirm your booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance with a 35% advance deposit via bank wire transfer.
4. Permits & Documentation: Send passport-sized photos and international flight details so our team can issue your TIMS card and ACAP entry permits in advance.
5. Final Preparation: Print and bring your agreed itinerary, cost breakdown document, and payment receipts with you to Kathmandu.

(Note: For groups of 12 or more paying trekkers, a free service charge discount is provided for the group leader, excluding mandatory permit, monument, and flight fees)