Mesokanto La Pass Trek via Tilicho Lake

On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport the Nepal Adventure Team staff and guide will receive you with a warm welcome and then transfer to respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu around Thamel. After refreshment, our guide will brief you with information regarding hotels, Nepali cultures, upcoming tours, and more, with a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with a folk cultural program.

The journey begins early in the day when you board a deluxe bus from Kathmandu to Besishahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The scenic trip lasts for 6-7 hours, covering a distance of approximately 175 kilometers. The journey follows the winding Prithvi Highway, looking at Nepal's lush countryside, terraced fields, and river valleys. The travel goes through bustling towns like Dumre and Muglin before you arrive at the Marshyangdi River valley.

Upon arrival at Besishahar, you will be moved to a local lodge or guesthouse. The town is quaint and is a common starting point for the majority of trekkers to the Annapurna range. The afternoon is free to walk around the town, visit nearby markets, or simply relax by the riverside. Dinner is at the lodge, where one can try some Nepali local food before getting a good night's rest in anticipation of the next day's journey.

You will have a morning breakfast early, then embark on a scenic and exciting jeep drive from Besishahar to Chame, the headquarter of the Manang district. The drive is scenic but adventurous, passing through rough and narrow mountain roads with breathtaking views of waterfalls, gorges, and high peaks. Subject to road conditions, the journey takes around 6-7 hours of driving.

As you ascend, the landscape shifts from subtropical forests to alpine. You'll pass through several traditional villages, including Ngadi, Jagat, and Dharapani, each of which offers a glimpse into local Gurung and Manangi life. Reaching Chame (2,710 meters), you'll stay in a comfortable lodge and have time to explore the town. Chame is renowned for its hot springs, and if time permits, you can indulge in the soothing hot springs. Dinner in the evening is at the lodge, where you unwind in the calm mountain environment before the night's rest.

Through enchanting alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following the Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills we drop to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill by alpine woodland to Dhukure Pokhari. Dhukure Pokhari is a small place with few teahouses and lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak. With a lunch break here, walk descends to lower Pisang village for overnight stop.

Pisang village offers great scenery of mountains and surrounding landscapes. From here, altitude gains as a short uphill climb begins with super views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, Chulu’s, and Pisang peak. As you reach the flat valley of Hongde village, tree lines disappear, and barren and arid landscapes with a cold, dry arctic climate are experienced. We visit the old Braga monastery with its old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya. Manang village is accomplished after an hour walk where we have warm night stay

A day is separated for the acclimatization before heading higher elevation of Thorang –la pass. You have optional short hike for exploring Manang village. Manang is a large village situated on windswept valley at the bank of Marsyangdi River beneath Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range. Nearby walk gives the views of glacier and the Manang emerald Lake.

With sound rest in Manang village we march towards last village of Manang that is Sri-Kharka leading to Tilicho and diverting us from main Annapurna Circuit trail. Khangsar village is big enough having well settled settlement. From Khangsar our route is diverted towards Tilicho lake. On this day, our stay is arranged at Sri-Kharka with small settlement and probably the last village on the way to Tilicho Lake.

This day, we reach our ultimate destination, Tilicho Lake. We walk through a barren land with few short juniper trees and bushes. The path is much narrower on the dry terrain, which prevents more than two people at a time. However, this narrow path leads to a broad view of a sensational and sound lake far away from any hustle and human footprint. Tilicho Lake is the sole blessing of the almighty, being a pure and sensational lake accompanied by the view of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. Besides, Tilicho Lake is regarded as holy for both Hindu and Buddhist religions. Here, we stay at cozy lodges on the shore of the emerald Tilicho Lake with magnificent scenery. We have the rest of the day and night to deeply enjoy this spectacular beauty.

After a great time at Tilicho Lake, we lead towards remote areas of Manang valley in complete wilderness. We reach at the base of Mesokanto-La or Tilicho Lake which is the highest overnight camp of the trip at 4,800 meters altitude. Tilicho Base camp provides the opportunity of encountering some wildlife like antelopes, musk deer or an elusive snow leopard.

12th Day of the trek offers the most adventure as we tend to cross to high passes. Firstly, we head up the high slope traversing Tilicho pass and eventually climb Mesokanto-la pass at 5,099 meters festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. After the most energetic climb, descend towards Jomsom for overnight camp at Nama phu, a temporary shelter of cattle herders'

We have an enjoyable walk on downhill path towards Kaligandaki valley with super views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. We reach large grazing pasture of Kaisang. Likewise, afternoon walk land us to large Thinigaon village for overnight stop, located above Jomsom and Kaligandaki Valley.

Today’s aim is to stay at Jomsom, headquarter of Mustang area through all downhill walk. Jomsom has many excellent lodges for overnight stay, as this town is situated in the hub of Annapurna-Dhaulagiri circuit, Upper Mustang and holy Muktinath route. You have leisure to explore Jomsom area.

We have remarkable flight from Jomsom to Pokhara as the view makes our heart bounce. Additionally, Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in the world crafted with lakes, hills, Himalayas, temples, monasteries and cool people.

You can have scenic cool long drive to Kathmandu or short flight. You can rest or roam around the Kathmandu city for shopping souvenirs. Authentic Farewell dinner is arranged. 

With the big heart after visiting Annapurna Base Camp, as per your schedule, Nepal Adventure Team drops you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Nepal Adventure Team is open to your feedback and reviews as well as bid you goodbyes with the hope to meet you soon in your next trip in Nepal.