Frozen Lake Tilicho Trekking

Destination: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Moderate and Adventurous
Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: Hotels and Teahouse / Lodge on treks
Group Size: 01-10 pax
Max Elevation: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft high at Thorang-La Pass
Ultimate Destination: Around Annapurna via Manang-Mustang and Kaski areas
Activities: Sightseeing tour- exciting drive and trek with flight from Jomsom
Trekking Region: Lamjung- Manang and Mustang areas on Nepal North Mid West
Average Walks: 05 -06 hrs a day
Trekking Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days (drive both ways with flight from Jomsom)
Total Trip: 20 Nights / 21 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Best Seasons: March to May and Sep to December

"around beautiful Manang valley within amazing country at emerald color Tilicho Lake"

Frozen Tilicho Lake around Annapurna Circuit Trekking route, one of the most unique and phenomenal adventure of a life time experience regarded as world’s best adventure destinations by many travel guide books and magazines, truly a fascinating place to be where you will enclosed within giant peaks of Annapurna which includes views of Manaslu and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range.

A mesmerizing adventure where memories of the great walk to Frozen Tilicho Lake Trekking where memory never fades of the adventure, with its incredible views of giant snow clad peaks on daily walks passing through interesting farm villages and towns of beautiful Manang and Mustang district, where you can marvel its ancient Buddhist culture and traditions as it was for hundred of centuries.

An interesting walk starting from low warm sub-tropic around paddy fields and terraces to follow the raging Marshyangdi River upstream right up to its source near Manang and beyond, as the trail leads on scenic routes passing through lovely forested areas and towards barren and arid landscapes at high Manang valley enclosed within peaks of Annapurna and Damodar Himal range.

On this walk visit of old and impressive Braga monastery with rest day at Manang to enjoy the views and local culture and then heading towards Tilicho Lake off from the main trail of Annapurna, at Tilicho Lake enjoy it beautiful surrounding enclosed within Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks.

Tilicho lake considered as holy on Hindu Myth story describes earlier life of Kak Bhushundi, was a mischievous disciple of Lomas Muni (a great Guru) and a true devotee of Lord Shiva and was reborn as a crow, and came close enough to know about Rama and understood the purpose of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation among humans and then composed the great epic Ramayana. The sage- crow came to be as Kak-Bhushindi.

After a wonderful visit of Tilicho Lake heading towards on the main Annapurna circuit route to join at Yak Kharka to cross high Thorang-La pass with awesome scenery to reach at lower Mustang area at holy Muktinath and famous Jomsom town around Kaligandaki river valley.

Tilicho Lake Trekking concludes with a flight from Jomsom to scenic, picturesque and famous Pokhara valley, located on the laps of massive Annapurna Himalaya which reflects on its pristine Phewa and Begnas lakes. After an enjoyable and pleasant time at scenic Pokhara an interesting overland drive brings you to Kathmandu after a most fascinating adventure with fond memories of Frozen Tilicho Lake Trekking.

Highlights

“Fascinating journey on world best adventure destination around North of Annapurna Himalaya
Walk from warm areas to alpine terrain and beyond to frozen and beautiful Tilicho Lakes
Visiting traditional Gurung-Magar-Manang and Thakali villages of immense Buddhist culture
Enchanting and lovely alpine forest of tall rhododendron-pines-oaks-firs tree lines
Amazing views on daily walks of Annapurna-Manaslu and Dhaulagiri mountain range
Crossing high Thorang-La pass with exceptional views of dramatic landscapes".

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01Pick up in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel.
Day 02Kathmandu with sightseeing tour, trek briefing and preparations.
Day 03Drive to Syange 1,140 m via Besisar - 06 hrs.
Day 04Trek to Dharapani 1,943 m - 06 hrs.
Day 05Trek to Chame 2,720 m - 05 hrs.
Day 06Trek to Pisang 3,190 m - 05 hrs.
Day 07Trek to Manang 3,540 m - 04 hrs.
Day 08Acclimatization day at Manang with short hikes.
Day 09Trek to Khangsar 3,734 - 05 hrs.
Day 10Trek to Tilicho Lake 4,140 m - 04 hrs.
Day 11At Tilicho Lake for exploration.
Day 12Trek back Khangsar - 05 hrs.
Day 13Trek to Yak Kharka 4,210m - 04 hrs.
Day 14Trek to Thorang- La High Camp or Phedi 4,450 m - 04 hrs.
Day 15Cross Thorang La 5,416m | 17,769 ft and trek to Muktinath 3,800 m- 06 hrs.
Day 16Trek to Kagbeni 2,780 m - 03 hrs.
Day 17Trek to Jomsom 2, 715 m - 04 hours.
Day 18Fly to Pokhara and transfer to hotel by the Phewa Lake.
Day 19In Pokhara with local activities and tours.
Day 20From Pokhara drive to Kathmandu 1,345 m - 06hrs.
Day 21International Departure for Homeward bound.

Check Day to Day Detail Itinerary

Price Inclusion

What's included

Airport Pick up and drop.
Delux accomodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
All surface transfer as per the itinerary.
Kathmandu and Pokhara city tour by English Speaking Guide on Private Vehicle.
All the standerd meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during trekking.
Safe and ozonated water throughout the trek.
Tea House Acomodation during trekking.
Registered and trained Guide.
Required number of insured Porter.
Annapurna Conservation Area fees.
All Surface transfer for your guide, porter and necessary cargo.
Staff insurances.
Government taxes and official charges. Visa charge not included here.
Attractive First Aid Kits.
Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.

What's not included

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Beverages and other hard drinks cost
Nepal Entry visa fee and airport taxes.
Expences of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks etc
Rescue and emergency cost/ Insurance cost but we will help to carry of the procedure.
Personal trekking equipments

Useful Information

Your safety is our paramount concern while trekking with Wild Stone Adventure. Your Leader has full authority to amend any part of the itinenary due to safety reason. Every effort will be made to keep up with the above itinerary however it is the adventure in remote himalayan zone we cannot guarantee it! Wether condition, physical condition of trekkers and unexpected natural disasters can force to alter the itinerary.Your Leader will forward you with the alternatives so please be prepared to be flexible.

Arrival

Upon your arrive at Tribhuban International Airport (TIA), Wild Stone Adventures' representative will greet you and transport you to your Hotel. The rest of the day depends on your interest and condition, you can either take a rest or visit our office.The next day you will be formally introduced to your Guide, brief about the trek and enjoy sightseeing tour of the city's most influential cultural and historical landmarks.

Accommodation

Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing basis with private facilities which are of Western style.

Whilst trekking accommodation is in lodges and teahouses and is of a basic standard. Rooms may be twin or multi share with basic shared toilet facilities. Hot showers and Laundry facilities are available in some places for a small charge.

Transportation

Wild Stone Adventure use high quality private transportation to get in and off the trekking put in point and put out point.On longer routes, we use private or tourist buses, which provide a slightly higher degree of comfort and safety.For air transportation Wild Stone uses modern, comfortable and most - reliable airline operator.In trekking region, transportation mean is hiking and in some cases Yaks / horses / mules / donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major mean of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters and/or animals.

Meals

We provide quality food in sufficient quantities during your trip period. Tilicho lake trekking cost include breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara and three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses menu while on trek. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Trekking Group

For Tilicho lake trekking, there will be one leader (5 trekkers:1 leader)and the required number of sherpa porter(2 trekkers:1 porter).As you will be travelling in the group you will be exposed to all the pleasure of travelling in group. We can run annapurna circuit trek for any group size but generally we have maximum of ten people, we we found this to be best group size for the optimal success.

Group Leader and Support Staffs

All our trips are accompanied out by one of our local group Leaders. The aim of the group leader is make your Tilicho lake trekking successsful, enjoyable, memorable and hassle free. Our leader will provide informationa on the culture, geography, ecosystem, flora and fauna of the place your are travelling. They will also offer suggestions for the optional activities and thing to do, recommend great places and introduce you to the local people. Our leader will also assist you to learn the local language.

All our outdoor guides are licensed from the Government of Nepal. Beside the license they have numbers of certificates including Wilderness First Aid, certificate from Kathmandu Education Projects, certificate from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, and Eco friendly guiding certificates.

Trip Grade
Our Tilicho lake trekking 21 days is a strenuous adventure involving long day walks and crossing the high passes with light back pack. Some days you might even need to walk more six hours. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes however, those in excellent physical condition with above average fitness and some past altitude hiking experience can do this trek.

Physical Preparation

For the Tilicho lake trekking the general rule is you need to be very fit and the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. You will be walking at very high altitudes with your day pack, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature. We recommend you to undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, to enhance your strength and stability. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to boost your fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trip to its fullest.

Best Season
Autumn (September - December) and Spring (March-May) are the best seasons for the Tilicho lake trekking. The weather is excellent and offers tantalizing mountain views, but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing in higher elevations. Winter (Dec - Feb) is also good for Tilicho lake trek, only issue is cold and might be problem in the higher pass pass due to snow. Monsoon (June -August) can be the perfect time to capture the beauty of flowers and lush vegetation in higher valleys. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy the best of nature.

Weather and Climate
The Himalaya makes its own weather, which varies significantly over a few kilometers. There can be sudden storms and high winds and usually clouds in the afternoon. Tilicho Lake Trek is likely to have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains up to 3,500m the nights will be cold, normally around 5 degree C, and during the day temperatures sometimes rise to 25 degree C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20 degree C to -15 degree C.

Acclimatization
We have decade long of experience in operating at high-altitude. Every trip we run has a gradual ascent at the higher altitude with the shorter walking hours with the time to acclimitise in the afternoon. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. We can provide 'Gamow Bag' as a precautionary measure as per your request on hiring basis. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes in excess of 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.

Currency Exchange

The official currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee (NRs)

It is best to bring a mixture of cash and travelers checks in major currencies - USD, CAD, EUR, AUD - and ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations. Money may easily be exchanged at Kathmandu airport on arrival and banks and licensed moneychangers in cities. Credit card cash advances and ATM withdrawals are in NPR only.

Before departing on your trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency in small denominations as change is hard to find in the villages ( 100 rupee are easy to trade )

Extra Pocket Money

While trekking with wild Stone adventure, all meals are included in your trip cost . You will need very little local currency for meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara extra snacks, soft drinks or souvenirs along the trail.

Extra money dependa upon your spending habit. Please consider your own spending habits when you count for extra pocket money.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances beyond our control ( natural disaster, extreme weather, nepal strikes) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Travel Insurence
Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers. Your travel insurance must cover accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability.

Etiquette

When visiting and entering temples and Nepalis house you must remove your shoes. In some temples, it is forbidden to wear any leather goods. Other temples, such as those in Pashupatinath, do not allow foreigner besides hindu to enter. These are normally marked with a sign in English, and we urge you to respect such practices.

Always ask permission before taking photos inside any temples, and before photographing any local people. When permission is granted, always be sensitive when photographing people, and non-intrusive when shooting inside temples when prayers are in progress. Generally, photography is allowed outside Buddhist and Hindu temples and at religious ceremonies and festivals.

You are guest in Nepal and it is appriciated if you behave like Nepali (Local):

Dress Respectfully (no short shorts or revealing clothes)
Do not show affection in public.
Do not buy antiques.
Do not point your feet (unclean) to people and point with full hand not with one finger.
Do not step over persons.
Do not touch or step over offerings (red powder, flowers/rice)
Do not use your left hand (dirty)
Receive and give with two hands.
Ask permission before taking people's photographs.
Discourage begging, pay fair price
Take off your shoes before entering a monastery or Nepali house.
Go clockwise roung the stupas, temples etc
Avoid touching monks / lamas.

Clothing
Dress respectfully with an awareness of local standards. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool during hiking. In many rural areas women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unaccepted. While visiting temples,monasteriesand other religious sites men need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels and tea houses for a small charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your ownlaundry so we suggest you bring biodegradable soap.

Tipping

Tipping is expected but not compulsory and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your trip.

Responsible Tourism

Being a responsible trek operator is at the heart of what Wild Stone Adventure is all about. The beautiful environment of the Himalaya is also an extremely fragile one. At Wild Stone Adventure , we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact as much as possible.We are committed to responsible tourism and it is implemented in every trip through the following means.