Tilicho Lake Trek Manang

It’s a beautiful walk from Chame to Pisang, through woods with some small ascents, and wonderful views of the peaks soaring above us. It’s just a five hour day, so we’ll have the afternoon in Pisang to explore the village, with it’s Tibetan Mani stones and Gompa, perhaps taking a walk up to Upper Pisang for amazing views of Annapurna II and Annapurna III.

6 hours walk past a series of unique and colorful Chortens to Manang, at 3500m, a village of 500 or so flat-roofed houses, the headquarters for the region, and an interesting village packed with trekkers, bakeries and lodges. Manang is dominated by high peaks – Annapurna III and Gangapurna tower over it, and a dramatic icefall sits just across the river. There is an old Gompa on the edge of town, many local teahouses, and some atmospheric, winding streets in the village leading out toward the Thorung La. Finally, guest houses, showers, cold beers! There is a 3 o’clock lecture on altitude by the Himalayan Rescue Association for anyone interested. or in the evening simply listen to Manang grown photographer Tashi R. Ghale slide shows and awesome video of the area.

Today is our acclimatization day, with lots of options; a long day-hike to the Ice Lake, a visit to the ‘Hundred Rupee Lama’ at the cave gompa above Manang, a two-hour hike to Milarepa’s cave across the river from Braga, the HRA talk, or a tour of Manang’s many bakeries. A hike up 300 meters or so for acclimatization is recommended, but nothing too strenuous is required. The guesthouse is wonderful, a sunny and warm place to gaze at the peaks in the afternoon.

After acclimatizing at Manang we continue our journey towards the Tilicho Lake, situated on the west end of Manang following the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola, we reach Khangsar Village and head towards the village region which is still very traditional Tibetan. We then trek to Shree Kharka where we stay here overnight. Later afternoon we hike up to see some Himalayan Blue Sheep and the surrounding Mountains.

Today after passing a monastery, we continue our trek The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as the Tilicho Base Camp at elevation of 4,200m.

Today we wake up early as possible to start our to avoid the wind. From the here to the Tilicho lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place in the afternoon and claimed as highest lake of the world. We spend some time around Tilicho Lake , taking lovely serene pictures and videos. This is one of dream come true place to be at. We then return same way back to Base Camp and have lunch. After Lunch we walk along the riverside across the steep landslide area to Siri Kharka. We can now enjoy cold beer and hot shower

Usually the trekkers who are on Annapurna Circuit trek , continue their trek to Yak Kharka but we continue our trek towards the Manang Village. We walk along the riverside and come pass monastery. We stop by lunch at Khangsar before we reach Manang Village.
Today we can enjoy this accomplishment with bottle of beer and take much need hot shower. We also have option to watch a movie . Small Projector-ed Theater on the top of the world. Overnight

Today we leave this beautiful Manang Valley behind and drive back . Since there is road access from all the way down to Besisahar , we take good tourist Jeep for the same.
We come across some lovely apple farming and tiny villages on the way where we can stop for some tasty ‘ Dhal Bhat ‘ for lunch. Since the drive can be tiring , today we stop at Besisahar ; our ending point and stay there overnight for some good shower and much need rest. Overnight

Today we make our return journey to Pokhara early morning by Tourist Bus or private car. This usually takes 4-5 hours.