Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto-La Pass Trek

The Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto-La Pass Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote trekking adventures, offering a unique combination of high-altitude lakes, challenging mountain passes, and culturally rich Himalayan villages. This trek takes you through the northern Annapurna region, exploring rugged valleys, high alpine meadows, and serene landscapes rarely touched by mainstream tourism.

The trek is particularly famous for Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks including Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Annapurna II. Trekkers also experience the challenging Mesokanto-La Pass (5,099m), a remote pass that connects the Manang and Mustang regions, offering an off-the-beaten-path adventure with incredible Himalayan vistas.

Along the route, trekkers will pass traditional Tibetan-influenced villages such as Manang, Siri Kharka, Yak Kharka, Nama Phu, and Thini Gaon, where ancient monasteries, chortens, and local customs provide a deep cultural experience. The journey showcases breathtaking landscapes—from lush pine and rhododendron forests to barren rocky high-altitude deserts and alpine pastures.

This trek is ideal for experienced and fit trekkers seeking adventure, solitude, and immersion in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal’s Annapurna and Mustang regions. It combines challenging trails, high-altitude trekking, stunning panoramas, and serene lakes, making it a truly unforgettable Himalayan experience.

Highlights

Tilicho Lake – a pristine high-altitude lake surrounded by Himalayan peaks
 Mesokanto-La Pass – remote, challenging, less-crowded high pass trek
 Explore traditional villages: Manang, Siri Kharka, Yak Kharka, Nama Phu, Thini Gaon, Jomsom
 Visit sacred monasteries and experience Tibetan-Buddhist culture
 Walk through alpine meadows, barren rocky landscapes, and high mountain valleys
 Panoramic views of Annapurna I, II, III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri
 Stay in authentic teahouses or camp at high passes
 Acclimatization days included for safe altitude gain

Basic Information

Destination
Duration
Start / End Location
Accommodation Type
Difficulty Level
Max Altitude
Age Limit
Transportation Mode

Tilicho Lake
17 Days
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Lodges/teahouses + camping at high passes, Hotels in KTM & Pokhara
Strenuous
5099m
-
-

Best Season

Mar–May & Sep–Nov

Inclusions

Airport pick up/drop with private vehicle.
Guided Kathmandu valley city by expert tour guide with private vehicle.
Three nights hotel in Kathmandu and one night hotel in Pokhara including breakfast.
Three meal a day (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) fresh fruit in evening during the trekking.
Tea House( Lodges) and two night tented accommodations during the trekking.
Bus from Kathmandu to Nagdi and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Domestic flight tickets from Jomsom to Pokhara with airport tax.
A government licensed English speaking guide during the trek.
Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bags during the trekking.
Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
ACAP permits and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System).
Government taxes and tourist service charge.
Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.

Tour Plan

Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
Warm welcome by our trekking guides and staff.
Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Check-in to your comfortable room.
Group briefing: Detailed information about the trek, safety measures, and other useful travel tips.
Evening: Welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant with local cuisine.
Meals: Dinner included
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Free day for optional sightseeing of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Pashupatinath Temple
Boudhanath Stupa
Prepare your trekking gear, check porters, and confirm itinerary for the Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto-La Pass Trek.
Final arrangements and rest before the long journey begins.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; optional lunch/dinner during city tour
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Early morning departure from Kathmandu.
Scenic drive through mid-hill farmland areas with distant snow-capped Himalayan views.
Reach Besisahar in Lamjung district; continue through hilly tracks passing villages and terraced fields.
Cross Jagat and Chamje villages as altitude gradually increases.
Arrive at Dharapani, a culturally rich village situated at the junction of Annapurna and Manaslu trekking circuits.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch en route; Dinner
Overnight: in Dharapani

Begin trekking through rhododendron and pine forests.
Pass Bagarchap and Danque villages.
Ascend gently to Timang village, with magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu.
Optional lunch stop at Timang.
Continue along gradual trails with a few short climbs.
Arrive at Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, a large town with basic facilities.
Meals: Breakfast a; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: in Chame

Trek follows the Marsyangdi River, climbing gently towards high mountain terrain.
Stop at Bhratang village.
Cross a bridge and climb to Dhukure Pokhari, a small hamlet with lodges offering views of Chulu and Pisang peaks.
Continue downhill to Pisang village, a traditional settlement with impressive mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast at ; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: in Pisang

Leave Pisang; trail enters Manang Valley with stunning views of Annapurna, Chulu, and Pisang Peaks.
Ascend gradually along a ridge offering a panoramic view of the valley enclosed by towering mountains.
Pass Hongde village, a small settlement with a seasonal airstrip connecting to Pokhara.
Continue to Braga village, visiting Braga Monastery, renowned for its ancient wall paintings and Buddhist relics.
Short hike from monastery leads to Manang village.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Manang

Acclimatization day to adjust for high-altitude trekking.
Optional short hikes to explore:
Gangapurna Glacier
Manang Glacial Lake
Explore Manang village, enjoying the local culture and Himalayan vistas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: in Manang

Leave Manang and divert from the main Annapurna Circuit trail into remote corners of the valley.
Trek past scenic areas to Khangsar, the last settlement en route to Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto-La Pass.
Enjoy views of high peaks and sparsely populated landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: in Khangsar

Morning trek through arid and barren landscapes with juniper and Burberry bushes.
Ascend gradually while enjoying Gangapurna and Tilicho Peaks.
Arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, an isolated place with few lodges.
Stunning close-range views of snow-clad peaks.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: at Tilicho Base Camp

Carry packed lunch for the day hike.
Short climb from base camp to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.
Enjoy the turquoise lake surrounded by Tilicho and Gangapurna Himal peaks.
Return to Tilicho Base Camp for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch ; Dinner at lodge
Overnight: at Tilicho Base Camp

Trek through harsh, dry terrain rarely visited by trekkers.
Follow a faint trail, gradually ascending towards Mesokanto-La Pass.
Overnight halt at a flat rocky area at the base of the pass.
Camp set up by trekking staff with meals prepared on-site.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch & Dinner at camp
Overnight: Tented camp

Early morning climb to Mesokanto-La Pass, highest point of the trek.
Spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Gangapurna Himal.
Descend through rocky and boulder-strewn terrain.
Arrive at Nama Phu, a small yak herders’ pasture in Mustang region.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: at Nama Phu

Gentle descent towards Kaligandaki Valley.
Enjoy views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks.
Pass Kaisang village and continue to Thini-Gaon, a traditional Thakali settlement.
Overnight stay at a local lodge with warm hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: in Thini-Gaon

Short downhill trek to a bridge crossing.
Arrive at Jomsom, the Mustang district headquarters with a small airstrip.
Explore the town, markets, and enjoy views of surrounding peaks.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch on trail; Dinner
Overnight: in Jomsom

Morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara; enjoy aerial views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas.
Short drive to a hotel near Phewa Lake.
Leisure time to relax by the lake or explore Lakeside town.
Meals: Breakfast ; Lunch & Dinner at hotel/restaurant
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

Morning views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare (Fishtail) peaks.
Drive back to Kathmandu via scenic highways.
Optionally, take a 30-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; Lunch on route; Dinner at hotel in Kathmandu
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for homebound flights.
Conclude an unforgettable adventure through Annapurna Himalayas, Tilicho Lake, and Mesokanto-La Pass.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel