Essential Information - Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake
Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake Best Seasons:
The best seasons for Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake are in spring and autumn/fall; spring starts in March and ends in May. Autumn/falls begin from September till November and springtime with much longer days due to sunlight hours. During spring much warmer during day time with enough sunshine from early morning till late afternoon.
But cold morning, evening and night time, a pleasant day for walks and clear views till afternoon. Could get snowed on higher areas of Manang above 3,000 m high onwards sometimes.
Next, the best time for Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake is autumn and falls, one of the peak and high seasons for trekking and other adventure around the Himalayas. Days are clear for views and scenic walks with sunny days; however, days are much short due to sunshine hours.
Colder morning, late afternoon, and in the shade as well nighttime, with the bright starry night sky. Chances of snowfall during the walks sometimes, but one of the best times for Semi-Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, and Thorang-La Pass trekking.
Manang village during Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake:
A major halt of most trekkers and climbers at Manang large village enriched with immense Buddhist culture and religion. The houses are both built as semi-modern and retain their old traditional architectures, an interesting village for rest days.
The village offers various short hikes with scenic sights to explore and visit Gangapurna Himal Ice-fall, glaciers, and Gangapurna Lake. A walk of a few hours down to Masrsyangdi River and hike up close to the glaciers of Gangapurna Himal. Facing views of Annapurna-III at 7555 m and Gangapurna Himal 7, 455 m in the background with Chulu’s towards the north.
For adventurous people can take a long hike of 3-4 hours above Manang village and the valley to Ice Lake. Located at 4,620 m high, also called Kicho Tal, a small pond that remains frozen most of the year. From this high spot, enjoy a marvelous grand panorama of Annapurna and Chulu’s Himal Mountain range.
Other places of interest are the old Braga Monastery and the visit to 11th Century saint Millerepa meditation cave, located in south Manang. An interesting place for a short tour of famous guru and saint Milarepa visited Manang valley from Tibet to meditate. Apart from the religious and holy sites, the views of Annapurna and Chulu peaks are equally fascinating.
Spend two overnights at the main Manang village, and then the adventure continues towards our next destination at Tilicho Lake.
Tilicho Lake is located off from the mainstream of the popular Annapurna Circuit trail, heading south of Manang valley. The walk leads to a scree, rocky path crossing streams, staying overnight at Khangsar village and towards our destination at Tilicho Lake.
Thorang La Pass:
Thorang-La Pass, at 5,416 m and 17 769 feet high, forms the boundary of the Manang and Mustang districts is the major highlight of the Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake. Located close to the Damodar Himal range northeast of Mustang and north of the Annapurna Himalaya range. Enclosed in between by two giant peaks of Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang, facing tremendous views of the Dhaulagiri Himalayas.
The pass is marked with a signboard with the name and height of the pass with thousands of Buddhist prayer flags. The passes in Buddhism are considered holy and abode of gods and mountain spirits, the ‘La’ a word of respect. Likewise to the father is Pa-La, and the mother Ama-La, or using other people in addressing names La at the end. Most people think ‘La’ for a pass, but it is a most respectable word, as the passes are the place of gods.
From Thorang-La, long downhill to the base and bottom of the pass at Phedi, with few tea shops and lodges. After a great climb and descent, a slow, pleasant walk of a few hours reaches a famous holy sanctuary at Muktinath. Ending the day walk in the comfort of the nice lodge at Ranipawa close to Muktinath temple premises.
Muktinath:
Muktinath is one of the main havens for Hindu pilgrimage hubs around the high Himalayas region of Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake. The origin of the main temple is believed to be from the 19th century; however, the sanctuary of Muktinath has existed. Even more, thousands of centuries, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the three main gods in Hindu mythology.
The word Muktinath means Liberation or freedom from the life cycle and re-birth and reaching Nirvana. For Tibetan Buddhists, it is the home of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers, an important tantric spot.
Buddhists believe in a manifestation of Avalokiteśvara / the god of compassion; visitors can visit the monastery and witness everlasting blue flame. That springs out of the holy soil of Muktinath, a flame lightened by the underground natural gas.
Muktinath Temple area, situated in the Mustang District around the rugged environment, is enclosed by snow mountains with views of the Dhaulagiri Himalayas.
The sacred 108 water spouts, where pilgrims take a holy bath before entering the main temple of Muktinath.
From Muktinath, a short morning walk downhill on a scenic trail with a big drop to Kaligandaki River valley. A pleasant walk to Jomsom, where our adventurous trekking completes at Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang district.
Enjoy the last day of the adventure in the comfort of lovely lodges and hotels with the warm hospitality of Thakali. The main ethnic tribes of Lower Mustang and Kaligandaki River Valley are interwoven into Buddhism religion. With time at Jomsom in the afternoon, explore the town and markets with close views of Nilgiris peaks.
The next morning after an early breakfast, walk to Jomsom airport terminal for a short scenic flight to beautiful Pokhara. On reaching Pokhara stay overnight in the best hotels by the serene Phewa Lakeside. After completing a marvelous adventure on Annapurna Semi-Circuit with Tilicho Lake & Thorang-La Pass Trekking.
From Pokhara the next day, on the road to Kathmandu. Where our memorable adventure of great experience on Annapurna Semi-Circuit with Tilicho Lake & Thorang-La Pass Trekking concludes.
Attractive Views of Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake :
From the beginning of the Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake, one will enjoy glorious views of dramatic landscapes and snowy peaks till the end of the trek at Jomsom as well in Pokhara. Scenic views of the Mid-West Himalayas follow you throughout the walks from drive to walk as well as on a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Fitness For Thorang La Pass And Tilicho Lake Trek:
All trekkers joining this high-altitude trek should be in good physical fitness and in sound health. For any personal health problem, consult with your doctor and inform Vertex Holidays for special help, care, and as well dietary foods. Some people can be allergic to some foods and plants; please inform your guide and leader.
Food & Accommodation during Thorang La Pass Trekking with Tilicho Lake
Foods & Accommodation depend upon each major and isolated smaller settlement. Chame, Pisang, Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom offer a wide range of good lodges with nice and best rooms facing grand views. These places provide choices of rooms attached to common baths and toilets.
Where prices differ from the budget, standard to classy rooms in the lodges, as for few places like Khangsar, Tilicho base camp, Yak Kharka, and High Camp on route Thorang-La pass, lodges are basic and simple with nice small rooms with common toilets and bathe. However, all have nice heated dining rooms to make it cozy with potbellied stoves. Nearly all lodges offer hot/cold showers at extra cost for interested trekkers.
Foods nearly all lodges have comprehensive food menus as per seasonal vegetables and fruits. Most villages serve home-cooked meals from the famous Nepali Dal Bhat (Boiled Rice, Lentil soup with mild veg or meat curry). Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, Continental, Japanese to Mexican foods.Deserts from custard, rice pudding, fresh or canned fruits, and yogurt, as well fresh bakeries’ cakes, pies to pastries.
Lunch is always simple either fried/boiled noodles with veg, fried rice, and bread with potatoes fried or boiled. Drinks from tea and coffee to hot drinking chocolates as well hot lemonade and etc….
Around isolated places like on route Tilicho, as well on High Camp, simple meals are available, from noodle soup/ fried with veg, Dal Bhat, and with limited food menus.
Preparation For Tilicho Lake & Thorang La Pass Trek:
Depending upon the time of booking, full preparation is required to get yourself organized, buying the necessary items for the wonderful trekking.
As well as getting oneself physically fit and in good medical health, and practice exercise jogging, walking up and down steps for an hour or other physical fitness exercise and staying healthy for the trip. It would be good to know some local cultures of Nepalese, especially the Manang and Mustang areas.
FITNESS FOR THORANG LA PASS AND TILICHO LAKE:
All trekkers joining this high-altitude trek should be in good physical fitness and in sound health. For any personal health problem consult with your doctor and inform Vertex Holidays for special help, care, and as well dietary foods. Some people can be allergic to some foods and plants, please inform your guide and leader.
THE BEAUTY OF MANANG & MUSTANG AREAS:
The beauty of the Manang & Mustang areas offers various aspects from the breathtaking scenery of landscapes, snow peaks, and local cultures.
The charm and beauty of the Manang & Mustang region are the views of beautiful country terrains, as it follows you from the start to the end of the trek.
The views of the high Himalayan peaks of Manaslu, Lamjung, and Annapurna Himal remain constant, along with Dhaulagiri, Chulu, and Damodar Himal.
Besides the wonderful scenery of peaks and landscapes, the local culture are equally fascinating. The area of trekking around Manang and Mustang involves strong Tibetan Buddhism, one can immerse in its age-old traditional heritage and colorful custom. An opportunity to visit impressive monasteries on route trekking as well as interacting with local natives and knowing its traditional cultures.
As you walk come across many prayer walls and spinning wheels which make a lovely picture with a mountain backdrop. The beauty and charm of the region are its friendly cheerful people provide guests with warm hospitality.
TRAVEL & MEDICAL INSURANCE:
One of the first priorities is Travel & Medical Insurance, one should purchase according to age-wise, areas of travel. As some Medical Insurance is difficult for people above 60 years old, especially if traveling to high Himalayan countries.
Travel & Medical Insurance are the most important while joining for the high altitude adventure. Travel Insurance in case of delay in trekking due to unfavorable weather conditions, road blockades due to political strikes, broken trails due to landslides, and avalanches. Where extra expenses might incur in sudden unfortunate situations. As well as Medical Insurance which is very important in case of sudden accidents, or serious sickness while on the trek.
Where the victim in critical condition needs to be brought to the nearest good medical care and in hospitals either to Pokhara or Kathmandu. For immediate quick evacuation by private transportation or by Helicopter service. In this situation, all medical bills and emergency evacuation by any means of transport are to be borne by oneself.
Vertex Holiday will issue a backup letter to your insurance companies so that one can claim expenses incurred other than trip costs.
