Manang to Mustang Trek via Tilicho–Mesokanto Pass

We will take a private tourist vehicle drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar & Syange. The drive will continue for 6 to 7 hours depending upon the road condition and the traffic. The drive until Besisahar, which used to be a starting point for treks, is on a concrete paved road. Beyond this until Syange, the drive will be on dirt uneven roads.

We will provide the best vehicle matching the requirements of the road. All our drivers are very experienced and are certified license holders for mountain roads.

After breakfast drive to Chame with observing most amazing waterfalls, Marshyangdi gorges, and Chyamche hot spring. It takes 5 hours for 65.7km. This day you will get to experience most adventure drive on dirt track where road passes through rocky hill and Marshyangdi River gorge

After breakfast we start trek from Chame to Dhikur Pokhara with observing Nepal’s largest apple farm “Agro Manang. This day trail goes a bit upward on dirt track as well as nature trail. After lunch continue trek to Upper Pisang Village. The trail passes through Pine tree jungle and slope massive ridge of Pisang Peak. This day you will get to experience scenic mountain range and Manang valley during the trek. Stay night in Upper Pisang Village where you will get to experience locals with food and people.

There are two routes to Manang but we follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Gyaru village. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang.  We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment.

This day we make short trek for Manang village. On the trail; Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. 

We spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend doing some fine day walks and viewing the magnificent sights around the village. Towards the end of the day, we return to our accommodation for a night’s rest.

From Manang village, the trail crosses a Khola which comes from Thorong Phedi. Continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley turning west up the valley of Manang valley. The trail follows this valley westward, passing a few pastures and scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Khangasar & next point Shree Kharka. Now the trail goes through land slide zone & rocky falls trail. This day will be most adventurous trekking experience. Overnight at Base camp Lodge. 
 

The trek starts with a steep ascent and continues to hug the side of the mountain before reaching the lake. On our way we can see yaks and deer grazing in the pasture. As we reach the Tilicho Lake we can see the Tilicho Lake, a large turquoise lake nestled at the foot of the north face of Tilicho Peak. The beauty of the scene is appreciated by many travelers from around the world.The lake holds great importance to the Hindus as the lake was mentioned in the holy text, the Ramayan. Overnight in a Tent. 

Starting from Tilicho, today we trek up to our end destination- the Mesokanto La pass. It is at a beaming altitude of 5025m and surrounded by utter silence. Once you are at the top of the pass, you should get down to the Kharka (or Yak Kharka).

The trail is quite steep and tricky. Set up a camp here as there are still no human settlements or human-made structures around. You will carry dinner for the night on your own. Stay in the camp overnight.

On your way down from Kharka, you’ll stumble upon the most talked about place in Upper Mustang- Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a gem of a village, with ancient rooftop houses lined with hay. It lies in the Kali Gandaki valley and leads to Jomsom after you walk for approximately 5 hours.

Jomsom best showcases hard-hitting windy noon (apparently, there’s even a song in the Nepali language about the 12 o’clock wind in Jomsom). Jomsom happily greets you with immaculate views of the Nilgiri peak, as well as the Dhaulagiri massif. Enjoy Jomsom after you book a place to spend the night.

After breakfast in Jomsom, choose between a scenic flight or drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time to explore Pokhara's attractions, such as Phewa Lake and Lakeside, or engage in adventure activities like paragliding.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu aboard a tourist bus. As you journey back to the capital city, take in the passing landscapes and reflect on the memorable experiences of your trip. Today marks the final day of your adventure, concluding with your return to Kathmandu.

Congratulations on completing your Tilicho Lake & Mesokanto Pass Trek! It sounds like an incredible adventure in the Annapurna region. As you prepare to depart, take a moment to reflect on the stunning landscapes and memorable experiences you've encountered during your 12-day journey.

Having a representative accompany you to the International Airport adds a nice touch of convenience and ensures a smooth transition as you head back home. Remember to double-check your belongings, including any souvenirs or cherished memories you've collected along the way.

As you bid farewell to the majestic mountains and welcoming communities of the Annapurna region, carry with you the spirit of adventure and the lessons learned from your trekking experience. May your memories of this journey serve as a source of inspiration for future adventures.

Safe travels, and until we meet again on another exciting expedition