Tilicho Lake Trek with Mesokanto Pass | mesokanto pass trek

The Tilicho Lake Trek with Mesokanto La Pass is an adventurous trek located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is an alternative route to the usual trekking to the Annapurna massif through Thorang La Pass. This audacious trek is best suitable for those trekkers who have a strong fitness level and enough experience with high height pass trek. It is technically challenging for the beginner trekkers as the trekkers need to camp while crossing the pass. 

Tilicho Lake  Trek via Mesokanto La Pass takes you to one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, Tilicho Lake(4920m) situated in the Manang district of Nepal. The trekkers will be bewildered by the outstanding views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I-IV, Mt Manaslu, Mt Annapurna South, Mt Nilgiri, Mt.Fishtail, Mt Hiunchuli, Mt Lamjung, Tukuche peak, Tilicho peak and so on. The trail of this trek embraces the superior diversity of landscape and culture. The snowcapped mountain views and lakes along with various ethnic cultures, lush forest, diverse landscape, and deep valleys add more excitement and joy to the trekking journey. You can see the settlements of diverse communities such as Chhetri, Tibetian Sherpas, Thakali, Magars and, Gurungs along with the trial. In addition, the trail also captivates amazing flora and fauna such as rhododendron, pine, fir, Snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, Jackal, Danphe, and many more. 

The off-beaten path trek to Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto Pass is ideal for them who love a challenge and want to trek through the less crowded zone. Due to the sheer beauty of the pristine Tilicho Lake and the adventurous and thrilling Mesokanto La pass the Tilicho Lake Trek with Mesokanto La Pass is gaining popularity and is becoming the favorite trekking destination.

During the trek, you will also get to visit the Manang and Jomsom. Both places are very popular among the trekkers trekking in Nepal. Both Manang and Mustang are Tibetan influenced village.

Getting there

After a long drive from Kathmandu, you can start your trek from Syanje. From there, continue your trek along the regular Annapurna Circuit trail until Manang. After acclimatizing there for some days in Manang, you head towards Tilicho Base Camp passing through the beautiful Khangsar village. The trekking trail passes through various settlements, waterfalls, terrains, and ancient Tibetian monasteries. Trekkers get to witness the astonishing rock formations, narrow canyons,  and yak grazing settlements while trekking. Further trekking from the Base Camp the trail leads you to the picturesque emerald Tilicho Lake. The view of the lake with its turquoise water shining against the magnificent massif is a rewarding experience for every trekker. Ascending uphill from the Tilicho lake there comes the Mesokanto La Pass. 

Crossing the Mesokanto La Pass is tough and challenging compared to the Thorang La Pass, however, the Himalayan scenery from the top of the pass is marvelous. After the wonderful moment on the top, you trek downhill and walk through the dry and desert landscape to reach Kaligandaki river bank. Walking over sandy and windy trail you finally reach to Jomsom. It is the fastest way to reach Mustang from Manang. Taking the morning flight from Jomsom you can reach Pokhara. Taking the flight or drive from Pokhara you can finally return back to Kathmandu.

Best time for Tilicho Lake Trek with Mesokanto La Pass

Autumn and Spring season are the best time for trekking to the Tilicho lake with Mesokanta La pass. Spring falls in the month of March to May in Nepal while Autumn lasts from September to November. Trekking to this adventurous destination in those months, you will get to witness the beautiful wildflower along the trail. Moreover, during these months of the year, the temperature is stable and sky is clear. The crystal clear sky offers the outstanding visibility of mountain peaks and landscapes.

Trekking to Tilicho Lake through Mesokanto is not possible during the winter season as the snow blocks the trekking trails.

Accommodation on the trail

Tilicho lake trek with Mesokanto la pass follows the same trekking route of Annapurna Circuit Trek up to the Manang. As the trekking trail of Annapurna Circuit is well established so up to the Manang you can stay in the teahouses or lodges. From Manang, you divert your trek towards Tilicho Lake that is away from the crowded trekking trails of the Annapurna region. The facilities of the teahouse after Manang to Tilicho Base Camp is still very good. However, there are no teahouses and lodges after the Tilicho High Camp until Jomsom.

So, all the trekkers heading towards the Mesokanto La Pass should spend their nights in the tented camps. 

How hard is Tilicho Lake Trek through Mesokanto la Pass?

This is the challenging trek for moderately fit people seeking adventure. The trekker needs to be physically fit and mentally calm in order to complete the trek.

In spite of being on the lower elevation than that of the Thorang La Pass, trekking to the Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto La pass is more difficult to cross. So you have to be physically strong enough to tackle such a trekking expedition. An experienced trekking guide and proper gears are required to cross the pass. Novice trekkers with normal fitness levels and no experience of trekking are not recommended for this trek. 

How to avoid altitude sickness during the trek?

While trekking to the high altitude it is common to get altitude sickness. However, you can take some precautionary measures to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness. They are:

• Attain height gradually and slowly

• Drink plenty of water

• Eat high caloric food

• Avoid drinking and smoking

• As you trek towards the higher altitude reduce your number of walking hours and take ample rest

If you feel any of the symptoms like nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and so on then you have to immediately descend to the lower altitude if possible.

What permits are required for this trek?

 As the trek to Tilicho lake with Mesokanto lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal, TIMS and ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit are required for this trek.