Best season for Tilicho Lake Trek via Thorong La Pass
Similar to most of the Trekking destinations in Nepal, Tilicho Lake shines the best in both spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. They both offer the best temperature and climate to hike which depends on your preference.
Autumn offers you a calm comfortable temperature to hike, and clear skies meaning stunning views of mountains which might be perfect for you if you love photography. The weather is also stable in Autumn with minimal chances of rain. However, we would like to inform you that this is the festive season in Nepal meaning you might encounter crowded trails.
Whereas Spring offers you a warm temperature which at high altitudes might be very beneficial. The trek to Tilicho will be filled with beautiful wildflowers, the lush jungles will be the greenest at this time of the year which makes sure to fully immerse with nature. But there is a chance of occasional snowfall at the higher altitude in the seasons which requires extra gear and preparation.
Arrival and Visas
As you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, the staff at the airport will help you get the visa as quickly as possible. You have to pay nominal charges ( USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days) to get the visa. We would recommend you bring cash for the visa procedure which ensures fast transactions as digital options might not be readily available. After you get your visa, Our team will welcome you to Nepal and drive you to your comfortable hotel where you rest and prepare for the trek.
A day in the trek
We will start the day early to witness the beautiful sunrise across the majestic mountain range, after watching the view. We will be served a delicious breakfast then we will start the hike. The hike will take us to the destination within 4-7 hours depending upon the trail. We will explore the village, learn their culture and lifestyle have dinner at the guest house and settle for the night.
The difficulty of Tilicho Lake Trek via Thorong La Pass
The Trek to Tilicho Lake and then Thorong La Pass is very famous for its diverse landscapes and scenic views. The trek itself is demanding, both physical and mental as we climb up to the altitude of 5416 meters.
The trek demands a good level of physical fitness and we recommend you to have previous trekking experience. The trail includes steep climbs and diverse terrains so you should pack your hiking boots with good ankle support and grip.
Altitude Sickness
Any altitude over 3000 meters is considered to hold the risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms like Headache, fatigue, vomiting, and insomnia are some symptoms of altitude sickness. We highly suggest you talk to the guide who is experienced and trained to handle these situations.
The highest point of the trek is 5416 meters at Thorong La Pass, which is the hardest part of the trek to conquer. Simple practices like staying hydrated, taking enough rest and taking things slowly are some of the good practices we will follow throughout the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Food and Accommodation
We offer you the most comfortable accommodations that the place has to offer. Most of the parts which we will be trekking are remote and you should be prepared to embrace the basic facilities the guest houses offer. You will be staying in guest houses throughout the trek with basic facilities run by local families.
Food plays a very important role throughout the trek be it with the energy we get or help us adjust to the altitude. The local guest houses at higher altitudes offer you wholesome local meals that feature traditional Nepalese dal bhat and fresh vegetables. We suggest you have fresh local vegetables that help you adjust to the altitude. Also, The lodges at lower altitudes will provide you with amenities beyond basics.
Personal Expenses on Trek
For Tilicho Lake Trek with Thorong La Pass, we offer you our standard package which includes three meals each day, accommodations, permits to explore the region, and transportation costs within Nepal. Although the package covers most of the heavy expenses you should remain informed about possible additional expenses.
Personal expenses completely depend upon you, your preferences and your generosity. The package doesn't include snacks, drinks, additional meals and other nominal charges at accommodation like wifi charge, electricity charge etc, tips to porters and guides.