Difficulty and Fitness Requirement
Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake Trek is a difficult to moderately difficult trek. This requires no technical skills but demands good stamina. You need to be able to walk six to eight hours each day.
The Bhimthang Trek features long stone stairs and mud in the forests, particularly when wet. The fifth day is shorter on distance but very strenuous on the lungs. The hike to Pungkar Lake goes to an altitude of around 4,100 meters. When approaching Pungkar Lake, the track becomes rocky with loose rocks on it.
The fourth day of the trek is the most difficult one. In order to reach Bhimthang from Tiliche, you have to walk seven to eight hours and ascend by around 1,300 meters. The path is very steep as it moves through the forest and there are rarely any flatpaths where you can rest.
The descending from day 6 involves a six to seven-hour descent. Your knees will take more damage than your lungs on this descent, so poles are extremely useful.
Altitude sickness is something to be feared during this trek. There is a rapid rise in altitude when going in a jeep to Tiliche and sleeping at an altitude of 3,590 meters in Bhimthang. Headache, nausea and difficulty in sleeping are early signs of the condition.
How to prepare:
- Walk uphill 3-4 times a week for 6-8 weeks
- Take flights of stairs or hills while carrying a full daypack
- Improve leg muscles and core
- Perform back-to-back walking days
The fit trekker can do the Bhimthang Trek easily. All you need is to prepare early, pack light, and walk slowly.
Best Time to do the Trek
The ideal season for the Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake Trek are Spring and Autumn. Both of the season promise good weather condition and great mountain vistas. Both of them are quite different from each other, therefore, decide on which one you want to experience.
Autumn (September to November)
The monsoon rainy season cleared up the skies and made the views of the mountain peaks impressive. The weather is not too hot during the daytime (temperature about 15 to 20 degrees), but in the evenings at Bhimthang it gets cold enough. Paths are dry and comfortable, but in early autumn there may be some muddy patches.
Spring (March to May)
Spring season provides warm weather and beautiful views of the forests that bloom all around the path. The rhododendrons bloom in April and early May, making this trek from the village to Bhimthang particularly attractive. There is some afternoon haze in the distance, but mornings are always the cleanest part of the day.
Winter and Monsoon
Winter months (December to February) should be avoided due to possible snowfall, which may take it difficult for you to pass along the upper path. Along that Monsoon season (June to August) causes rainfall, landslides and muddy trail which can affect the entire Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake Trek.
Accommodation and Food
There is less comfort as you climb on the Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake trek. You Sleep in modest mountain teahouses, so set your expectations before starting.
In Kathmandu and Besisahar, you will be staying at a good quality, comfortable level with attached bathrooms, hot showers and Wi-Fi in Kathmandu. In Besisahar, you will stay at a descent and basic lodge with private rooms available.
When the trek begins, the accommodation will be in teahouse twin-sharing rooms with mattresses, pillows and blankets included. The walls are very thin and the night is chilly. We recommend you bring a good quality sleeping bag, or we will make arrangements for you.
For the food, the menu options are very limited but very fulfilling. The traditional Nepali food Dal Bhat is the most preferred meal during the trek. They are very energetic, fulfilling and comes will unlimitedly refill. Some other meals include noodle soup, momo, fried rice, eggs, porridge, and Tibetan bread. On Bhimthang Trek, food supplies are carried by the porters, so you should prefer to go for vegetarian food.
Permit and Trekking Requirements
Before starting your journey on the Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake Trek, you will have to arrange some permits which depend on your specific route and current regulations.
The most common permits required are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit as the trekking route starts in that area, then you have to obtain the permit for the Manaslu Conservation Area. In addition, there may be a requirement of an entry permit from the rural municipality.
However, permits are not the whole story. Nepal’s regulations usually require a guide to lead a tour in conservation areas. On this trek, the guide will be doing much more than simply meeting the requirements of the regulation, including knowing the route, watching altitude symptoms, and taking care of the checkpoints.
What makes it easy for you is that you do not have to worry about anything. The permit arrangements for all our treks are done by Epic Trek Nepal. We arrange and process all the required paperwork for you.
You just have to send a scan of your passport, visa information, and some passport-sized photos. You should have your travel insurance cover trekking up to 4,500 meters with helicopter evacuation.
Once trekking start, you must carry your passports and copies of your permits in your day pack since officials may check them at different stages on the way to Pungkar Lake.
Trip Extension and Side Tracks
A seven-day trek is short, but there are a lot of people who prefer having a few extra days in the mountain. Luckly, it is possible to add some days to the Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake Trek. You can choose to do it before or after the trek.
The most basic addition to the trek is an extra day at Bhimthang. This helps your body get acclimatized, and it helps you experience a repeat journey to the lake even if the weather is not favorable.
If there is any energy left, try asking your guide for some short trails through the village area. There are many trails that are easily walkable and take you up close to Manaslu and its glacial formations. The trails are peaceful and you usually get to enjoy them alone.
Once you finish your trek, you could spend a couple of relaxing days doing something else in Nepal. You could explore Kathmandu, visit Pokhara, go on a safari in Chitwan, or add more days to a trek in Manalo or Annapurna Region.
Just tell us what you want to do, and all of this will be arranged by Epic Trek Nepal.
Don’t on the Trek
Proper preparation does help you during the Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake Trek, but your action during the trekking process is equally important. There are few basic thing that you need to keep in mind, and everything will be enjoyable and safe.
Do not move fast during the trek, particularly on the fourth day when there is a considerable ascent. Go easy, take breaks consistently and never ignore such symptoms as headache, nausea or dizziness as it may be altitude sickness and, in that case, tell the guide as soon as possible because small symptoms will quickly turn into bigger problems at Bhimthang.
Pay attention to your body at the teahouse. Do not smoke and consume alcohol as it will interfere with your sleeping process and will make it harder for your body to adjust to the new altitude.
Respect must also be shown to the path. Do not walk away from your guide, particularly on the Pungkar Lake Trek route, where the weather can be very changeable. Avoid the edges of lakes where they are covered in ice or snow.
Lastly, be respectful of the mountains and the people. Littering should not take place, and plastic waste should be carried away. Always seek permission before taking photographs of the villagers, and when passing the mani walls and chortens, ensure that the wall is to your right side.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is necessary for the Tiliche Bhimthang and Pungkar Lake Trek because the trail is difficult and distant from hospitals where you might need medical assistance. Therefore, having travel insurance allow you to receive emergency support without any delay.
First check the altitude coverage provided by your policy. You have to be covered to an altitude of 4,500 meters, because the Pungkar Lake trek requires you to walk up to 4,100 meters.
Second, make sure that your travel insurance incudes emergency evacuation from the mountain. It is the fastest way out of the to evacuate someone from mountain, if anything goes wrong.
The medical insurance is also important. Get a plan that covers altitude sickness, injuries, and any hospitalization. Also, consider plans that will provide insurance for trip cancellation, flight delays, and lost luggage in case of bad weather.
Before you buy, ask your insurer these questions:
- Does the policy cover trekking up to 4,500 meters?
- Does it include helicopter evacuation?
- Does it cover pre-existing conditions you have?
Forward us a copy of the insurance plan before the trek begins. Our team will review it with you to ensure you have proper insurance coverage and carry the printed version in your daypack along with the 24-hour contact number of the insurer.
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