Difficulty of Tilicho Lake and Mesokanta Pass Trek
The Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass trek is a difficult trek that takes place at high altitude. It is definitely not an easy trek than you can complete successfully on your very first time in Nepal.
First off, altitude will be the biggest issues. There will be days spent at over 4,000 meters, with Mesokanto La pass begin the highest area at 5,330 m. This means that thin air will make even simple activities more difficult than usual.
Crossing the pass is the hardest in the whole Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trek Itinerary, as it includes long and difficult journey with the ascent and descent and lots of walking on loose rocks or snow depending on the season and recent weather.
Other sections of the route include constant ascending and descending every day. The trails between Khangsar and Tilicho Base Camp include some sections of hazardous slopes due to landslides.
You do not require climbing expertise for the journey, but fitness level is very important. Fitness exercises, hiking with a backpack, and building your leg muscles with months of training before the trek is very helpful.
Best time to do the Trek
Time becomes very important when it comes to this route since the weather and snow play an integral role in viewing the lake and crossing through Mesokanto La Pass. Timing of the trekking trip will ensure that your journey is both safe and fun.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the best time for you to trek through this place. This is because days are fairly stable, temperature at lower altitudes becomes better and rhododendron forests at lower altitudes add some color to your trek.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another best season due to clear skies and better visibility. This is the peak season since views of the mountains around Tilicho Lake become sharp. Also, trails become dry making it easier to trek steep portions of the trail
Winter (December to February)
Winter comes with intense cold and heavy snowfall at high altitudes. Mesokanto La Pass might become very dangerous or even unpassable due to heavy snow covering the path making it difficult to move around
Summer (June to August)
Summer or monsoon season is not advisable for this trek because of high rainfall leading to landslips in the lower areas and cloudiness limiting the mountain view. Even though Manang Valley is in a rain shadow area which receives less amount of rainfall compared to other regions, but the pass may still pose challenges with poor visibility and slippery nature of terrain.
For the satisfying and enjoyable experience, spring and autumn is the best seasons for the Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto Pass Trek.
Required Permits
As the route passes through the entire Annapurna Conservation Area, obtaining the permit is very simple compared to other treks where access is limited.
It is the primary permit necessary for the whole route from Chame to Manang through the Tilicho Lake, Mesokanta La Pass and to Jomsom. This permit is provided by Nepal Tourism Board which also supports conservation within the region.
The TIMS card will be required depending on the existing regulations. The rules regarding this permit have undergone several changes in recent years.
It will not be necessary to obtain restricted area permits for this trek, as the Mesokanto La Pass and its trail do not enter any restricted areas like Upper Mustang, but remain within the normal Annapurna Conservation Area route.
Both of these permits will be checked on the trail route on your entry point at Chame and another point near Jomsom, which make it essential that you carry physical copies of the permit.
All of this is quite troublesome to arrange, particularly with all the paperwork and office visits in Kathmandu. This is why Epic Trek Nepal arranges all the permits for you. Just provide your passport size photo and other necessary document.
How to prepare for the Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trek
Proper preparation really makes the difference when it comes to complete such trek successfully without any difficulties. Due to the altitude and duration of the trek, it is always necessary to prepare yourself before the trek.
Physical preparation should begin at least 6 to 8 weeks before the planned date of the trek. You need to focus on cardio work like hiking, running and weight training for leg and core muscle. Also practice hikes with a backpack that will help you adjust when the real trek starts.
Preparation for high altitude is very important for this trek. If it’s possible, try to spend some time at moderate altitude before the trek or at least understand the symptoms of altitude sickness and how your body reach to it.
Gear preparation becomes important due to rough terrain and temperature changes. Proper layering for cold mornings, used trekking boots, trekking poles for steep ascending and the right gear for one night of camping around Yak Kharka are mandatory.
Mental preparation is also important with long trekking days, weather changes, and the challenge of crossing the 5,330-meter-high pass.
Don’t forget about travel insurance that cover high altitude trekking an emergency evacuation because of its remoteness and altitude.
Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trek vs Standard Tilicho Lake Trek
| Feature |
Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trek |
Standard Tilicho Lake Trek |
| Route type |
One-way crossing, ends in Jomsom |
Out-and-back, returns via Manang |
| Duration |
Around 10 days |
Around 12-15 days (usually as part of Annapurna Circuit) |
| Max altitude |
5,330m (Mesokanto La Pass) |
4,919m (Tilicho Lake) |
| Difficulty |
Strenuous, high-altitude pass crossing |
Moderate to challenging |
| Camping required |
Yes, one night near Yak Kharka |
No, only teahouse throughout the trek |
| Crowd levels |
Very quiet, especially past Tilicho Base Camp |
Busier, part of popular circuit trails |
| End point |
Jomsom, with a flight out to Pokhara |
Back through Manang, same route as arrival |
| Experience needed |
High-altitude trekking experience recommended |
Suitable for reasonably fit trekkers with some hiking background |
| Highlights |
Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto La Pass |
Tilicho Lake and Annapurna circuit |
| Best suited for |
Experienced trekkers wanting a wilder, less-traveled route |
Trekkers wanting a shorter, teahouse-based trip to the lake |
The basic difference is what follows after Tilicho Lake. The classic version stops at the lake and goes back in the same direction from which the route began. In the case of the Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trek, the lake becomes the midpoint, and you further proceeds to the pass from there.
This will add some complexity and require an additional night in camp and higher altitude acclimatization. At the same time, there will be fewer tourists, real remoteness and mountain passage.
For those trekkers who are trying to choose between the two routes, it depends on their abilities and willingness to take up a more difficult and adventurous challenge.
Accommodation and Camping
One the Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto Pass Trek, accommodation changes from teahouses to camping depending on your location along the trek.
From Chame to the Tilicho Base Camp, you will be staying at teahouse run by local family that offer basic twin rooms, shared bathrooms and a dining hall, where you can have your food and gather with other trekkers in the evening.
But in the Mesokanto La and Yak Kharka region, things are quite different. Since this place lies outside the teahouse facilities, you have to spend night in camp with sleeping bag, sleeping mats and tents, which will be arranged by Epic Trek Nepal.
The toilets also vary in the remote areas. While teahouses have simple toilets that are attached or shared, camping nights will see simpler arrangements, maybe even a dedicated toilet tent based on the size of the team and the area.
Generally, trekkers should prepare for less comfortable conditions after passing by the Tilicho Base Camp. This is one thing that makes this trail unique as far as a wilderness trail goes.
Food and Meals
All meals during the Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trek will be arranged as part of the package and will include breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the trek.
The breakfast menu will consist of items such as porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes, or Tibetan bread, accompanied by tea and coffee in early morning before continuing on the trekking journey. As for lunch, it will be provided either at a teahouse or by the trekking group while trekking in the camping region. It will include dishes like noodles, fried rice, and soup.
Dinner usually includes more substantial meals such as dal bhat, which is the traditional Nepalese meal consisting of rice, lentils, and vegetables. The food in this region is rich in energy, making it suitable for the high altitudes and the amount of physical activity required for the journey.
There are also lots of vegetarian dishes available in this area, and the majority of the teahouses have no problems. Make sure you inform your guide about your eating habits before the trip.
Water for drinking is available in teahouses either boiled, filtered or bottled. However, it is still necessary to have some purification table or water purification system with you, since water might be less available near Yak Kharka.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Altitude become the biggest safety problem on the Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trek. The trek route goes as high a 5,330 meter at Mesokanto Pass with several days spent at altitude over 4,000 meters.
The ascent from Manang (3,519 m) through Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m) and up to the pass happens in short period of time, which means proper acclimatization is crucial for this trek. To deal with this problem, the itinerary includes one acclimatization in Manang using the “climb high, sleep low” method before continuing the trek towards the high altitude.
Hydration is more important for trekkers than it might seem at first glance. To avoid the effect of thinning air and dry mountain climate, you should drink three-four liters of water per day. And if walk slowly and calmly, rather than hurrying from one location to another, it allows your body to acclimatize naturally as the elevation increases day by day.
Symptoms of altitude sickness may consist of headaches, nausea, dizziness, lack of appetite, and tiredness. Milder symptoms can be very common and generally are easily manageable through resting and drinking water.
More severe symptoms, including confusion, trouble breathing while being at rest, lack of coordination, and vomiting, need serious help. During that time descending to a lower elevation is the best possible solution, which must not be delayed in any circumstances. Your guide will keep an eye on you during the whole trek, so be truthful about your state.
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