Overview

Annapurna region of Nepal has been consistent in providing one of the world’s best trekking experiences. Plus, a variety of trek choices opening up from the Annapurna make it an extraordinary passage. It’s hardly a surprise that Mesokanto La Trek is one of the most exciting and challenging trekking routes around. Given that it lies in the Annapurna region, the thrill of the adventure is almost guaranteed.

The 17-day Mesokanto La trek package leads you to a pass 2000 meters above the Tilicho Lake (4919m). Tilicho, the highest lake in the world, is a remote and unspoiled trekking destination of Nepal. Much so because it stands aloof far from the madding crowd, its silence can thus be quite intimidating. The trail passes between the gorgeous rock-laden mountains, and amidst the magnificent views of northern Manang. 

The Mesokanto La pass (5100m) is at a demanding attitude. It goes without saying that only when you are at a supreme physical and mental state will this journey will be rewarding. Blow the whistle when you’re up and running. The mountains invite you to embark on this daring voyage. Watch how the turquoise Tilicho and a rich Manang panorama drop calmly on your feet. Savor this rare tranquility.

Mesokanto La trek is a window to the ever-so-splendid views of Mount Manaslu (8163m), Dhaulagiri (8167m and Annapurna (8091m) ranges. The trek kicks off the day after you arrive in Kathmandu, driving past the traditional villages of Chamje and then Dharapani. As the sub-tropical forests accompany you in a leisurely walk, you’ll reach Chame in no time. 

The lifestyle of the people of Manang slowly begins to unfold as prayer flags become your next guide. No sooner you will find yourself adjoining the famous Annapurna Circuit trek, except that is not where our destination lies. Throughout the Mesokanto La Trek, you’ll get to fully explore Manang and the things it has to offer- ancient hymns, traditions, food, and artifacts. Slowly, the backdrop of the snowy legends Gangapurna and Annapurna begins to unravel. Oh, this is a time to be alive. 

About a day later, you will finally get to Tilicho, where the sky meets the earth. Truly, the sight of the lake beneath the mountains is a soothing relief to the tired eyes. After leaving the picturesque Tilicho behind, you will continue to follow the trail up to Mesokanto La pass. On your way down, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city of Jomsom. Of course, no trek ends with a day-night life spent in good old Pokhara, Nepal’s scenic dynamite. This Mesokanto La Trek itinerary has it all in the store.

Best time for Mesokanto La Trek

At that altitude, the weather and climate are no longer anyone’s true friend. Instead, the best thing you can do is choose the right time. Wondering what the best time to travel for the Mesokanto La trek is? We have the answer. 

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-December) are two seasons you should look forward to for setting out on this trek. These months are, in most cases, safe from wind, snow, and any other obscenities. Plan your trek based on the necessity of this season, and you’ll surely make the best out of your vacation. 

Mesokanto La Trek Difficulty

Despite plenty of steep screeds and slippery trails, Mesokanto La Trek is a “moderately difficult” trek. The tour may very well ask questions about your grit and perseverance. We are sure you will have the proper answer. Carry a trekking pole with you by all means, as they will be a great aid. 

Use subtle equipment whenever suitable but do ensure that you are lightweight at all times. Your sound ability to make quick, measured movements can make the trek that much more fulfilling. 

Here we have carefully designed a 17-day Mesokanto La Trek itinerary. Let us know if you like it.

Trip Highlights

  • Ancient Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail.
  • Manang Village.
  • Two nights camping trek experience in the high Himalaya.
  • Sunrise and Sunset from Upper Pisang.
  • Panoramic view of Annapurna Himalayan range.
  • World highest glacier Lake Tilico Lake.
  • Jaw-dropping view from Mesokanto Pass 5100.
  • Jomsom and flight to Pokhara.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1400m)
  • Day 02: Drive to Besishar and Dharapani. (1900m) 6/7 hours.
  • Day 03: Trek to Chame (2710m): 5 - 6 hrs
  • Day 04: Trek to Upper Pisang (3300m): 5 - 6 hrs
  • Day 05: Trek to Manang: 6 hrs.
  • Day 06: Explore day at Manang
  • Day 07: Trek to Shree Kharka (4000m). Walk 5 hrs
  • Day 08: Trek to Tilicho base (4100m). Walk approx 3-4 hrs
  • Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4900m)
  • Day 10: Cross the Mesokanto La (5100m) to Kharka, camp (3600m). 6 hrs
  • Day 11: Trek to Jomsom (2670m). Walk 5 hours.
  • Day 12: Fly to Pokhara in the morning. 25 min.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1400m)
    You will arrive at Kathmandu airport and meet with a hotel representative. Escort in a vehicle to the hotel where you’ll be staying for the night. Rest in the room and start packing as we hit the road the next day.
    Get strolling in Kathmandu’s busy markets, or hit the pubs in the evening. You have the option to stay in the room and help yourself with refreshments from the long flight. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
    • Kathmandu
    • Kathmandu
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 02: Drive to Besishar and Dharapani. (1900m) 6/7 hours.
    Mesokanto La Trek begins with a stunning panoramic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. Get to the stop in Kathmandu where a jeep will be waiting for you. Get on the jeep and head towards Chamje, in Lamjung. Enjoy the transition from urban alleyways to the rural grasslands.
    The ride on the bus will take 5 hours to take you to Besishar and our jeep ride starts from here to Dharapani for another 3 hours. Carry some snacks with you for the road trip. There are plenty of hotels on the way where you can also enjoy local delicacies. Once in Dharapani, you have the rest of the day all to yourself. Wander around the local village and stay overnight at a lodge in Dharapani.
    • Dharapani
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 1900m
  • Day 03: Trek to Chame (2710m): 5 - 6 hrs
    Have a light breakfast and head towards Chame for the day. Starting from Dharapani, you’ll be crossing multiple wooden bridges, waterfall, and even the pleasant smelling apple garden of Thanchok Besi.
    Chame will surprise you with its strides towards development; telephones, a post office, and a bank is available for your use should you need it. If you hear a rustling sound, it is of the Marshyangi River flowing carelessly. Find a nice lodge with spectacular mountain views and settle for the night in Chame.
    • Chame
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 2710m
  • Day 04: Trek to Upper Pisang (3300m): 5 - 6 hrs
    Today, we head for the famous village of Pisang, which serves as a passage to so many trekking routes. You’ll see abundant fields of buckwheat, barley, and maize on your way ahead. Pass through the Bhartang village and across the blue forests of pine that look like they’re snow-stricken.
    Soon, you’ll be in the Himalchuli. Then, at an altitude of 3200m, lies the pond of Dhukur Pokhari. The beauty of Pisang will entice you immediately. Find a proper tea house here and call it a night, as we have a long walk the following day.
    • Upper Pissang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3300m
  • Day 05: Trek to Manang: 6 hrs.
    Until this point, you are at the lower part of Manang. As you walk up, the Upper Manang begins to arise like the morning sun. Again, the fields have nothing to show but potatoes, buckwheat, and barley. At the end of the day, you’re at Manang, and the climate will turn chilling cold unlike the most half of this trek.
    You’ll get a chance to see the Hongde airport in Manang. It’s a relatively thicker residence; more than 200 families live in this part of the district. You’ll be able to spot a few tea houses and places to stay in Manang. You’re free to try the Tibetan style wine here.
    • Manang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3500m
  • Day 06: Explore day at Manang
    It’s a fine day at Manang, and this is your time to conquer it. Manang occupies a large area, and local people scatter across patches of land where they reap whatever they can sow. Potatoes and barley are both major sources of food and income, whereas tourism also adds to the region’s overall economy.
    From here we can go to explore ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake. You could discuss to your guide and he will lead you to one of two major landmarks: Gangapurna Glacier Lake and Ice Lake. The former is a lake melted down from the mountain of the same name, and the latter is a sacred monastery. In the evening, get back to the hotel in Manang and feast on local food.
    • Manang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 4700m
  • Day 07: Trek to Shree Kharka (4000m). Walk 5 hrs
    From Manang, prepare to take a 6-hour walk up to the Shree Kharka in the north. Shree Kharka, which consists of one of the base camp lodges leading to the Tilicho. Get to Shree Kharka (4000m) by mid-day, which rest assured, is a safe option. This is a perfect spot to stop for lunch as well. Cross Khangsar Khola on the way. You will be staying at the camp lodge in Shree Kharka. Warm yourself up for the Tilicho feat the other day.
    • Shree Kharka
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 4000m
  • Day 08: Trek to Tilicho base (4100m). Walk approx 3-4 hrs
    Today, you’ll be on your way to Tilicho base, which consists of one of the other base camp lodges leading up to the Tilicho Lake. After you pass another monastery, you’ll stop at an intersection.
    There are two ways- the old and the new. Take the new road which is much more convenient and friendlier. After you hit the deck at a high crest, descend slowly until you see a small, narrow stream beneath the trails. Cross the stream, and you’ll arrive at the Tilicho Base Camp (4100m), marked by the hoardings there. Set up a tent and sleep tight in it.
    • Tilicho Base Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 4100m
  • Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4900m)
    Up until this point, you may be standing at the highest point of your life. But today, after a walk from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake, you will be standing at the highest lake in the world. Let that sink in. As blurrier your thoughts may be, the turquoise appearance of the Tilicho Lake is as clear as the sky. The traverses and cunning slopes couldn’t keep you away. All you know is you’ll fancy a good night’s sleep in the vicinity of the Tilicho Lake. Set up a tent and sleep in it.
    • Tilicho Lake
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 4900m
  • Day 10: Cross the Mesokanto La (5100m) to Kharka, camp (3600m). 6 hrs
    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.
    • Yak Kharka Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 5100m
  • Day 11: Trek to Jomsom (2670m). Walk 5 hours.
    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.
    • Jomsom
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 2670m
  • Day 12: Fly to Pokhara in the morning. 25 min.
    Have breakfast in the morning and fly to Pokhara by enjoying an amazing view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. The left shows the Annapurna range and right shows the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Much to your fortune, you have one full day to explore Pokhara. Pokhara is an undisputed fulcrum of Nepalese tourism. If you’re someone who likes being touristy, Pokhara will please you with its
    • Pokhara
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 835m

Cost Details

Cost Includes

Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.

Two nights in a 2/3star hotel in Kathmandu, One night in Pokhara. On the BB Plan.

flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

All transportation for the trek.

Local guest house accommodation in the mountain.

Camping equipment for two nights.

(TIMS )Trekkers’ Information Management System fees

Government-authorized experienced guide and porters

Insurance, food, and accommodation  for guides and porters

Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.

First Aid Kit

Maps

Service charge and government taxes

Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes:

International airfare

Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)

Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.

Your personal insurance.

Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek

Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee

Tips for guide and porter.