Want an adventure of a lifetime with a mix of both unspoiled beauty and popular trails? Then the Three Passes with Tilicho lake trek is just the right one. The trek trails through one of the longest passes – the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106m /16,752ft) and one of the highest mountain passes – the Thorong La Pass (5,416m /17,769ft). Ticking both off your adventure list is a fantastic feat. But wait a minute, Kang La Pass (5,320m /17,450ft) also has a surprise, and it passes through the hidden valley of Manang through off-beaten trails. This combination makes for a great trekking experience.
The Three Pass Adventure Trek passes through three world-famous trekking regions. The first part of the hike is the Manaslu region. Located in a secluded corner near Tibet, the Manaslu region offers exciting offbeat trekking full of natural wonders, majestic mountains, and endemic cultural practices.
The following section is in the Trans-Himalayan region of Manang and finally in the famous Annapurna region. Manang gives you a sense of the trans-Himalayan region, lush valleys, and beautiful lakes, giving you stunning views of the mountains and a unique Tibetan culture. The famous Annapurna region offers Pine and rhododendron forest, vibrant Gurung and Thakali settlements, and majestic Mount Annapurna add to the region’s beauty.
The trek takes along beautiful alpine forests, majestic mountains, and unspoiled valleys. The region is also home to the elusive snow leopard. Buddhism is practiced throughout the region; hence, this entails exploring Buddhist culture and monuments throughout the trek. Additionally, one of the holiest shrines of both Buddhists and Hindus – the Muktinath temple also falls along the trail.
Three Passes Trek is a challenging but also the most rewarding experience. It requires trekkers to be physically fit and trained as well. Altitude sickness is a possibility as the trek takes through high altitudes. Hence, it is necessary to allow acclimatization. Rest days are necessary to allow this, allowing for exploration of the local areas in more detail. The best seasons to trek are during autumn (September-November) or spring (April-May).
We at Corporate Adventure Treks have been with a well-designed itinerary and a trained guide, we guarantee you a breathtaking Himalayan adventure.
Having arrived in Nepal, your adventure begins. But first, let’s get a bit of rest. It’s very exciting to be in Nepal, but don’t let your excitement keep you up all night. Be well-rested, and your trek begins soon.
Having arrived at the City of God will be a regret if one does not get to spend at least a day exploring it. Kathmandu Valley is itself considered a world heritage site with seven groups of monuments and buildings. These display a range of artistic values and historical importance. However, if the jet lag has not kicked off yet, a full day’s rest would be just what is needed for the trek ahead. or you will be get free and relax.
Duration: 8 to 9 hours drive , Drive: Four wheel drive by Jeep
The adventure now begins with a full-day drive to Soti Khola. The drive provides a scenic view of farm villages with terraced fields. The trail follows Budhi Gandaki river. Listen to Nepalese songs on the radio and observe the natives through the drive. You will get the first glimpse of rural life along this drive.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
Today is the first day of actual hiking along the trails. It requires an early start to reach Machha Khola. Traveling through the picturesque village of Liding and Lapubesi, Sal forests, and beautiful waterfalls, you will finally reach your destination. An amazing view of the roaring Budhi Gandaki River blesses the trek.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
From Machha Khola, we take a narrow trail to Tharo Khola, Kholar Besi, Dobhan, Thado Bharyang, and finally to Jagat. The trails consist of both ascends and descents with hot springs along the way. A natural sauna will be enjoyed in the hot springs, so it will be a treat that will relieve all tiredness and stress.
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Today requires a climb in rocky ridge. Passing amidst maize fields, steep gorge, grassy slopes, and bamboo forest, you will ultimately reach Deng. Quaint Gurung villages of Salleri, Sirdibas, and Philim are also passed. Few suspension bridges also need to be crossed. Deng offers a spectacular view of Shringi Himal (7,083m /23,238ft).
Duration: 6 to 7 hours hiking
This day is a special treat for cultural and mountain view lovers. The trail passes through painted Mani stones and Gompas. Best views of Shringi Himal (7,083m /23,238ft), Ganesh Himal (7,422m / 24,350ft) and Himal Chuli (7,893m /25,896ft) is obtained. Crossing rivers at multiple places and passing through dense forest, finally Namrung is reached. Before reaching this point, quaint villages of Rana, Bihi, and Ghap are also passed.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Today is a steep climb passing through oak and rhododendron forests and barley terraces. Multiple villages – Lihi, Simnang, and Sho, are passed until reaching Lho Gaun. As the landslide area is passed, it is important to maintain a steady pace. Air also begins to thin as higher altitude is gained. Near Lho Gaun, long Mani stone walls decorate the trail.
Duration: 6 to 7 hours hiking
Today take trails through scenic villages. Ribung Gompa lies in Lho Gaun so, and it is an ideal opportunity to visit the famous Gompa. The trek is a feast for the eyes with the amazing views of Peak 29 (7,871 m/25,823 ft), Himal Chuli (7,893m /25,896ft), Manaslu (8,163m /26,781ft), Larke (6,249m /20,502ft), and Naike (6,211m /20,377ft). Passing through Shyala village, Samagaon is ultimately reached.
Duration: whole day excursion
Fairly long hours of treks over multiple days have been completed. This deserves a rest day and excursion around Manaslu Base Camp and Samagaon. Having reached 3500 m/11480 ft is also important to allow acclimatization. The beautiful village has a stone gate, Mani stone wall, Chorten, and monastery.
Duration: 4 to 5 hours hiking
Today is a relatively easy trek trailing through juniper and birch forest. The trail continues upstream of Budhi Gandaki River. Mani walls are passed, which are of great cultural and religious significance. The trails are wide and easy, making for a nice walk. Finally, Samdo is reached.
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Today’s trip crosses a wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki River and then hikes upwards to Larkya Bazaar. A glimpse of the Larkya glacier is also obtained. The trail passes through several Mani walls and stone huts with final walks on the gorge of Syacha Glacier. Finally, Dharamsala is reached.
Duration: 9 to 10 hours hiking
Today the first of the three passes is reached – the Larkya La pass. Reaching the pass requires ascending moraines of a glacier. At the pass, breathtaking views of Himlung (7,126m /23,380ft), Cheo (6,820m /22,375ft), and the Annapurna (8,091m /26,545ft) is obtained. After enjoying such views, descending through low pastures, you reach Bhim Phedi.
Duration: 8 to 9 hours hiking
Today requires further descent, passing through yak pastures, river crossings, rhododendron forests, and terraced fields. Enticing views of Manaslu ranges to the left and Annapurna ranges to the right make for a beautiful day. Passing through the picturesque village of Tilije with a bit of uphill trek, you finally reach Dharapani.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
Today takes through rough and rocky ground passing through Thanchok village until finally reaching Koto. The day offers stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m /26,040ft), Manaslu (8,163m /26,781ft), and many other snowcapped peaks. You will pass through beautiful waterfalls and river crossing. The trails follow zig-zag patterns with cattle happily grazing along
Duration: 7 to 8 hours Hiking
Today, Nar Phu Valley is reached. This is a restricted entry area and requires a special permit. It is reached following Nar Khola and Greenland forest. The day starts early as there is a lot of distance to cover. The trails take you past cave shelters and pilgrims’ resting places, followed by the wide waterfall. After climbing a steep hill towards the end, you reach Meta.
Duration: 7 to 8 hours hiking
Unique colorful Tibetan Buddhist chortens decorate the path from Meta. The trail provides excellent views of the magnificent Nar Phedi Monastery. Further trek through scenic canyon and gorges takes you to a monolith guarding the trails to Phu. Just before reaching the village, remains of ruined forts atop flatlands can be observed.
Duration: Excursion around phu valley
A days’ rest to allow acclimatization is fully warranted at this point. Also, reaching Phu Gaon would be a waste if not exploring the popular Tashi Gompa and villages. Phu Gaon is quaint, simply watching villagers spin yak or sheep wool, pounding mustard makes for an interesting observation.
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
With a well-rested day, you hike along Nar Phedi until reaching Nar Village. Nar Phedi consists of a monastery, and that is it. From Nar Phedi, a winding path up a hill passing through wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens, you reach Nar Village. During the day, especially women are found with back-strap looms. This is for weaving wool fabric used for making rugs and blankets.
Duration: 8 to 9 hours Hiking
Today begins before sunrise as you make your way towards Kang La Pass. More than 1,000 m/3,280 ft is ascended, but this is not a difficult pass. On top of the pass, views of the Annapurna II (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Gangapurna (7,455m /24,458 ft), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m /23,406ft) welcomes you. Then you descend towards Ngawal. Kang La Pass trek only began in 2003 AD; hence it is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
From Ngawal, you trek along Humde, Braka and finally reach Manang. The trail to Humde is a steep descent, and then the trails get gentler. You get a view of rocks sculpted by wind and also stunted pines along this trail. The views of several snow-capped peaks, especially of Annapurna ridge, keep you company as you trek along.
Duration: Relax
A good rest day is warranted at this point. Manang is a livelier destination of the Annapurna Circuit with attractions such as the Gangapurna lake, Lama monastery, Ice lake, etc. It also offers views of Annapurna III (7,555m /24,787ft) and the Gangapurna glacier. If there is any need for antibiotics and painkillers, this is the last stop.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
From Manang, you take the trails towards the western gate and follow the trail down the river. After crossing the river, you will continue towards the southern side and reach Khangsar village. Finally, passing through a beautiful monastery, you will reach Sri Kharka. The entire trek will have the beautiful backdrop of the Annapurna Range
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
Today starts early, with the trek to Tilicho Base Camp; otherwise, it gets windy. Though rough and a bit tiring as the trek is along narrow paths, the initial climb is well worth it for the beautiful view of Tilicho Lake (4,920m /16,141ft). The trail goes through the middle of the landslide area, providing a view of impressive rock formations.
Duration: 9 to 10 hours hiking
Today, you finally get to the great Himalayan lake – the Tilicho Lake (4,920m /16,141ft) nestled at the foot of Tilicho Peak (7,134m /23,406ft). The trail is a bit steep initially and then ascents. Yaks and deer can be spotted grazing along the trail. A lake is also an important place for Hindus. After admiring its beauty, you head back to Sri Kharka. This is a gentle walk.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
Trek from Sri Kharka to Yak Kharka is a scenic retreat. It offers amazing viewpoints of Annapurna III (7,555m /24,787ft) and the Gangapurna (7,455m /24,458ft). The trail follows along the beautiful Marsyangdi river. Herds of mountain goats can be found grazing along the trail.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
This day you hike on the lower part of Thorong La Pass, Thorong Phedi. It is a small, beautiful, and busy village. The trail passes through plateau shaped barren desert, and high peaks keep you company as you trek along. The trail is flat with a gradual ascend.
Duration: 8 to 9 hours hiking
Today, you ascend to the final pass of the trek. Over 1,000m /3,280ft of altitude is gained, making for a cold and challenging hike. But the view at the top will make it worth your while as you get to gaze at the high peaks of the Himalayas. Enjoying this view, you descend to Muktinath.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours hiking
Having come this far along, you will need to visit Muktinath temple. It is one of the most important temples of Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is known to provide salvation from the sins of life. After this pilgrimage visit, you pace down to Jomsom. But first, there is a climb to Lubra Danda and a walk down to a scenic Thakali village – Lubra village. Then you pace your way down to Jomsom.
Duration: 25 minutes , Drive: 15 minutes
From Jomsom, you will fly to Pokhara. After such a long trek, you might need a long hot shower and rest. You can have it all at Pokhara. The city has a great selection of food and fun nightlife. It also boasts high-quality spas, yoga, and other relaxation treatment. This luxury has been rightly earned after such an adventurous trek.
Today is dedicated to the scenic city of Pokhara. Pokhara has a lot of facilities for entertainment apart from the scenic beauty of the landscape. The city boasts beautiful lakes, with the most famous being Phewa Lake. As you paddle along this lake, enjoy the reflection of Macchapuchhre (7,000m /23,000ft). Apart from this visit to Davis fall, Gupteswar Gupha, International Mountain Museum, Peace Stupa, etc., can be planned.
Duration: 7 to 8 hours drive , Drive: by bus, private car, jeep
Finally, with the trek over, you head back to Kathmandu. Driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes around 7 hours and covers a distance of 200 km/125 mi. The road passes through hilly and winding terrain. Scenic views of hills, mountains, villages are offered while driving. After the drive, a final night at Kathmandu awaits, perfect for a cultural event or trying out some local Newari cuisine.
After gaining an once-in-a-lifetime experience, you will head back to your country or you can join another trip with us.
Hotel as well as teahouse accommodations are included in your trip cost. Spend 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 Night Pokhara at the 3-star deluxe Hotel Moonlight or similar in Kathmandu and Hotel kausi or Similar in Pokhara. The hotel lies in Thamel, close to popular restaurants and shops. Hotel Moonlight features well-appointed rooms with en suite bathrooms, a spacious patio garden, spa, restaurant, bar and a rooftop terrace with amazing 360-degree views of Kathmandu. Hotel Kausi is a unique boutique hotel blending western standards with the peculiar design and taste of Nepal’s Western Himalayas.
While trekking you will be staying at the best available teahouses run by local’s families. At Manang, Muktinath and Jomsom you will get rooms with attached bathrooms and can enjoy free hot showers. At higher elevations, the lodges will have only basic facilities – bed, shared washroom and a communal sitting and dining area. You will have to pay extra for using the Wi-Fi hotspot and charging your electronic devices.
At hotels and tea-houses, accommodation is on twin-sharing basis. If you are a solo traveler, you get to share the room with a fellow traveller of the same gender. Single room will be available on request, at added cost. Single rooms are available in Kathmandu pokhara and at lower elevations while trekking. But at higher elevations, where only a handful of teahouses operate, single rooms are not offered.
Passport & Visa for Nepal
All foreigners except Indians need to have a visa to enter Nepal. Unlike other countries, Nepali consulates and embassies overseas issue visas without much fuss. Visas are also issued on the spot at Tribhuvan International Airport or at the border checkpoints. It can easily be obtained at the Nepal/China border as well. When you arrive at the airport you must fill in an application form and provide a passport photograph. A single entry visa is valid for 15, 30 or 90 days and it costs $30, 50 or 125 respectively. At the airport, you can pay this amount in any major currency but some land crossings insist on payment in USD. Children under 10 are required to have a visa but are not charged for the same. If you are planning to visit India, Tibet and Bhutan you could apply for a multiple entry visa. You can change your single entry visa to multiple entry visa at Kathmandu’s Central Immigration Office. Keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you submit your visa application. For further information, you can easily contact the Embassy of Nepal.
All foreign nationals entering Nepal are required to arrange a visa either on arrival or beforehand. A Nepalese visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport. Please note that nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon Arrival. Nepalese visa can also be secured at entry points at Nepalese borders. A digital photo (size: 1.5” * 1.5”) will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:
Multiple Entry | 15 Days | US$ 30 or equivalent Nepalese currency
Multiple Entry | 30 Days | US$ 50 or equivalent Nepalese currency
Multiple Entry | 90 Days | US$ 125 or equivalent Nepalese currency
Visa Extension Fee
Tourist visa extension is done for minimum 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.
In the case of delay less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as late fine.
For further information please visit: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
Apply Online: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
