Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 25 Days
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Trip Difficulty Strenuous

Trip Overview

Langtang Tilman Pass is one of the less crowded trekking trails at the foot of the Himalayas. This trek offers an unparalleled combination of ecological, geographical, and cultural riches.

The trek incorporates an adventurous trek over a frosty pass, encountering different ethnic groups on the way. Langtang is popularly entitled the “Valley of Glaciers”, as it is covered by frozen glaciers. This distinct and natural marvel of Langtang’s glaciation process makes this place one of the most beautiful trek places.  The snow-blanketed peaks of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Dorje Lakpa, Langshisa Ri, and Langtang Himal surrounded the Langtang Valley.

The region was once used as the trade hub with Tibet. Even today, the lifestyle of the Langtang region is influenced by the Tibetan lifestyle. As compared with any other trek, Langtang‘s is nearby Kathmandu valley, but this is as remote and wild as it gets.

Tilman Pass

Tilman’s Pass (5,320 meters) was named after a pioneer British adventurer and explorer H. W. Tilman (1898 – 1977) who explored the Himalaya in the mid-20th century. It is a part of the Great Himalaya Trail and is considered one of the most challenging treks.

Tilman pass trekking connects two different Himalayan regions, including the Langtang and Panch Pokhari (Five holy lakes). Panch Pokhari is the 9th highest wetland in the world. Nestled in the Upper Langtang region, it is one of high elevation trek including its border to the Tibetan plateau.

Likewise, this trek incorporates the wilderness trekking experience along with cultural exploration. The serene mountain pass is a vantage point. Here, trekkers will enjoy and witness the impressive Himalayan scenery of Langtang and Lirung, Langtang Himal, Naya Khanga, Yala Peak, Ganesh Himal, Langshisa, Gaurishanker, Dorjelakpa.

The region also offers the best view of Langsisha glacier, serene five holy lakes, and the remote Jugal Himal. It connects the Himalayas from Kanchenjunga in the East to Dhaulagiri in the West.

Difficulty and Fitness Level

Langtang Tilman Pass Trek is ideal for trekkers who have the ability to walk for 7–8 hours a day in remote mountain landscapes. Whereas, the route involves uphill and downhill tracks on a high elevation. The nature of the mountainous landscape is challenging and traversing the Tilman Pass (5,308 m) is hard. There will be a need for crampons, ice axes, and rope.

The trekkers must possess a good level of fitness with sound health. It would be an asset if trekkers have prior trekking experience. In addition, before embarking on this trip, we advise you to check your medical condition.

Nepal Sanctuary Treks furnishes an experienced and expert trekking guide who will support and guide you to make your Tilman Pass trip safe and successful.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Day 02: Cultural Introductory Tour and Trek Preparation

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal.

Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal built in the 5th century and listed in the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags.

Witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burn at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines.

After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Day 03: Drive Last Resort (1,170 m) 108 km (3-4 hours)-Trek to Listi (2,260 m)

After breakfast, drive about three to four hours by a vehicle along the Araniko Highway with scenic hills, villages and cultivated land to Last resort (108 KM) and enjoy the Bungy Jumping. This is Nepal’s first Bungy Jumping, which is situated 160m above Bhote Koshi (river). From here, we start our trek by taking ascent steep hillside as we ascend to Baldun and then continue on to Listi where there is a Hindu Temple on the ridge above.

Day 04: Trek to Chogormogor Kharka (3,924m); approx. 8 hours trek

We start our trek with early breakfast. We ascent ahead on our trek passing the several villages, temples chorten all the way to Chogormogor Kharka.

Day 05: To Shotang Kharka (3,379 m)) approx. 6 hrs trek

After breakfast, we start to descent ahead on our trek to Shotang Kharka. Stay overnight camping at Shotang Kharka.

Day 06: Trek to Nyasium Khola Camp (1,861m); 5 hours trek

After breakfast, we trek down to the Nyasium Khola camp for overnight.

Day 07: Trek to Kharka (3,600m); approx. 5 hours trek

We continue along the ridge climb with fabulous views east and west of a chain of mountains that form a natural border with Tibet. W.H. Tilman was the first European to explore this region in 1949, and very few have ever retraced his footsteps.

Day 08: Trek to Panch Pokhari (4,074 m) Approx. 3-4 hrs trek

With an early breakfast, we start our trek to our next destination. We ascend uphill and downhill through trails with amazing views along the way. Panch Pokhari is named after 5 holy ponds and thousands of pilgrims climb to the sacred Panch Pokhari Lakes during the monsoon. There is a Mahadev Temple located here and from the top of Panch Pokhari, we gain views of the Jugal Himal and Rolwaling.

Day 09: Exploring the Five Lakes and surrounding Valley

On this day, you explore the Five Lakes and the surrounding valley. You can wake up early in the morning to see the beautiful sunrise. From uphill, you get a fantastic view of Dorje Lakpa (6966m) and Jugal Himal range. Several species of birds and sweet-smelling flowers can be found on the nearby hills. Panchpokhari is also a sheltered pilgrimage site where the Janai Purnima festival is held in August. Numerous Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this site each year. The pilgrims also visit the shrine of Lord Shiva situated nearby the lake. Overnight in Panchpokhari.

Day 10: Trek to Intermediary Camp (4,273 m) 4 hours trek

Trek Intermediary Camp to Tin Pokhari, about 4 hours of trek and overnight stay in camp.

Day 11: Trek to Tin Pokhari (4255 m) approx. 6 hrs trek

We are now well above the tree line as we make a short climb from Panch Pokhari to the ridgeline and continue north crossing spurs and basins until we descend into a valley and a final climb to Tin Pokhari.

Day 12: Trek to High Camp (4,867 m); 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we take the ascent trail to High Camp where we stay overnight camping.

Day 13: Cross Tilman Pass (5,308m) to north high camp (4,720m) approx. 7hrs trek

There are two routes through the lower rocky section of the pass and it will depend on conditions as to which one we choose to ascend. This is quite a challenging pass and there will be loose rock and scree to negotiate. Once we reach a steep rock face after the initial climb we traverse to the left and climb directly onto the snowfield of the pass. The pass is to the northwest of the snowfield. We then descend a steep snow slope and rocky gullies, care should be taken here as the gullies can be icy. We camp at the northern shore of a lake.

Day 14: Trek to Kyangjin Gompa (3,870m), approx. 7hrs. Trek

We are now approaching the main Langtang Trail to Kyangjin Gompa where there are many teahouses. There is a nearby cheese factory that is well worth a visit and of course a visit to the Gompa. There is a viewpoint on a hill to the north of Kyangjin Gompa with prayer flags adorning the summit, and time permitting this is a great vantage point also worth the effort.

Day 15: Trek to Lama Hotel (3,030m) Approx. 7 hrs trek

We are now traveling along the clearly marked main trail of the Langtang trek. Following the river, we wind through many teahouses and small villages to Lama Hotel.

Day 16: Trek to Syabrubesi (1,503m); 6 hours

Today after breakfast we hike back to Syabru Bensi. The trail is mostly downhill through lush greenery while enjoying more spectacular views. We will walk along the rising and falling pathways leading to a village that provides us the opportunity to get a closer look at the customs and culture of the enchanting Tamang people. Soon we reach Syabru Besi for the overnight stay.

Day 17: To Gatlang (2,238 m), walk approx. 4.5 hrs.

We start our trek from today, we take a dirty zigzag trail to Bahundanda and then down to Tamang settlement of Gatlang. Through the trail, we come across the village of Chawatar where we will have our lunch. After a few more hours of trekking from Chawatar will reach Gatlang, It is a Tamang village with people following traditional Tamang cultures. The homes are closely connected. We can visit a cheese production center near the village; we will stay the night here.

Day 18: To Somdang (3,258 m) walk approx. 7 hrs

After an early breakfast, we walk on a flat trail and gradual ascent through the beautiful forest of pine and oak trees to Yurikharka where we will stop for lunch. Continue to ascend to Khurpu Danda (Pass) 3,610 m and follow a steep descend to the Somdang River for half an hour. After that, we meet motorway and continue to follow the dirt path till Somdang. Stay overnight in Somdang.

Day 19: To Tipling (1,890 m) - 7 hours approx.

After having breakfast, we follow the zigzag track and continue up to Pansang pass (3,850m). The pass is a viewpoint southwest of Somdang with a wide panorama of the surrounding terrain, descends through mid of the pine forest to Marmilung Kharka, from here we head to Tipling village which is quaint village inhabited mostly by the Tamang ethnicity. Tipling is a large village that hosts two Buddhist gompas as well as both a Protestant and Catholic Church.

Day 20: To Lapa Gaun (1850 m) - 6 hrs. approx.

We start our day by walking downhill to Chalish Gaun. We pass Tin Kanya Hindu temple, picturesque village and continue to Khar Khola. Then continue to take descend crossing the river and ascend up to Lapagaun. This is the main village and trading center of the neighboring village.

Day 21: To Naubon Kharka (2750 m) - approx. 7 hours

We leave Lapa gaun by gradually ascends to Khading and walk through the forest up to Myangal Bhanjyang. The trails have several ups and downs to Magne Goth. After crossing the small pass you will reach Nauban Kharka for overnight.

Day 22: Trek to Soti Khola (597 m) - 7 hours walk

After breakfast, we take a decent trail all the way to Soti KholaYou can see the glimpse of the southern slopes of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.

Day 23: Drive back to Kathmandu approx. 8 hr. drive.

After breakfast, we take 8 hours long scenic drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 24: Leisure day in Kathmandu

After having breakfast at the hotel; you have leisure time to take relax or explore around marketplaces to shop the souvenir for loved ones.

Day 25: Final Departure

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the wonderful experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.

Price Included

What's Included

  • Private Airport transfers,
  • Land transfer: to Last Resort and from Syabrubesi
  • TIMS and national park fee,
  • High-altitude mountaineering guide & trekking guides, cook, porters & other supporting staff,
  • Tented accommodation during trek on full board
  • Staff insurance on the trek,
  • Duffel bag
  • Four nights in Kathmandu Guest House in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Safety equipment including high altitude chamber and satellite phone

What's not Included

  • Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned,
  • Beverages,
  • Personal bills,
  • Visa fee: US$ 30 for 15 days and US$ 50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days multiple entries
  • Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects), liability insurance
  • Excess baggage beyond 20 kilogram
  • Crampons, Carabineers, Ice axe, Harness large, Ascender or Jamar, Slings and prussic cord
  • Personal Equipment ( Please refer to the packing checklist) section
  • Tips

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Affiliations & Recommendations

Langtang Via Tilman Pass (GHT)