SATV, Kathmandu, Jun. 23 - Ramji Prasad Subedi of Bhakimli, Ward No. 3 of Beni Municipality, Myagdi, reached Tilicho Lake from Jomsom on Saturday in just nine hours, travelling by road and then on foot.
Having reached Tilicho after approximately one hour of vehicular travel and eight hours of strenuous trekking, Subedi returned to Jomsom the same night.
Access to Tilicho Lake, located in Ward No. 9 of Neshyang Rural Municipality in Manang District and counted among the highest lakes in the world, has become easier after the road network reached Bhraspso via Thini Village in Ward No. 5 of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality. From there, visitors can continue on foot to Tilicho Lake.
On Saturday, more than one hundred religious tourists travelled to Tilicho and returned back. Situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres above sea level, Tilicho can be reached comfortably via a trekking route that takes approximately seven to ten hours.
It takes around 16 kilometres of travel by vehicle from Thini Village to reach Bhrapsho.
Although vehicles can reach the higher areas and the trekking route is comparatively convenient, first-time travellers are advised to consider the possibility of altitude sickness.
Preparing a one-day package for shorter journeys and a three-day itinerary for longer trips is considered more suitable.
For visitors returning after viewing Tilicho Lake, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Jomsom office recently constructed a tourist shelter at an altitude of 4,545 metres above sea level.
Many tourists choose to stay at the shelter, which offers the feeling of being nestled in the lap of the Himalayas.
There are also several shelters along the trekking route where food can be prepared.
According to Gharpajhong Rural Municipality Chairman Mohan Singh Lalchan, trekkers face no difficulties as signposts, distance markers and other informative boards have been installed along the route leading to Tilicho Lake.
Along the trekking trail to Tilicho, visitors can observe Thini Village, the cave of the snow leopard, the daily lives of local farmers, flocks of sheep and goats, herds of yaks, as well as the historic Gharpajhong Fort, Kaishyang Camp, Namkhu Lek, Hyarjhu View Point, the art and culture of the Thakali community, and the natural beauty of mountain ranges including Nilgiri mountain.
According to religious belief associated with Tilicho Lake, it is said that in ancient times Lord Shiva performed penance there, and that the sage Kagbesini (Kagbhushundi) attained spiritual knowledge at the site.
