Max. Elevation
Tilman Pass Trek via Langtang valley
Overview
In the Footsteps of Tilman: Langtang to Bhote Khosi Trekking
The Trekking highlight is the crossing of the Tilman Pass (5,300 m)—a demanding and rarely attempted high-altitude pass that remains one of the great hidden challenges of the Himalaya. Snow conditions, glacial terrain, and route-finding make this crossing a serious mountaineering endeavor, reserved for those with strong endurance and mountain awareness. When conditions on the Tilman Pass are unsafe or overly technical, a carefully considered alternative via the Gyanja La Pass (5,100 m) allows the journey to continue while maintaining its adventurous spirit.
Beyond the high passes, the landscape opens into a world of remarkable beauty. We traverse the serene alpine basins of Tin Phokari and Panch Phokari, a chain of sacred high-altitude lakes surrounded by rugged peaks and untouched valleys. These remote lakes offer moments of solitude and reflection rarely found elsewhere in Nepal.
The route then descends toward the Bhote Khosi River, known as the “River of the Tibetans,” where ancient trade paths once linked Nepal to the Tibetan plateau. Following the historic “old road” to Lhasa, the trek connects dramatic mountain landscapes with centuries of Himalayan trade and exploration history.
Crossing the Tilman Pass is more than a physical challenge—it is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of Eric Shipton and H.W. Tilman, whose explorations in the 1930s opened many of the passes still used today. This expedition invites you to walk in their footsteps, along a route where adventure, history, and true wilderness converge.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
- Transfer to hotel
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: night in the hotel
As soon as you leave Kathmandu, the road rises and crosses a small pass at Kakani, 2,145 meters above sea level. On a clear day, the panorama view is superb: Annapurna II, Manaslu, and the Ganesh Himal Range. The road then plunges towards the wide valley of the Trisuli to arrive at the large town of Trisuli (548 m). Then it's the track to Shyabur Besi. In Kalikhastan, we enter the Langtang National Park.
- 6-hour drive
- Final altitude: 1,900m
- Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
- Accommodation: Night in the Lodge
As we continue our Trek, we venture further into the enchanting Langtang Khola Valley. Following steep trails, we gradually make our way to arrive at the cozy guesthouses of Bamboo Camp. As we progress and reach Rimche, the scenery begins to unfurl, unveiling its mesmerizing splendor as the gorge gently expands. After a mere 20 more minutes of trekking, we reach our sought-after destination to Lama Hotel campsite.
- 6 hrs of walking
- Final altitude: 2,750m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
From Lama Hotel, the trail continues to climb into the forest. We traverse through the charming villages of Gumnachok and Ghoratabela. As we progress, the valley gradually expands, and the dense forest begins to transition into shrub-covered terrain. The ascent persists, leading us steadily to the Langtang village (3,430m). Destroyed, it is slowly being rebuilt on its upper part on protected platforms.
- 5 hrs walk
- Final altitude: 3,430m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
As we move deeper into the valley, it becomes broader, and we see many stupas. After a while, we come across some rolling hills that take us to the hidden Kyanjin Gompa. This lovely wooden building has kept its original beauty and style over the years.
- 4hrs walk
- Final altitude: 3,800m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
The views of the Langtang Lirung, the Pangen Dopku, and the Tsergo Ri are more numerous. For the more motivated, it is interesting to climb this last promontory. The view is 360° and allows you to better understand the mountain network of this valley which seems close
- walk 7hrs
- FInal altitude:3,800m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
After leaving the Beautiful village, your journey leads you up through a winding valley, where the climb is gentle, and the valley slowly becomes narrower. In the distance, you can spot the pass decorated with colorful prayer flags swaying in the wind. Your next campsite, situated at the entrance of the Langshisa Valley, awaits you. Tomorrow, you'll embark on a new direction, saying goodbye to the familiar Morimoto Himal camp as you head northward on a fresh path.
- 6hrs walk
- Final altitude: 4,285m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
Morain's camp is not so far, but the terrain is not so easy. Many rivers can slow us down. We must reach the lake, which directs us to a second valley, to find our camp.
- walk 5 hrs
- Final altitude: 4,720m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
We need to go over the Tilman Pass as it's the only way to get out. We'll start early. Depending on how much snow there is, we might need to use a rope to help us go up and down the path because the glacier can be very slippery when there's old snow or ice. To go up, we'll walk on a sloping pile of rocks and then cross the glacier. Coming down might be steep, so we need to be careful and watchful. At night, we'll find the first flat area where we can rest, depending on the conditions.
- 7 hrs walk
- Final altitude: 4,650m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
We keep going downhill. It's still quite steep, but it gets less steep as we get closer to Tin Pokhari. We start seeing grassy areas in the mountains, and we take a break from walking on glaciers for a bit. However, we can't cross the Langtang River because it's too dangerous, so the next day, we'll have to walk on the same path as the herds of animals in the meadows.
- walk 5hrs
- Final altitude:4,255m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
Today, we won't go up or down much, but we'll have to cross many ridges. Panch Pokhari is a group of five special lakes that are important to Hindu people and are located in the Jugal Himal range. After reaching the top, the trail gets busier with more people. It's delightful to see the forest not far from these lakes.
- Walk 6 hrs
- Final altitude: 4,070m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a tent
At first, the trail might be a bit confusing, but later on, it becomes easy to follow with clear markings. It leads to Tembathang once it reaches the valley floor. After passing a few grassy meadows, we come across our first village, Tembathang.
- 6hrs walk
- Final altitude: 2,520m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
We follow the Lagang khola, then we pass a first shoulder to reach the Nyasem bridge. A good steep path helps us reach the Kyansing village.
- 5 hrs walk
- Final altitude: 2,705m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a tent
We climb up again to reach the Chogormogor pass. We go up to about 4,000 meters above sea level, and then we follow a narrow path along the top of a hill until we reach the Shotang Kharka area. We'll set up our camp where we find water nearby.
- Walk 5 hrs
- Final altitude: 2,705m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a tent
It will be a short day of ridges to ridges to reach the last resort, a tourist hotspot for bungee jumping aficionados. A good hot shower will not be too much after crossing this pass...
- Walk 5 hrs
- Final altitude: 1,200m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a tent
It's a beautiful day to return to Kathmandu. We find the hectic life of a Nepalese in full mutation.
- Drive: 5 hrs
- Final altitude: 1,300m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch
- Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
Free day in Kathmandu. This day is to be used during the trek in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight, and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you, and safe travels.
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis.
WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with the Office’s Staff.
PERMITS : All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including a special permit, TIMS Card and Langtang National Park entry fee.
SPECIAL PERMIT : Restricted permit
STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP : Manaslu Region Trekking map.
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : Land Transportation: Kathmandu – Syabrubesi and while returning, last resort - Kathmandu (by reserved Jeep/bus, as per itinerary)
MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT : All necessary camping equipment during the Rupina la trek
FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation on a sharing basis in a tea house/camp during the trek.
GUIDE : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff and porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food and clothing.
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.
Excluded Points
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical, and emergency evacuation.
PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
EXTRA : Any other services or activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Trip Information
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
- The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and the leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
- The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
- The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house)
Accommodations:15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, a bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Tilman Pass and Rolwaling Trek
For lodge accommodation, meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
- During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.
- Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: provide tablets (Hydroclonazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price), but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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Trip Map
FAQ's
Expand AllAlthough it is possible to trek Tilman Pass at any time of year, the best seasons to do so are spring and autumn/fall. This is because the spring and fall seasons have consistent weather, with bright days and comfortable midday temperatures.
The most prepared dish will be Nepali (Dal Bhat/Rice Lentil with Veggies, Momo, and Noodles), with a few Indian and continental dishes (fried rice, pasta, curry, bread, omelets, etc.).
The estimated budget is determined by the type of trek being undertaken and the individual's spending habits. However, the price often falls between $1800 to $ 3000.
Tilman Pass is regarded as a difficult climb that is best suited for seasoned hikers. It requires crossing rugged and cold terrain, long hiking days, and steep ascents and descents. The actual pass crossing necessitates cautious maneuvering and may call for the use of ropes and crampons, particularly in snowy weather. Prior trekking experience, physical fitness, and readiness for the trek's mental and physical demands are all crucial.
Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS), Langtang National Park permit is required for this permit. These permits can be acquired with the help of a government-certified trekking agency.
Toilet facilities along the route are basic. You need to adjust a little here because most of the toilets are shared toilets. Only fee accommodations offer the bedroom with attached toilets.
At the beginning of the trek, the mobile network is seen but as you ascend to a higher altitude it becomes quite unpredictable.
At lower elevations, accommodations are usually simple tea houses or lodges, but at higher elevations, tented camps are frequently required. Although the tea houses offer shared rooms and basic beds, camping might be the only choice in isolated locations.
Warm clothing layers, a good sleeping bag, crampons for ice trails, trekking poles, and a first aid package are all necessary for high-altitude trekking. It is also advised to bring snacks and personal hygiene products for comfort and nutrition because the path passes through isolated locations.
A high degree of physical fitness is necessary because the trek is difficult. It is recommended that trekkers have prior experience at high elevations and train for strength and endurance. Mental toughness is also crucial considering the difficult terrain and potential weather difficulties.