Are you planning for the Tilicho Lake trek and wondering what the starting point of the Tilicho Lake is and how to reach it? Well, you are right, blog as in this travel guide, we will be discussing the different ways to reach the trail head. We will be discussing every option, including the private vehicle, public vehicle, why you should choose the public vehicle or the private vehicle, costs, and many more. Let’s start with the public bus:
Table of Contents
By Public Bus
The first and foremost vehicle option is that you can take a public bus from the Gongabus bus park to Besisahar. After reaching Besisahar, you can stay for the night, and the next day you can again take another vehicle from Besisahar to Chame and then start your trek. You can also take a public jeep from Besisahar to Kangsar. And from Kangsar, you can trek to the Tilicho base camp and then trek to Tilicho Lake. The cost of the public bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar will be NPR. 1500 per person. From Besisahar to Kangsar, the cost will be NPR. 3000.
Why You Should Choose a Public Bus to Reach the Tilicho Lake Starting Point?
If you are on a budget and want to complete the Tilicho Lake trek at an affordable price, then you should choose the public vehicle, as it would be the cheapest way to travel. Also, during your travel, you will be able to meet the local people and learn about their cultures and traditions. You will learn about the daily life of the pope. You will see the different villages that lie on the way to the destinations.
Why You Should Not Choose a Public Bus?
If you consider the peaceful and luxurious travel, then choosing the public bus might not be a good option for you. As in the public bus, there will be lots of people, and it will be noisy every time. The driver will stop the bus frequently, and the loud music will be there, which might discomfort you.
By Private Vehicle
If you are planning to trek to Tilicho Lake on time and are not worried about the budget, then it’s suggested that you take a private vehicle. The private vehicle is the best way to travel for you as a tourist. Everything will be included in the rented package, making your travel memorable. The cost for the private vehicle will be USD 180per vehicle, and it can be divided among your fellow trekkers if you have friends. The private vehicle will take you to Chame from Kathmandu without stopping or resting in Besisahar.
Why You Should Choose a Private Vehicle to Reach the Tilicho Lake Starting Point?
There are many reasons why you should choose the private vehicle to reach the trail head, which include the comfort and convenience on the rough mountain roads. You will have a comfortable drive from Kathmandu to your destinations. When you are renting a private vehicle like the Scorpio, it’s easy for you to have flexible schedules and stops. It will also save you time, so that you can complete your trek more easily. The public vehicle is safer and reliable than the public vehicle. You will have less worry and more enjoyment.
Why You Should Not Choose a Private Vehicle to Reach the Starting Point?
The main reason why you should not choose the private vehicle is the cost, as the private rented vehicle will be way higher than public transport. When you are renting a vehicle, it means you will have fewer local interactions on the way. Other than this, there are no disadvantages to renting a private vehicle.
Cost Breakdown of Renting and Using Public Transport
| S.No | Route | Transport Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu to Besisahar | Public Bus | NPR 1,500 |
| 2 | Besisahar to Chame | Public Bus | NPR 3,000 |
| 3 | Besisahar to Kangsar | Public Bus | NPR 4,000 |
| 4 | Kathmandu to Chame | Private Rented Vehicle | USD 180 |
| 5 | Kathmandu to Kangsar | Private Rented Vehicle | USD 250 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Reaching the Tilicho Lake Starting Point
What is the cheapest way to reach the Tilicho Lake starting point?
The cheapest way to reach the Tilicho lake starting point is by taking the public bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar and from Besisahar to Chame, which will cost you around NPR. 5000 in total.
Can I go directly from Kathmandu to Chame by jeep?
Yes, you can go directly from Kathmandu to Chame by jeep. However, you will need to rent a private jeep to reach Chame from Kathmandu; there are no direct options for the public jeeps.
Is it better to start the Tilicho Lake from Besisahar or Chame?
It’s better to start the Tilicho Lake from Chame, as from Kathmandu you can reach Chame directly, and Chame is the perfect starting point for you to reach Tilicho Lake in terms of acclimatization.
Can I book buses or jeeps online in advance?
Yes, you can book the buses or jeeps online in advance from the reputed companies like the New road travels, or else you can contact us, as we will also provide the online booking options.
How long does it take to travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus?
If you are travelling from Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus, then you will need to travel for 8 to 10 hours as the roads are off-road and the buses stop more frequently.
Are there shared jeeps available from Besisahar to Chame?
Yes, you can get many jeeps which will be available for you to reach from Besisahar to Chame. Trekkers also rent the jeeps from Besisahar to Chame, and you can join them and divide the cost.
Is the road to Chame safe during the monsoon season?
No, during the monsoon season, the roads to Chame are not safe for vehicles as they will be muddy, and landslides can occur at any time. If you are trekking during the Monsoon, you should reach Chame by starting your trek from Dharapani.
Can I take a motorbike to the Tilicho Lake starting point?
No, you cannot take a motorbike to the Tilicho Lake starting point. But you can take an off-road biking or adventure biking like the crossfire till Kangsar, and you can keep the bike in Kangsar and start your trek to Tilicho base camp, and then Tilicho Lake.
Which is more comfortable: a local bus, a microbus, or a private jeep?
A private jeep is more comfortable if you are comparing it with the local bus or the microbus. As the private jeep will be a new and highly maintained vehicle with 4* 4 WD, which will be perfect for you to travel on such off roads.
Do I need to go through Pokhara to start the Tilicho Lake Trek?
No, you will not need to go through the Pokhara valley to reach the Tilicho Lake. The Tilicho Lake stands at Besisahar, which is 84 km from Pokhara.
How much does a private jeep from Kathmandu to Chame cost?
The jeep from Kathmandu to Chame costs around 250 USD, which can be negotiated by the company providing you with the vehicles.
What are the most common starting points for the Tilicho Lake trek?
The most common starting points for the Tilicho Lake trek are:
- Besisahar
- Chame
- Kangsar
Can I travel with my trekking group in a single vehicle?
Yes, you can travel with your trekking group in a single vehicle if you are a group of 6 to 7 persons max. As for more than that, you will need more vehicles or a bus.
What are some side trips that I can do during the Tilicho Lake trek?
The side trips which you can do during the Tilicho Lake trek are:
Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek
North Annapurna base camp trek
Pisang Peak climbing
Tags: annapurna region, tilicho lake, tilicho lake trek, Trekking in Nepal