The Tilman Pass Trek is a daring adventure trek situated between Sindhupalchok and Rasuwa districts. The route is named after explorer Bill Tilman and connects Langtang Valley and Panch Pokhari in Nepal. It offers stunning views, cultural experiences, and wildlife, including red pandas and snow leopards.
Tilman Pass Trek
Trip Overview
The Tilman Pass Trek was first trekked by Major Harold William “Bill” Tilman, a European explorer and climber, when he first explored in 1949. Later, this route between Langtang Valley and Panch Pokhari (Five Lakes) was given the name Tilman Pass, which goes through a 5320-meter high-altitude mountain pass in Nepal. Tilman Pass Trekking lies in the Langtang region of Nepal, which is closer to the Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the adventurous treks in this region that goes through the ethnic Tamang valleys and ultimately through the adventurous trail over the Langtang valley and Kyanjin Gompa. These areas are famous for the red panda and snow leopard, along with the Himalayan attractions of Langtang Himal, Naya Khanga, Yala Peak, Ganesh Himal, Langshisa-Ri, Gaurishanker, Dorjelakpa, etc.
Tilman Pass Trek starts from Syabrubesi, which is the main gateway of all the Langtang region treks. Heading through the rhododendron forests in the Langtang National Park, you get the fascination of rare flora and fauna. First, the trek covers the outstanding Langtang Valley, where you can experience the ethnic culture and traditions of the Tamang people. In a way, they are close to the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Crossing the Langtang region, it connects to the Panch Pokhari trekking trail. The Holy Five Lakes became the prime attraction thereafter. Again, the trek goes through the pine and rhododendron woods. Then you can walk up to Chautara, the district center of Sindhupalchok. Then you drive back to Kathmandu and end the whole trip. For professional assistance, contact Wilderness Excursion Pvt. Ltd. We are always committed to offering the best services for our clients with authentic information.
ClockwiseTilman Pass Trek itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Syabru Bensi (1470 m) approx. 7 hours drive
Day 02: Trek to Lama Hotel (2324 m); 5-6 hours of walk.
Day 03: Trek to Langtang village (3,430m/11,253ft): 6-7 hours
Day 04: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m/12,697 ft): about a 3-4 hour leisurely walk.
Day 05: Excursion to Tsergo Ri (5033 m/16,508 ft) and back to Kyanjin: 7-8 hour walk.
Day 06: Trek to Langshisa Kharka (4100 m), 4 hours walk.
Day 07: Trek to Moraine Camp (4650 m)
Day 08: Trek to Tilman Pass base camp via Tilaman Pass (5320 m), 7-8 hour walk.
Day 09: Trek to Tinpokhari (Three Lakes) (3735 m), 6-7 hour walk.
Day 10: Tinpokhari to Panch Pokhari (five lakes) (4123 m), 5-6 hour walk.
Day 11: Rest and excursion day at Panch Pokhari (Five Lakes)
Day 12: Trek to Nasimpati (3745 m), 5-7 hour walk.
Day 13: Nasimpati to Bhangyang (3414 m), 5-6 hour walk.
Day 14: Bhangyang to Pauwabas (3024 m), Z
Day 15: Pauwabas to Kharka (2855 m)
Day 16: Kharka to Sano Okhreni (2043 m)
Day 17: Okhreni to Chautara (1235 m) - drive bus to Kathmandu (1350 m)
Main Features of Tilman Pass Trekking:
- Cross the adventurous Tilman Pass from the south and be dwarfed by the surrounding 6,000-meter peaks that form the highest mountain range in the world
- Trek to the sacred lakes of Panch Pokhari, one of the highest altitude wetlands in the world
- Contribute to the earthquake-devastated communities in Langtang by trekking in the region
- Explore the stunning Langtang region on Stage 4 of the Great Himalaya Trail
After breakfast transfer by road to the trailhead at Chautara.
We commence our trek with a long ridge climb, during these early days of the trek we pass through Hindu, Tamang and Sherpa villages. This region has extensive rhododendron, pine and fir forests.
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.
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.
We are now well above the treeline 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.
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 take here as the gullies can be icy. We may fix a handline and your leader will advise the plan after assessing the conditions. The pass crossing will be a long day of approx. 7-9 hours. We camp at the northern shore of a lake.
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.
We are now travelling along the clearly marked main trail of the Langtang trek. Following the river we wind through many teahouses and small villages to the end of the trail at Syabru Besi.
We meet our transportation after breakfast for the drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the Hotel Samsara Resort.
This is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause a change of day-to-day plan.
- A registered, experienced local trekking guide.
- An assistant Sherpa to support the group and help the potters as per group size.
- Porters to carry luggage, food, and camping gear.
- Daily 3 times meals (breakfasts, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Lodge and tented accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
- Guides and porters fee with all their expenses.
- Salary and insurances of all your trekking crew.
- Kathmandu-Syabrubesi by 4WD local jeep.
- Group medical kit, water purifier, and other necessities.
- Necessary trekking permits and procedures.
- All local government taxes.
- Accommodation, meals and transfers in Kathmandu
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu (we can arrange on your request)
- Bar bills, beverages such as coke, Fanta, and mineral water.
- Personal insurance, toiletries, internet, phone calls.
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Gratitude and tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
Check our dates published to see if it matches your time. We are happy to customize your tour perfectly to match your interests and needs, creating a unique travel experience just for you