Mesokanto La Trek
Gandaki Province, Nepal
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
No of Days
Maximum Altitude
5330 Meters
Price
INR 33,000/- per person Besisahar to Jomsom
Available Date
3rd Nov to 12th Nov 2025
Mesokanto La Trek: A Hidden Gem Beyond Tilicho Lake in the Annapurna Region
If you're searching for a thrilling offbeat Himalayan trek that combines raw wilderness, high-altitude challenge, and breathtaking alpine scenery, the Mesokanto La Trek is your answer. Nestled deep within the Annapurna region of Nepal, this route crosses the stunning Mesokanto La Pass (5330 meters), connecting the pristine Tilicho Lake with the trans-Himalayan Mustang region near Jomsom.
Unlike the popular Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek, this lesser-known trek is perfect for experienced trekkers in Nepal looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the rugged solitude of Nepal’s remote trekking trails.
Where is Mesokanto La Pass Located?
Mesokanto La, also spelled Mesokanta La, lies to the west of Tilicho Lake, one of the highest alpine lakes in the world (5019 m). The pass acts as a gateway from the Manang Valley to the Lower Mustang district, offering sweeping views of the Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna ranges.
⛰️ Why Choose the Mesokanta La Trek?
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🌄 Untouched Scenic Beauty: Towering Himalayan peaks, glacial valleys, and the surreal turquoise Tilicho Lake
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🧭 Remote Himalayan Adventure: Venture beyond the crowds on a truly isolated trekking route in Nepal
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💪 Challenging High Pass Crossing: Ideal for trekkers seeking technical passes in the Himalayas
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🏕️ Wilderness Camping Experience: Camp above 4,000 meters under starry skies
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🧘 Cultural Insights: Explore traditional Manang villages and Thakali culture in Mustang.
📅 Best Time for Mesokanto La Trek
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🍁 Autumn (September to November) – Best visibility, dry trails, and stable weather
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🌸 Spring (April to May) – Moderate temperatures and blooming rhododendrons
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🌧️ Avoid Monsoon (June to August) – Risk of landslides and poor trail conditions
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❄️ Winter (December to February) – Deep snow makes the pass impassable.
The Mesokanto La Trek is a hidden Himalayan treasure designed for true adventurers. With its combination of epic alpine landscapes, cultural depth, and rugged trail conditions, it remains one of the most underrated trekking routes in Nepal. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience beyond Tilicho Lake, crossing the Mesokanta La Pass will etch unforgettable memories into your journey.
Itinerary
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07
Day 08
Day 09
Day 10
Reporting at Besisahar, in early morning, then drive to Chame (2550m). Overnight stay at Hut, Briefing and registration to be completed by everyone. 66 km drive which will take around 5-6 hours
Chame (2550 m) to Upper Pisang (3310 m) - 14km, 5-6 hrs Trek
After breakfast, we will walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of a massive rock wall - the Paungda Danda Rock, which is considered very sacred by the local people. The Paungda Danda Rock is a curved rock face rising 1500m from the Marshyandi river. From the trails, we can see clear views of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Then our path descends taking us to the Manang Valley floor into the Pisang village, where we will be spending our night. Overnight stay at Hut.
Upper Pisang (3310 m) - Braga (3470m) 13km 5-6hr
After breakfast, we will be trekking on the upper trails through Upper Pisang via Geru, from where we can catch outstanding views of the North face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As the path ascends, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsher. This trail goes through the Tibetan settlements, and we get a chance to explore Tibetan Buddhist culture. We will be visiting Barge Monastery on the trails, the largest monastery in Manang. You will find that the path is dotted with Buddhist shrines as we pass more monasteries. Overnight stay at Braga.
Braga (3470m) - Ice Lake (4620 m) - Braga 7+7km, 6hrs
Trek to Braga (3,470m)
You have a full day for Ice Lake (Khicho Lake) side trip, the twin lake situated above the Manang valley an altitude of 4,630 m above sea level in Annapurna conservation area. We will start very early in the morning. The path to Ice Lake is steeply ascending on the alpine shrubs where you can often spot the blue sheep and Himalayan Monal. The lake remain frozen during the winter season, but the pristine bluish green colour is visible from May to November. Return to Braga, Overnight stay in hut.
Braga (3,470M) to Khangsar/Shree Kharka (4,045M) 12km 6-7hours via Manang (3560m)
Today's trek will be a little easier. Manang village is just at 2km distance from Braga. After reaching Manang, we take the upper route which follows a path down down to a river. After crossing the river, we will walk through coniferous forests. After a 3 hours of walk, we will be arriving at the Tibetan settlement Khangsar. After another hours of walk, we will be reaching Shree Kharka. Throughout the trek we will have a clear view of Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu. We will either stay in Khangsar or Shree Kharka
Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13,583ft): 7km 5-6 hours
From Tilicho Base Camp the views of Tilicho Peak and other mountains are amazing! Today the trail takes you through areas prone to landslides so extra care must be taken. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.
Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (5009 M)
Today we start early to avoid afternoon wind. After a steep consistent climb of 2-3 hours we reach Tilicho lake, The highest lake in the world also referred as the “the great ice lake” by the leader of the French expedition team . This is a large sparkling lake that lies at the foot of the north face of Tilicho peak. Overnight stay at Tilicho Lake either in Camp or Hut.
Tilicho Lake to Yak kharka via Mesokanto La(5330m): 11km 7-8 hours
After a night at Tilicho Lake, Start early (4~5 AM) to maximize daylight and avoid high afternoon winds on the pass. begin your gradual ascent along the western flank of the lake. The trail to the Mesokanto La climbs gently at first but quickly becomes more rugged as you move past the lake basin. You will traverse loose scree, boulders, and narrow, occasionally snow-covered ridgelines.
The ascent to Mesokanto La involves a steep, switchback climb across loose shale and snow. Prayer flags often mark the summit.
🗻 At the top: Spectacular views of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri North, Dhaulagiri, and the Kali Gandaki gorge.
After ~3–4 hours, you’ll reach the Khangsar Khola Valley, where water sources reappear. We will camp here, depending on daylight and energy.
Trek Yak Kharka to Jomsom: 14km 7-8 hours trek
Jomsom is a busy settlement where people set off over the high pass. Alternatively, we may trek up to Marpha depending on pace of the team. Get a good night’s sleep in Jomsom.
Departure from Jomsom.
Our Service ends here, with adventurous Himalayan Memories of Nepal, take only memories, leave only footprints. Either you can make further travel plans to Pokhara or you can opt to spend time in Jomsom
"What included"
Cost of transportation Besisahar to Jomsom
Cost of Fooding while on trek (Morning and evening Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner- meals will be provided. Breakfast-Roti, Sabji/Maggi, etc., Lunch/Dinner-Rice/Roti, Sabji, Dal, Achar, etc.).(Day 1:- Evening Tea to Day 10:- Breakfast)
Cost of accommodation in all places during trekking
Camping Equipments like Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mattress
Guide, and a Qualified experienced Trek Leader
Cost of Permit fees (ACAP & TIMS Card).
"What not included"
Cost of Personal expenses.(Wi-Fi, Personal Tea-Coffee, Personal Hot Water)
Cost of emergency due to bad weather conditions.
Cost of personal porter for offloading
Meals during transit i.e. meals while on road or travelling will not be provided.
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusion.
Cost of stay in Pokhara.
Booking Policy:
To book your trek, you need to pay 30% of the trek fees as advance. Rest 70% to be paid ten days prior to the starting date.
One can pay the amount online(Net Banking, GPay, UPI ID).
Details to be shared on request.
Cancellation Policy:
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30 days before the trek date, full refund of the paid amount
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15 days before the trek date, 50% refund of the paid amount.
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Cancellation less than 15days to the start date of the trek, no refund possible
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In case Himalayan Passion cancels the trek or trip, full refund will be paid.
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One has option to send another person on their behalf.
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One has option to adjust the paid amount on any other trek, if a person cannot join the trek he/she paid for.