Manaslu Circuit Trek: Bimthang to Tilije (Day 13): A Challenging But Rewarding Hike
25 Jul 2024 Chandra Gurung
Manaslu Circuit Trek has an intriguing climb, doesn’t it? It’s day 13 already. A few days passed by when you first left to see the incredible Manaslu view. Earlier yesterday, you crossed the Larke La Pass and reached Bhimthang. You are leaving it for the next phase of exploration.
Today, you will be trekking switchbacks to witness the changing tapestry in the bustling climb from Bhimthang to Tilije. This segment of the Manaslu Circuit trek from Bhimthang to Tilije is more than just a scenic stroll. It is a less crowded destination and the whole ascent and descent allow you to visit ranges of fauna, places, cultures, climates, and the highest mountain views.
Bhimthang to Tilije: Before you Start
Your challenges offer you an enchanting touch of experiencing different vegetation and encountering rare flora species you had never before. If you ask, “What is the key highlight of transitioning from Bhimthang and descending to Tilije?”
It’s an experience of a kind, where you get to see three of the major Thorong La Pass, Karche La Pass, and Larkya La Passes, and even be in the synergy of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks. “What could add a cherry on top, than the honest, humble, and respectful locals from Tilije?“
Majorly Tibetan descendants and Gurung tribes are ready to welcome you as an explorer into their homestays. You get to be part of their culture, celebrations, and valley exploration.
Bhimthang to Tilije Trek: Each Essential Stop
After a successful Larkye Pass trek, day 13 takes you from Bhimthang to Tilije through the route from Bhimthang-Yak Kharka-Gho-Tilije (2300 m). It would take roughly 6-7 hours, with a distance of approximately 13 kilometers, to reach Tilije from Bhimthang.
A trek of 6-7 hours is exhausting for the body, as is walking on decently steep hills with dropping temperatures and snow and crossing the suspension bridge over the heavy-flowing river. Our trek continues for the day to Tilije, yet another amazing Manang village.
1. Bhimthang
Bhimthang is a village in Manang, whose stream flow and natural bowl-shaped geography at a prime altitude of 3590 m make it special. The village is settled on a flat surface, and its main attractions include a side trip to Ponker Lake.
After the side trip, you will be climbing steeply to Yak Kharka. On the way, you will encounter the Kechakyu Khola Glacier, which has a massive glacial landscape and continues to be viewed until you reach Yak Kharka.
2. Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka (4050 m) is a small settlement with few accommodation facilities. Here, yaks would be seen grazing on the land. This place gives the perfect views of the mountains and is the best place to acclimate for climbing higher elevations.
3. Gho Valley
Gho Valley (5317 m) is a small settlement with Gurung people and a few teahouses. Trekkers are served local and organic foods. Gho Valley, when gazed up, offers a majestic view of the rocky mountain landscape bounded by the Himalayan ranges. Visit the nearby Gumba Longdang valley to light the butter ghee candle and pray to Buddha.
4. Ponker Lake
Ponker Lake is a glacier lake with crystal-clear blue water that shows the mirror image of Himachuli (7893 m), Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), and the north face of Manaslu (8163 m).
5. Tilije Village
Tilije is a beautiful village in the Manang district, located in a prime location at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) in the Manaslu Circuit trek. It lies between the high green hills and mountains, with views of Mt. Manaslu, the Himlung Himal, and other partner Himalayan ranges. Mostly, Gurung people settle in this section.
Sectional Challenges between Bhimthang and Yak Kharka
Like every other sectional challenge, the initial gradual ascent through the settlements of Ponkar and Salpudanda before reaching Yak Kharka has its own story. You see the Kechakyu Khola Glacier, the local lifestyle, wildlife, and a chance to prepare for the next step in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
You would be walking on the rocky surface with the rocky hills, and the danger of a landslide may occur so increase your pace here. See the sign boards carefully, as the regular route might have an uneven path disruption. To avoid last-moment trouble, listen to the local guide quite often.
Thin air would make it harder to climb. But push forward to Yak Kharka in the spring to see the views that are worth it. The joy of the petals of a rhododendron in spring and darker hues in autumn in October and November. The winter winds, which leave a lone brown leaf, and the confetti shower have their own stories to tell.
Ponker Lake: The tributary of Kechakyu Khola Glacier
If you know about the Manaslu Bhimthang Trek, you cannot miss out on the beauty of Ponker Lake. Trekkers pass through Bhimthang to reach Yak Kharka, where the Manslu and Annapurna Conservation Areas meet. That entire leg is about 15 km, with twists and turns in the contrast of rocky moraine and alpine grasslands.
Before you reach Yak Kharka, there is beauty on the way that leaves you in awe. It’s Kechakyu Khola Glacier, which forms three main tributaries: Kechakyu Khola, Ponkar, and Salpudanda in the villages of Manaslu.
- Experience its beauty firsthand on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Tibetan migrants who reside here between Bhimthang and Yak Kharka use water resources for their daily lives, vegetation, and animal rearing.
Yak Kharka (4050 m) to Gho
Loose rock slope terrain—that’s the scenery to reach Gho Valley. To reach Gho Valley, you have to walk for 2–3 hours, covering 14 km from the Yak Kharka.
You can feel like wearing shorts if you gradually descend to Gho, as the weather starts to become more pleasant at the lower altitude.
On the way from the Yak Kharka to Gho, you can view the Larka La Pass (5106 m), which you recently crossed. It is one of the highest passes of Manaslu and the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Temperatures at Yak Kharka and Tilije
Have your breakfast, warm up yourself, and be prepared to leave the Yak Kharka. The steep climb with a temperature of almost 5 °C–10 °C can be somewhat challenging. As you continue, you suddenly feel that breathing is hard to handle with an increase in pace. You rest a moment on Yak Kharka on this scorching day, then move your best feet forward to reach Gho.
On the way, the vegetation thins out, creating a rocky landscape. You get to cross Karche La River Pass and view peaks and glaciers. It’s right before the afternoon when you reach Gho village and see the temperature drop from -2 to -5 °C.
Gho Valley to Tilije
Walking for 3–4 hours, covering a distance of 16 km, you would reach Tilije from Gho Valley. Making your way through rocky and barren terrain, you now have a favorable route through lush forest and terraced fields.
The route would be easy to navigate, with even paths taking a descending trail from Gho Valley. You will cross the Dudh Khola River by crossing the long suspension bridge. From the middle of the suspension bridge, you would see a beautiful landscape of rhododendron forest and the river flowing along the way.
Keep moving, and then you will pass through Ledar and Guha Village. You can visit the place, rest for a moment to observe the tranquility of the village, and have lunch there. On the way, you can encounter blue sheep and different species of birds. When you are near, the gradual rise will lead you to the beautiful Tilije village (2300 m).
Tilije Village: Resting Point
In this Tilije village, Gurung and Tibetan locals welcome trekkers with marigold garlands and traditional dances and songs. It is their tradition to respect trekkers after challenging accomplishments on high-elevation treks in Manaslu.
Tilije village has a beautiful green terraced field landscape. The view of clouds playing around the mountains gives breathtaking views during the daytime.
You can find many options for teahouses and lodges here. You can take yourself around the village and rest for a day after such steep ups and downs on the hills, challenging the uncertain weather. Take a long and fresh breath with the wind that flows the scent of forests. It will help you cool your mind and body.
Try the local cuisine like Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, Tsampa, momos, and others in an open field. You can feel the thick air over your body. Let the sun’s rays give a kiss to your body after climbing in such harsh, cold weather. These rays would give your body vitamins and pleasure. It would help you generate energy for your next journey to explore more of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek on Day 13 from Bhimthang to Tilije is surely filled with the challenges of steep ascents and descents on different terrains, from rocky to lush, and coping with the high altitude climate. Leading your way correctly on uneven paths and safely controlling your foot balance while continuously walking for 7 hours is not a joke.
Trek with Manaslu Guide and experience the difference in route to trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek on the uneven path to lead you safely and accurately.