A new tourist shelter has been constructed along the Tilicho Lake trekking route in Mustang, providing improved facilities and greater safety for trekkers using one of the shortest access routes to the world’s highest alpine lake. The shelter was built by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Jomsom Unit, under the National Trust for Nature Conservation as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trekking infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism in the Annapurna region.
Shelter built at Namkhukharka
According to Deepak Oli, Natural Resource Conservation Assistant at ACAP Jomsom, the shelter has been constructed at Namkhukharka Lek in Gharapjhong Rural Municipality-5, Mustang, at a cost of Rs 1.235 million. The newly completed facility can accommodate up to 50 trekkers and includes a spacious hall where visitors can rest, eat and take shelter during their journey. Officials believe the new infrastructure will significantly improve the trekking experience, particularly for hikers traveling from Jomsom to Tilicho Lake via the Mustang route.
Shorter route to Tilicho Lake
The trekking trail begins from Jomsom and passes through Thini, Namkhukharka and Mesokanto Pass before reaching Tilicho Lake. Located at an elevation of 4,919 metres above sea level in Manang District, Tilicho Lake is regarded as one of the world’s highest alpine lakes and is a renowned destination for both domestic and international adventure tourists. Although the lake lies within Manang, tourism officials note that the trekking route from Jomsom through Thini is considerably shorter and easier than the traditional trail from Manang, making it an attractive alternative for trekkers.
Trail improvements enhance safety
In addition to constructing the shelter, ACAP has also improved approximately 300 metres of damaged trail above Namkhukharka by building gabion retaining walls and repairing sections affected by erosion. The improvements are intended to make the trail safer and more accessible, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides and difficult terrain.
According to conservation officials, the Tilicho trekking route frequently suffers damage from avalanches and dry landslides. ACAP Jomsom and the local Conservation Management Committee have been carrying out regular maintenance and restoration work to keep the trail operational.
Untapped tourism potential
Despite being one of the quickest and most convenient routes to Tilicho Lake, the Mustang trail has remained relatively less frequented due to limited awareness among trekkers. Tourism authorities believe improved infrastructure and greater promotion of the route could help attract more domestic and international visitors while distributing tourism benefits across additional communities in Mustang.
Scenic Himalayan experience
From Namkhukharka, trekkers undertake an approximately five-hour uphill hike to cross the Mesokanto Pass, situated at an altitude of 5,245 metres. From the pass, Tilicho Lake can be reached in about one hour. The route offers spectacular panoramic views of the Nilgiri Himal and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, along with opportunities to observe Himalayan wildlife, yak and chauri grazing areas, and the unique high-altitude landscapes of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
With the completion of the new shelter and ongoing trail improvements, conservation authorities expect the Mustang–Tilicho trekking route to become more attractive, safer and better equipped to accommodate the growing number of adventure travelers visiting Nepal’s Himalayan region.
