Tilicho Lake: The Jewel of the Himalayas

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alavida]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईंलाई?
  [ramro cha. tapailai?]
• Do you speak English?तिमीले अंग्रेजी बोल्छौ?
  [timile angreji bolchau?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिन
  [maile samjhin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदैन
  [ma masu khandain]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya bhuktani garn chahanchu]

• Help!बचाउनुहोस्!
  [bachaunuhos]
• Go away!जानुहोस्!
  [januhos]
• Call the Police!पुलिसलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!
  [polis lai phone garnuhos]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!
  [daktar lai phone garnuhos]
• I'm lostम गुम्बिएको छु
  [ma gumbieko chu]
• I'm illम अस्वस्थ छु
  [ma aswasth chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरिद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharid garn chahanchu]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्दैछु
  [ma sirjana gardaichu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [yo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मूल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [ke tapain mulya kam garn saknuhuncha?]

• What time is it?कति बजेको छ?
  [kati bajeko cha?]
• It's one o'clockयो एक बजे हो
  [yo ek baje ho]
• Half past (10)(१०) बजे ढुङ्गा
  [(10) baje dhunga]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diouso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sangh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [pach]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ छ?
  [...kaha cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?तपाईंले मलाई देखाउन सक्छिन् (नक्सामा)?
  [tapainle malai dekhaun sakchin (naksama)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले हो?
  [arko (bas) kahile ho?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....मा)
  [ek ticket (....ma)]

Tilicho Lake, nestled in the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas, holds a significant place in ancient Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in the epic Ramayana. According to legend, the sage Kak Bhusundi, in the form of a crow, narrated the story of Ramayana to Garuda, the king of birds, near this sacred lake.

The lake remained relatively unknown to the Western world until the mid-20th century. The first recorded visit by a Western explorer was in 1950 by Maurice Herzog, a French mountaineer. Herzog and his team were on an expedition to climb Annapurna I, and they documented Tilicho Lake in their accounts, bringing it to international attention.

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet). The lake is a significant geological site due to its location in the tectonically active Himalayan region. The surrounding area is composed of ancient sedimentary rocks, offering insights into the geological history of the Himalayas, including evidence of ancient marine life from when the region was submerged under an ancient ocean.

Tilicho Lake holds immense cultural importance for the local communities, particularly the Gurung and Thakali people. It is considered a sacred site, and many pilgrims visit the lake to perform religious rituals and offerings. The lake is also an integral part of local folklore and traditions, with numerous stories and songs dedicated to its beauty and sanctity.

In recent decades, Tilicho Lake has become a popular destination for trekkers and adventurers. It is a key attraction on the Annapurna Circuit, one of the most famous trekking routes in Nepal. The challenging trek to the lake offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri mountain ranges, attracting thousands of tourists each year. Efforts are ongoing to balance tourism with environmental conservation to preserve the lake's pristine condition.

Tilicho Lake is located in the Manang district of Nepal. The nearest international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Pokhara, which is the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, you will need to travel by jeep or bus to the village of Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. From Besisahar, you can either trek or take a jeep to Manang village. The trek to Tilicho Lake usually begins from Manang, and it is recommended to allocate several days for acclimatization due to the high altitude.

Transportation options in the Tilicho Lake area primarily include trekking and jeep rides. Public buses and shared jeeps operate between Pokhara and Besisahar, and from Besisahar to Manang. Private jeeps can also be hired for a more comfortable journey. Once you reach Manang, trekking is the primary mode of transportation to Tilicho Lake. Ensure you have a sturdy pair of trekking boots and appropriate gear for the challenging terrain.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). It is advisable to carry sufficient cash as ATMs are scarce in remote areas like Manang and Tilicho Lake. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but cash is the preferred mode of payment in the trekking regions. It is recommended to exchange currency in Kathmandu or Pokhara before heading towards Tilicho Lake.

Tilicho Lake and the surrounding trekking routes are generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid trekking alone and always stay on marked trails. Be mindful of altitude sickness and allocate time for acclimatization. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, contact the local authorities or the nearest health post. The emergency contact number in Nepal is 100 for police, 101 for fire, and 102 for medical emergencies. It is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation due to the remote nature of Tilicho Lake. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Manang where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, especially in villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (palms together) as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tilicho Lake like a local, engage with the local communities in Manang. Visit local teahouses and try traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat and momos. Participate in local festivals if your visit coincides with one. Learning a few basic phrases in Nepali can go a long way in building rapport with the locals. Also, consider participating in local conservation efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the region.