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 At
nearly 5000m above sea level, Lake Tilicho,
situated high up in the scenic Manang Valley is the
collected glacial melt of the entire northern slopes
of Annapurna and Thorong Peak. In 2001, Hindu pilgrims
from around the world flocked to the lake convinced it
is a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayan. They were
flown in by helicopter to listen to Murari Bapu, a
Indian baba, recite the seventh chapter of the Ramayan,
a holy book of the Hindus. The pilgrims believe that
this is the lake that is referred to in the Ramayan
where the crow recited the Ramayan to Garuda and where
Shiva found solace after the death of his consort
Sati. The Tilicho Lake Pilgrimage 2001 say they cannot
prove it scientifically, but they are convinced it is
indeed the Kak Bhushundi sarover mentioned in the
Ramayan. The Ramayan gives some clues and says the
lake is north of the Niligiris.
Tilicho is not a prohibited area but by virtue of its
remoteness and altitude, few tourists take off the
popular Annapurna circuit to hike up to the lake which
lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Those that do make the trip, roughly a day and a half
walk from Manang Village, are treated to spectacular
views of the icy ramparts of Annapurna and Tilicho
peak glaciers which plunge down to the lake itself.
The shores of this idyllic, crystal-clear lake, dotted
with wild flowers in spring, are ideal for camping.
Trekkers coming in from Manang Village, usually spend
a night in Khangsar, a small village on the way before
they make their way along the rugged and picturesque
route to the base of the lake where there are a couple
of lodges. Access to Tilicho is also possible from
Jomsom, in Mustang. Tilicho is a three day walk from
Muktinath, a popular pilgrimage site in Mustang.
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