• Duration15 Days / 14 Nights
  • Price from$1299 / person
  • Difficulty LevelStrenuous
  • Max Altitude5240 Meters

Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake Trek Overview

Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most excellent off-the-beaten-trail treks in Annapurna through the hidden valley of Nar Phu; the land of Snow Leopard, Himalayan Thar, Mask deer released for foreign visitors just in 2003. This trek offers the visitors an incredible experience of the unique culture in Nar Phu and a mesmerizing view of majestic mountains in the highlands, Bhote communities, beautiful medieval and ancient remote villages, amazing rock formations, glaciers, several passes, narrow canyons, lovely forests, old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, unique Himalayan and Tibetan culture, real local lifestyles settlements in high altitude. The Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trek is the most fascinating destination for those who seek an adventurous trip into some of the less trodden isolated regions of Nepal apart from the regular trekking routes. Discover the hidden valley of Nar Phu along the "off the beaten path" crossing through challenging high passes of Kang La, Meso Kanto, and visiting the World's highest Lake Tilicho. Naar Phu Valley is a wild and unexplored Tibetan village located north of Annapurna which is a controlled area and freshly opened for the trekkers only since the early 20s.

This rugged and wild trek to Nar Phu and thrilling Mesokanto La Pass via Tilicho Lake is the perfect adventure for trekkers who want to explore the Annapurna area as well as an untouched valley. Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake trek takes you to the exotic valley that lies in the remote corner of the Annapurna region. The Naar Phu Valley remains untouched by modernity. Trekking in the area is unlike most of Nepal as the terrain is Trans Himalayan and similar to that of Tibet. This recently opened Nar Phu Valley trek also can be combined with Tilicho Lake and the decades-long famous Annapurna Circuit  Trekking. The topography of Nar and Phu Valley is similar to that of Tibet.

The trails are still rugged and the people and culture have remained intact. A restricted Area Trekking Permit is mandatory to visit this place and the group size must be a minimum of two parties and the trip must be organized with the registered trekking agency in Nepal as per state law of Nepal. After a couple of days of exploration of the valley, we cross over Kang La Pass 5322m on the way to Manang. We leave the main Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail and proceed to Jomsom following the best-kept secret remote trekking route of Mesokanto La Pass 5240m and Tilicho Lake 5300m the world’s highest situated lake. Obviously, this remote and rugged trail offers a challenging and exhilarating trekking experience for adventure enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Rugged and remote mountain trail in high altitude passes including Kangla and Mesokanto Pass
  • Hidden valley of Nar Phu Village , ancient Buddhist monasteries, manis and chhortens along the way 
  • Vegetation diversity of sub tropical to alpine zone and barren mountain arid land.
  • All inclusive package that includes your guide, porters, permits, meals and accommodation
  • A very exciting scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. 

Itinerary

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After breakfast; We set up off our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way we admire terraced farm lands and beautiful huts. After reaching a juncture at Mugling, we move straight ahead towards Pokhara. At Dumre, we leave the previous road and head north to Besisahar, there will be connecting drive to Jagat by local jeep, total drive today will be around 8 hours. Alternatively, we can just drive to Bulbule or Khudi from Kathmandu to avoid long ride but that will add one extra day in your itinerary. Overnight in stay at Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner. 

    You start your trek in the morning after breakfast, the trail goes gradually uphill to Chamje and you cross another suspension bridge and follow the steep rocky trail until reaching Tal village which takes 3 and half hours. You can see again very beautiful waterfalls in Tal. You have lunch break here. Then you continue again on a rocky trail to Kotro, which takes about 2 hours. You continue straight and cross the suspension bridge near Lower Dharapani. You continue a little more climbing and arrive in Higher Dharapani. Overnight in Lodge.

      You begin your trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about 1 hour passing through pine and fir forests. You can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then you continue your trek till Danaque it takes about 1 hour. The trail is ascending steeply until Timang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29. Now your trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have lunch break here. After lunch, you walk again through forests and you have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally you arrive in Koto village after 1 and half hours walk. Overnight in Lodge.

        In the morning, you register your restricted area permit at the Police check post. Then you start your trek through the River bank of Suti Khola again through wonderful pine forests passing many streams and suspension bridges until reaching Dharmasala which takes about 5 hours. You can see a picturesque Waterfall near the Dharmasala. You have your packed lunch on the way. Then you continue your trek again through forests and ascend steeply till Meta Village, which takes about 1 and half hour. Now you have arrived on the Tibetan Plateau. You have very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Lodge.

          Today, you start with up and down as well as on traversing suspension bridges over diffrent streams. Again packed lunch at Kyang which takes about 4 hours. Actually you do not find any houses and lodges in this area. You just see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived illegally) at places like Jhunam, Chyakhu and Kyang. We pitch our tents and prepare dinner as well. Overnight in Tent.

            In the morning, we prepare our breakfast then you keep walking passing the Phu Khola on a rocky trail until Phu village which takes about 3 hours. You can see Blue Sheeps during the trail. Now you are in one of the unique Lost/ Hidden Valleys. You can see their cultures, natural diversity, religion of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. The people are depending on subsistence agricultural, animal breeding and seasonal migrations. The very old Buddhist Monastery known as Tashi Lakhang Monastery is listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. You have a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks. Overnight in Lodge.

              Retrace the route back down towards Meta, but turn off at the Nar Phedi monastery, which will be your accommodation for the night. In fact, the monastery is all that Nar Phedi consists of!

              The rooms are neat and clean and the nuns are extremely welcoming. Join them in the kitchen and watch them prepare dinner on a modest fireplace. At 5 pm they usually do a puja (blessing), which you are welcome to witness. There is a small donation box in the monastery where you can leave a contribution for the maintenance of this beautiful and friendly place.

                Today is a very gentle day. Climb out of Nar Phedi and follow a winding path up a hill towards Nar. Pass a line of wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens on the way into the ancient village. Arrive in the town around lunch time. Even though Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, it is rarely visited by trekkers and is about as picturesque as it gets.

                Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu, and during the day you may find the village ‘square’ teeming with chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets. With a few new teahouses built on the outskirts of Nar, you can stay in a comfortable lodge with an extensive menu.

                  Today is a long day, so get up before sunrise and head towards the Kang La pass, which leads back onto the popular Annapurna Circuit. It is not a difficult pass, but it can be a long day as the effects of altitude will be felt. Once on top of the pass you can enjoy an amazing view over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The trail down starts off steep, but if you enjoy scree running you can have some fun! Stop for lunch on a plateau overlooking the peak, then continue towards Ngawal.

                  Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna Circuit, is certainly very different from the ancient villages just visited. The lodges are big, the menus much more comprehensive and there will be Wifi and phone signals in most lodges.

                    On this day, we trek to Manang. Trek continues enjoying panoramic views of the gigantic mountains and peaks walking through slopes. The time you get in the afternoon as we reach the village is enough to explore the village. The views of mountains from the village are astonishing. Experience the hospitality of the Manang people.

                      Today you ascend gently till Khangsar village which takes about 2 hours. You have an excellent view of the Annapurna Range, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna Lake and other snow peaks. Then you continue your trek till Thare Gompa. It takes about 1 hour. You have lunch break here. After lunch you continue your trek slowly passing the big landslide area until reaching Tilicho Base Camp which takes about 3 hours. Overnight in Lodge.

                        Tilicho BC to Tilicho Lake 4920m (3/4 hours) Today, the trail steeply ascends and brings you to Tilicho Lake which takes about 3 hours. You take a packed lunch from your Lodge. Then again, we pitch our Tent for one night. You have a great view of Lake and Mountains as well. Overnight in Tent.

                          In this day you are passing another high elevation. You start early in the morning and the rocky ascent trail brings to reach Mesokanto-La which takes about 2 and half hour. Then you continue steep and difficult rocky descent with great viewing of Mt. Dhaulagiri which takes about 3 and half hour. You have your packed lunch or dry foods on the way. We pitch our Tent again for one night. Overnight in Tent

                            Your trail slightly descend passing a Goat farm until reaching Thini Gaon which takes about 4 hours. The Jomsom village is 30 minutes ahead of you. You stay for lunch and the night here. You are free to relax or explore the village in the afternoon. Overnight in Lodge.

                              Early in the morning, you fly back to Pokhara and transfer to the Hotel. You can do sightseeing with your guide in Pokhara. Overnight in Hotel.

                                Customized Trip

                                What's Included

                                • An experienced registered, English speaking local trekking guide.
                                • Necessary trekking porters to carry your luggage, camping gear and meals.
                                • 1 Night deluxe room in best tourist standard hotel in Pokhara with buffet breakfast.
                                • Local bus transportation to trek start point. 
                                • Jomsom – Pokhara by domestic flight and airport taxes.
                                • Lodge / home stay / tented accommodation during the trek.
                                • All meals: 14 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches and 14 Dinners during the trekking.
                                • Tea, coffee, cookies and fresh fruits during the trekking.
                                • Guide and porters fees with all their expenses.
                                • All necessary trekking permits 
                                • Office service charge, government tax and vat etc.
                                • Insurance and trekking gear for guide and porters.

                                What's Excluded

                                • Transfers, accommodation and meals in Kathmandu. 
                                • Bar & beverages such as coke, beer, mineral water, laundry service, toiletries.
                                • Personal nature expenses, hot shower, hot water, internet and phone calls.
                                • Personal travel insurance, rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
                                • Hiring horse, gratitude and tips for your guide, porter.

                                Availabilities

                                Wilderness Excursion (P) Ltd is a local tour operator so we guaranty small private groups departures any dates that suits your date and time.
                                Start DateEnd DateStatusNotePrice 
                                October 12, 2024October 26, 2024AvailableUS$1299
                                October 19, 2024November 02, 2024AvailableUS$1299
                                October 26, 2024November 09, 2024AvailableUS$1299

                                Useful Information

                                This trip can be personalized as per your requirements that meet your time frame and financial status. The trip price we have offered here is for minimum group size of two travelers. Single supplement cost is USD 250.00, so the cost will be according to Deluxe, Standard, Budget and group size. Please kindly provide us your details for tailor made program. For your information Jomsom flight may have delay problem sometimes by few hours or canceled for a day rarely, it may happen even in top trekking season also as you know how climate changes effecting our world. So, please allow a couple of spare night/s in Kathmandu following your trek if possible.